Used Skoda Octavia Estate 2004 - 2013 reliability review

Name: Used Skoda Octavia Estate 2004 - 2013
Rating: 4
Author: Stuart Milne

Forget the Skoda jibes, this car is as good as anything else out there

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What should I look for in a used Skoda Octavia?

Few common faults have yet to emerge on this version of the Octavia Estate, and it looks set to continue Skoda's strong traditional showing in studies such as What Car?'s JD Power customer satisfaction survey.

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However, there have been some problems with flywheel failure on the 2.0-litre turbodiesel when used with the standard manual gearbox. Full details are available on the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency website at www.vosa.gov.uk.

If you are buying a car with a lot of miles on it, it's really important to have the suspension checked out, especially if you intend to carry a lot of heavy loads. Check for any hint of a slipping clutch on manual high-mileage cars, too.

Skoda also uses VW's DSG clutchless paddle-shift gearbox. It should stand the test of time, but a thorough test drive to ensure all gears engage smoothly and freely is a must.

Tips & Advice

Check for outstanding recalls

Many cars are recalled so that faults can be put right. Recall work shouldn’t cost you a penny, and they’ll make your car safer or more mechanically robust. Checking if your car has been recalled is easy

Choose the right breakdown cover

You may already have a breakdown policy through your home insurance or new-car warranty so check to avoid paying twice

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About the writer

Name: Stuart Milne

Title: Digital editor

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Stuart has been a motoring journalist for more than 25 years, writing and editing for a wide range of consumer titles. Today, Stuart is responsible for the smooth running of whatcar.com and all of its related social and digital channels. And he’s the man responsible for making sure you're able to find What Car?’s industry-leading content whenever you search for it.

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