Skoda Octavia Questions & Answers

Both.

I had my first Octavia serviced by the dealer up to sale in the 6th year. Their prices seem high but are more or less in line with most other imported car dealers, and the older the car, over about 50,000kms, the more servicing costs. Certain long term jobs are expensive. Brake fluid changes, fuel filter changes, spark plugs. tires, brakes, exhaust pipes and mufflers etc., etc. My highest cost was about $475 I recall. I like to believe I'm getting original factory recommended items and not cheaper items non dealers tend to use. A matter of trust and your preference. Skoda make no secret their warranties only apply when they do the servicing. Keeps you returning I suppose but if a $12,000 tsi transmission goes bust it makes sense. My water pump was replaced at no cost. I've seen replacement costs up around $800. You must decide how much security you're prepared to accept or reject. Your figure of $770 does seems high. Depends upon the car's age, the nature of the work, and the terms of your warranty. You must get an itemised work order after any job. $240 may get you an oil and filter change but that about all. Good luck.

No car company is allowed to withhold warranty because you had your car serviced at a different mechanic.

I'm not aware that there's one. I believe the VW group had issues with the 7-speed DSG between 2010-2013 however I'd be fairly confident they would have addressed the issue by now. My Octavia RS has the 6-speed DSG so I can't say I have any direct experience with the 7-spd to be honest.

Thanks. Useful advice.

I had committed myself to buying a 2013 TSI90 1.4 litre Octavia at the time of that engine thing. Caused some trepidation but after 60,000kms I've just traded up to another Octavia....2018 VRS. My 2013 model never missed a beat, transmission or otherwise, and the only reason I traded was the 6yr extended warranty was about to expire. I believe the transmission issues in 2013 were never properly answered and over hyped by the media. I think you'll be OK Margaret.

2 things that I would be concerned about being serviced at a non dealer would be if the correct vw 504/507 spec oil was used especially being a diesel, the second would be were the dsg services carried out using the correct dsg fluid every 60k/4yrs whichever’s first. If you can get information regarding this and the car drives well then happy days! VW diesels are bomb proof its just a shame everything else isn’t built the same.

For that kind of money have you considered the mk2 and 2.5 Octavia RS models? Great bang for buck it’s basically a golf gti wrapped in a more family friendly body

103 TDI will save you money in the long run. My mate has 2011 TDI wagon ( 2x2) and he gets more than 1000 kms for full tank (55 ltr). Regarding servicing, even I don't get it serviced in skoda dealership.They are a ripoff. I get mine serviced by an experienced VW mechanic . AS VolksBima mentioned check for dsg service ( 60k kms) as well as haldex service ( since it is 4x4 ). Try to negotiate for 10000$ . Good luck.

Hi Ken, the unit dynamically is amazing, however that model has a couple of issues which means caution. The 1.8 L petrol engines: one in four were real oil drinkers until 2013. I have a 2013 1.8L Superb and the 5W40 Weight oil ( vs specified 5W30 VAG spec oil) completely normalised oil consumption. The model also was problematic for faulty cam chain tensioner and stretching ( poorly manufactured) cam chains which if you were unlucky was a catastrophic issue. The gearbox had a few recalls and potentially a little fragile if used in constant gridlock vs open road. Great car for enthusiast but you will need to be prepared to spend a bit more on preventative maintenance to avoid grief.

For 11k you could get into a 09-10 VRS with the Golf GTI running gear. Make sure you have a full service history from a vw/skoda workshop or a vw specialist as failure to do the dsg service will kill the gearbox. For that kind of money nothing will come close to a VRS Octavia unless size isn’t an issue then buy a mk5 golf GTI

Sounds like the service team botched it as was fine prior to service...

Hi Lucy, from the mileage itself, it sounds like that the car was used decently if we'll base it on average usage - that is, 13000 km/year, 1,083 km/month, or 36 km/day. However, I'd be very careful to investigate further if it's a diesel engine car (doesn't matter what brand it is). Different manufacturer may have different maintenance troubles. Ask the seller why is he/she selling the car. Check the service log book to see the car's history. Test drive it for your self if you happy with performance once you've stepped on the accelerator. I read some people had an issue with lags on diesel engines. Others had issues of stalling in the middle of the road due to choking or fuel supply calibration issues. This is not to discourage you, but rather to let you know of what things to check when buying a used car - as it does not involve a small amount of money, but also the value of your time and stress while owning it. HTH.

Thanks so much!
I was on the fence about it as I was also interested in a Mazda too so going to head in the more reliable direction! Really appreciate the help.

I had been driving Skoda Octavia for some time now. My advice will be, that its better to search for other alternatives. Reason being that Skoda Octavia Cars seem to have this inherent Clutch/Gear Box repeated malfunction issues. I have already gotten it done Thrice and it goes duff in just approx 3000 kms only and I ended up paying almost half a Lakh of INR every time. Requests for incorporating modifications have gone through the ears and Skoda is least bothered while the public at large bears a big hole in their pockets everytime. Rest i leave upto you. You can google and there are numerous complaints on Octavia's Gear Box / Clutch mechanism failure

Hi I have a Skoda Octavia VRS and love it at this time of year you should be able to get a 2016 plate model at a significant discount otherwise just shop around and make sure they know that you are.

The manual boxes are amongst the best. Clutch's for the manual boxes am not aware of any issues with these, and believe me I have researched car heavily. The 6 speed DSG boxes are heavily used in the UK taxi fleet and in fleet of 120 Diesel VW Passats in Brisbane. They are Ultra reliable as long as serviced properly and a service life of 500,000 miles plus is normal.

Hello Bridge, if you read my review you will see that the clutch packs in our 2011 118 DSG Octavia started to fail around 55,000 kms. Fortunately the car had an extended warranty and Skoda replaced the clutch packs under it - a 3 day job that would have cost ~$2,800. Next drama is a weeping drive shaft seal that is allowing transmission fluid onto the exhaust - that's being fixed now - and I expect that too should be either under warranty or without charge from the dealer who should have done it properly the first time. Interestingly when I took the car to the agent to inspect the mild shudder that had developed in low gears, it took more than a month to get the car booked in for the fix - as there were 5! booked in before it for the same fault. Best of luck with yours, they are great cars when working properly.

Hello Hendo. Thanks. I do not have extended warranty and I don't intend to pay to get it fixed. Will sell the car as is or go to Consumer Affairs over this. Other cars go for over 150,000 kms without clutch issues.

Please have a look at my answer above. Had a harrowing experience with Skoda Octavia. Went in for fixing Gear Box / Clutch mechanism failure, the third time in a row. This last one lasted barely less than 3000 kms before wearing out completely. As a result have almost spent close to 2 lacs INR exclusively getting the gear box / clutch mechanism spread over 3 times of failure.. Get rid of ur skoda asap is the only advice i can give before your gear box / clutch failure burns a big hole in ur purse..

Hello Marcinga. You don't say which motor your Skoda has, but regardless the car should not behave the way you describe. Diesels can be a rough and noisey when they are cold, petrol engines should start instantly and run smoothly. It's difficult to say more without knowing more about the car and the problem. John

Thanks Hendo900, my car make is TSI DGS. 1.8.

So, if it's a 118 TSI, it's a petrol engine and it should start instantly and run smoothly immediately. If it doesn't there's a problem. I suggest that you use Premium ULP as it makes a difference to these engines. If you have been using 95 or less octane fuel, try a couple of tanks of PULP. If that doesn't clear the problem it will be off to the Skoda agent for you. Best of luck with it. And do use the best fuel, the review pages are littered with horror stories of engine failure through running on cheap fuel.

Hi Lincella,
Sorry I can't answer your question as we don't have a Skoda anymore. And I'm not familiar with infant capsules in the Skoda.

Hi Lincella, I suggest that the Octavia is not wide enough for three children across the back seat and even if you squeeze them in now it won't be a long term solution. You might have a look at the Ford Mondeo which will fit three children across the back in booster seats/baby seats - and even that's a bit tight. Regards John

Hi, I have had a look for these in the past and found a similar issue, also was looking to get some plastic seat covers but same issue not avail here in Oz or NZ. There doesn't seem to be the market yet to support a lot of the smaller parts and add ons unless you get them as part of the build
I did find though that a couple of people on various VW and Skoda sites recommended 3M Paint Protection Film / Ventureshield Stoneguard which is a clear coating/cover that you can get put over the headlights.
I have see the covers though on some Euro sites like Cars Equipment and even a place in the UK called Horton Skoda. not sure what the delivery is to Australia.
Other option may be Ebay.co.uk and see if they have anything. they didn't when I was looking.
In the end I gave up and am going to revisit it in the near future.
good luck and hope I have been a help
Phil

Hello Phil,
Many thanks for your response and suggestions. Will follow them up, who knows somewhere they may be available !
Regards, Trevor.

Sorry Trevor, I can't help with that. I don't have them.

I have no experience with the 1.4lt engine. For my next one I think I will move to the diesel.

I suppose the question is what will you be using the car for? The 1.4 is quiet an adequate engine from what I have been told by a relative in England as he uses it for the daily school and shops run and the odd highway journey. If you are doing lots of load work, towing or lots of long journeys then the diesel with the extra torque and bigger engine would be a perfect choice. When it comes down to it either car would be a good choice. Have a look on the skoda FB pages and ask on there as well. People forget that this is basically a volkswagon based model at a better price. And these guys have been making these types of engines for a lot longer than we have seen them here in Australia.
I went with the. Vrs 2 litre petrol wagon as I wanted the sportiness and also the space. And am looking at getting about 200k out of it before I replace it...
Good luck and happy driving

Hi there. If you are looking at long term then diesel's will always hold up better particularly if long distances or towing loads are involved. Easy answer. Having said this if you are mostly a city driver with lots of short trips then the new 103 (have driven one for a day) is a cracker and a little cheaper.

Refer www.Briskoda.com web site and you should find an answer, biggest Skoda forum in the Milky Way.!:-)

Firstly check the starter motor - tap it or place a new one otherwise you may have to take the car into a skoda Australia workshop or a mechanical repairs and servicing workshop or if the problem is with the electrics perhaps a auto electrician shop such as ultratune or kmart tyres and auto might be able to help

I never had the tsi I had the diesel tdi but in my view to pay $2900is nuts to pay for an extended warranty look at skoda resale values

Do some research on issues on your spec vehicle but would suggest that keep the money and just make sure whomever services vehicle does it properly.