smokeyjon

Hi. I know there's a 'considering buying' forum but this is about an oldie so I thought this may be a better place to post...(a query for the long committed fans?)? I already have a 2005 Octavia Estate (1.9TDI PD105) and it is by a country mile the BEST car I have EVER owned. I bought it in 2013 for <£2.5k and apart from needing to do the clutch straight away it hasn't needed much over the 80k miles I've done in it since. However it is close to 180k miles now, the clutch is juddering and the emissions aren't great (it's pretty stinky). The plan was just to keep it until it really does die, and then spend big on something much newer. BUT... Recently a friend of a friend mentioned that she wants to sell her 2007 Octavia II. It's for genuine reasons (she bought a small car to teach kids to drive and doesn't need both). It's better spec than ours (Elegance, which excitingly for me includes cruise control!), has 119k miles with FSH (independent not dealer) and apart from a couple of scrapes is in pretty good condition. I assumed it would be the same engine but have since established that it's the 2.0TDI PD, engine code BKD (140bhp?). It's a bit lumpy starting from cold, with a bit of smoke, but seems pretty smooth and smoke free once warmed up. It's not that expensive, but it will mean swapping from 'the devil I know'. Obviously I'm tempted. The main thing that's putting me off is that it's an auto. I'm not sure how to find out exactly what box it is (I have the VIN), but research on-line suggests it may be a DSG. My local mechanic (who will need to look after it) said they're awful to drive (particularly car parks etc) and VERY expensive if they go wrong, so was steering me away, but others I've spoke to rave about them (and it seemed fine to drive to me). Google suggests they're pretty reliable if oil is changed every 40k. So I'm looking for opinions and pointers.... Will it definitely be an upgrade that will prolong my view that these are the greatest cars ever, or could I be asking for trouble? I'd welcome any thoughts from those in the know if you're out there...? (ps I really value forum communities for my long time VW T25 passion, but genuinely haven't had ANY need to delve into the same world for my Skoda!) Many thanks in advance for any info or suggestions you can offer. John