gm73

The noise has vanished and hasn't returned after three days. It has been replaced by a different noise, the steering is creaking when turning at low speeds. I don't even care anymore, I'm replacing the car next week.

Really fancy the extra power and the refinement of a petrol after multiple diesel Octavias dating back to a 2003 MK1. Reserved a lovely 20 plate SE L ACT 1.5 TSi today and plan on a test drive and possibly signing for it on Monday. I've had a 1.6 TDI for the past 4 years and stuck 190k on it pretty much trouble free but it's time to go after a recent gearbox scare. However, I've been reading about the "kangarooing" issue with these cars and it's starting to put me off. I suppose the issue will manifest itself on the test drive and I can make a decision then. They also have a nice 1.6 TDI SE L ACT estate at the same price so that's the second option. Does anyone recommend the 1.5?

I've had my front wheels tracked twice in the past year and still there's a bit of excess wear on the inside edge of the nearside tyre. I'm beginning to suspect a suspension fault as different noises are beginning to manifest themselves but frustratingly the mechanic cannot find any fault with the car. Indeed it passed its MOT at 190k miles a few weeks ago with two advisories, both for brake pads.

I've just stuck a deposit down on a 1.5 TSi, mainly because of the 150bhp. I'll be sure to make sure it has had the software update. Do all of them do the "kangarooing" thing? I've bought it mainly on the strength of my pal's Audi A3 that has the same engine.

They're excellent cars. My 2015 1.6 tdi has just done 191k and is only now starting to show niggles. I've just paid a deposit on a replacement 2020 1.5 Tsi

Thanks. That was my first thought. Got the dogbone gearbox mount checked and it was okay. Had the suspension checked and nothing amiss. It just doesn’t sound like the gearbox but the noise when depressing the clutch at speed is worrying.

Car has started making a strange noise after about an hour of driving. There's a knock at low speeds with a rumble that comes and goes and seems worse over certain types of road surface. It's been in two different garages over the past three days. First garage thinks it's a gearbox problem so he sent it to a clutch and gearbox specialist who said they think it's a suspension issue. However, on the motorway the rumble comes and goes but always starts when the clutch pedal is depressed. As the car is a taxi it has done high miles (190k) and I can't carry passengers with that noise. If anyone has any ideas I'd be grateful.

Spoke to soon. Car needs a gearbox rebuild.

It gets a full service every 9k miles (oil+filter, air filter and fuel filter). I’ve never had the air con regassed either and it’s still icy cold. Only interior wear is the gearstick knob and gaiter are being worn. The near side rear door seal has a tear due to passengers using that side more often. The drivers seat has some wear and the front interior light done switch is broken (more down to me than a fault with the part). The interior has held up very well and passengers often ask if it is a new car. I’ve kept a cover on the steering wheel so it’s as new. I got the car at two years old and 11k miles so I’m not sure.

Had my 2015 MK3 1.6 CR Tdi in for its yearly taxi inspection and MOT on Thursday. 190k miles and only two advisories (brake pads wearing thin) which I knew about anyway. In all those miles I’ve replaced one droplink and two front shock absorbers (after 155k) on the suspension. Still on original clutch and flywheel. Its cost me about £700 in running costs (tyres/brakes/services) each year except for 2019 when the timing belt and waterpump were done. A testament to the reliability and build quality of the Octavia, I’d happily recommend these cars to anyone. We have 12 year age limits on cars in my local authority area but sadly this car will have to go as it has a Euro 5 engine and will be banned from the city centre in 2022. Not to worry though, a diesel vRS will be its replacement. 😁

I replaced the Varta AGM battery on my car after about 3.5 years and 120k miles. Now have a Yuasa AGM, £140 supplied and fitted which is now 2.5 years old and has seen 70k miles and still holds 90% charge.

Looks okay to me. It's had loads more work done to it than my 2015 1.6 TDi and she's on 190k. As for punctures I get loads. I'd take it as my next taxi lol.

Same here. £25 from the Skoda dealer and a 5 minute fix.

Mine's is pretty much the same albeit it hasn't cut into the trim outside the belt area yet. Might be something to do with the amount of times I've put the belt on in 190k miles. Looks ugly but I don't think there's any safety issue.

I replaced the AGM battery on my car 2 years ago. £140 for a Yuasa, supplied and fitted. Mechanic said it didn't really need coded in but he did it anyway.

Hi, the car is a 2015 1.6 CR TDI with 186k. It seems to do it only on cold, damp mornings if the car has been left for longer than usual. Almost as if it's a spring that needs lubricated. Clutch operation is fine. The noise can be felt through the pedal and heard inside the car, it's not coming from the actual clutch.

Get your mechanic to check the belt condition at the next service. It's doubtful it will need replaced. My wife had a 2003 Renault Scenic which was a 5 year/80k change interval. Her car had only done 7k by the time it was 5 years old so we deferred it until it was ten years old and had done 30k.

I'm getting a loud clicking noise from the clutch pedal on cold damp mornings when the car has been left for longer than usual. Repeated pressing for a good number of minutes eventually stops it until the next time. Anything to worry about and is there a way to stop it happening?

Hmmm, cambelt at 50k??? Without sounding like a broken record on this thread I called Skoda and they told me that it was 140k or 5 years for cambelt changes on the 1.6 and 2.0 tdi engines. I changed mine at 133k but will do it again at 200k. That is pretty much par for the course for most cars. £184 for an oil change is obscene. It doesn’t even cost me £120 for a FULL service at my local independent garage. They must be charging about £100 in labour.

Mine was doing the same. Temperature gauge was jumping about, flat at the bottom on the motorway when running the heaters hovering about 70 when heaters turned off. It was a failed thermostat. It isn't too bad to do, my mechanic charged me £65 to replace it. Beware though and get the correct thermostat as it's quite a bespoke one. Here's a video of it on an Audi but it's the same as the Skoda. It's in German but quite easy to follow. https://youtu.be/n8fWe4L45Kc

It's 140k miles. I was told the 1.6/2.0 Tdi has the long life belt and tensioners by Skoda customer service. As I said earlier mines was changed at 133k when the car was four years old.

£75 for a fuel filter too. I buy the VAG one from my local motor factors for £15 and it takes 5 minutes and a torx screwdriver to change it. Bosch pollen filter, £15 and about 10 mins. How they justify £185 for an oil change is beyond me.

The 1.6 is 140k as well. I called Skoda and they confirmed it.

Thought I'd close off this topic with the resolution. Changed the coolant temp sensor and it made no difference. Had the thermostat changed today and it's fixed thank God. Car feels better to drive too although that may be my imagination.

Belt driven waterpump. I had my cambelt and waterpump changed by a local independent garage for £350. Make sure they use Gates which is the same as the original belt.