Took delivery of the a new Octavia Mk3 in August. Run out model and received a very good deal. The review on the Octavia are generally really good. There are two things with the car which I am disappointed with:
1. Wind Noise
Extremely high wind noise level around the front doors, particularly the B pillars, at any speed over 80kmph. It seems to be worse on the left side (passenger). Initially, I thought the window wasn't fully closed. Passengers have also commented on the constant wind noise.
2. Rattles, creaks, poor build quality.
The right side rear door or door area rattles and creaks if I'm driving slowly on a poor surface, going over a ramp in a car park or turning sharply. It seems to vary depending on the temperature.
The infotainment system buzzes intermittently - again it seems to depends on the temperature.
The stitching is coming loose on the leather steering after 4,000 kms.
I don't understand why these cars get such glowing reviews. Aside from the price and space, it's an average car to drive and below average in some areas, like the general build quality. It's also noisy as hell and the 1.6TDi engine is cumbersome. If these issues exist after 4,000 km, what will the car be like with higher kms?
Are these "features" commonplace with the Octavia or was I just unlucky to get a badly made car?