Someone in work is considering one as he likes the shape and for the fact that I told him it's basically a Golf for less. However his wife isn't convinced and prefers a Golf (snob value). I need the pros and cons of the new Octy as well as why you would have one over any other car of the same type. Also he will be buying one brand new so can kit it out how he wants but probably won't go for a vRS as he wants it for the baby and will also fit a tow hitch for a small trailer.

Thanks in advance

Martyn

Hi Martyn,

I currently have a Golf MkV but previous to this three Octavia, the latter a MkII 2.0TDI Sport.

There is no difference in build quality or materials between the two, ride and handling very similar although the Golf feels slightly more agile, which I put down to the shorter over-hangs and the fact my Golf is 4x4.

If I was looking for a family friendly car it would have to be the Octi, particularly if you have young children and the associated pushchairs bags etc. boot space is about twice that of the Golf.

If your not going for a VRS and not doing huge mileage then I would recommend the 1.4TSI, but currently in short supply due to its popularity, otherwise the 1.6TDI (the 1.9 & 2.0 PD diesels are likely to be phased out soon)

Oh one final thing to prove how close they are, the fitted floor mats out of the Octi II are in the Golf; the floor pan is identical.

Hope that helps.

I've ordered an Octavia, and I must admit I struggled with the snob value thing at first.

When I decided to buy a new car, my first preference was the Golf, although I toyed with the idea of "treating myself" to an Audi A3.

I thought long and hard and came round to the Octavia because:

- the interior and boot space makes them massively more practical

- equipment levels for the same price are much better. Things like touch screen stereo, climate control, parking sensors, leather steering wheel… all standard on the Elegance spec Octavia, but would be costly extras on the equivalently priced A3 or the Golf

- most interior trim is just as good as the Golf and Audi

I eventually realised that there was no logical reason to go for anything but the Octavia, and then the facelift came along, and those few changes made it look smarter and removed any lingering doubts. I'm basically getting an Audi A3 (same engine and gearbox - 1.4TSI DSG - as the one I'd have gone for) with a massive boot for less money. No brainer for me in the end.

Although you cannot compare like for like the Skoda would be less expensive to buy and you get 3 years breakdown cover on Skoda & only 1 year on VW.

I've got to agree with the previous posters, especially The Plumber.

I have had a Mk V Golf for a year, then a Mercedes W203 Estate for 18 months.

Now an Octy 1.9PD Elegance.

I have to say the Skoda is just the same build quality as the Golf, and maybe even better than the Merc (though the merc was a 2002 model, not renowned for quality of build around that time :thumbdwn:).

Certainly, the Skoda vs the Golf: So similar I was amazed, my Golf was a 54 plate, same climate controls, minor controls, switches. And of course the running gear: engine, gearbox, brakes , steering, all the same. I found it great value for money. If you need the badge, well, that's why the VW and Audi are there:D

Frankly good luck, if you want the badge, go for it. But for value, the Skoda is a revelation.

I'd suggest getting at least an Ambiente trim, Elegance if you can, extra toys, and useful bits too.

I've had a lot of cars, some fab, some not so good, (depending on how well my business is going:P at the time), gotta say, real impressed with the Skoda. So far, my feeling is that a great deal of money is saved at the dealers, not with the car itself. Dealers seem to have much cheaper premises (more out-of -the -way places) and obviously spend less on the "fluffy bits", the danish pastries by the coffee machine, the glossy mags, and so on. The cars have impressed me greatly, quality of switches, door trims, hinges, all seem first rate.

And I get let out of side turnings more often than when I had the Mercedes!

It might be a leap of faith for your colleague, but my opinion: Go For It! You really won't be disappointed.

Bazzman

Edited 19 July, 200916 yr by Bazzman
Left out a line.

I begin to think I'm the sole owner of the 1.4TSi DSG in the UK, although I doubt that's true even if it does seem to feel like it. It is very easy to be biased when you actually have one but I fail to see how anyone could ever be disappointed with that set up. It is a fantastic car, fantastic engine and that 7 speed DSG is also - yep, you've got it - fantastic.

To quote John Barrowman - Fantastic, fantastic, fantastic.

Edited 20 July, 200916 yr by Bassa

I had a Mk IV Golf for 5 years (GT TD) and basically got fed up with endemic failures like window lifters, sunroof motor, A/C compressor (the latter caused by a radiator fan switch failure which let the A/C compressor overheat without any warnings). The small boot in the Golf was also getting to be a problem. So I P/Xed it for an Octavia L&K, Much better equipped, a vast boot, and still a hatchback (unlike the Bora/Jetta or Passat). After 3 years, its reliability has been better & servicing costs lower. Some initial concerns over the badge issue, but for looks I reckon it competes with a BMW 3 series.

Surely anyone concerned about the Skoda badge now realises they are the thinking man's VW?

Chris

I had a Mk IV Golf for 5 years (GT TD) and basically got fed up with endemic failures like window lifters, sunroof motor, A/C compressor (the latter caused by a radiator fan switch failure which let the A/C compressor overheat without any warnings). The small boot in the Golf was also getting to be a problem. So I P/Xed it for an Octavia L&K, Much better equipped, a vast boot, and still a hatchback (unlike the Bora/Jetta or Passat). After 3 years, its reliability has been better & servicing costs lower. Some initial concerns over the badge issue, but for looks I reckon it competes with a BMW 3 series.

Surely anyone concerned about the Skoda badge now realises they are the thinking man's VW?

Chris

Noticed your avatar - did you go off road to get away from those Tour de France support Skodas ?

Thanks guys just one more thing he's a bit concerned about is depreciation. He thinks he may lose more money if he buys a Skoda over a VW. But I said you're paying less for it so you won't lose that much and from what I've seen Octy's are holding their values pretty well, no better or any worse than anyone else. His only other concern is that he's PX'ing a fiesta and he thinks he will get less for it because he's part exing witha dealer other than Ford.

Personally I think this thing about VW's holding there value has long gone. I reckon when I come to trade in the VW I will loose just as much if not more than I did on the Octi's.

The Octavia is now well recognised for it's reliability within the trade, as an example the VW dealer who took my previous Octi in P/X for the Golf put it on their forecourt, that would have been unheard of at one time.

Having owned an Audi A3 (new shape) and a Golf V I can honestly say my Octi II VRS is the better car, by a country mile. I've had Merc's and BMW's too and I would chose the Octi over them every time. The wife was VERY upset when I decided to go with the Skoda over an Audi A4, but after a few months of ownership (although she won't admit it) I know she likes the Skoda. What is not to like ? You get an a fantastically well specified car with an exceptional ownership package. I just can't see the point in getting the equiv Audi or VW, it's simply a waste of money in my book.

Private Purchase........

I paid £9k for a 2007/56 Octi VRS Estate with 36k miles and full Skoda history. It came with 18" wheels, Xenon headlamps, Climate, Cruise, Jumbo box and a detachable Towbar with Skoda electrics. Plus almost a year on the warranty and breakdown package remaining

For the same £9k I could have purchased an Audi A4 2.0T estate 2005/55 with circa 80-90k miles and very few extras. It would have come with no warranty.

For me it was an utter no-brainer.

I deleiberated for months about bying a new car and eventually waited until the new Golf was available. I had a test drive and although the size of the car was ideal (I'm downsizing from a Passat) the thing that really put me off was that the only uphostery colour was black, unless I went for the much more expensive leather option. Also the accessories I wanted pushed the price to near £20,000. I also looked at an Audi A3 which again was a nice car but even more expensive. I hadn't considered a Skoda at the time at all but remembered I had been impressed with the reports on the Superb which I seemed to recall was significantly less than £20,000. Anyway i looke at the Skoda website at the Superb but decided it was too big for what I wanted so looked at what else was available and noticed the facelifted Octavia. A quick check on the spec I wanted produced a car that was similar to the Golf (or at least had the options I really wanted) for around £15,000 or about £5000 less than the Golf for a car which was still smaller than my Passat and more practicable than the Golf. I read many reviews, went for a test drive and decided that it was the one to go for. Any connotations about the badge didn't enter into it. One or two friends have expressed some amazement but they haven't seen it yet and others in the know thought it was a good decision too.

As you are getting one for kids my 2 pennies worth as owner of 05 1.9TDi Ambiante estate + a 9year old boy and 7 & 3 year old girls

Pro's - seats clean easily of kiddy messes (also cushions can be purchased seperately if relly bad) and the boot on the estate is huge taking all the kit needed for a weeks hiking/yha holiday or regular weekend camping. Economy, we get 60-65mph on a long steady 70-75mph motorway cruise or A-Road blast, down to 55-60 if you push the speed up another 20. Long term average which is mainly the school/childminder/work 4 mile urban trip is 47mph. Room for big baby seat + big booster seat int he back with room for the 9 year old between them. You also even on the ambiante get air con (inc in the glove box useful for kids sweeties), 6 cd changer and luggage nets all as standard (price them up on the VW). With seats down it is huge, we took a double matress to the tip last week with it in the car, just had to fold it width wise.

Con's - Big overhang at back makes reversing the estate tricky until you are used to it, high lip on boot compared to rivals. Badge can put some pople off but once they have the baby they will find that their attitudes change a bit.

Have a friend who has an 03 Golf estate and he has said when it needs replacing he is going Skoda.

Tell them to try and test drive the 2 back to back then spec up which VW they would have and which Skoda and look at the prices - if the badge is worth that much fine but think what that much put in the bank now would be worth as a Uni fund in 18 years

I begin to think I'm the sole owner of the 1.4TSi DSG in the UK, although I doubt that's true even if it does seem to feel like it.

Considering the shortage of 1.4TSI engines you probably are, my father in-law has just been told of a further 6 week delay and I still don't think that's the last of it :(

Those that have, enjoy ....................... those that are waiting, it'll be worth it

I begin to think I'm the sole owner of the 1.4TSi DSG in the UK, although I doubt that's true even if it does seem to feel like it. It is very easy to be biased when you actually have one but I fail to see how anyone could ever be disappointed with that set up. It is a fantastic car, fantastic engine and that 7 speed DSG is also - yep, you've got it - fantastic.

To quote John Barrowman - Fantastic, fantastic, fantastic.

Glad to see you're still so pleased with your car Bassa. I suspect you're one of the very few lucky enough to have a 1.4tsi DSG in their possession

I think Mr Hugo is probably next in line on this site - he ordered his only 3 weeks after mine and is currently scheduled, I believe, for Sept. delivery. Hope it does not get put back yet again. My car is now celebrating its 2 month birthday and I count myself very lucky to have beaten the rush. It is hard to think of a finer 4 cylinder petrol engine out there than the 1.4TSi.

Id say go for it too had my vrs a few months and not regreting buying it and that's previously coming from an Impreza.Considering my work mate bought a golf gti sport last year paid into the 20 grand price bracket cause he had loads of extras on it,he's jaw almost dropped when i told him the price i paid for the skoda and had the zenon head lights park sensors jumbo box dual climate control etc etc,and to add it had the 170bhp 2ltr turbo and alot of torques he was lost for words and stood there in silence .The skoda got alot more room i was well cramped up in my mates golf when he let me have a blast,and i can say i like the skoda more alround for driving +comfort and knowing i saved myself a few pounds.I wouldn't even worry about the badge image im a young lad and it don't even bother me,it's a cracking car well the vrs is anway it still has the skoda badge regardless,and these badge snobs need to get down of their pedestal and see what a great car it is.

its all down to the badge- the golf 6 is lovely drive but is limited on space compared to the oct3 - the oct3 estate is the best value on the market in this group- the new cr engines are very sweet- my choice for change would be a scout oct3 with the 2.0 tdi 170 engine if they considered building it- unfortunately OCTAVIA prices are rising all the time.

It's not a Oct3

Its a facelift, so basically a 2.5.

Another vote for the Octy here too after having my new VRS for about 2 weeks now I can't fault it.

With our new family addition on the way at the end of this month, the extra boot and rear seat space over the Fabia was required so upgrade was needed. SWMBO took hardly any convincing to be honest she loved the remapped Fabia VRS, so Octavia VRS was the way forward in both our eyes.

Agree with Dolla totally regarding the badge, was 25 when I got the Fabia VRS I got a hell of a lot of stick for having the cake car. Then one by one the Golf and Audi club look at it in a different light when you take them for a spin.

Plus you have extra cash in your wallet at the end of the day, it's a win win situation in my eyes.

I can't believe people are still thinking like that in the UK. Back when I bought an Ibiza 1.9TDI Sport in I would far rather have had a Fabia vRS back then because those in the know knew that Skoda was the badge to have. That was before the Fabia vRS was launched, back in 2002. Anyone 7 years later who doesn't know Skoda is the way to go doesn't know much about cars.

In terms of build quality I thought my RS6 was quite significantly better than my 530d, and the Octy is much more reminiscent of the RS6 than the Beemer in that department (even down to the padded bit that fits between the back seat and the C pillar which is hanging off on the Octy just like it was on the RS6...)

To be fair I did take a Mk5 Golf out for a spin before I bought the Octy, but that was mainly because down here Skoda is a few years behind Europe in terms of becoming mainstream. Also it's seen as "European" which equates to "premium" and that doesn't sit well with the legacy of the (probably unfairly) maligned rear engined models. Bottom line however was that the Golf felt cheap in comparison (build quality as well as poverty spec) and despite being a year older and having 5% more KMs it was virtually the same price than the Octy in a better colour with dual climate, sound package and Audience, 17" alloys, auto lights & wipers, maxidot etc. etc.

Bottom line is that I wouldn't think twice about going Skoda ahead of VW or Audi. My next car probably won't be a Skoda, but only because I really want a diesel convertible next and unfortunately in NZ that probably means a 118d or maybe a (special order) Eos. Then again the Yeti has some appeal also.

Go for the Octi. I'd much rather have several grand in my pocket than a badge on the front (ready to be pinched)!

I've just bought a new Octavia Ambient 1.9TDi. We've had nine VW's and no hasitation that the Octavia is every bit as good as the Golf. It parks proudly in our driveway alongside my wifes £30k VW Caravelle; I wish Skoda had made a decent sized people carrier when we bought that!

...he wants it for the baby...

One very simple pro for the Octy - just look at the size of the boot! Then look at the amount of kit required for the baby. Then look at the Golf boot.

The Octy is the supreme family car!

I was flipping coins between a Golf GT Sport 1.4TSI & the Octy 1.8TSI Elegance.

My trade-in was a 1998 MK3.5 Golf Cabrio 2.0L

Took swmbo to look at the MkV and she said it was great. Then I went and drove a 1.8TSI Octy and the changeover was $10,000 less, so I signed up straight away without showing SWMBO.

Took the Octy home & she said "I thought you were buying a small car?" as it looked so much bigger than a Golf. Then she turned her nose up at it & I told her she didn't have to drive it, she can stick with her Mitsubishi SUV.

Generally we take the Mitsu on holidays but she had to hand it back over Christmas & we took the Octy - we fitted all the families junk in. Couldn't have done it with a Golf.