Well here is general question from a previous Octavia owner who wants to return to the car after a 2 year "affair" with an expensive German - I am looking to find a decent petrol Octavia Estate up to 3 years and with a lowish mileage, my budget brings up quite a few on Skoda UK vehicle search all around £13,000, a few tempting vrs among them but my question here is about 4 x 4.... comparatively recent low mileage ones seem to be significantly cheaper than their 2 wheel drive brethren... tempting and would certainly work for me but is something I should know which is the reason for them being cheaper. That said I am looking forward to getting back in a Skoda after frightening my credit card every time the German Beast went near a garage ! Is there some issue of reliability because of the complication of 4 x 4 or maybe it just has less "toys" and trim. Thanks for any views and for reading me,

Edited 11 January, 201016 yr by hugothebear

The Hedlex 4x4 system needs new oil etc ever few years, which costs a few 100 I think, also may have been used as a tow car. Plus theres more to go wrong! But in plus side you will be good to go in the snow!

Would I buy one? right now YES or mid Aug maybe not.

Well here is general question from a previous Octavia owner who wants to return to the car after a 2 year "affair" with an expensive German - I am looking to find a decent petrol Octavia Estate up to 3 years and with a lowish mileage, my budget brings up quite a few on Skoda UK vehicle search all around £13,000, a few tempting vrs among them but my question here is about 4 x 4.... comparatively recent low mileage ones seem to be significantly cheaper than their 2 wheel drive brethren... tempting and would certainly work for me but is something I should know which is the reason for them being cheaper. That said I am looking forward to getting back in a Skoda after frightening my credit card every time the German Beast went near a garage ! Is there some issue of reliability because of the complication of 4 x 4 or maybe it just has less "toys" and trim. Thanks for any views and for reading me,

There is very roughly a 10% premium on fuel costs with an Octavia 4*4 , but compared to most other 4*4s , it is very frugal . They are also in a slightly higher insurance band . ( why , when the are a safer car on the road ? )

In respect to the running costs , the oil ( and filter in Mk1 ) has to be changed at various service points , but to date , with 3 Octavia 4*4s in the family , 2001 ( 150K ) , 2003 ( 70K ) and 2008 ( 26K ) , nothing but nothing has gone wrong with any part of the traction system .

But don't tell Parker's that - until that is , I have to sell one ( and that will be very reluctantly ! ) .

The 4x4 spec is relatively basic - its more like halfway between the old Ambiente and Elegance specs so yes less trim is one factor for them being cheaper. Also the car tax band is higher as 4x4's puff out more CO2 it seems. I would suggest getting a Scout more than a 4x4 as they are a better spec, but you'd be lucky to pick one up for £13000 on the Skoda website.

Or wait until mid summer when 'off road' 2ed prices are a bit lower!

James.