Hello folks,

Prospective new Octavia owner here, after some opinions from seasoned drivers!

My wife is looking to trade in her Astra soon, and had been looking at a compact 4x4 (i.e. Rav 4/ Kuga type), but the added value (particularly with the VAT free deal) and practicality of the Skoda have turned her head after a friend of hers bought an Octavia recently (FYI, she was keen on a 4x4 as her Mum lives down a mile long private road, tricky at the best of times, and has been snowed in this year).

I’d earmarked getting either the Octavia Scout, or (if I can’t get that past the other half), then one in Elegance trim. Given she initially wanted a 4x4, the Scout seems perfect...

Firstly, I was wondering how much folks have been able to haggle from the prices with Skoda dealers? Since the VAT has been knocked off I was wondering how much extra you could feasibly get?? (FYI, I hate haggling anyway, and my own experience when I bought my Seat Leon was pitiful – I had difficulty getting some free floor mats.. :(:(

I visited a dealership last week, and got the impression that Scouts were going off the shelves quick, so any extra discount would be minimal, but more may be obtained on the ‘normal’ Octavia models (?)

I was wondering if there were any key factory fitted extras I should get my hands on? I read somewhere that the maxidot was essential, but I’ve had trouble locating any detailed info about what it does (I thought it was just the usual trip computer, but read it did a lot more???)

Also, audio arrangements! I have everything in MP3 format these days, and have a stereo in my current car with a USB slot, so I can play music direct from this. Do I just need a USB cable for the new Octavia, or do you need to specify the ‘Multi Device Interface’ thingy???

Lastly, engines. I’m aware the Octavias still largely use the PD diesel engines, but they are gradually moving over to the quieter common rail diesels. We’ve still got a month or two to make our minds up – is it worth waiting until they move over???

Thanks in advance for any help!

If it helps, I ordered an Octavia vRS CR last Monday (not yesterday).

I got about £700 off on top of the VAT discount, plus vRS mats and full size spare wheel thrown in (total cost of these is about £100 or so).

Plus I got more on my trade-in than I was expecting, particularly as my car won't be built until August.

Not sure if that's a good deal or not, but I was happy with it and I'm rubbish with car dealer haggling as I only ever buy when I actually want the car and find it hard to feign 'disinterest' to get a better deal (if that actually works). :(

Not sure about the engine switch on the Scout, but the Octavia vRS 170 is a CR engine (so too is the 1.6 I think).

Edited 27 April, 201016 yr by Herschel

The best advice for haggling is to print out the drive the deal price and the webuyanycar.com price for your current car. Lay it on the table and just say 'match that or as close as you can get'. Takes all the hassle out of it. The dealer can see what they need to do and you look like a well prepared and serious buyer. This is what I have done for the last few purchases and has worked well for me.

I believe all the CR engines are being phased in over the next few months. Hence if you order now the build date should mean you get a CR engine.

Maxidot used to must on the pre FL Octavia but not so essential now although it does give you access to a few menus for changing things like the anti hijack mode etc.

A spare well is also a must on the options list.

Edited 27 April, 201016 yr by PSM

Didn't think of that PSM (the drive the deal thing). :no:

However, I knew roughly what price to expect to pay from Autoebid, plus I'd done one of those 'free' glass guide on my car.

Good advice though - will go in with a drive the deal price from now on......well, in about 5 years or so when I change my new one!

Hello folks,

Prospective new Octavia owner here, after some opinions from seasoned drivers!

My wife is looking to trade in her Astra soon, and had been looking at a compact 4x4 (i.e. Rav 4/ Kuga type), but the added value (particularly with the VAT free deal) and practicality of the Skoda have turned her head after a friend of hers bought an Octavia recently (FYI, she was keen on a 4x4 as her Mum lives down a mile long private road, tricky at the best of times, and has been snowed in this year).

The Scout is for you and yours then. My missus loves mine, stealing it at least 4 days a week.

I’d earmarked getting either the Octavia Scout, or (if I can’t get that past the other half), then one in Elegance trim. Given she initially wanted a 4x4, the Scout seems perfect...

Scout, scout, scout, scout...... etc.

Firstly, I was wondering how much folks have been able to haggle from the prices with Skoda dealers? Since the VAT has been knocked off I was wondering how much extra you could feasibly get?? (FYI, I hate haggling anyway, and my own experience when I bought my Seat Leon was pitiful – I had difficulty getting some free floor mats.. :(:(

I visited a dealership last week, and got the impression that Scouts were going off the shelves quick, so any extra discount would be minimal, but more may be obtained on the ‘normal’ Octavia models (?)

I was wondering if there were any key factory fitted extras I should get my hands on? I read somewhere that the maxidot was essential, but I’ve had trouble locating any detailed info about what it does (I thought it was just the usual trip computer, but read it did a lot more???)

Also, audio arrangements! I have everything in MP3 format these days, and have a stereo in my current car with a USB slot, so I can play music direct from this. Do I just need a USB cable for the new Octavia, or do you need to specify the ‘Multi Device Interface’ thingy???

The Bolero radio has an SDHC slot, and plays MP3's from that, no need for MDI unless you want to hook a massive disk or ipod up

Lastly, engines. I’m aware the Octavias still largely use the PD diesel engines, but they are gradually moving over to the quieter common rail diesels. We’ve still got a month or two to make our minds up – is it worth waiting until they move over???

Thanks in advance for any help!

I am looking at the L&K over the elegance, as although it is £3k more (and I am not too bothered about the leather) all of the other extras make it worht it.

could somebody please explain what the CR engine is?

also, why you dont need the maxidot.

Thansk.

CR (Common Rail) the replacement for the PD engine.

Maxidot is subjective, I'd always go for it personally. Have a look at a one with and one without to see what you think.

What does maxidot do?

Also, I am still confused. Does the L&K come as standard with bluetooth, or do I need to order the £280.00 accessory?

I am trying to do as much research as possible so when I choose the dealer, I can just put the price in front of them, and say order it.

Thanks for all the comments – very helpful.

Maxidot used to must on the pre FL Octavia but not so essential now although it does give you access to a few menus for changing things like the anti hijack mode etc.

Can you clarify why this is the case - has the non-maxidotjust got better? (I assume it's the usual trip computer stuff?? - I think I read somewhere that the Maci dot allows much great customisation of your general environment (?)

I did have a look on drivethedeal, but the price it came out with was around the same as the VAT reduction anyway (though I’d need to double check…)

With regard to the engines, it seems like a major lottery just to buy and hope you get a next gen engine – I’m surprised the dealers can’t give you some assurances? (BTW, can anyone confirm how much better the fuel econ is on the CR engines, and is it THAT much quieter/better? - time seems to fly by these days, as I remember when the new Pump Dusse engines were considered the big thing!! :wonder: )

Thanks again

What does maxidot do?

Also, I am still confused. Does the L&K come as standard with bluetooth, or do I need to order the £280.00 accessory?

I am trying to do as much research as possible so when I choose the dealer, I can just put the price in front of them, and say order it.

No Octavia comes with bluetooth as standard and the current bluetooth solution is quite restrictive as it uses rSAP and not the handsfree protocol. This is apparently going to change but I would want this in writing before ordering unless you know your phone works with rSAP (most Symbian Nokias and quite a few HTC phones are ok)

Over and above the standard trip computer, Maxidot allows you to change some settings on the car (most will be one time setting changes, such as the anti-hijack locking, whether you want all doors or just the drivers door to unlock with a single press of the buttons, whether or not the alarm chirps when turning it on and off etc.)

If you decide to get Xenons I would say Maxidot is an absolute must if you plan on driving on mainland Europe as it will allow you to flatten the headlamp beam. If you don't have maxidot, it's a manual job to realign the headlights every time you go abroad

The CR engine is being included from build week 22, so if you place a factory order now and get a build week of 22 or beyond, then you'll get the CR engine instead of the PD.

If you want 4x4 AND DSG, you'll have to wait for build week 45.

As of build week 22, factory GSMIII bluetooth will work with non rsap phones (so that's basically every phone)

I got my petrol Scout last June. Only extras I had was the flat floor. Mainly used for either pottering around or towing our caravan, done less than 5000 miles so far.

Petrol is manual only, so the wife has to keep using her forester (auto).

I'm not very demanding apart from must play MP3 cds - which it does. The trip is a strange beast to me. It will record all sorts of things either per journey or for a period of time (independently of the normal trip. Heating is OK, lights normally on auto and the standard lights are quiet good. Ist gear will pull anything anywhere I think, but I do get caught out with the rev limiter (that's autos for the past 20 years for you). No auto folding mirrors.

You can plug a standard mini jack into the socket in the storage between the front seats but it does have a inlet from the air con, so in winter it gets warm and summer cool.

Fairly economical so far as I get between 30 and 35 on short trips and 40 ish on longer ones. Towing a caravan does depend on the weather. Windy and I get about 18-19 mpg, normal I get 22 -24 mpg. I think it's mainly due to the aerodynamics causing turbulence as the Forester has a much more upright back and does 22 - 24 whatever the weather. I'm looking at one of them there deflectors to solve that one.

Otherwise the spare wheel is 16 inch and the actual wheels are 17 inch and one of the Dunlops has also had to be replaced as I must have hit a pothole with the van on the back and a bulge appeared.

I got a good deal last year and I must confess I prefer the top of the range auto subaru legacy I had for comfort (self level hydro suspension) but that's the only drawback.

Is the CR engine going to be on the std Octavia as well, or just the scout.

My OH loved her Rav4 which we traded in for our Scout last summer (it's an 08 model so not the latest FL version) but she fell in love with the Scout as soon as she saw it and was very impressed with its ability in the snow we had this winter (and we had a lot of snow for a long time). The Scout is much better to drive than the 04 Rav we had, though I understand the current model is much better and I personally disliked driving the Rav intensely. Our original tyres are not up to the standard of the rest of the car though (ours are Dunlop Sport - ha ha) and I'll definitely replace those.

I haven't got Maxidot so can't comment but I don't really get into any of that, or the entertainment side much either. I just stack up the CD changer and listen away, I've tried the mps3 player in the aux socket (which is all mine has) and it seems to work OK.

The PD engine is willing but gruff and gets around 43mpg and is really suited to towing my caravan so far (based on my vast usage of one trip to Yorkshire). I'll almost certainly replace this with another Scout in two or three year's time (unless I get a yeti or that gorgeous Superb 4x4 estate). Some have complained about the seats but Mrs. has dodgy hips and never complained at all on a 650 mile round trip to Gloucester and back.

I checked on Autotrader yesterday and there were only NINE used Scouts in the whole of the country - and at quite high prices as well so depreciation shouldn't be too bad either.

Just to throw a curveball in here... If you want 4x4 have you looked at the Yeti? Comes with the CR engine already so no worries about when the car gets built as to which engine will turn up....

Folks,

On closer inspection, the drivethedeal price (for the Scout diesel) works out at about £17,300, ignoring the extras.

This is just over £1k below the quoted price from Skoda after the VAT reduction, so maybe there is some room for manoeuvre!!

I’m stilla bit confused about the maxidot options though…Options for the Scout include:

- 4 spoke steering wheel with Maxidot (which I assume means this price includes Maxidot as well…) for £230

- Maxi dot - £130

- Mobile device interface - £155

I thought the Maxidot WAS the mobile device interface, effectively??, so what’s the difference between the above options? :(

Couple of minor gripes – I’d have thought Skoda would give you a steering wheel with audio controls as standard, particularly on the higher grade models!!

Also, what’s the deal with lumping the folding mirros option with the electronically adjustable (or is it heated) front seats!!! – one seems a useful feature to prevent obstruction, the other’s just a luxury that most people wouldn’t bother with!!

Maxi dot - basically a "bells n whistles" trip computer. Has various mpg settings etc. I got it because it also lets you set tourist mode for your lights on the continent and can display a digital km/h display. Having paid for it I do recommend it.

4 spoke wheel - again you do not get any volume controls etc on the normal wheel.

MDI lets you connect your ipod etc to the car and control it via the controls on wheel. I didnt get it because you get a line-in in the armrest anyway and thats good enough for me.

I got the folding mirrors as a bonus because I wanted the electric seats as my wife and I both drive the car. Im 6'4" and she is 5'6" so the memory setting is great instead of messing about adjusting seat position, height, lumbar support etc.

Dont forgot the standard 4x4 about 1k cheaper than the Scout and the same transmision. Only difference is slightly lower ride height, no plastic body mouldings and slightly less equipment.

As for the CR engine, best way of checking it out at the moment is to test drive a Yeti. Same transmission, suspension and floor pan as the Scout but with the new engine already. Personally I didnt think it was any quiter and had a less urge at low revs. In the Golf it gives about an extra 5mpg.

Lee

Edited 28 April, 201016 yr by thlcr1

The 4x4 is a little cheaper but has a lot less equipment. I think the Scout is a bargain compared to the 4x4.

Steve

The 4x4 is a little cheaper but has a lot less equipment. I think the Scout is a bargain compared to the 4x4.

Steve

I agree it is good value for the extra kit, but it depends if you like the look of the body kit or not. If you like the looks of the Scout and /or want the extra ground clerance its a no brainer. Personaly I dont like the look of the body kit so I went for a 4x4 and added a few of the missing bits (cruise control, parking sensors, option alloys). Ended up much the same price as a Scout.

Lee

Thanks for all the comments – very helpful.

Can you clarify why this is the case - has the non-maxidotjust got better? (I assume it's the usual trip computer stuff?? - I think I read somewhere that the Maci dot allows much great customisation of your general environment (?)

On the pre-facelift Octavias if you did not have maxidot you got a half sized LCD display which does not look great. The small cost of the maxidot not only gave you more control but also really lifted the look of the dash and gave it a more upmarket feel. In the facelift car you get a black LCD screen the same size as a maxidot one. Hence at first glance you would not tell the difference between the 2. So from a visual standpoint there is less need for maxidot.

The reason to lump the folding mirrors with the memory electric seats is because you also get memory mirrors so when you engage reverse your mirrors dip down to show you the ground. All electric things go together it seems The MDI basically presents an interface in to your glovebox which you then buy a cable for whichever mp3 player you have which allows you to connect your mp3 player to the car and be controlled from the Bolero/steering wheel controls. The AUX socket simply plays the mp3 player through your speakers, so you still have to control it through the mp3 player. Skoda not including the audio controls on the steering wheel looks to be a VAG thing - look at most Passats and they don't have audio controls on the steering wheel either and they cost twice the price!

If you did go for the L&K then you get all of these things included (electric folding mirrors, electric seats, maxidot, MFSW, etc.), the only exception being bluetooth and MDI.