My current car is an 03 seat toledo 1.9tdi se 110 chipped to 150 , apart from servicing and tyres its never cost me a penny and never broke down , its now done 80,000 miles 50,000 of those with the chip fitted it goes like stink and still gives 50+ mpg , but now i need a hatch

i am currently negotiating a deal on a 2006 vrs tdi with low mileage and am going to see it and drive it next week , but reading the forums i Will definately have abs sensor failure -a high probability the aircon comp will fail - the car will probably have noise problems -there appears to be a good probability of DPF problems - and a fair chance of problems with turbo's and CPU units and i will be paying £9000+ for the privelige .

I realise some of these probs are not just Skoda related its down to the VAG parts bin but it does make me wonder if a newer VAG car is going to be worth it or if its better to look at another brand entirely .

The noise problem i cant understand as the tolly is virtually a booted version of the Octavia , i presume the doors and thier openings are virtually the same yet i have never had a problem with the seals or noise , it suffers from the same probs with the door drainage though .

I love the looks of the VRS but wonder if looking at it rather than driving it, is what i will spend most of my time doing , am i being neurotic .

Well, I spent the last 3 weeks running up and down the motorways regenerating the DPF that was lighting up every couple of days.

I sold mine today and I pick up my BMW on Wednesday.

I think that as long as you wont be doing just town driving, and are able to take it for a good long run on the motorway every week or two at the very least, then the DPF should be OK.

But I won't be going down that route again.

Andy

Well Octys have a few potential biggish faults (and a few daft minor ones like road noise etc), some problems are obviously worse than others depensing on the year, but actually long term these are a lot better than most other manufacturers (and even the most reliable can mess up - as in Toyota the other month), particularly when you look at the price point of the car. Yes, BMWs are great cars (assuming you can find one where the indicators actually work), but you pay for it. Take a look at the honest john site for long term tests aqnd you will see how rare the problems are compared to most other manufacturers.

In broad terms VAG continues to be one of the most reliable brands, and interestingly within the family Skoda is 2nd only to Audi for reliability (it was beating VW recently, with Seat at the bottom). Add to that the fact that if you are looking at a vRS what other model will give you that level of performance combined with the cabin/luggage space and build quality at that price point. There simply isn't a serious rival unless you are willing to pay an awful lot more money for a BMW badge or whatever.

And without re-hashing the recent (locked) petrol vs diesel thread if you think you won't be doing regular motorway runs to keep the particle filter sweet then get a petrol vRS instead, cos they're great

PS, the particlle filter thingy isn't Skoda/VAG specific - its any modern diesel these days that has them, I think they are all potentially iffy from any manufacturer if your not a regular M-way cruiser...

Edited 7 August, 201015 yr by Delacroix

I had a 56 plate VRS for close to 4 years with none of the issues you mention. As has been said before this forum will make problems seem worse than they are. This is because people will post to say they have a problem but will rarely just post to say my car is going well. The problems you mention are by no means foregone conclusions they will happen, in fact they will only affect a minority of cars so no need to worry. If you read any other forum for any other car you will see just as many, if not more, faults etc. in which case you would never buy any car again, The Octavia shares a lot of parts with the Toledo so if your current car has been reliable then chances are the Octavia will be too (as I said I had 4 years trouble free motoring with my pd170).

And you do not need long regular runs on the motorway to keep the DPF clear. Most of my mileage is the 10 miles to and from work each day that is on a mixture of roads. Never had a DPF issue in the 4 years I did this. There is a lot of scaremongering around DPFs so take a lot of what you read with a pinch of salt.

All I will say is that if your BMW is Diesel Andy, you can still get the same DPF problem.

I had to have a manual regen of my DPF on my 500,( this is a CR engine ) due to lots of short running, found out that the reason I had to have this was because the regen was interrupted. i.e. I switched engine off whilst regen was happening.

The biggest problem is that unless there is a warning light telling you that regen is currently active then there is always the slight risk that you will interrupt the cycle & end up having to have a manual regen done.

I subsequently found out that on my 500 if the rpm is running @ 1K while stationary & out of gear, the regen is active.

or take the DPF out and get a re map jobs done, thats my long term plan

I've had my Octavia for only 5 months and have already spent more on repairs than I spent in 12 years of Citroen Xsara ownership. I've currently 2 management lights on, waiting to get sorted, and have just found a perished inner driveshaft gaiter which, although cheap to buy, is going to be an awkward and time consuming job to replace.

I'm seriously considering selling and reverting back to the Xsara which I kept. It's got 246000 miles and was totally reliable but now a bit rusty. I run a few old Classics and they can act as back up cars. In my opinion cars of the Nineties were best, few electronics, reasonably economical and corrosion resistant.

That said, I had researched a lot before buying and the Octavia seemed to be better than most modern cars, I've probably just been unlucky. As mentioned already, all other manufacturers have their problems.

You could even consider a new Vauxhall Insignia with the recently announced 10 year guarantee!

I had my Octavia Diesel for 3 years, did 90,000 miles in it and the only thing that failed was a 50P sensor 1 year before I sold it.

You could even consider a new Vauxhall Insignia with the recently announced 10 year guarantee!

I thought it was a lifetime/100,000 miles warranty - lifetime warrenty - its certainly an intersting concept to consider if you are a low milage 'buy and hold' person considering a new car, and will be popular with those that are retired in particular I'm guessing...

All I will say is that if your BMW is Diesel Andy, you can still get the same DPF problem.

My BMW is a 325i, not a diesel

Over three years and 28k miles on a vRS TDI Estate and none of those problems.

Best car I have owned.

Only issue I had was the radio reception. A batch of bee-sting aerial masts corroded at the base and lost grounding and hence signal strength.

A warranty repair and free wash later and no other issues.

The car has been SuperChip'd to 204 BHP since 1k miles and still has original DPF (although at the car's first service apparently the DPF was flashed with new updated firmware as I had to get SuperChips to upload the remap again. Which they did for free).

I was in an almost identical situation as I had an 04 Toledo Sport TDI 150 with the 150bhp 1.9 engine although I never chipped mine as it seemed to cause a lot of problems with the clutch. My Toledo also ran without issue for the three years I had it (bought at around two years old) with only the usual wear and tear parts needing replaced which made me hesitant to replace it. With the arrival of a new pup I decided it was time to change to an estate rather than have the pup in the front so after a long hunt I bought my 56 plate Octavia VRS TDI, after putting the deposit down I had to wait a couple of weeks for them to get the personalised number plate off and get the car ready. In that time I started reading this forum and honestly came very close to cancelling the purchase and losing the deposit as the car seemed a potential disaster with so many reports of problems on here.

While it's hard to put such thoughts to the back of the mind, I did appreciate that many people will come here when they have problems but less so when they don't which makes it look worse than it is. I've seen the same for other brands including those considered to be highly reliable, a workmate who is very against the idea of 'brands' is almost pleased that his bought new Toyota basically fell apart within three years despite gentle use depsite being one of the most reliable brands. I have a six month aftermarket warranty on my car and planning to take out an extended warranty after that if I can get it for around £250 a year just so I don't need to worry about anything major going. So far no problems with mine although it seems to be right in the middle of the period when some of the issues may occur.

The DPF did concern me as my workplace is just a mile away and while I walk there and back morning and evening, for my lunchbreak I drive back and forth as I need to walk the dog and am very short of time. No issues at all with the DPF so far though.

John

Edited 8 August, 201015 yr by JohnMcL7

My BMW is a 325i, not a diesel

But then you are hardly comparing like with like then are you! Sure, the 325i is a great car (assuming those indicators are actually working!), but it has a huge price difference with a petrol vRS either new or s/h (actually with the current 0% vat offer the difference is a huge £10k), particularly as the 0-60 and top speed are very little different (although I'm sure the handling feels better). And it has less cabin/boot space despite the cost premium, so all in all I think I'll be sticking with the vRS

I was in an almost identical situation as I had an 04 Toledo Sport TDI 150 with the 150bhp 1.9 engine although I never chipped mine as it seemed to cause a lot of problems with the clutch. My Toledo also ran without issue for the three years I had it (bought at around two years old) with only the usual wear and tear parts needing replaced which made me hesitant to replace it. With the arrival of a new pup I decided it was time to change to an estate rather than have the pup in the front so after a long hunt I bought my 56 plate Octavia VRS TDI, after putting the deposit down I had to wait a couple of weeks for them to get the personalised number plate off and get the car ready. In that time I started reading this forum and honestly came very close to cancelling the purchase and losing the deposit as the car seemed a potential disaster with so many reports of problems on here.

While it's hard to put such thoughts to the back of the mind, I did appreciate that many people will come here when they have problems but less so when they don't which makes it look worse than it is. I've seen the same for other brands including those considered to be highly reliable, a workmate who is very against the idea of 'brands' is almost pleased that his bought new Toyota basically fell apart within three years despite gentle use depsite being one of the most reliable brands. I have a six month aftermarket warranty on my car and planning to take out an extended warranty after that if I can get it for around £250 a year just so I don't need to worry about anything major going. So far no problems with mine although it seems to be right in the middle of the period when some of the issues may occur.

The DPF did concern me as my workplace is just a mile away and while I walk there and back morning and evening, for my lunchbreak I drive back and forth as I need to walk the dog and am very short of time. No issues at all with the DPF so far though.

John

thanks John

That is exactly my scenario , the cars for the pup not me lol

dave

But then you are hardly comparing like with like then are you! Sure, the 325i is a great car (assuming those indicators are actually working!), but it has a huge price difference with a petrol vRS either new or s/h (actually with the current 0% vat offer the difference is a huge £10k), particularly as the 0-60 and top speed are very little different (although I'm sure the handling feels better). And it has less cabin/boot space despite the cost premium, so all in all I think I'll be sticking with the vRS

I'm not comparing anything anywhere and haven't done. Just stating that this is a petrol, not a diesel.

Yes, the coupe is a smaller car inside, but then it is meant to be. If I needed a bigger car there was a nice 530i that I had my eye on, but I don't need something big. But you can't really compare a Skoda with a BMW in so many areas... This is why I am going back to BMW again and why I am going for petrol rather than diesel.

If you are happy with the vRS, that is great, but I am looking forward to the silky smooth and quiet BMW - and none of the hassles and problems

Don't pay anything other than a passing interest in forums.

Go to your doctors, or a hospital and it seems being human is full of dangers! Trouble is, no one who is well goes to hospital - which is the majority of people.

My Scout has done 57,000 hard miles in the last three years with hardly a blemish to it's record. If you checked out the forum of any car you wanted to buy, you would end up cycling. Unless you read a cycling forum first!

thanks John

That is exactly my scenario , the cars for the pup not me lol

dave

Haha, I know the feeling....I was amused when driving my Octavia back home from the dealer (100 odd miles) and saw a Nissan Micra with an Old English Sheepdog packed into the back of it and here was me having just purchased a large estate after five months hunting to make sure this little trashpot would be happy! I do miss my Toledo as the Octavia feels a bit soft in comparison although to be fair it's better for the dog that way, neither current one (Alfie) or last one (Jake) were very keen on the Toledo's fairly harsh ride. I don't regret getting the Octavia at all though as Alfie seems very content in the back which makes going out for walks very easy and hassle-free which is just what I was looking for, it was something of a battle at times with Jake and the car to the degree I ended up taking him a round the block walk instead.

What breed have you chosen? If it's not a larger one it may be worth checking if there's a variable boot floor for the hatch, both the hatch and the estate have a fairly big lip at the back which the variable boot floor flattens out as well as raising the dog up a bit. I purchased one for the estate and been very pleased with it as it's easier for Alfie to get in and out, he likes being able to see out the windows easily and also it gives some hidden storage for security. Jake wasn't at all keen on the lip on the Octavia hatch I had as he misjudged it, he would jump to that height and land lower than he was expecting causing him to stumble. Then again he did fine in my Metro when he was younger and that thing had a much larger lip and smaller boot, Alfie is perhaps getting it too easy...

John

My BMW is a 325i, not a diesel

In that case you will just be up for a succession of on plug coils at regular intervals plus brake pads at each service and discs every second service. :-)

I have owned lots of BMW's... I know that when the services come around, generally nothing needs doing Or if it is anything, it isn't much.

Edited 8 August, 201015 yr by Rincey

Rincey

Thanks for telling me new car was petrol, you didnt say in your original post.

It seems to be the preverbial, who gets the lemon car, seems in this case, it was unfortunately you that have been left with the bitter taste of a Skoda lemon .

Looks like bmw's have been the sweet taste of apples for you - OK I must now stop these fruit references .

I suspect like most people we will all get hit with a lemon of a car one day, some unlucky people might get more than one, hope youre bad experience with your Skoda hasnt put you off thinking about another.

I have a couple of questions for you,:-

1 - Was this your 1st Skoda ?

2- If your bmw turns out to be like your Skoda, will it change your attitude to beemers ?

Good luck with your next car ( mine will be a Skoda )

Haha, I know the feeling....I was amused when driving my Octavia back home from the dealer (100 odd miles) and saw a Nissan Micra with an Old English Sheepdog packed into the back of it and here was me having just purchased a large estate after five months hunting to make sure this little trashpot would be happy! I do miss my Toledo as the Octavia feels a bit soft in comparison although to be fair it's better for the dog that way, neither current one (Alfie) or last one (Jake) were very keen on the Toledo's fairly harsh ride. I don't regret getting the Octavia at all though as Alfie seems very content in the back which makes going out for walks very easy and hassle-free which is just what I was looking for, it was something of a battle at times with Jake and the car to the degree I ended up taking him a round the block walk instead.

What breed have you chosen? If it's not a larger one it may be worth checking if there's a variable boot floor for the hatch, both the hatch and the estate have a fairly big lip at the back which the variable boot floor flattens out as well as raising the dog up a bit. I purchased one for the estate and been very pleased with it as it's easier for Alfie to get in and out, he likes being able to see out the windows easily and also it gives some hidden storage for security. Jake wasn't at all keen on the lip on the Octavia hatch I had as he misjudged it, he would jump to that height and land lower than he was expecting causing him to stumble. Then again he did fine in my Metro when he was younger and that thing had a much larger lip and smaller boot, Alfie is perhaps getting it too easy...

John

Our new terror is a cross between an Exocet missile and a bulldozer more commonly known as a Springer spaniel , I had to go for a hatch as my missus does not like estate cars she says she likes cars that look sporty and unusual (i knew there was a good reason why i married her ) VRS are like hens teeth around here i have only ever seen 1 white one on the road in 2 weeks of driving around Chester and North Wales .

Iwas interested in your comment about the ride difference between tolly and vrs as that was one of my concerns ,in all the reports online the only real criticism of the vrs is a harsher ride . being a mature driver (old git in english) who just wants a fast tourer i didnt really want a car that shakes my teeth out like my sons 08 Leon TDI FR , i dont get to drive an Octy till Wed so cannot yet compare .

I found the ride on the tolly fine , i am running the std alloys and 65series tyres , is this what you ran on your tolly , is your Octy on 17 or 18" wheels ?

dave

Over £9k for an 06 Diesel VRS - I'd hope thats a very low mileage one at a Skoda dealer with full Skoda History, mint condition and more than the standard three months warranty

If not walk away as it's too expensive IMO

I have owned lots of BMW's... I know that when the services come around, generally nothing needs doing Or if it is anything, it isn't much.

I've only had one BMW, and the amount of time it spent off the road in the workshop persuaded me I didn't want another one... I was on first name terms with the local car hire company receptionist :(

Over £9k for an 06 Diesel VRS - I'd hope thats a very low mileage one at a Skoda dealer with full Skoda History, mint condition and more than the standard three months warranty

If not walk away as it's too expensive IMO

Its private 19000miles .full skoda history and transferable warranty with warranty direct

Our new terror is a cross between an Exocet missile and a bulldozer more commonly known as a Springer spaniel , I had to go for a hatch as my missus does not like estate cars she says she likes cars that look sporty and unusual (i knew there was a good reason why i married her ) VRS are like hens teeth around here i have only ever seen 1 white one on the road in 2 weeks of driving around Chester and North Wales .

Iwas interested in your comment about the ride difference between tolly and vrs as that was one of my concerns ,in all the reports online the only real criticism of the vrs is a harsher ride . being a mature driver (old git in english) who just wants a fast tourer i didnt really want a car that shakes my teeth out like my sons 08 Leon TDI FR , i dont get to drive an Octy till Wed so cannot yet compare .

I found the ride on the tolly fine , i am running the std alloys and 65series tyres , is this what you ran on your tolly , is your Octy on 17 or 18" wheels ?

dave

Has your wife seen the estate version in the flesh? I currently have an estate (used to be a firm hatch person before and had 2 Octy hatches) and feel it looks pretty sporty. The angle on the rear window is not a lot different to that of say a Focus and other similar hatch cars. In fact the hatch Octy looks more like a saloon than a hatch with the estate looking more like a hatch than an estate. The hatch and estate are both the same size car (maybe the wife thinks it is bigger so does not like it for that) it is just the roof line is longer. You can also get a nice spoiler to fit on the rear of the estate which is quite discreet but really finishes the back off nicely (do a search on here and you will see some pics).