Hi,

I have a 1999 Audi A3 1.8T Sport, and am a regular user of an Audi web forum.

I am thinking of selling the A3 and buying an Octavia, but wanted to know what the common problems were with the Octavia before I make the move.

On the A3's, the most common problems seem to be:

-- MAF,

-- suspension bushes (usually front ARB),

-- stereo volume problems (old stereo's suddenly play full or zero volume when volume **** is used)

-- diverter valve (fluttering noise and poorer boost when diaphram degrades over time)

-- puddles in footwell (usually a blocked pollen filter)

-- coilpacks (although not as many people seem to have had this as rumours suggest)

-- starter motors (high pitch squeal when starting from cold)

-- rear wiper pipe seizes and brakes, water leaks into boot lock, alarm stops setting

Do these sound similar to the most common Skoda issues?

Are there some different ones that frequently get mentioned on these forums?

I do not know at the moment whether I will be getting a new or older model Octavia - for the extra money, is the new model worth it yet? (Some sites estimate it will be worth 1/3 of it's current price in 3 years?)

Thanks,

B

On my third octavia (1.9 sdi estate then 1.9tdi pd hatch and now Vrs estate ) and so far, touch wood, have had no problems at all....so cant really comment on faults but would say go for the new Octy II, it's absolute magic and when prices do come down (seem to be staying high at the moment) I will be getting

a 2.0 tdi elegance or L&K estate

my only issues would be lack of ground clearance; this may not be a problem with you. And front tyre wear. My car was second hand and is now 6.5 years old cost me 4.5k at 47000 miles so value wise it has been excellent. Slx Tdi I achieve on average 55mpg which is cracking for a heavy loadlugger with adequate performance.

Do these sound similar to the most common Skoda issues?

I've heard of all these at one time or another on this forum. I think your list covers just about everything, as both cars are Golf MKIV based that's not suprising.

For the record, factor in your rear speakers filling with water when you open the tailgate on a rainy day

That's only a problem on the hatchback though, yes?

And I read that changing rear bulbs on the estate is a real pain. Does that go for the hatch too?

That list seems pretty accurate for a 1.8T. Although I've not heard the stereo volume one before. MAF's and ARB bushes are a certain one though.

Squealing brakes when you reverse :(

Squealing brakes when you reverse :(

I used to have that in my Honda Civic in Cyprus....sucks don't it...?

I used to have that in my Honda Civic in Cyprus....sucks don't it...?

Yup, everyone stops and stares when I'm going backwards!

You can add faulty brake switch to the list too ;-)

You can also include gearboxes on the SDi.

Thermostats on the 1.6.

only problems i've had with mine are:

1.water running into the boot when its opened after its rained, you can get round this by opening the boot about 6 inches and letting the water run into the recesses either side.

2.intermittently doesnt want to go into first after stopping at traffic lights etc and being in neutral. it does go in after releasing and reapplying the clutch.

3.Bonnet used to shake at anything over 70mph but that was sorted by the dealer.

to be honest i've been more than happy with the car and the quality of the build etc. compared to the Renault i had before its in a different league.

Most common problem is trying to wipe the smug smile off your face when you realise how little you have paid for an Audi !!

All sounds like the same things as on Audi A3's and A4's, apart from water into rear speakers and brake squeal on reverse.

Brake light switches and notchy gearboxes are common with the Audi's.

I also read something about the timing belt tensioners being plastic, and often breaking. Is that common? I believe the Audi tensioners are metal and if anything fails it's the belt itself (ignoring water pump failures).

You can also add the Coolant Temp Sensor to the list

Hi' date='

-- coilpacks (although not as many people seem to have had this as rumours suggest)

Thanks,

B[/quote']

I think there were actually a large number that had to be done.Think Audi had a problem getting the spares but skoda didn't Mine had coils done

No problems with my car.Y reg 50 k on the clock.Not happy with my seats on the vRS.Started to fray and look dirty.Annoying I must say.

I'm thinking hard but , well,nothing else really

Don't spend any money till you see what the new vRS is like.Should get a preview Sept and be on sale Dec 05

my brakes squeal in reverse too

Faulty Hazard light switch and O/S/F window not going all the way up on 'One touch', stops halfway.

Steve