Ex Honda Civic (1.8 petrol) owner, gone for a 1.6 TDi Octavia MkII (2011) since Nov 2013 from the "Approved Used" scheme with mixed feelings so far.

 

Likes : (vs the Honda)  - Smooth and smoother ride, "proper" independent suspension, promise of cheaper parts when things go wrong (Honda never did) & better fuel consumption, massive (and I mean massive) boot, rear wash wipe, a "proper" spare tyre, a proper radio aerial, light bulbs you can actually change yourself !

 

How's it going so far ? 

 

Not great - been back to the dealer six times already with minor niggles (rattles and clanks) mostly relating to poor build quality, except for today when the EGR valve was replaced (thankfully still under warranty) after a mere 39K miles.  I did 100K in the Civic and it never missed a beat or let me down once.

 

I've found the fuel consumption is disappointing too, but everyone you speak to says the same thing.  Over the last 5 (full fillups) I've ranged between 48 to 53mpg, and (I suppose) I was expecting "high" 50s to 60mpg.  I chose the 1.6 as I was told it was a better "balance" of power v fuel consumption.  If I'd have known it would be this poor, I'd have gone for a 2.0 litre.  My Honda did 43mpg "knocking about" rising to 50mpg "on a run".

 

I'm riding the dealer hard at the moment before my warranty expires as i know there's a decent car in there, trying to get out !  On the days when all is going well I love it, it's a poor man's A5.  Maybe I've just got a "Friday car" ?  I'm looking to do a big mileage in this car (150K+) and keep it for some years, so time (as they say) will tell.

 

PS - If you see the Civic at a auction - buy it !!- there's lots of running in her yet. 

Hi and welcome aboard.