Hi all, I've driven an Octavia estate elegance 1.4 this week and loved the smooth ride and quality feeling. Have an XC90 at the moment so it's quite a change but need to change cars as the Volvos running costs are getting extortionate. The Octavia is the best option available.

Had the XC90 for 6 years so I'm feeling some hesitance as I do love the car.

Is the Octavia really that reliable? I don't see many complaints in this forum. Is there anything I should look out for with it? The sat nav didn't come on when I started the car, so the salesman turned the engine off and back n and it came on. Is this normal? He said it was like a power saving feature which I don't believe.

Some owners have had niggles like that with the various different infotainment systems but they are rare/infrequent.  The Octy 3 is not really old enough to know if it is a long term reliable car but so far there aren't many common niggles.....a few tsi cars with leaky water pumps.... A few TDI with a boost pressure sensor problem.   Many owners find the seat belt cuts into the b pillar trim a bit, many owners find the door outer seals retain rain water on top of the sill and it'floods' out on your feet when you open the door... A few leaky/oily gas struts on powered boots.... Think that captures all the common niggles....oh and a few with gearbox selector trouble (stays in reverse although the stick looks to be in first)

..... Anybody recall any other common faults?

Thanks Neil, doesn't sound like anything major and most of that can be covered by warranty then?

The test drive was pretty nice I have to say. Very smooth with little to no roll around bends.

You forgot the rear torture beam suspension, can be very drone especially without a spare.

oh yes, ..in fact doesn't the 'booming noise' that affects some cars trouble torsion beam, sports or not, and the proper back end of the vrs... that's the trouble, no one knows why some cars boom and some don't

have a good long drive to test the seat comfort.I wanted an Octavia Scout but ended up with a Volvo V50 as the seats in the new Octavia didnt suit me. 6 years and 120000m on with the Volvo I still find it good for long trips. My colleagues new Octavia however still not comfy.

Should have tried my old allroad G.  Same age, just 52,000 miles and fresh as a daisy. Sold it about 3 months ago and miss its size (smaller) and robustness compared to the replacement.  Is your Volvo on 17s?

Think Nieln & TheManWithNoAim have covered well the common complaints.

For the "booming" I would take time to read the thread & perhaps discuss it with your dealer before signing a deal.

If possible driver the car before buying.

 

As nieln said its a bit early to comment on long term reliablilty but there are several users who have covered very high mileage & I've not read of any special mechanical/engine issues.

 

In the end, the build quality of a Skoda is going to be much less than the Volvo so expect a few rattles & niggles.

But then just because its more expensive doesn't mean the build quality will be better as my BMW has a terrile rattle in the drivers door.

 

I've driven many cars in the last 5 years & the Octavia stands out for me for practicality & value for money even when compared with much more premium brands.

I'm not big on Volvos personally but they do build a quality robust car....Id expect a bit of a quality downgrade going from an XC90 to an O3....but the O3 new is a far cheaper car so to be expected.

Not that the O3 is badly made (in most cases) but I doubt it will be as well bolted together or as durable as the XC90.

Thanks for all the feedback guys.

The XC90 is almost 6 years old now and the next service is £750. They are usually around £450. If I get a warning message on the dash I have to take it to them to figure out the problem which costs £140! And it could end up just being a faulty sensor somewhere.

Mechanically it's been fairly sound but the electrics are not the best. Over the next 5 years the Volvo is going to cost us over £10k in tax, fuel, insurance and servicing. By comparison the Octavia will cost £6k.

So moving to a 1year old Skoda Octavia Elegance is certainly financial based. Going for another test drive at the end of the week and will put all of your info to good use, fingers crossed. I'm going to look into that booming noise too. Never heard it on my first drive but it was only a quick one.

So moving to a 1year old Skoda Octavia Elegance is certainly financial based. Going for another test drive at the end of the week and will put all of your info to good use, fingers crossed. I'm going to look into that booming noise too. Never heard it on my first drive but it was only a quick one.

 

There is some good information in the thread even if it is very long.

If I remember correctly the problem is increased on some rough or uneven road surface.

Its also important to note that there are many happy customers who dont have this issue so fingers crossed the one you test drive/buy is problem free.

Test drove the Elegance estate again today and really liked it. I did make a point of listening for booming noises and the only thing I heard was low bass-like sound through the tyres when driving over cracks etc in the road.

So I've done the deal and pick it up next week. Can't wait. Thanks all for your help, very much appreciated.

Congrats.  I'm really enjoying my 1.4 TSI Estate.  It's an excellent blend of power, space and economy for the price.

Test drove the Elegance estate again today and really liked it. I did make a point of listening for booming noises and the only thing I heard was low bass-like sound through the tyres when driving over cracks etc in the road.

So I've done the deal and pick it up next week. Can't wait. Thanks all for your help, very much appreciated.

 

great news! I'm sure you'll be very happy.

For me its an amazing car concidering the value for money & you are getting the same chassis & powertrain as the more expensive VW's.