Hi all. First post here. I'm about to step into Skodaland and it's time to ask for some help. I'd initially been thinking about a Fabia Combi but have been drawn instead, like a moth to a flame, to the Octavia.

 

For most of the year I do low mileage. I've a short commute in either city driving (stop-start) or motorway journeys no longer than 30 minutes. However, for about six weeks a year l do 800 miles per week solidly (4 * 200 mile round trips).

 

Based on my mileage I think the 1.2 TSI engine would be fine (I'd been initially skeptical when someone mentioned it). In my price range I've my eye on a few 2012 models, the estate in particular. I'm partial to an automatic and the 1.2TSI/DSG variant is very appealing to me.

 

Is there anything I should be looking out for? I've heard Octavia estates can be noisy, for example. Am also wary of that DSG recall a few years back. 

 

Finally, I'm the sort of person who buys a car then doesn't change it for ten years. Is there an argument for just buying a new Fabia Combi, with the same 1.2TSI/DSG, instead?

 

Regards,

amcg (first time caller long time listener)

 

You really need to test drive both types to know if there are any noise issues. The 1.2 TSI will have the 7 speed dry clutch DSG, I have two DSG boxes coupled to the 1.6 CR engine and I would have another one any day. However there have been known issues with the DSG boxes. 

 

Based on my mileage I think the 1.2 TSI engine would be fine (I'd been initially skeptical when someone mentioned it). In my price range I've my eye on a few 2012 models, the estate in particular. I'm partial to an automatic and the 1.2TSI/DSG variant is very appealing to me.

 

Is there anything I should be looking out for? I've heard Octavia estates can be noisy, for example. Am also wary of that DSG recall a few years back. 

 

Finally, I'm the sort of person who buys a car then doesn't change it for ten years. Is there an argument for just buying a new Fabia Combi, with the same 1.2TSI/DSG, instead?

 

 

 

I'm also the sort of person who buys and keeps a car for 10 years having just recently sold my good old Superb I 1.9 pd after a decade of reliable motoring.

 

Looking at your driving pattern petrol looks like the better fit. Whether an engine is powerful enough is in the eye of the beholder - I found the 1.9pd great in the Superb but some may need more umpty, I also now love the 1.4tsi in the Superb II - loving it's relaxed driving style with reasonable power from 1500rpm through to 6000 rpm, very quiet on the move and surprisingly economical 

 

I can't comment  on how noisy the Octavia estate is but the engine itself should be very quiet - take one for an extended test drive although you may struggle finding a 1.2tsi to try although any similar model estate would give you a feel for road/wind noise etc

 

I've decided to stick to manual as despite the official figures the DSG does seem to hit mpg and I also am wary of the DSG reliability

Edited 30 January, 201610 yr by bigjohn

I agree with your engine choice.

 

We have a 2.0TDi Passat which is used as a motorway mile muncher but around town it isn't that economical, is slow to warm up in winter and of course there are the DPF worries.

 

So we also have a couple of 1.2TSi's a Fabia with 7 speed DSG and an Octavia 1.2TSi with 6 speed manual. The 1.2TSi is suprisingly strong and with the DSG it's great around town but we did have to have the clutch plates replaced and luckily it was in warranty.

But the manual in the Octavia is easy to use and the clutch operation is light.

 

Noise wise the Octavia (Hatch) is as quiet as the Passat but our Octavia SE is on 15" wheels with 195 tyres while the Passat is on 17's with low profile 235 tyres so there's more tyre noise and more thump over ridges.

 

Lee

Edited 31 January, 201610 yr by logiclee

Thanks for the replies. I've driven a 1.2TSI DSG and a 1.6 diesel manual. Trying to arrange a motorway test drive soon. Drove a 1.6TDI diesel Fabia too. Was surprised at how much bigger the Octavia felt both inside and on the road (in a good way).

What kind of servicing and maintenance jobs should I expect for a 2012 Octavia for the next 8 years? (I know in one way that's a "how long is a piece of string" question but I'm curious if some things crop up semi-regularly)

Welcome to the forum. Based on what you've said you'll probably be on the fixed service regime (under 10k per year?) so that would mean minor/major services on alternate years which are usually about £140/£250 each. If you intend getting it dealer serviced ask about a service plan as that should work out considerably cheaper. I don't know if the 1.2 has a cam chain or belt- if its a belt that would probably need doing but you'd need to check when as Skoda changed the oilers from 4 to 5 years recently. you'll need brake fluid changes and aircon services too

 

if you check out skoda uk's website- select the owner option from the top bar then the service and maintenance drop down for both the service plans and individual service costs on the 2 sub headings. I'd post the link but the website won't let me for some windows 10 reason....

Many thanks, littleade.

_{I'd be looking at a petrol engine if I was doing the sort of mileage your doing.}

Edited 1 February, 201610 yr by Stuart-h

Hi. I have an '12 FLII 1.6CRD DSG Estate, bought 12month old with 15,000km by a Skoda dealer (it was the dealer's himself company car). Now it's got 42,000km and I had no problems with it.

I think it's super comfy and not noisy at all (although I was used to very noisy cars). Pls note it's on 16" original Turanza wheels (which I'm not happy about in the wet). I think 16" it's the max size to achieve good comfort on such a car. Just as a comparison, my wife's Yaris has 15" and it's too hard on bumps.

Everything works fine and the only complaint I have is the complicate and uncomfortable system to drop the rear seats (need to lift the headrests off before one can drop the seat back). But here again I was spoiled by my wife's Yaris which has a super clever lever on top of the backrests by which you unlock and drop down everything in just one move, even operating by the boot.)

Thanks duro. Think the Octavia estate with a small petrol engine is going to be perfect for me.