Hello !  Our beloved 53 Octavia 1.9D (188k) Estate is no more, so seeking a new (12-15 month old) version - would consider other models. Went to test drive an Octavia Estate (1.6D - SE, 13.5k miles) at a dealer yesterday and was so disappointed - just don't know if these are common issues?

 

1. The handbrake - This was just too hard to pull on - it snatched and was resistant at about 1/3rd travel - I can see it hurting my shoulder through time

2. The clutch - The biggest issue for me - I just couldn't do smooth transitions at all because the 'biting' point was virtually at the highest point of the pedal, I hated it with a passion, totally like our other Octavia (1.9 Tdi, 07 reg) and was the main reason I walked (drove) way without buying the car we went to see

3. Hill Hold. It didn't. Car spectacularly slide back 5 times on dealers ramp. He asked what made me think it had Hill Hold? That it was only on the Superb - I said The Manual says it has it (and so does the dealer's own web site entry for the car)

4. Driving Modes It had Eco Normal Sport and Individual - not Comfort. Dealer said Comfort Mode didn't exist unless I bought a Superb. I've just downloaded the Skoda UK Brochure and for the SE it states "DRIVE MODE SELECT (ECO/COMFORT/ SPORT/INDIVIDUAL)* . So I guess Comfort = Normal - but am I really the only person to notice this?

 

In all other respects I loved the car - even though a 5 mile test drive is far too short to decide and another reason I wouldn't take it.

We need a car which is reliable, comfortable (young daughter has spine issues), an estate (it will be a real workhorse,) oh and we live in muddy, gritty, steep mountains in Wales where there are more potholes than sheep...  What would you suggest & why, please?

 

NB - I once (and only once) did a handbrake turn going down a 1:5 hill in the wet when the brakes failed (poor maintenance by the local non-Skoda garage, I discovered, who felt it was un-necessary to change brake fluid).  It saved my life so I'm quite a fan of handbrakes that can do that...

Edited 4 May, 20188 yr by BreezeUp

Doh - totally UNlike our other Octavia (which I   )

Looks like you need another dealer even if it means a journey.