Octavia test drive results (including some Fabia action) - getting closer to buying one...

Hi everyone,

I got to spend some time with some test driving at my local Skoda dealer today.

History: Current family car is a Fiesta 1.6 diesel which is long in the tooth and perhaps not doing anyone's health much good nowadays!

Firstly, was pointed at the Fabia Estate as an option.  I enjoyed driving it, but ultimately it felt very much like a Fiesta, just with a bigger boot.  So It would be a great _replacement_ if that is what I wanted to do with the Fiesta, but ultimately I am now after something bigger than that, more refined, and well, more of a typical family car.  I think I've had enough of the front seats being pushed forward with the rear loaded with luggage, car seats etc! (I'm over 6')

By contrast, I _loved_ test driving the Octavia.  It felt great at every point and really felt like home.  Perhaps this is because the car I had before the Fiesta was a Seat Leon (pre-family).  It was a 1.5 engine model and very sprightly with it.  It shows how much engines have come on since I last had anything even approaching a 'fast' car.  I was even smiling    Oodles of space and felt very refined, and so I've decided the Octavia is the one to go for.

Most likely thinking of second hand, 13-15k, 1.4 TSi engine.  I'm not really considering diesel due to all the standard reasons: Politically, we don't know where that is going to go, and the ongoing emissions stuff with diesel has left a bad taste in the mouth (no pun intended).  Mileage wise, I will probably top out at 15k in a year with my current job.  So it isn't an obvious 'huge mileage' situation.  Also, the Fiesta true MPG isn't that great for a diesel, and I am typically only hitting about 50 MPG and that's 90% motorway mileage!

I was informed that in terms of new build Octavias, stock is very low, and it is pretty much built to order so I'd be waiting until the end of the year, if I went that route.  A new 1.0 Octavia could be had for about 14.5k with PCP discounts....

So, those are my initial thoughts.  I'd welcome any input....