Hi, Gábor here from Hungary.

 

Currently, I own a car from a different brand but it is only 2 years old. It is a bit of a compromise, engine lacks power, and It is thirsty based on my daily 100 mile commute. Boot space is mediocre, while headroom and leg room is tight. Service prices are relatively expensive As well. 

 

I am 204 cm tall, my wife is 191 and we have a 1 year old son, we are expecting our second child. I am looking for a family car/ estate that is able to maintain decent highway speed and comfort, but won't break the bank. 

 

Interior room is top priority as well.

 

 I want to get as much information As possible. I think an Octavia would be great for us, but hungarian used car market is overstocked with import cars with hidden faults, or ones without any service history. New Octavia is a bit expensive for us yet, so I am in a hunt for a used one.

I have questions about reliability, user satisfation, part prices, Best engine to get etc.

 

Any info is appreciated, wish you all the best.

Have you considered a Skoda Rapid or Seat Toledo? They are very similar and only slightly smaller than the Octavia. They will also probably be better value.

Hi, I drove a Fabia for 3 years and think the rapid won't be a big improvement in legroom. If I am right it is on the same base as the Fabia, just a bit longer under the boot.I only have experience with the Seat Ibiza, the middle plastic block wasn the Way all the time. I Will try to check a toledo, I hope it is roomier.

The Toledo and the Rapid are the same car both built in the Skoda factory. I also had two Fabias and the Rapid/Toledo is a stretched version of the Fabia as you say. I think that you will be very pleasantly surprised by the amount of passenger room in the Rapid and even more impressed with the size of the boot. It is about the same size as the previous generation Octavia. In the UK you generally get more car for your money with the Toledo versus the Rapid. The notchback Rapid has more space overall than the spaceback Rapid. The Toledo only comes as a notchback.

Sadly Seat is pretty weak on the used market in hungary, fleet buyers tend to buy "prestige" instead of value. Thats why there are only a few resaled seats on the market with a known history. I am aiming for the 1.6 crtdi and that is available at seat as well, but risk is a bit higher.