Hi, 

 

My 17yr old mini cooper has died and we are expecting our first child in October. After seeking much advice around the internet and assessing all the options I am strongly considering a Skoda Octavia. The car will be used for driving around town [short 2/3 mile runs] through the week, with longer 50-75 mile round trips at the weekends on A + B roads. With some less frequent longer trips throughout the year. It will be our only car so want something reliable, especially after recent garage bills on the MINI. We enjoy camping, and hiking trips and also want scope for maybe a Labrador sized dog in the future. I feel like an Octavia will fulfill all of this. Budget is 11-13k. 

My outstanding questions:

1] DSG or manual? There is a DSG for sale which has all of the spec features I would like [full leather, heated seats etc], but I have some question marks about the reliability of the gearbox, and this particular vehicle has 30,000 on the clock. I could compromise the spec features and get a manual with half the mileage. Am I right to be concerned about the gearbox?

2] How to purchase? Skoda approved used warranty seems conditional upon buying through PCP. If i were to do this and settle the finance within the 14 days, would i retain this warranty etc? 

3] Online purchase - I have been looking at getting a car home delivered literally to the other side of the country. Would I be able to do this and then have it serviced at the nearest approved garage? As the servicing is also included alongside the warranty. 

Apologies if these are silly questions, I have limited experience when it comes to car purchasing. I only spent £3k on my MINI 

I have limited experience of Skodas, but much wider in other marques..

 

1] DSG or manual? There is a DSG for sale which has all of the spec features I would like [full leather, heated seats etc], but I have some question marks about the reliability of the gearbox, and this particular vehicle has 30,000 on the clock. I could compromise the spec features and get a manual with half the mileage. Am I right to be concerned about the gearbox? I personally would go for DSG which is easier to drive and manage, from what I have read on here seem to be relatively bulletproof and would be better for the kind of driving that you do (I have had 2 my current petrol vRS and a TDi 150bhp Superb). However you don't mention which engine? 30'000 on the clock is not a huge amount as long as it has been serviced correctly it shouldn't be a problem

2] How to purchase? Skoda approved used warranty seems conditional upon buying through PCP. If i were to do this and settle the finance within the 14 days, would i retain this warranty etc? You do get a longer warranty through PCP as they have to backup the car to a greater degree,  believe if you pay it off it wont affect the warranty, but i would ring a Skoda dealer (probably not the one you intend to buy from) to get clarification. Where in the country are you? If you buy on PCP you may also get 2 years free servicing, as i have on my daughters Citygo.

3] Online purchase - I have been looking at getting a car home delivered literally to the other side of the country. Would I be able to do this and then have it serviced at the nearest approved garage? As the servicing is also included alongside the warranty. You can get the vehicle serviced at any Skoda dealer and that will fulfill the warranty requirements, however if there is an issue with the car that is down to the supplying dealer, you may be directed back to them for resolution. Once it is out of warranty i would find a good independent specialist to maintain it, Skoda servicing prices are not horrendous compared to some (I'm looking at you Mercedes) but an independent will generally be cheaper.

Edited 27 April, 20215 yr by Pagan-Image

52 minutes ago, Pagan-Image said:

Thanks for the reply; I've been looking at the 1.4/1.5 engines. 

I'm in cumbria, there is an approved garage in Morecambe I believe, which for a once a year trip is fine. As you say, if bought using PCP there are two services/MOT's thrown in for £80. So all things considered I think it seems a good deal, especially on a 2018 plate where the worst of the depreciation has passed. 

 

Have a look through the threads on the 1.4/1.5 engines as there are varying information depending on what you want, performance or economy, from what i have read (i am far from being an expert) DSG seems to be the better option for these engines.

Edited 27 April, 20215 yr by Pagan-Image
typo

Hi S_T, welcome to the forum. Personally, I'd go for the manual unless you really hate changing gear yourself. My M6 Octavia regularly gets 40MPG and above on my commutes - closer to 50 on longer runs. 

I've gone from 6 speed Manual in a 1.6 Diesel Civic, to 1.4TSI DSG Estate and loving the auto box. Its does make for relaxed driving particularly in traffic and economy is around the 42-45MPG without much effort. KIckdown is awesome especially in Sport mode but you also have manual override should you wish to use it. I suggest you drive both, but especially the DSG.

 

Also the Estate is huge inside, will easily accommodate your dog, rear leg room is best in class considering its based on the Golf platform so will be ideal for the new addition to the family.

 

Would also recommend Skoda Approved, for warranty.

 

Avoid the 1.5 unless DSG, some owners having issues with kangarooing, more so with manual gearboxes.

Edited 27 April, 20215 yr by FrankNicklin

Just thought I would update the thread...

 

So i was fortunate and an excellent condition, 3 year old, 30K mile DSG 1.5 Octavia was available in my hometown, after a test drive I managed to get some money knocked off and 2 years warranty. 

Absolutely loving it so far, a massive step up from my old car. Sadly it didn't come with the original floor mats, can anyone recommend some or a good website? 

 

3 hours ago, S_T said:

Just thought I would update the thread...

 

So i was fortunate and an excellent condition, 3 year old, 30K mile DSG 1.5 Octavia was available in my hometown, after a test drive I managed to get some money knocked off and 2 years warranty. 

Absolutely loving it so far, a massive step up from my old car. Sadly it didn't come with the original floor mats, can anyone recommend some or a good website? 

https://a.aliexpress.com/_m0u2Z2p

 

https://carmats.co.uk/products/skoda-octavia-estate-hatchback-2013-car-mats

Edited 10 May, 20215 yr by Tolpol62