Please help me fall in love with my car...

[Powerred]

A bit about me. Ive had a variety of cars over the years and driven many a hire car and friends/family cars giving me that all round experience of motoring. From hot hatches to estate beaters, Jags to japs, Mazdas to Mercs and the odd military truck in a former life. 

 

I had wanted an estate mk3 vrs since I first saw them on the road. Years went by and after getting rid of a spankers A3 on finance I had the opportunity to buy my current car outright. Thought it would be perfect, same MQB platform that I already knew, much bigger, much faster and according to my mates, much better looking. Importantly it had all of the toys I wanted, heated everything, CarPlay, dual climate yada yada.

 

Unfortunately this was when I realised that my 6 month newer A3 that I had just disappeared was effectively a generation newer, the 7 speed dsg a million times better than the 6 in mine, the infotainment just not up to Audi standards... The shine soon wore off and no amount of Ali express reversing cameras, black front grills or comments from the neighbours / friends about how nice it is can take off the shine. Every time I hear that (undiagnosed) rattle from the engine bay , I have to visit the local Skoda dealer (where you are only ever inconveniencing them) or the gearbox decides it wants to engage 2nd gear INSTANTLY while slowing up to a junction I just lust after trading it in for something else.

 

The problem is, I only bought it in November and while genericonlinecarbuying.com will give me a decent price for it, I still feel like I need to give it a chance (I want to).

 

So after all that waffle, please Briskoda, help me fall in love with it.

 

 

[Ecomatt]

They are great cars. Have you the latest software on your radio? There are also updates for the DSG. Perhaps a reset would help.

I love the Octavia as yes they arent the best car out there. But value for money they are outstanding. I am on my third Octavia now and still cannot find a car to beat it.

[ords]

Did you give it a good test drive?

[BigEjit]

I’ll have a go at softening you up towards it. 
 

Don’t focus on the noticeable differences or annoyances in comparison to the A3. It’s not going to be the same. Turn them into character items that give it an individual personality instead of the sterile photocopy that comes with over engineering and excess padding. 

 

Then remind yourself of the good experiences that put a smile on your face, being able to pack shed loads more in the load area, decent interior space for everyone, no more gadgets than you realistically need or will use, more likely to be let out of a junction flexibility for it to support more lifestyle activities than the A3 ever could. Also it’s now your own and an asset, not somebody else’s you are effectively hiring, less likely to be stolen.

 

Flashy interiors are great to look at but for the amount of time you are in the car and driving it, you only spend time looking at the front screen, side windows, rear view mirrors and dials, less so the info system, and rarely anything else.

 

To really appreciate its full potential, track day it with a coach or take advanced lessons in it to refine your own driving processes and exploit its ability and flexibility on road. Best thing I ever did for understanding a car’s character. 

 

it’s a Swiss Army knife of a car especially as a VRS wagon and in your case, the same colour. 

[Blairyc]

Can’t see exactly how old your car is but it looks like a pre facelift Mk3 (same as my own). I came from a Mk5 GTI that I truely loved, but had to upgrade as our first baby is on its way and I don’t regret it. Yes it’s not quite as nimble, it’s not quite as quick (the GTI had a stage 1 tune), there is an annoying buzz from behind my right ear on the door pillar and I miss Apple car play. But it’s much more comfortable, it’s still plenty quick and it’s huge! I’m not Into modding my car as such but I have swapped out some of the bulbs for LEDs I got ODBELEVEN and changed some of the functions so it feels more like ‘mine’ now. My Skoda dealer wasn’t great either but I have a great VW specialist mechanic that takes care of it (as they did my GTI) I just don’t think dealers are worth the effort usually. 
 

take it on a long drive, fill it full of gear and you’ll appreciate more the fact it can hold lots, haul lots in comfort (especially with that roof box!) and still put a smile on your face too when you want it to. That’s what separates it from your A3, especially for the price! 

[Redboy]

Yes they have less sound proofing and can rattle from the B pillar or sun glass holder, however they can carry loads of gear. The tech has moved on but that's reflected in the price you paid. You have got a cheap GTI, remap it and enjoy. 

[flybynite]

Well I have both, they are evenly specc'd and I hop between them on a regular basis and in most cases I prefer the Octy. 

 

No heated front screen in the Audi

More rear legroom in the Octy

Personally I find the Columbus touchscreen far easier to use than the fiddly MMI plus.

I don't think the B&O sounds as  impressive as it's price would suggest

Driving position far better in the Octy, A3 does not go low enough.

You don't need 7 gears in a car and the DQ250 is one of the best gearboxes made

People let a Skoda out of junctions

Just no comparison at all between what you can get in an Octy compared to any A3

Later Audis also do that diving for second gear, it is an emissions thing. Earlier cars were generally better but there were obviously overlaps, you probably have the first of the Skoda that did and had the last of the Audis that didn't. My 2018 Audi is terrible but nothing that a good DSG remap will not cure.

 

The Audi has better suspension but that is nothing that cannot be retrofitted They are both MQB

The Audi is better finished but not by as much as you would think, Audis still rattle and they are noisy over bad roads

Seats are better in the Audi.

Audi tend to do more 4x4 petrol cars but Skoda do some

[Gerrycan]

4 hours ago, flybynite said:

 

People let a Skoda out of junctions

 

I did laugh at this one.

[Gerrycan]

I'm pretty sure from many threads on this topic that the dreaded B-pillar rattle is a referred sound from fuel pipes running under the car. Apparently easy to fix with a bit of padding if you have access to a car pit or jack it up to get under it. 

Mine is only apparent for a couple of months of the year with winter temperatures so I have never bothered to address it.

[grldtnr]

10 hours ago, flybynite said:

Well I have both, they are evenly specc'd and I hop between them on a regular basis and in most cases I prefer the Octy. 

 

No heated front screen in the Audi

More rear legroom in the Octy

Personally I find the Columbus touchscreen far easier to use than the fiddly MMI plus.

I don't think the B&O sounds as  impressive as it's price would suggest

Driving position far better in the Octy, A3 does not go low enough.

You don't need 7 gears in a car and the DQ250 is one of the best gearboxes made

People let a Skoda out of junctions

Just no comparison at all between what you can get in an Octy compared to any A3

Later Audis also do that diving for second gear, it is an emissions thing. Earlier cars were generally better but there were obviously overlaps, you probably have the first of the Skoda that did and had the last of the Audis that didn't. My 2018 Audi is terrible but nothing that a good DSG remap will not cure.

 

The Audi has better suspension but that is nothing that cannot be retrofitted They are both MQB

The Audi is better finished but not by as much as you would think, Audis still rattle and they are noisy over bad roads

Seats are better in the Audi.

Audi tend to do more 4x4 petrol cars but Skoda do some

I always think of my Skud , as an Audi in a donkey jacket and gumboots, but I love it, it's the 2nd one I had.

But I think the mk2 octy had the edge over the mk3, it just felt solid. 

 

[TheWanderer]

Can't wait to get shot of mine, when I got it I loved it, but the shine and love soon disappeared when all of the electronics issues and faults reared their ugly heads.

 

It's been into the garage 15 times, it's going for the 16th time in August for another 3 days to have the oil sensor, thermostat sorted (it's telling me that the car is up to full working temperature in around 2 mins!) and coolant system purged and refilled (all under warranty).

 

The latest charade left me stuck at work until 3am, because it wouldn't unlock and even if I used the door lock override and opened the door the alarm and immobiliser kicked in. Skoda Assist in the end booked me a taxi home! It turns out to be a broken key (new key required). OK the last one isn't really the car, but it is in a way because I couldn't override anything to get me home.

 

I'm pretty much decided that my next car will NOT be a Skoda but a BMW 128.

Edited 4 July, 2021 by TheWanderer

[Ecomatt]

4 hours ago, TheWanderer said:

Can't wait to get shot of mine, when I got it I loved it, but the shine and love soon disappeared when all of the electronics issues and faults reared their ugly heads.

 

It's been into the garage 15 times, it's going for the 16th time in August for another 3 days to have the oil sensor, thermostat sorted (it's telling me that the car is up to full working temperature in around 2 mins!) and coolant system purged and refilled (all under warranty).

 

The latest charade left me stuck at work until 3am, because it wouldn't unlock and even if I used the door lock override and opened the door the alarm and immobiliser kicked in. Skoda Assist in the end booked me a taxi home! It turns out to be a broken key (new key required). OK the last one isn't really the car, but it is in a way because I couldn't override anything to get me home.

 

I'm pretty much decided that my next car will NOT be a Skoda but a BMW 128.

Sounds like you got a bad one. But you as you know you can get that with any manufacturer. I could tell you plenty of horror stories from BMW owners. Sadly it is down to cars being too sophisticated and software driven. Hopefully your next car will be hassle free and an enjoyment for you 👍

[flybynite]

4 hours ago, TheWanderer said:

Can't wait to get shot of mine, when I got it I loved it, but the shine and love soon disappeared when all of the electronics issues and faults reared their ugly heads.

 

I'm pretty much decided that my next car will NOT be a Skoda but a BMW 128.

 

I can sympathise with the sentiment but unfortunately the sad truth is you will get the same with just about all cars and manufacturers. There will be ones that have never needed a spanner and ones that are never without one, all in the same model and year.

 

After years of BMW ownership including 2 new cars, I swore I would never have another 

[Powerred]

Well I must say, thank you briskoda people. That was exactly what I needed to read. A balanced view and not blind love of our cars. I can relate to so many comments. It is a cracking motor and Ive had many people tell me Im mad for wanting to get rid of so soon. Some of the comments made me chuckle, especially the one about Skodas being let pull out, class. I will look to keep it fo a while longer and just appreciate it for what it is (NOT an A3).

 

Thanks everyone for spending your time on replying to my post.

 

 

P.S. Felt tape in the gap of the seatbelt height adjuster on the b pillar got rid of the buzzing for me.

[Westbury63]

Some cars you just don't gel with. On paper, it's all you want, but in the flesh it just doesn't do it for you. it happens sometimes. I reckon if you can move it on without getting hit financialy, then find something you do like. If you can stay finance free, all the better.

[Pagan-Image]

I love my FL Mk3 vRS estate, it does everything I want of a car. Its big, quick, comfy relatively economical and surprisingly gets some very admiring glances. I have had big Mercs, land rovers and many other marques as well, and although the general fit and finish is not quite as good in the Skoda, it isn't a million miles away. 

 

Its cheap to run and service (The main reason I went away from Mercedes (Over £500 for a minor service on a C250 C Class)) and I have to say my local dealership in Grimsby is excellent. 

 

It tows my caravan with ease and with bikes on the roof, it will also go like the absolute clappers as well as transport me comfortably and quietly when I have to travel to the office over 250 miles away. 

 

When I have to go and meet clients I never feel low rent getting out of it.

 

It does have the odd rattle, my window switch pack in particular, i have had to put felt tape over the window lock button as at rattled like a skeleton having a w*** in a biscuit tin, but other than that mine has been excellent.

 

Is it a 'Dream Car' probably not, but it is as much car as I would ever need (Until I can afford a toy). 

[ahenners]

I think with the Octavia it's not a car that you fall head over heels with immediately. It's not a car that you swoon over but one which makes a lot of sense on paper and one which slots effortlessly into life. I think it's these qualities that you only begin to appreciate over time rather than in the beginning.

 

Mine has gotten under my skin far more than any other car I've ever owned has. I've owned it longer than any other car and I've come close to changing it a couple of times now and bottled it. It's still more than enough for what I need, perfect for tip runs, family holidays, day to day driving and the occasional fun spirited drive. Add in reliability and cheap to run and what more could you want. Even the tech is still decent given its nearly 8.

Edited 5 July, 2021 by ahenners
Duplicate word.

[paulski]

Totally agree with @ahenners I'm interested in cars,  not a petrol head, and certainly a" function, over form" type of person. 

 

Of all the cars I've owned my l Octavia estate has been nothing but a pleasure since I purchased in 2019. A few VCDS Tweaks made it all that better in subtle ways. 

 

It's just got bags of features that you just can't find elsewhere. My 2.0 TDI dsg eats miles driving for work, has a versatile, (variable boot floor) huge boot for all manner of jobs at work or at home. You can have a bit of fun with the torque it can deliver,  or sedately trundle about if you feel like it. 

 

Not being a VRS it's not amazing to look at, but I'm inside it not outside 😃

 

Tech is just right on my 2016 SEL. I'm probably one of the very few on here that don't even mind the way the SATNAV is operated/performs you just need to RTFM....over and over for a while! 

 

I love the dash layout,  I looked at much more expensive Passats before I took the plunge and they were just so bland..

 

Even the indicator tick makes me smile (but that probably because my wife's Citroen has the most irritating tick ever). 

 

Stick with and stick around on here, you won't regret it... we'll keep telling you not to leave

 

 

 

 

[MrMajestyk]

I took delivery of my second Octavia a little over a month ago. Not a VRS as I am changing my approach to car ownership.  The first Octavia, now 17 years old is still going strong and is owned by a relative.  The new Octavia replaced a Volvo V90.  Had two of them.  The Octavia has a bigger boot (I know I know), the infotainment works, not overly complex and doesn't reboot every other drive.  As much room, no badge snobbery and it just does everything really really well.  360m drive, yep no problem and 48mpg in a petrol.   Prefer it to the Touareg I had for many years too.  Its a Q car.  Enjoy that.

[EnterName]

I can relate to OP here, as I found I didn't "love" my car.

But then I remembered I didn't buy my car with my heart, it was very much a car bought with my head.

When I think about the alternatives, there still isn't anything objectively better for me than the car I bought.

In fact when I was at the dealer looking at it, after a lot of uhming and ahing, I had to concede that I couldn't think of a reason not to buy the car.

Once I got it into my head that my Octavia was bought as a solution to a variety of problems, not food for the soul, I learned to appreciate it more.

 

It does exactly what I bought it to do, and hasn't done anything I didn't want it to do. That'll do me.

(That said, it's only done 1K miles in the last year, so it's still early days.)

[FlyingGecko]

Slightly different perspective. 

I ran a Saab 9-5 with 220 bhp for over nine years, more than twice my next longest.  My average ownership is around thirty months.  Fast, comfortable, I loved it from the start, but after 125,000 miles, it was bleeding me dry. 

I then had a '63 Octavia, 1.4, 140 bhp. Nice, but after 18 months that was all it was.  Nice, and functional.

I wanted more, so went for a petrol vRS, 64 plate, with 220 bhp, and loved it from day one.  (Apart from the wheelspin on  take-off.)  That lasted four and a half years until June last year, when I was no longer getting the use of the performance, and serious depreciation was due to kick in again.  I didn't want to get to the point where it was going to need work either, my one mistake with the Saab. 

It's taken me until now, a year later, to really appreciate my current Karoq, 1.5, 150 bhp, Crystal Black, chrome trim, SE-L, 69 plate.  It covers long distances as well as the Saab and vRS, is as enjoyable as the other two at legal speeds on A and many B roads, maybe another 20 bhp would be good, and while it didn't ignite the immediate infatuation that the Saab and vRS did, I can see me staying with it for a very long time.

 

Hey, we're only talking about cars here, not life partners!

[Powerred]

To update an old thread. I did end up selling in the end. After a year of ownership I took advantage of the soaring used car market and lost no money gained only experience. Bought a VW Caddy maxi as a micro camper. Chalk and cheese. Converted it myself, plenty of nights away in it with the bike etc. Loved it as a camper, hate it as a car. Now a year later I am back as I am looking at a Karoq. On the plus side, the wife has an Abarth so I get to blow off steam in that. 

 

Do I miss the Octavia? Yes and no. I miss the newness factor, it being a car and not a van, and the fact that it looked the tits (to me). I wont miss the 2.0tdi as my mileage has dropped massively and I’d be constantly managing the DPF. The 6 Speed DSG is turd compared to the 7 so I wont miss that. 

 

Looking forward to having a smart looking car again and luckily I kept the tentbox so all is not lost on random nights away.

[octaviavrs4]

Go for a petrol with dsg. The revo stage 1 and revo dsg. You won’t regret it.