I am currently deliberating over buying my first Skoda (second hand), and am wondering what people's preferences are between the pre-2017 and post 2017 models (with the split front lights).

 

I don't do a huge amount of miles per year, but the journeys I do are generally fairly long (I'm a rock climber based in the south east), and as I am moving to Scotland soon, those trips are likely to get longer. I have therefore been looking mainly at 1.6 diesels, as they seem to be powered well enough, and easier to come by than petrol. I prefer manual (I did try an auto the other day, but still think I would rather have gears), and ideally SE L trim, for they have seats that fold flat. I have noticed 2016 models are often fitted with lower emission engines (i.e. Co2/km), and therefore come with a lower rate of road tax than later models, along with being a bit cheaper with a similar number of miles on the clock.

 

Anyways, I thought it would be a good call to ask a forum of Skoda owners. Are there any glaring reasons for or against a particular version? Is there anything that is a total pain to maintain with them? Thanks.

Hi

Ive just bought a Skoda Octavia estate 1.6 litre 2016  two weeks ago after a bit of research-it was a choice between the VW Passat or Octavia-I came down on the Octavia on running costs and not aesthetics.  Have had it a few weeks and still getting used to the length (previously had aFabia).  Have had an issue with the air circulation which seems to come on in the morning ok but turns of later-down to see Skoda on Monday. Good luck with you choice.

On 13/07/2021 at 23:42, FixItAgainTrevor said:

I am currently deliberating over buying my first Skoda (second hand), and am wondering what people's preferences are between the pre-2017 and post 2017 models (with the split front lights).

 

I don't do a huge amount of miles per year, but the journeys I do are generally fairly long (I'm a rock climber based in the south east), and as I am moving to Scotland soon, those trips are likely to get longer. I have therefore been looking mainly at 1.6 diesels, as they seem to be powered well enough, and easier to come by than petrol. I prefer manual (I did try an auto the other day, but still think I would rather have gears), and ideally SE L trim, for they have seats that fold flat. I have noticed 2016 models are often fitted with lower emission engines (i.e. Co2/km), and therefore come with a lower rate of road tax than later models, along with being a bit cheaper with a similar number of miles on the clock.

 

Anyways, I thought it would be a good call to ask a forum of Skoda owners. Are there any glaring reasons for or against a particular version? Is there anything that is a total pain to maintain with them? Thanks.

 

29 minutes ago, NEV70 said:

Hi

Ive just bought a Skoda Octavia estate 1.6 litre 2016  two weeks ago after a bit of research-it was a choice between the VW Passat or Octavia-I came down on the Octavia on running costs and not aesthetics.  Have had it a few weeks and still getting used to the length (previously had aFabia).  Have had an issue with the air circulation which seems to come on in the morning ok but turns of later-down to see Skoda on Monday. Good luck with you choice.

Welcome to the forum, I’m sure you’ll find loads of help and tips on here.

 

@FixItAgainTrevor A TDI Scout sounds like it will fit the bill a treat for when you move to Scotland, AWD for winter conditions, raised suspension, rugged aesthetics for when you need to park way up a trail to make the most of your climbs. Tons of space for kit, x 4 hanging hooks in the boot, good luggage cover for shielding what you’re carrying, very useful.
Looks are really subjective, but I think it wears the post-facelift headlight design very well.

Yes, the Scout version would be ideal for Scotland. I had a 65 reg version & the only fault was the abysmal headlights!!! Replacement better lightbulbs made some improvement. Go for the later split headlights version & be quick, the tdi/dsg Scout version is becoming a bit of a rarity to find with low mileage! For winter weather grip have all weather tyres fitted?