I have always been a ford owner, through and through over 40 years. Three fiestas and four Mondeos. But ford just seem to have lost the way, so I needed another make, and Skoda seemed to tick all the boxes, just good solid engineering, although I still reserve judgement on the DSG gearbox? Hoping I can help members of the forum, and get help myself when needed.

Hi Sherrif! I too am a Ford refugee. (Though we still own a Fiesta.) I've had 3 Mondeos (a Mk1 and two Mk3s, not to mention a F-reg Orion what seems about a million years ago) and when it came time to swap the last Mk3, I just didn't click with the Mk5 and, probably much like you, went through a long process of trying to work out what to replace it with and came up with the Octavia.

 

Personally I don't find Skoda engineering any more impressive than Ford's, and there are some lingering issues which really should have been sorted out. But the Octavia is a very satisfying car to drive. Look after your DSG gearbox, and I think you'll grow to love it.

 

Hi, thanks for your post. I Had thought about the 2 litre ecoblue focus diesel. Did some research, the same engine is fitted to the Transit, and Ford is having a host of problems with it, especially failing injectors at fairly low mileage. Also issues with the camshaft belt which is half the thickness of a normal belt, and runs in an oil bath..Also the camshaft is not machined from solid, the cam lobes are pressed on and half been known to twist. So far so good with the Octavia.