Hey guys. 

I’m in the market for a new car which I hope will be either a Mk2FL or mk3 Octavia. My searches so far have led me to a couple of Scouts; I don’t specifically need Scout capability but wouldn’t say no if it’s the best example in budget (under £7k)
 

I previously had a MK2 4x4 but have some questions - hope someone can help!
 

- One of the examples I saw said the engine was 140bhp. Forgot to check the other but I thought the MK2 2.0TDI was a 105BHP as standard; is it different for the Scout? 
 

- Auto vs Manual: I’ve only ever owned manuals but drove an auto Corsa on holiday this year and the idea of an auto Octy appeals - but are they any good? 2011-2014 is probably what my budget allows for if that helps. 
 

- Tyres: my 4x4 had All-Season tyres on and it was amazing in bad weather. If I get a Scout that doesn’t have them on, it’s something I’d like to do but might not be able to justify doing all 4 in one go- is it legit to do one axle at a time I.e. backs then fronts? Or does that cause issues?

 

- Much difference in running costs compared to a standard Octavia? 
In the long run I can probably justify slightly higher running costs but I really can’t stretch my initial budget any further so gotta get the best I can for the money, Scout or not! 
 

Would also welcome any general buying advice in the current market! 
 

cheers! 

Re the mkii the 1.9 4x4 was 105bhp but the 2.0 4x4 and scout were 140bhp...   The 2.0 pd was an 8v like the 1.9 but had a dpf which the 1.9didnt so that's something to be aware of, although they can be removed and mapped out to about 185bhp on a stage 1.

 

Running costs will be slightly higher due to fuel consumption and additional costs of haldex servicing etc. 

 

If you do go for one check for vibration and droning in top at about 2300rpm which will be the 4ear propshaft doughnut on its way out. 

Hi Alessio.  I've got a 2007 Mk 2 Scout 2.0 with a manual gearbox.  The service label says the engine is 103kW, which Google tells me is 138 bhp.

 

I've never driven an auto Octavia so I can't comment on that.  I believe autos tend to be a bit thirstier than manuals.

 

Please don't put winter (or all season) tyres on only one axle, with standard tyres on the other axle.  I did that with my previous FWD Octavia.  I put the winter tyres on the front axle on the grounds that the front wheels do all the driving, all the steering, and most of the braking.  I changed my mind and fitted winter tyres to the rear as well, after the car spun sideways down the road with a carful of my daughter and her friends, at about 5mph, and with a tiny skim of snow on the tarmac.  Winter tyres are fabulous, but they need to be on all four wheels.

 

Running costs: My 2006 Mk 2 FWD Octavia averaged 48 mpg.  My 2007 Mk 2 Scout averages 43 mpg.  Haldex servicing is less than the cost of a tank of fuel, every couple of years, so don't worry about that.  The 4x4 system has not caused any trouble at all in the five years and 61,000 miles I have had the car.  I work as an environmental consultant and I have spent a lot of time driving on rough construction tracks in the Highlands; the 4x4 system is brilliant, far better than you would expect.  However, I have replaced some suspension components more than once, and currently there is a bit of noise from one of the CV joints.  I have also had to replace the rear propshaft doughnut, as Skomaz said.  It was not expensive.

 

I like the car very much.  It is fast enough, economical enough, and has the huge practicality of all Octavia estates.  I think it is nicer to drive then my previous FWD car (which had the less powerful 1.9 PD engine).

 

Hope this helps.

Our mk2 140pd Scout was an excellent car. We too averaged around 43mpg. If you do get a mk2 make sure that you change the hidden filter in the Haldex coupling. Skoda, in their wisdom, don’t even show it on the parts diagram 🤪