Advice please forum goers.  I’m looking at buying a 2019 Skoda Octavia TSI ACT SE Technology with 82k miles.

 

It’s had one main dealer service carried out at Richmond Skoda (around June 2022 when car approx 3 years old and 33k miles), without any further until the current dealer obtained the car from the main Skoda dealer. Current dealer has carried out a full service, I have a photo of the receipt - brake pads, discs, rear wiper, rear wiper motor, oil change etc (Jan 25 when car is approx 5 yrs 7 months old and at 81971 (82k) miles).

 

So approx 33k from new to first service (3 yrs old), then 49k from first service second service/now. Car covering around 20k miles per year. Dealer doesn’t know what car was used for but would assume motorway mileage.

The dealer will carry out any remaining maintenance tasks to turn it into a major service being completed before selling.

 

MOT looks ok from checking online. One failure in May 23 then passed in Aug 23, not sure why it took so long to re-test.

 

Checks confirm not written off etc etc.

 

I’ve not yet viewed the car to inspect condition inside and out, which I know is a significant factor in my decision.

 

How concerned would you be with lack of service history and maintenance if you were looking to buy the car?

 

Car is up for £8,395.

 

Thanks in advance for your advice/thoughts.

Welcome.

 

So Spark Plugs & Air Filter Replaced.

And if they want to make it a Full Service they can do the Air Con Service.   How long a Warranty are you getting from them?

 

Check out a Skoda Warranty and be sure it covers the DSG. 

 

Skoda Main Dealer Servicing was not much anyway. 

No servicing for the DQ200 DSG. 

4 minutes ago, Ootohere said:

Welcome.

 

So Spark Plugs & Air Filter Replaced.

And if they want to make it a Full Service they can do the Air Con Service.   How long a Warranty are you getting from them?

 

Check out a Skoda Warranty and be sure it covers the DSG. 

 

Skoda Main Dealer Servicing was not much anyway. 

No servicing for the DQ200 DSG. 

Thanks for your reply.

 

I can certainly ask about air con service to be included. I’ve attached the full service they’ve completed. I don’t think timing belt is an issue anymore due to the change in advice on this.

 

My wife and I won’t be doing many miles per year, 3/4k max I’d think.

 

Car is manual, so no DSG.

 

Car would come with a 3 month/3000 miles per year warranty.

I’m trying to get my head around the lack of servicing/maintenance recording of the car and how big an issue this is, taking into account servicing it has had, and will have by the current dealer. I.e., level of risk.

11 hours ago, Fieldy79 said:

I’m trying to get my head around the lack of servicing/maintenance recording of the car and how big an issue this is, taking into account servicing it has had, and will have by the current dealer. I.e., level of risk.

 

Might seem odd, but I don't know the servicing is necessarily all that far out.  My car's a 2018 model, but was bought new by me in 2019.  Transpose that to the car you're looking at and maybe it was sold in 2020, which, if it were on a long-life servicing schedule would make the 2022 service on time.  This is of course conjecture on my part, but if it's the case then the next service might be due in 2024 and therefore was carried out five months overdue.  Notwithstanding the schedules that Ootohere has already posted.  And a brake fluid change is also going to be well overdue.

 

I'd think it's been a company car doing distance work.  If it were me, I'd go by condition, how it feels, and be prepared to walk away at the slightest concern or doubt.  A high mileage car if fine if it's been well serviced, but as this one's borderline, I'd be prepared to be very critical.  Maybe they'd consider extending the warranty in the circumstances to give you confidence and reassurance?

 

Gaz

 

1 hour ago, Gaz said:

 

Might seem odd, but I don't know the servicing is necessarily all that far out.  My car's a 2018 model, but was bought new by me in 2019.  Transpose that to the car you're looking at and maybe it was sold in 2020, which, if it were on a long-life servicing schedule would make the 2022 service on time.  This is of course conjecture on my part, but if it's the case then the next service might be due in 2024 and therefore was carried out five months overdue.  Notwithstanding the schedules that Ootohere has already posted.  And a brake fluid change is also going to be well overdue.

 

I'd think it's been a company car doing distance work.  If it were me, I'd go by condition, how it feels, and be prepared to walk away at the slightest concern or doubt.  A high mileage car if fine if it's been well serviced, but as this one's borderline, I'd be prepared to be very critical.  Maybe they'd consider extending the warranty in the circumstances to give you confidence and reassurance?

 

Gaz

 

Thanks Gaz.

 

My thinking was ideally there would be a service every year, and recorded. With there being 1 main dealer service and now 1 with current independent car dealer it made me question things as it’s borderline high mileage/lack of service history, like you say.

 

Definitely need to see and drive it and willing to walk away if any concern.

 

Good shout on mentioning brake fluid change, and asking for extended warranty for reassurance.

Just to correct myself, long-life is a 24 month schedule, or 19,000 miles, whichever comes sooner:

 

 

And yes, annual servicing would be my preference.  The 50,000 mile gap you have means it's missing two services at least based on the above.

 

Gaz

7 minutes ago, Gaz said:

Just to correct myself, long-life is a 24 month schedule, or 19,000 miles, whichever comes sooner:

 

 

And yes, annual servicing would be my preference.  The 50,000 mile gap you have means it's missing two services at least based on the above.

 

Gaz

Ah yea, it appears so. Now to determine how much of an issue this is bearing in mind the current dealer has carried out a full service and will complete remaining maintenance to turn it into a major service. I.e., would this allay any concerns over the 2 missing services going forward.

Yet the same engines / drivetrains from VW Group VW, SEAT, AUDI and even SKODA are 18,000-20,000 miles Flexible / Variable Service Regimes in some bumff.

& a reset Service Indicator might well show 24 months / 20,000 miles.

That's the $64k question.  The car could be absolutely fine.  If you like it, maybe pay a third party to inspect it and report, for additional peace of mind?  Could be the best £££'s investment you'll make, and would mitigate your risk on any glaring problems, if there are any.

 

You can do a lot yourself if you're able to do the basics when you go to see it.

 

Looking at the advert, the car's still awaiting prep, so early days and no photo's just yet.  Seeing it's the 1.5 engine, some of these had an issue with kangarooing, although I'm not sure when it was an issue - link below shows a 2019 manual one.  This would be worth reading up on. 

 

Gaz

 

Edit: Quite a lot to read if you search on here:

 

 

 

Edited 12 February, 20251 yr by Gaz
update and a couple of links added

Hi, 

 

I have just purchased a 2018 Skoda Superb on 70,000 miles.

 

I had to replace the spark plugs and a coil pack as the car was going into limp mode. 

 

Apart from that i have had no issues.

 

 

16 hours ago, Fieldy79 said:

Advice please forum goers.  I’m looking at buying a 2019 Skoda Octavia TSI ACT SE Technology with 82k miles.

 

It’s had one main dealer service carried out at Richmond Skoda (around June 2022 when car approx 3 years old and 33k miles), without any further until the current dealer obtained the car from the main Skoda dealer. Current dealer has carried out a full service, I have a photo of the receipt - brake pads, discs, rear wiper, rear wiper motor, oil change etc (Jan 25 when car is approx 5 yrs 7 months old and at 81971 (82k) miles).

 

So approx 33k from new to first service (3 yrs old), then 49k from first service second service/now. Car covering around 20k miles per year. Dealer doesn’t know what car was used for but would assume motorway mileage.

The dealer will carry out any remaining maintenance tasks to turn it into a major service being completed before selling.

 

MOT looks ok from checking online. One failure in May 23 then passed in Aug 23, not sure why it took so long to re-test.

 

Checks confirm not written off etc etc.

 

I’ve not yet viewed the car to inspect condition inside and out, which I know is a significant factor in my decision.

 

How concerned would you be with lack of service history and maintenance if you were looking to buy the car?

 

Car is up for £8,395.

 

Thanks in advance for your advice/thoughts.

 

16 hours ago, Fieldy79 said:

Advice please forum goers.  I’m looking at buying a 2019 Skoda Octavia TSI ACT SE Technology with 82k miles.

 

It’s had one main dealer service carried out at Richmond Skoda (around June 2022 when car approx 3 years old and 33k miles), without any further until the current dealer obtained the car from the main Skoda dealer. Current dealer has carried out a full service, I have a photo of the receipt - brake pads, discs, rear wiper, rear wiper motor, oil change etc (Jan 25 when car is approx 5 yrs 7 months old and at 81971 (82k) miles).

 

So approx 33k from new to first service (3 yrs old), then 49k from first service second service/now. Car covering around 20k miles per year. Dealer doesn’t know what car was used for but would assume motorway mileage.

The dealer will carry out any remaining maintenance tasks to turn it into a major service being completed before selling.

 

MOT looks ok from checking online. One failure in May 23 then passed in Aug 23, not sure why it took so long to re-test.

 

Checks confirm not written off etc etc.

 

I’ve not yet viewed the car to inspect condition inside and out, which I know is a significant factor in my decision.

 

How concerned would you be with lack of service history and maintenance if you were looking to buy the car?

 

Car is up for £8,395.

 

Thanks in advance for your advice/thoughts.

Is this a 1.5 TSI? Price (for a dealer) appears pretty reasonable provided condition is good. Surprising that it does not appear to have been serviced at two years though.

1 hour ago, Gaz said:

That's the $64k question.  The car could be absolutely fine.  If you like it, maybe pay a third party to inspect it and report, for additional peace of mind?  Could be the best £££'s investment you'll make, and would mitigate your risk on any glaring problems, if there are any.

 

You can do a lot yourself if you're able to do the basics when you go to see it.

 

Looking at the advert, the car's still awaiting prep, so early days and no photo's just yet.  Seeing it's the 1.5 engine, some of these had an issue with kangarooing, although I'm not sure when it was an issue - link below shows a 2019 manual one.  This would be worth reading up on. 

 

Gaz

 

Edit: Quite a lot to read if you search on here:

 

 

 

Thanks Gaz, will have a read.

1 hour ago, Warrior193 said:

 

Is this a 1.5 TSI? Price (for a dealer) appears pretty reasonable provided condition is good. Surprising that it does not appear to have been serviced at two years though.

Hi Warrior193,

 

Yes, it’s a 1.5TSI. I was surprised too, hence me seeking advice/thoughts. There may be nothing to worry about, and as mentioned in some of the other posts I need to see/feel its condition.

Update - I viewed and test drove the car on Saturday. Octavia appears to be a very nice car, but the condition of this car was not.

 

Even though the garage knew I’d be viewing at the weekend since Monday the car had not been prepped/valeted, it was dirty inside and out. 
 

I’d like to think I can see through dirt, so that’s not a big issue. However, as soon as I opened the drivers door I was met with 5/6 deep scratches on the inner door frame, split drivers seat and worn/dirty/stained seats. Not a good start and immediately made me feel like the car had not been cared for in the slightest.

The dirty/stained upholstery was throughout, and I wasn’t convinced all could be removed. Handbrake was also very worn.

 

The car had several reasonable dents scratches on the outside, again, not ones which could easily be tidied up.

 

So it was a no, but was good to see in person. Thank you to those who provided advice/input, it was helpful.

 

It actually made me realise for my family needs I don’t think I need as much space as the Octavia provides leading me to look at Rapid Spaceback’s due to budget constraints and seeing this online - SKODA Rapid Spaceback 1.0 TSI SE Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (95 ps) £8248 in white.

 

Initial concern is whether it has enough power for my needs - generally shorter journeys (up to an hour) some longer journeys 1-2 hours) and some even longer journeys (2+ hours) if holidaying in UK.

On 11/02/2025 at 21:22, Fieldy79 said:

Advice please forum goers.  I’m looking at buying a 2019 Skoda Octavia TSI ACT SE Technology with 82k miles.

 

It’s had one main dealer service carried out at Richmond Skoda (around June 2022 when car approx 3 years old and 33k miles), without any further until the current dealer obtained the car from the main Skoda dealer. Current dealer has carried out a full service, I have a photo of the receipt - brake pads, discs, rear wiper, rear wiper motor, oil change etc (Jan 25 when car is approx 5 yrs 7 months old and at 81971 (82k) miles).

 

So approx 33k from new to first service (3 yrs old), then 49k from first service second service/now. Car covering around 20k miles per year. Dealer doesn’t know what car was used for but would assume motorway mileage.

The dealer will carry out any remaining maintenance tasks to turn it into a major service being completed before selling.

 

MOT looks ok from checking online. One failure in May 23 then passed in Aug 23, not sure why it took so long to re-test.

 

Checks confirm not written off etc etc.

 

I’ve not yet viewed the car to inspect condition inside and out, which I know is a significant factor in my decision.

 

How concerned would you be with lack of service history and maintenance if you were looking to buy the car?

 

Car is up for £8,395.

 

Thanks in advance for your advice/thoughts.

53k miles.

Makes you (me) wonder if they actually want to sell cars, doesn't it 🙄

 

At least it was obvious that it wasn't the car for you.

 

I've no experience of the 1.0 TSI, but a mate had a 1.2 Fabia DSG and that was a surprisingly willing little engine that bopped along quite nicely.

 

Gaz

 

30 minutes ago, Gaz said:

Makes you (me) wonder if they actually want to sell cars, doesn't it 🙄

 

At least it was obvious that it wasn't the car for you.

 

I've no experience of the 1.0 TSI, but a mate had a 1.2 Fabia DSG and that was a surprisingly willing little engine that bopped along quite nicely.

 

Gaz

 

Tell me about it, you think they’d have made a bit more of an effort! 🙄

 

Boot was huge, and we won’t need that (as nice as it is). 
 

 

Read mixed reviews on rapid space back and the 1.0 tsi 95, similarly the fabia 1.2 (engine is practically the same with 1.0 having a bit more torque?). Rapid SB looks nice from pictures, the fact it’s the SE sport appeals more than if just an SE. 53k miles, 2018 (68) plate and within budget. Realistically it feels like we won’t get much more for the budget we have, and a car/brand I’m drawn to.

 

Looks like I’ll have to see if I can test drive it. 🙂

I can't advise on the 1.0 95PS TSI - but SWMBOs 110PS Fabia pulls well and comes with the 6M gearbox. 

4 hours ago, Fieldy79 said:

Read mixed reviews on rapid space back and the 1.0 tsi 95, similarly the fabia 1.2 (engine is practically the same with 1.0 having a bit more torque?).

Not if the 1.0 is a 3 cylinder engine and the 1.2 is a 4 cylinder.  My wife has a 2015 4-cylinder 1.2TSI 90 PS 5-speed manual Fabia and it is fine with just us two in it, depends what power and torque cars you are used to I'm used to lightweight (very lightweight compared to modern cars particularly from German marques) with plenty of power to weight and I don't find the 1.2 90PS lacking.  You do notice when there are three passenger on board and if those were modern larger people and full luggage more so but it would still manage well enough.

 

I've no idea about the Rapid (last Rapid I had was in the 1980s) and prices but I would not be drawn to cars newer than 2018 (well a lot older than that really) because VW like the other German marques have for decades had over-complex computer systems and programs and we've all learnt about the issues these can cause and IIRC 2019 on more and more systems are added so more potential to go wrong and cost to try and put right.

 

BTW a high mileage car in reasonable condition mechanically (and electrics perhaps) be less worn than a low mileage car in reasonable condition so would potentially be better for low mileage use in the future.  With low mileage use you may want to get an appropriate battery charger maintainer the computer systems don't like the 12v battery in a low state of charge which is even if the lights seem bright enough and a long way before any difficulty in starting the engine (by that time the battery has been very depleted).

 

With a 3 cylinder VW engine you want the "service" and "maintenance" work to be reasonably timely and up to date.  With 3 plugs each is more responsible than with 4 as it's just simple maths so timely plug changes (and engine air filter).  But of course the engine (and transmission) is a lower priority than brakes, steering, suspension (all three include tyres), safety electrics (lights, wipers, blower, horn, etc.) windows, mirrors and reflective number plates (see and be seen).

 

Do not put too much faith in modern VW "service" as it's basically just an annual (if that) engine oil and filter change and a look-see for more chargeable work, that's not even a service for (the less important) engine let alone a service for the whole car.  The "maintenance" schedule covers some of the stuff that is missing in the "service" but it's more minimum than optimal range and time/mileage intervals.  Same for a current MoT, this doesn't mean the car is as good as it could or should be just that the car passed a statutory minimum standard at one point of time only to one (hopefully trained) person's opinion, and it could even fail that test days, hours or even minutes later.

 

Buy on condition (with good service history if possible), test drive the car from cold to fully warmed in as many different conditions as possible.

 

You've not said what recent car(s) you are used to to give an idea of how a VWŠkoda might compare, if you are used to Toyota and Honda then lower your expectations but if you had other German marques it's more level.

 

Good luck.

      

14 minutes ago, nta16 said:

Not if the 1.0 is a 3 cylinder engine and the 1.2 is a 4 cylinder.  My wife has a 2015 4-cylinder 1.2TSI 90 PS 5-speed manual Fabia and it is fine with just us two in it, depends what power and torque cars you are used to I'm used to lightweight (very lightweight compared to modern cars particularly from German marques) with plenty of power to weight and I don't find the 1.2 90PS lacking.  You do notice when there are three passenger on board and if those were modern larger people and full luggage more so but it would still manage well enough.

 

I've no idea about the Rapid (last Rapid I had was in the 1980s) and prices but I would not be drawn to cars newer than 2018 (well a lot older than that really) because VW like the other German marques have for decades had over-complex computer systems and programs and we've all learnt about the issues these can cause and IIRC 2019 on more and more systems are added so more potential to go wrong and cost to try and put right.

 

BTW a high mileage car in reasonable condition mechanically (and electrics perhaps) be less worn than a low mileage car in reasonable condition so would potentially be better for low mileage use in the future.  With low mileage use you may want to get an appropriate battery charger maintainer the computer systems don't like the 12v battery in a low state of charge which is even if the lights seem bright enough and a long way before any difficulty in starting the engine (by that time the battery has been very depleted).

 

With a 3 cylinder VW engine you want the "service" and "maintenance" work to be reasonably timely and up to date.  With 3 plugs each is more responsible than with 4 as it's just simple maths so timely plug changes (and engine air filter).  But of course the engine (and transmission) is a lower priority than brakes, steering, suspension (all three include tyres), safety electrics (lights, wipers, blower, horn, etc.) windows, mirrors and reflective number plates (see and be seen).

 

Do not put too much faith in modern VW "service" as it's basically just an annual (if that) engine oil and filter change and a look-see for more chargeable work, that's not even a service for (the less important) engine let alone a service for the whole car.  The "maintenance" schedule covers some of the stuff that is missing in the "service" but it's more minimum than optimal range and time/mileage intervals.  Same for a current MoT, this doesn't mean the car is as good as it could or should be just that the car passed a statutory minimum standard at one point of time only to one (hopefully trained) person's opinion, and it could even fail that test days, hours or even minutes later.

 

Buy on condition (with good service history if possible), test drive the car from cold to fully warmed in as many different conditions as possible.

 

You've not said what recent car(s) you are used to to give an idea of how a VWŠkoda might compare, if you are used to Toyota and Honda then lower your expectations but if you had other German marques it's more level.

 

Good luck.

      

Thanks @nta16. I did have a 2013 Ford Focus 1.0 ecoboost Titanium until the engine went kaput, currently occasionally driving a 60 plate 1.0 Ford Fiesta Titanium.

 

I have started a separate thread for my new query - “Experience of Rapid spaceback 1.0 tsi 95 SE Sport”, with this info on.

 

It would be 2 adults and 2 children’s mostly in the car, sometimes with luggage (if going on holiday) and occasionally a 3rd adult with luggage too. 

 

Yes, buying on condition with service/maintenance history with receipts is something I’ll be looking for. Learnt that on the Octavia mentioned above.

6 minutes ago, Fieldy79 said:

I did have a 2013 Ford Focus 1.0 ecoboost Titanium until the engine went kaput, currently occasionally driving a 60 plate 1.0 Ford Fiesta Titanium.

12 year old engine had it, but I think I've seen the Ford ecoboost engines were all great.  Personally I'd prefer a 60 plate car to a newer car.  The big well known manufacturers here like VW and Ford with family cars for this century at least only really bothered with 4-cylinder engines, and bigger capacity, force over finesse.

 

Fords used to be good for bits lasting on them or easily and cheap to replace but that was perhaps last century/millennium but if you're at Ford Focus and Fiesta level then I suspect VWŠkoda might be a similar level.  What annoyed me from a few years in, and continues to annoy me, is the extra expense of having a 2015 VWŠkoda the parts that failure far too early because of lack of quality, personally I'd have sooner my wife had bought an older Toyota or Honda for the same initial cost but less expense and hassle over the near medium and longer term.

 

21 minutes ago, Fieldy79 said:

I have started a separate thread for my new query - “Experience of Rapid spaceback 1.0 tsi 95 SE Sport”, with this info on.

Very good idea, you could also look at the Guides forum and any other model forum that uses the same engine for engine info.  Stick to annual (if not needed earlier) engine oil and filter changes, timely plug and engine air filter changes but that's just for the relatively unimportant engine.  Personally I use better quality oil that VW dictate, they're fun about the oil and info they give same for the coolant, the German marques have their own unnecessary additional specification systems.

 

One of the reason's my wife looked at the Fabia (hatch) was because a mate who knows more about cars than any salesman (but likes German cars because he's bulky) told her the Fabia had the most cabin space in its class (wotever that was).  There's plenty of room at the front, back is adequate, seats bases are typically German marque too wide a*sed and deep for my short legs, seat covers seem thinnish but have lasted well (so far?).  Estate (Combi !) obviously give more luggage space for 5.