“Hi everyone,

I currently own a BMW 325D E91 msport 2008 325D auto and looking to replace it with a Skoda Octavia Estate MK3 2013> 2.0tdi DSG. Either the 2.0TDI CR 150ps or 184 model. Not sure exactly on spec/trim level. Most probably 2013/2014 with no more than 115k miles, less if possible.

I'm drawn to the Skoda Octavia Estate as it's bigger, has more boot space, still looks nice and seems a lot cheaper to run on paper whilst still being a bit pokey when you put your foot down.

In my current car I do have cruise control, auto lights, auto wipers, front and rear parking sensors and a decent sound system. It would be nice to still have these. What spec level would I be looking at?

I have quite a few questions, sorry:

What are the common faults of these cars, anything major to look out for, engine or anything else?

Any issues with the DSG gearbox?

I tend to do all the work and servicing myself (as long as the work isn’t too big) so what are these cars like to work on?

What are these like for rust?

Do these cars/engines last a long time? Do higher mileage examples exist? I ask this as I tend to keep my cars a while and my E91 is on 215k and has been a really solid car mechanically.

Emission control; is it just the dpf and egr in place or is there anything else? Do you get lots of issues with these or just the same as other DPFs?

Appreciate any advice,

Thanks.”

Edited 9 March, 20251 yr by Dean

Some good information here

Dsg service in 150 or 184 every 40k miles. Quite pricey now used to be around £180 -200 thinks it about £250+ these days. Quite a good gearbox if oil is changed regularly.

Cambelt at 75k miles.

That year will have MIB1 or Columbus infotainment system, you won't get apple carplay or android auto on that. Probably won't see any nav map updates now for that either. Screens can get faulty on those too.

My 2016 2.0 TDI has 106kmiles on it. Serviced every 10k oil and filter and then every two years brake fluid and fuel filter and air every 30k.

Other than flipping heater matrix block (common issue ) no other faults to date. Does a dpf regen every tank without fail I do 1000 miles a month.

Interior holding up well, no rattles or other concerns ..

Find a well serviced one. Should be ok.

Boot space is brilliant swallows up loads. I have sought after second boot floor, well worth it.

Edited 9 March, 20251 yr by paulski

If you have a look at the pinned threads above, there’s one entitled “The Mk3 Octavia TDI water pump thread”

It’s quite a common problem. I bought my car five weeks ago and I’ve just had the water pump replaced.

It’s worth checking the service history for timing belt/water pump replacement and factor that in when negotiating.

I think you need to pick your engine, gearbox and body combination before trying to get too specific on common faults.

They each have strengths, features and issues peculiar to them.

One issue common across the range of the MK3, is the silica bag in the coolant reservoir that can split and cause issues requiring a difficult and expensive cleaning process.

Thanks everyone, appreciate the advice!

48 minutes ago, EnterName said:

I think you need to pick your engine, gearbox and body combination before trying to get too specific on common faults.

They each have strengths, features and issues peculiar to them.

One issue common across the range of the MK3, is the silica bag in the coolant reservoir that can split and cause issues requiring a difficult and expensive cleaning process.

Thank you. It’s quite a long message so maybe you missed it but I’m looking at a 2013/2014 Skoda Octavia MK3 estate with the 2.0tdi CR engine 150 or 184bhp (I would prefer 184) with the DSG gearbox which I think will be a 6 speed but not sure on gearbox code. Not sure about spec level yet, still learning what’s available.

Sounds like I need to have a read about the silica bag!

The DQ250 (6-speed wet clutch) DSG is robust one. It is paired at least with the 184 hp version. Both 150 and 184 have high mileage examples but also bad units exist. Generally OK. Around the facelift time (2017) they got better oil rings IIRC.

Mk3 has much less EGR problems. DPF is what it is, really depends on how the car is driven. Nothing terrible, just as any other.

I believe when coming from a decent BMW to Octavia, big difference is overall quality of the interior and soundproofing. That is rattles, wind noise and tyre noise. Perhaps not that bad because of the age difference of the cars. But be prepared for that.

7 hours ago, Skodaudi said:

The DQ250 (6-speed wet clutch) DSG is robust one. It is paired at least with the 184 hp version. Both 150 and 184 have high mileage examples but also bad units exist. Generally OK. Around the facelift time (2017) they got better oil rings IIRC.

Mk3 has much less EGR problems. DPF is what it is, really depends on how the car is driven. Nothing terrible, just as any other.

I believe when coming from a decent BMW to Octavia, big difference is overall quality of the interior and soundproofing. That is rattles, wind noise and tyre noise. Perhaps not that bad because of the age difference of the cars. But be prepared for that.

Thanks for that. Good points to consider!

Why diesel rather than Tsi?