Been browsing here for a few days, so thought I'd sign up.

So, I'm in the market for a car and an Octavia ticks all the boxes for size, price and reliability.

Now I've been reading up on problems with different engines etc. But just wanted some advice on what people would do in my specific situation.

Right now we've got a 20 year old Clio which just runs and runs and runs. Barring the odd bit here and there, we haven't spent anything on it in the last 10 years. But now we need extra space for a little one.

We don't do many miles (probably 3-4k a year) so I'm thinking a diesel with dpf is out of the question. I'd like to get something as cheap as possible considering how much we use it.

Right now near me I can get a 1.9 tdi for a few grand on about 90k miles but there's no sign of a belt change.

Also a 1.4 tsi for a bit more, but it's 125k miles. It's 2013 so I assume that's belt? I've read about chain tensioners on the earlier one's. Is 125k miles too much for a petrol?

Anyway, if anyone has any input on what would definitely be best in my situation, that would be good. I'm not ruling out paying more, but would rather not.

Since you mention 1.9TDI not 2.0TDI I guess that's an Octavia 2?

A 2013 Octavia could be an Octavia 2 or Octavia 3, might be helpful to clarify.

2 minutes ago, PetrolDave said:

Since you mention 1.9TDI not 2.0TDI I guess that's an Octavia 2?

A 2013 Octavia could be an Octavia 2 or Octavia 3, might be helpful to clarify.

3 minutes ago, PetrolDave said:

Since you mention 1.9TDI not 2.0TDI I guess that's an Octavia 2?

A 2013 Octavia could be an Octavia 2 or Octavia 3, might be helpful to clarify.

Yes, was only looking at the 1.9 in diesel as (I believe) it has no dpf.

The 1.4 is mk3

The 1.9PD TDI is fabulously reliable if cared for.

If it's running well, that would be my choice for a cheapo reliable option.

I'd hang onto that sweet Clio too, if room permitted. 😄

Edited 10 September, 202510 Sep by EnterName

9 minutes ago, EnterName said:

The 1.9PD TDI is fabulously reliable if cared for.

If it's running well, that would be my choice for a cheapo reliable option.

I'd hang onto that sweet Clio too, if room permitted. 😄

Yes, I'm thinking the 1.9 too. Worrying that there's no record of belt change though. Although, I have been reading on here about the 4/5 year thing being scrapped, and only mileage used? Even so, 16 years is a bit much.

As for the clio, that's going to stay in the family for sure.

2 hours ago, pompeyjim said:

Yes, I'm thinking the 1.9 too. Worrying that there's no record of belt change though.

That wouldn't worry me at all, I'd just get it changed. 👍

8 minutes ago, EnterName said:

That wouldn't worry me at all, I'd just get it changed. 👍

Fair point.

I'm pretty set on a 1.9 for reliability, but there's a nice looking mk3 2014 2.0 dsg locally for just over 4 grand with 148k miles.

Am I asking for trouble with that mileage when I can get a 2009 1.9 with less than 90k for half the price?

19 minutes ago, pompeyjim said:

Fair point.

I'm pretty set on a 1.9 for reliability, but there's a nice looking mk3 2014 2.0 dsg locally for just over 4 grand with 148k miles.

Am I asking for trouble with that mileage when I can get a 2009 1.9 with less than 90k for half the price?

It depends what you want.

Only you can know the preferences & prejudices driving your automotive desires, but if the mandate is for cheap & reliable motoring, the 1.9TDI is a solid bet.

I have a gift for being able to rationalise any purchase I make. If you can master that skill, you'll never buy the "wrong" car again. 😄

go for that octavia 2, 1.9 tdi, do a belt change and other things needed and drive.

15 minutes ago, EnterName said:

It depends what you want.

Only you can know the preferences & prejudices driving your automotive desires, but if the mandate is for cheap & reliable motoring, the 1.9TDI is a solid bet.

I have a gift for being able to rationalise any purchase I make. If you can master that skill, you'll never buy the "wrong" car again. 😄

Oh yeah I'm similar to that!

7 minutes ago, imart143 said:

go for that octavia 2, 1.9 tdi, do a belt change and other things needed and drive.

I think you're right

Just to be certain, do all 1.9 octavia's have no dpf, including face lift versions? It's a 59 I'm looking at.

Have had two cars with the 1.9tdi BXE engine. 58plate octavia and 09 plate Seat altea. Had zero problems with the Octavia apart from usual wear and tear. Excellent MPG 60-70 on long run and plenty power and they both had no DPF. Downside is road tax and not Ulez compliant. On the Altea I have an Engine management problem due to insufficeient EGR flow. Theres a EGR cooler on rear of engine that can cause probs and difficult to get to if it does. I now have a 1.6tdi 12 plate Octavia but would swap it for the 1.9tdi anyday. As long as it has a good service history I reckon the 1.9tdi should be fine. Timing belt isn't that bad to do and do the waterpump at the same time. 90K is nothing for these engines. Mine still runs perfectly at 180k but bodywork has terminal rust.

Alasdair

I ran a 2005 mk2 estate with the 1.9tdi BKC engine (believe this is the best reliable / less issues engine model ???)

from 2011 to 2023.

150,000 miles when I traded it.

I have admitted this before that I never serviced the DSG gearbox AND never had any issues with it either. 5 years old when I purchased it as a work horse.

If you are fine with the agricultural like noisy element of this engine then it has to be a great choice.

Cheap (well, nothing is cheap nowadays) and cheerful, happy .... and should be ... reliable motoring.

Edited 10 September, 202510 Sep by Tilt

3 hours ago, pompeyjim said:

Just to be certain, do all 1.9 octavia's have no dpf, including face lift versions? It's a 59 I'm looking at.

I think you would have to check the vehicle ...

Yes, some 1.9 TDI engines had a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), but it was not a universal fitment; DPF inclusion depended on the specific vehicle, its engine code (like the BLS), and the market it was built for, with later models and specific regions (like Europe) being more likely to feature them. You can confirm if your 1.9 TDI has a DPF by checking the vehicle's handbook, looking for manufacturer stickers in the driver's door or under the bonnet, or visually inspecting the area behind the turbo for a large, steel-canned DPF unit. 

but IF this info is correct

DPF filters became mandatory for new diesel cars from 2009 in the UK to meet the Euro 5 emissions standards, though some models were fitted earlier to comply with these standards. While 2009 marked the widespread introduction, the technology itself and some early applications on passenger cars began even sooner, with Peugeot being a pioneer in this area.  

taken from Ai, then I suspect that it may have one.

That 1.4l engine with timing belt is one of the best engines you can choose. That 1.4l engine with timing chain has a lot of problems, i would not go for it..

Annoyingly the one for sale locally went so been on the lookout for another.

The missus has now decided she wants an automatic. I'm a bit sceptical of these dsg boxes but I've seen a lot of posts on here praising them.

They seem to really bump the price up. Looks like mk2 octavias with dsg going for around 4k!

Seen one with so called full service history on 100k miles but seemingly no record of dsg service. Probably gonna swerve that one.

On 21/09/2025 at 15:31, pompeyjim said:

Seen one with so called full service history on 100k miles but seemingly no record of dsg service. Probably gonna swerve that one.

Maybe see how it drives ......

I had mine from 2011 and ran it for 13 years ...... 1.9tdi DSG Elegance estate. (So ... 6 speed wet)

No DSG service was carried out by myself (I have 'admitted' this before, as I know many will frown) .......

...... But I had NO issues with the gearbox whatsoever, in the 13 years of abuse that I gave it. It was my workhorse vehicle.

so iirc it had just the one DSG service in it's 150,000 mile life and 18 years of age.

Aaah ...... 18 years old ...... seems a lifetime ago for me, Lol.

Edited 24 September, 202524 Sep by Tilt

Ok, so after all that, I saw a Superb for sale that the missus really wanted so I got that!

Pretty sure it won't be as reliable with all the mod cons

Had a look at a superb when I was looking for another Octy. Very nice car indeed with all the add ons and more. I went with an Octavia mainly as I have a few that I canabilise for parts. May well go for a Superb next time as my donor cars are gradually getting stripped of decent parts. Its if I remember slightly longer than the Octavia but as said very nice to drive.

Enjoy

Alasdair