Hi all, I’m trying to figure out whether it’s worth keeping my 2013 Octavia 1.2TSI manual petrol or just selling it. The car needs a one-off suspension arm ball joint replacement, cam belt and the rear camera warning light is on (since it has been wired to the reverse lamp). I only have service history from the last twoof years (as the delaer I bought it from in 2024 never actually provided the rest). It’s bigger than we really need and mostly sits idle, though it’s familiar and reliable and I can't fault it.

Would you keep it and deal with the repairs, or sell it now and move on? I know what they say - don't sell a car that gives you no troubles - but the size of it, and the fact that I will have to spend 1k on it vs - selling it and getting something smaller, more city-orientated (London) for only 2k extra keeps bugging me.

We have all been there. Not knowing what the best options are. Buying a replacement car will not necessarily mean trouble free motoring. Although a smaller car may be more sensible for your needs. Keeping your Octavia may be the cheapest option , also you know what needs doing now and the history of the past couple of years.

personally I've tended to change every four years but these Octavia 's have been so good, I'm going to keep it for a long time. No matter what the costs are.

so it's a really personal choice for you. All pros & cons.🤔. Good luck.

14 hours ago, Oct@via13 said:

It’s bigger than we really need and mostly sits idle,

If that's the case, sell it based on the fact it no longer suits your needs.

14 hours ago, Oct@via13 said:

and the fact that I will have to spend 1k on it vs

I wouldn't sell a car I had to spend 1K on. But I would sell one that was too big or too small.

Buying another one will cost you more than the 1K, but at least it will suit size wise.

14 hours ago, Oct@via13 said:

for only 2k extra

It will probably cost a least that much to change to a similarly reliable car that will still need maintenance. Cars cost money.

You know what you already have is basically a good car so I would keep it.

It needs a bit of work but most cars do at that age, if you change it will cost you the 1k+ anyway and there's no guarantee to say that what you buy next will not need at least the same or more spending on it within a short period of time.

It may be a bit bigger than what you need but until the time comes when you have little to no option except to sell it keep it.

What makes you think it needs a cambelt change?

I'm keeping mine until it needs an expensive repair.

It's pretty much 100% reliable, cheap to tax and insurance is not through the roof.

The newer cars have more bells and whistles but this has all the basics I need and now I'm only doing about 5K a year it's hard to justify buying another car.

The resale value is low, so I'd just sell or trade it in as a non runner.

11 hours ago, Breezy_Pete said:

What makes you think it needs a cambelt change?

Skoda dealer recommending change . ( But they would do wouldn't they). I just wanted views from Octavia owners.