Just signed up. Currently drive a 1993 Passat estate 1.6 diesel (from new). It's been a great servant but its days are numbered. So thinking of taking the plunge and buying a new Octavia. Leaning towards a 1.6 FSI Elegance. I'm getting on a bit (to put it mildly) and would go for an auto. Main competition in my head would be a Honda Civic. Reliability is top factor for me.

A very open question I know, but any comments?

Yes. Do it! I got one in 1998, and took it to 230,000Km before it got trashed, without any trouble. Great car.

Hi & welcome to Briscoda:thumbup:

personally I would get an Octavia, more space & comfort than a Civic, + its a VW in disguise:rofl: :rofl:

Common Suggestion - Go and test drive 1

If you want a HUGE boot then the Octy wins hands down.

Hi, and welcome

I love my Octy

Octavia's make very nice drives!

Welcome to Briskoda!

I like my MK I octy and parents have jsut bought a MK II on the back of what they saw with mine they say. I would suggest a derv with DSG if you can afford it and definately taking it for a test drive:)

Welcome to briskoda

Yes ...I would go with the above and say try the 1.9tdi with DSG if you can stretch the budget that far......test drive will confirm just how good it is

And I'll be the odd one out here , and say to seriously consider the Civic.

I nearly bought one instead of my Octy II and now I'm thinking I may not have made the right choice when it comes to reliability.

It's a very good car but with 5 faults in 11000 miles it's not a patch on the MkI in that respect

And I'll be the odd one out here , and say to seriously consider the Civic.

That is fine as long as you and your family are not much more than 5' 9" - 5' 10"

I am 5' 11" and found barely enough headroom in front, and very poor in back.

Also you have to climb down into the car, more like getting into a sportscar than a saloon.

Final problem is appalling rear visibility.

I would not disagree with probably better reliability, although have not owned a Honda.

I hated the civic pretty much from minute one when i smacked my head getting in.

The wheel adjusted up and was directly infront of the techno speedo too :(

At the end of the day try what you are considering and go for it.

That is fine as long as you and your family are not much more than 5' 9" - 5' 10"

I am 5' 11" and found barely enough headroom in front, and very poor in back.

Also you have to climb down into the car, more like getting into a sportscar than a saloon.

Final problem is appalling rear visibility.

I would not disagree with probably better reliability, although have not owned a Honda.

Odd , cause I'm 6ft1 and fitted just fine.

The rear visibility is an issue , but it's well worth considering

Thanks for all the comments. I'll bear them in mind, and as suggested I'll take a test drive or two. And I'll report back when I've made a decision, which probably won't be too soon - I'm not renowned for speed of action, and I'm still reluctant to get rid of the Passat, nothing serious has ever gone wrong with it.

As for the Civic, I hate the appearance of the thing and think that rear vision might be a big issue, but I'd better at least sit in one I suppose.

Odd , cause I'm 6ft1 and fitted just fine.

The rear visibility is an issue , but it's well worth considering

That could be so, as I have a long body and - relatively short legs.

My sitting height is more like that of 6' 2" or so, so "normal" tall people may have enough headroom.

hello and yes