New estate car, Skoda Octavia?

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Time for a bigger car!

Thinking Skoda Octavia and budget of up to £16k

Local dealer has a both a 150bhp 1.5 TSI SE L with 9k on the clock and a 2.0L TD Octavia Scout 4x4 DSG with 25k on the clock.

Shorter runs though the week, long drives most weekends so DPF isn't an issue

Anyone have any experience with these or suggest any alternatives?
 
My wife has one, it's a great car and you won't go wrong with it, IMHO. This is her 2nd one of these as she was so impressed. Quality build, reliable and economical.
 
FlyPhot said:
My wife has one, it's a great car and you won't go wrong with it, IMHO. This is her 2nd one of these as she was so impressed. Quality build, reliable and economical.
Click to expand...

I'm really tempted by the Scout, don't really need 4x4 but it has all the toys I'd want like adaptive cruise control and satnav, same engine as the diesel VRS I believe.
 
Bobsyeruncle said:
I've had one as my company car for 5 years.
1.5td with 7 speed DSG box.
It's a great car.
I've done over 130k miles on it....
Click to expand...

Well that's good news, we don't do massive miles but with no commute it's generally longer drives at the weekend, I was wondering about longevity.

Has the DSG caused you any issues? Is it the wet box that needs oil changes every 40k?
 
Andy, we have had a 55reg Skoda Octavia 1.9 TDi since 2012 and it has now done 185K miles. We have driven it around Europe and regularly see 50mpg. I have had BMW's and Fords before, but the Skoda is probably the best car I have had.
 
If you are seriously considering the 1.5 TSi petrol variant do a bit of research online; there have been hesitation issues with this engine right across the VW empire. I experienced issues with a SEAT Arona with the same engine on a test drive, it put me right off. I understand VW claim to have fixed the problem with a software update. If I were you I would understand what the reported issue is and look for it during any test drives as the reports of the fix success are mixed.

Setting that aside, we had a 4x4 Octavia TDi estate on hire during a holiday to Iceland, it was brilliant. Roomy, economical, I enjoyed driving it. It handled the very variable road surfaces in Iceland with ease.
 
The 1.5l petrol has a bad rep across the VAG group, I heard of folk who have a software update done that have helped but not cured it, I’d request an extended test drive and ensure you pick it up from cold, it shows worse than when hot, some Seat owners have rejected their cars or others have got shot at a loss, definitely stopped me upgrading my wife’s 1.4 Leon.
 
KitsuneAndy said:
Well that's good news, we don't do massive miles but with no commute it's generally longer drives at the weekend, I was wondering about longevity.

Has the DSG caused you any issues? Is it the wet box that needs oil changes every 40k?
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I've had no issues with the DSG box.
Not sure about oil changes as my company sorts out all the services etc....
 
The only thing I would throw in is Kia - on my 2nd and they are excellent value an loaded with kit.

Did have a Stonic, you can get them new with CarWow for around 13.5k, but now have a Sportage which is very good. Sounds like you are keen on the Skoda but if open to ideas would recommend a drive.
 
KitsuneAndy said:
Just booked a test drive of the 2.0 scout 4x4 :)
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I think that's the better choice. We have a Karoq, so same engines as the Octavia, and if a scout had been available at the time then I'd probably have got that instead. On a test drive the 1.5 petrol sounded like it was being worked hard when it was just being driven normally, and was distinctly 'unexciting'. OTOH the 2.0 diesel 4X4 version we DID buy was a much better drive, and although theres a lot of turbo lag it's otherwise a nice relaxing drive. We also got just over 50mgp heading up to Yorkshire a couple of weeks back, running at around 75mph on the motorway.

Biggest irritation with the car is the electronic control interface, which requires touch screen input and is dangerous to do when driving - the Mini I had previously used a rotary joystick that required very much less concentration from the driver. The ability to use Android Auto/iPhone equivalent is extremely useful, and the hands-free system works really well for calls in the car. Some plastics are very soft and easily marked, like the rear bumper & boot lip. Build quality seems unremarkable but OK. Had ours since Feb 2020.
 
I've seen references in this thread to the DSG gearbox. Obviously some people won't experience the issue ..like Bob and Jim..(flybox).. but my wife had a Skoda Octavia(petrol)..auto. I kept telling her it has a problem pulling away. I'd come to a roundabout and sometimes with traffic being heavy you have to be on the ball and get out quickly. On most occasions I put my foot on the accelerator and the darned thing didn't respond for a couple of seconds which left me cursing as the car from the right bore down on me .Then, on a couple of occasions, pulling away from home, she experienced it and now agrees. It's the DSG that has the problem. The DQ200 wet clutch and DQ250 wet clutch. She loved it and really wanted a new one..last October. It is a great car but that problem is hairy..I did a lot of research and it turns out that the problem doesn't not exist in the 2.0 Lt engine. So, she bought a new one last October and it doesn't have the problem. There's a real difference too between her old 1.5Lt and this 2.0 Lt., It really pulls and to be honest I think a car that size is better for a 2.0 Lt engine. Well, I see Toni mentions that (ancient_ mariner) She wants to trade it in after three years when the MOT is due and wants the Superb Hatch SE or SE L. When the time comes I want to see what the difference is between the SE SE Technology and the SE L.All hatch..ie the normal saloon. Strange name that..like hatchback.

I lay great store by the reviews of Honest John..yes, I know,...lol,,

Here's what he says.

Avoid the DQ200 7-speed dry clutch DSG. The DQ250 6-speed wet clutch, DQ381 7-speed wet clutch and DQ500 7-speed wet clutch are all relatively okay. Small engines (under 2.0 litres) all have the dry clutch DSG to avoid. 2.0 litre petrol or diesel engines have the DQ250, DQ381 or DQ500. The wet clutches all require a change of transmission fluid and filter every three years or 38,000 miles whichever come first, costing £200-£300 a time.


I also found this answer to the same question https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/askhj/answer/61585/skoda-octavia-dsg-problems

Read this too,Andy https://axleaddict.com/auto-repair/6-Speed-DSG-Automatic-Transmission-Faults

Another question posed by someone (Dec 2020) and the answer.

What is wrong with VW DSG gearbox?

As they are constructed in a similar way and of the same material as your standard manual transmission clutch, they also suffer from the same wear and tear issues and failures. DSG clutch wear in the 7 speed gearbox result in clutch judder when accelerating from standstill or when changing gears.


I had an Audi A4 (auto-petrol) years ago and loved it. The SE model with white leather seats..Today, though this problem affects the whole of the VW range and unless I could get a 2.0Lt I won't be getting an Audi A4.

My advice ? You say that you have the option of the 2.0 Lt in which case I'd say ,then go for that.You say it;s an Octavia Scout which I have no knowledge of but it's 2.0Lt.

Honest John's review of it https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/skoda/skoda-octavia-scout-2014-road-test/
 
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We have two Octavias estates in the family, the 1.5 petrol and a 1.9 diesel, both DSG. I have had the latter for 4 years and I have been very pleased. Lots of space, easy to drive, good performance, sufficient accessories and reliable. I did look at the Scout when I bought mine but the premium price was not justifiable to me and the styling was not for my liking.
 
KitsuneAndy said:
Just booked a test drive of the 2.0 scout 4x4 :)
Click to expand...

I've quoted your post to ensure you get an alert to read my post..just in case you're like me..but probably not..lol.. and don't notice it unless you check the posts anyway. I sometimes forget which thread I put a post in and some replies don't get a response.:rolleyes:
 
Brentor said:
We have two Octavias estates in the family, the 1.5 petrol and a 1.9 diesel, both DSG. I have had the latter for 4 years and I have been very pleased. Lots of space, easy to drive, good performance, sufficient accessories and reliable. I did look at the Scout when I bought mine but the premium price was not justifiable to me and the styling was not for my liking.
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Agree..As I mentioned in my post it really is a great car and from what you say..and Bob and Jim.. none of you have experienced the DSG fault. which has,at least,now been acknowledged by the VW Group.
 
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JohnC6 said:
Agree..As I mentioned in my post it really is a great car and from what you say..and Bob and Jim.. none of you have experienced the DSG fault. which has,at least,now been acknowledged by the VW Group.
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I know there are recognised faults with the dsg box, but some of the lag is caused by the way the dsg box operates when it tries to anticipate what gear you will likely want next.
There's effectively 2 gearboxes and when your in one gear, the other box pre selects the next gear so when it changes over it's instant and smooth.
If you slow down to approach a roundabout, then accelerate away, if the other box has selected the wrong gear, then there is a delay whilst it changes to the correct gear.
There are plenty of posts online about this, and ways to help overcome the lag.
My car is a 1.6 turbo diesel and although I haven't experienced any issues with the box, I have experienced the lag.
If I slow down, then accelerate very slightly before slowing/stopping, then there is no lag as the car is in first rather than second.
I'm not sure if how I'm describing it makes sense, but if you Google dsg delay rather than dsg issues there are plenty of explanations....
 
JohnC6 said:
I've seen references in this thread to the DSG gearbox. Obviously some people won't experience the issue ..like Bob and Jim..(flybox).. but my wife had a Skoda Octavia(petrol)..auto. I kept telling her it has a problem pulling away. I'd come to a roundabout and sometimes with traffic being heavy you have to be on the ball and get out quickly. On most occasions I put my foot on the accelerator and the darned thing didn't respond for a couple of seconds which left me cursing as the car from the right bore down on me .Then, on a couple of occasions, pulling away from home, she experienced it and now agrees. It's the DSG that has the problem. The DQ200 wet clutch and DQ250 wet clutch. She loved it and really wanted a new one..last October. It is a great car but that problem is hairy..I did a lot of research and it turns out that the problem doesn't not exist in the 2.0 Lt engine. So, she bought a new one last October and it doesn't have the problem. There's a real difference too between her old 1.5Lt and this 2.0 Lt., It really pulls and to be honest I think a car that size is better for a 2.0 Lt engine. Well, I see Toni mentions that (ancient_ mariner) She wants to trade it in after three years when the MOT is due and wants the Superb Hatch SE or SE L. When the time comes I want to see what the difference is between the SE SE Technology and the SE L.All hatch..ie the normal saloon. Strange name that..like hatchback.

I lay great store by the reviews of Honest John..yes, I know,...lol,,

Here's what he says.

Avoid the DQ200 7-speed dry clutch DSG. The DQ250 6-speed wet clutch, DQ381 7-speed wet clutch and DQ500 7-speed wet clutch are all relatively okay. Small engines (under 2.0 litres) all have the dry clutch DSG to avoid. 2.0 litre petrol or diesel engines have the DQ250, DQ381 or DQ500. The wet clutches all require a change of transmission fluid and filter every three years or 38,000 miles whichever come first, costing £200-£300 a time.


I also found this answer to the same question https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/askhj/answer/61585/skoda-octavia-dsg-problems

Read this too,Andy https://axleaddict.com/auto-repair/6-Speed-DSG-Automatic-Transmission-Faults

Another question posed by someone (Dec 2020) and the answer.

What is wrong with VW DSG gearbox?

As they are constructed in a similar way and of the same material as your standard manual transmission clutch, they also suffer from the same wear and tear issues and failures. DSG clutch wear in the 7 speed gearbox result in clutch judder when accelerating from standstill or when changing gears.


I had an Audi A4 (auto-petrol) years ago and loved it. The SE model with white leather seats..Today, though this problem affects the whole of the VW range and unless I could get a 2.0Lt I won't be getting an Audi A4.

My advice ? You say that you have the option of the 2.0 Lt in which case I'd say ,then go for that.You say it;s an Octavia Scout which I have no knowledge of but it's 2.0Lt.

Honest John's review of it https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/skoda/skoda-octavia-scout-2014-road-test/
Click to expand...

I had heard bad things about the DQ200, one of the reasons pushing me towards the 2l
 
cambsno said:
The only thing I would throw in is Kia - on my 2nd and they are excellent value an loaded with kit.

Did have a Stonic, you can get them new with CarWow for around 13.5k, but now have a Sportage which is very good. Sounds like you are keen on the Skoda but if open to ideas would recommend a drive.
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A friend has a Sportage and it is really nice, I'd just prefer an estate rather than SUV type body, and the Octavia has a bigger boot, the Scout is a ridiculous 610l.

Just have to weigh up the extra maintenance of the haldex 4x4 system. Or look for a diesel VRS
 
I've owned two Octavia estates - one petrol manual, one diesel DSG. The DSG is an absolute joy - though having it change gears while you are on a bend and accelerating hard is unusual - the change is so fast and smooth it's not a problem. Mine were both the VrS which probably makes a difference :)

Other than that - cavernous boot and IMO really comfy (though of course I had theVrS seats). Decent fuel economy - but not as good as my Honda Civic (which is way slower....). However *both* had electrical problems after a few years and this seems relatively common for Skodas in general. Look at a decent service plan / warranty.
 
JonathanRyan said:
I've owned two Octavia estates - one petrol manual, one diesel DSG. The DSG is an absolute joy - though having it change gears while you are on a bend and accelerating hard is unusual - the change is so fast and smooth it's not a problem. Mine were both the VrS which probably makes a difference :)

Other than that - cavernous boot and IMO really comfy (though of course I had theVrS seats). Decent fuel economy - but not as good as my Honda Civic (which is way slower....). However *both* had electrical problems after a few years and this seems relatively common for Skodas in general. Look at a decent service plan / warranty.
Click to expand...

What year were they?

From some googling it seems the issues are more common with both the pre facelift MK3 and MK4, with facelift MK3 having the best build quality.

Three scout is so far looking good, but it's right at the top of my budget. Also going to see if there are any diesel VRS close enough to me, same engines anyway.
 
KitsuneAndy said:
What year were they?

From some googling it seems the issues are more common with both the pre facelift MK3 and MK4, with facelift MK3 having the best build quality.

Three scout is so far looking good, but it's right at the top of my budget. Also going to see if there are any diesel VRS close enough to me, same engines anyway.
Click to expand...
You have quite a choice of VRs in the £12K - £14K range.

New & Used Cars for Sale - Autotrader UK

www.autotrader.co.uk www.autotrader.co.uk
 
Bobsyeruncle said:
I know there are recognised faults with the dsg box, but some of the lag is caused by the way the dsg box operates when it tries to anticipate what gear you will likely want next.
There's effectively 2 gearboxes and when your in one gear, the other box pre selects the next gear so when it changes over it's instant and smooth.
If you slow down to approach a roundabout, then accelerate away, if the other box has selected the wrong gear, then there is a delay whilst it changes to the correct gear.
There are plenty of posts online about this, and ways to help overcome the lag.
My car is a 1.6 turbo diesel and although I haven't experienced any issues with the box, I have experienced the lag.
If I slow down, then accelerate very slightly before slowing/stopping, then there is no lag as the car is in first rather than second.
I'm not sure if how I'm describing it makes sense, but if you Google dsg delay rather than dsg issues there are plenty of explanations....
Click to expand...

Thanks, Bob.

I did a search , as you've suggested, putting in DSG delay and saw many posts asking about it. Here's one https://www.golfmk6.com/forums/inde...g-from-a-full-stop-pedal-to-the-floor.264660/

Within this forum (above) is a link explaining it and whilst I'm not familiar with the detailed mechanics of it I read enough when I was researching it to understand the principal of how the DSG works.

The chap writing it included ..While the DSG is not new, I was amazed at how much misinformation I received on it, and disappointed on the lack of available information centered around how to drive it to get what you want...and further down Re the delay.... Everyone had an opinion, but there were very few that were based on facts. I went on a quest some time ago to answer my own questions into its "sometimes seeming bizarre behavior"

To be honest,Bob, I don't want to have to drive a car in a particular fashion to overcome a gearbox issue. In my post I mentioned entering a roundabout from a stationary position having waited for the moment to get onto it and that delay happened and I was really naffed off, then, and on other occasions in various scenarios. On that roundabout....see..I still recall it :D I also recall saying to meyself.. wtf !!..I was not with my wife at the time.lol. I daren't look at the other driver coming from my right..I avoided eye contact. Also, I forgot..it not only had a delay but juddered and that's mentioned in one of the quotes I included in my original response to Andy.


I was veering towards a 3 Series BMW for her because it has the regular gearbox. Even looked at the E Class Mercedes..also the regular gearbox. Both would have to be auto. When I lived in Germany I bought an Opel Rekord and it a was an automatic. The salesman told me that once I'd driven an automatic I'd never go back to manual and he was right. As I drove from the garage I seemed more aware of everything around me..re traffic.. because I didn't have to think about changing gear. I've never had a manual since.So..my wife was very happy when I said it was ok to have the 2.0 Lt engine (it's automatic as was the previous Octavia,)because along with Toyota these cars are consistently at the top of the reliability table and that means a lot.
 
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All the talk and the likely way you need to use a certain technique to make it more of a drivers car, of a DSG auto gearbox reminds of the technique I was shown when I had my one and only auto car in the 70's.

"Kickdown" and lock in the lower gear to force box to hold and not change up until the driver chose. This was the Class One police technique shown to me by one of that grade...............it was a relevation as how to make the car 'perform' beyond its 'normal' behaviour ;)
 
Some Scouts have had a relatively hard life on tracks and other poor roads, so worth trying to find out a bit more about its history if possible. I was choosing between a Scout and a Yeti 4 years ago and went for the Yeti as I preferred the higher driving position.

For some bizarre reason, changing the Haldex fluid isn't in the normal service schedule, while VW group timing belt changes are at 5 years, compared with 10 for Fords, so that's a big bill to look forward to next year.
 
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I have owned six skodas over many years. 2 of these were Octavia's, not a single problem of note with any of the vehicles. VW running gear without VW prices, plus I always found the dealers good.
 
Test drive day today.

3 options, having discounted the TSI.

2016 Octavia 2.0 TDI 150bhp with 56k on the clock

2017 Octavia Scout 4x4 184bhp with 25k on the clock

Or a brand new 2.0 TDI 150bhp on their interest free deal
 
KitsuneAndy said:
Test drive day today.

3 options, having discounted the TSI.

2016 Octavia 2.0 TDI 150bhp with 56k on the clock

2017 Octavia Scout 4x4 184bhp with 25k on the clock

Or a brand new 2.0 TDI 150bhp on their interest free deal
Click to expand...
Prices?
 
Box Brownie said:
All the talk and the likely way you need to use a certain technique to make it more of a drivers car, of a DSG auto gearbox reminds of the technique I was shown when I had my one and only auto car in the 70's.

"Kickdown" and lock in the lower gear to force box to hold and not change up until the driver chose. This was the Class One police technique shown to me by one of that grade...............it was a relevation as how to make the car 'perform' beyond its 'normal' behaviour ;)
Click to expand...

That's why I like an auto with manual override & paddles. I drive my 8 speed Clubman JCW on the paddles almost all of the time, especially when I want some engine braking. Sticking it into manual allows it to drink like a sailor, unfortunately, so I keep it in auto and just override it with the paddles when I feel I "need" to.
 
Difficult. 10k for a 5yo car is quite a bit, ditto 16k for a 4yo. I paid 17k for a 1yo Karoq 2l diesel 4x4 from a dealer in Stafford Feb 2020. No DSG stuff though, std manual.
 
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Most dealers have demonstrators that will be sold off at the start of September when the new registration comes out. They have to be 90 days old by law, but there can be massive savings if you can find one suitable.
 
ancient_mariner said:
Difficult. 10k for a 5yo car is quite a bit, ditto 16k for a 4yo. I paid 17k for a 1yo Karoq 2l diesel 4x4 from a dealer in Stafford Feb 2020. No DSG stuff though, std manual.
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Sadly for me it looks like the market has changed quite a lot in the last 12 months, Karoq with 23k on the clock, 1.6D and 2018 is still £17790 on the Skoda site. The Scout is 4 years old this December I believe, and looking on Autotrader etc seems fairly priced compared to VRS Diesels with similar mileage.

Still, a fair chunk of money and won't be making a decision on a whim.
 
KitsuneAndy said:
Test drive day today.

3 options, having discounted the TSI.

2016 Octavia 2.0 TDI 150bhp with 56k on the clock

2017 Octavia Scout 4x4 184bhp with 25k on the clock

Or a brand new 2.0 TDI 150bhp on their interest free deal
Click to expand...

What is the spec on the 2016 one Andy, because I would be tempted with that one if I was you. The Octavias have a massive boot, they are very stable, parts are cheap and readily available, plenty of good, independent mechanics about. The one thing we factored to knock down the price, was the DMF (dual mass flywheel) which is a known, possible problem. We had ours changed to a solid flywheel/clutch setup and it has been great, very smooth and is still performing well after 94K miles. The firm who did it are - Darkside Developments based in Barnsley.

Darkside Developments - Performance Diesel Tuning

Darkside Developments is a UK based diesel tuning company, specialising in VAG (VW, Audi, Seat and Skoda), BMW, MINI & Porsche Diesel Vehicles
www.darksidedevelopments.co.uk www.darksidedevelopments.co.uk
 
ancient_mariner said:
On that basis the scout is probably the one I'd pick.
Click to expand...

We have a road trip to Italy planned for next year, and I think the Scout would be the comfiest ride for long journeys.


andya700 said:
What is the spec on the 2016 one Andy, because I would be tempted with that one if I was you. The Octavias have a massive boot, they are very stable, parts are cheap and readily available, plenty of good, independent mechanics about. The one thing we factored to knock down the price, was the DMF (dual mass flywheel) which is a known, possible problem. We had ours changed to a solid flywheel/clutch setup and it has been great, very smooth and is still performing well after 94K miles. The firm who did it are - Darkside Developments based in Barnsley.

Darkside Developments - Performance Diesel Tuning

Darkside Developments is a UK based diesel tuning company, specialising in VAG (VW, Audi, Seat and Skoda), BMW, MINI & Porsche Diesel Vehicles
www.darksidedevelopments.co.uk www.darksidedevelopments.co.uk
Click to expand...

It's an SE L, so decent spec, adaptive cruise control, sat nav etc, so definitely still a good spec.

DMFs are an issue with all diesel clutches really tbh, just one of those things I expect to have to replace at some point, or as you say, replace it with a solid one when it does fail. Do they fail early on Octavias?
 
I love my Superb estate. its 2.0 Diesel with DSG. Change the DSG oil every 40,000 and it will be fine. The hesitation at roundabouts is overcome by doing all your braking and then rolling up to the junction. It will then be ready to go. Basically if you are braking the drive is disconnected and there is a slight pause while it anticipates what you want to do. The car can't see that you're at a roundabout it just decides based on your pedal action. If you're rolling rather than braking, power will be available sooner. I haven't described that very eloquently, but hopefully you get the idea.
 
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