Opinions/experience new style Skodas?

Eels100

BF has a Toyota Celica which we're planning to sell eventually, and hope to replace with an estate car. We're thinking one of the newish Octavias, would be second hand though and preferably diesel. We like these because we're effectively getting a VW Passat for much less cash (and he used to drive a Passat which was ace).

Any horror stories/suggestions? I'd be keen to pick one up on eBay.

zappahey

You're actually getting a Golf rather than a Passat. They're very popular as taxis around here, which suggests that they got something right.

steve_r123

Yes, the taxi image has a detremental effect on re-sale value, but that is ok if you are buying 2nd hand.

However, the newer Skoda's are not the bargin they once were, due to the better image being brought about by being owned by VW.

barisax_al

The newer skodas aren't so much of a bargain, but they are good cars.

The Octavia has an enourmous boot even if you don't get the estate, have a look first at the sizes as you'll get a better choice if you are willing to have the hatchback instead of the estate.

I wanted a fabia diesel, but the prices were so high that I got a diesel megane instead. It's got more room in the boot too.

taxiphil

Skoda did amazingly well in this year's Auto Express reader survey of the top 100 cars. The latest model of Octavia came 2nd and totally wiped the floor with all the opposition - cars like the Mondeo and Vectra were down in the 60s and 70s.

polarbearit

If your considering nearly new, personally I'd buy a mondeo or similar as they seem much cheaper nearly new and when you come to sell in say 3 years a 4 year old skoda is unlikely to be worth much more than a 4 year old Mondeo. That said I have had one as hire car, it was good, economical and more spacious than the golf its based on, but less spacious than a Mondeo/Passat and quite dark inside!

Kido

I own a Skoda Octavia 1.9 TDi. I love it to bits. I've done nearly 20,000 miles in it and it's great. No problems what so ever. I would definately recommend it.

steady__eddie

At the moment I'm swapping my Fabia T.D.I. for...... another one ! (a fool and his money). Going for the estate this time though as I found the boot a bit too small for the fortnightly shop. P/X prices leave a bit to be desired though but in real terms I reckon the prices have dropped. I will be paying less in actual money than I paid five and a half years ago for my current one and get more thrown in, sunroof, cruise control and rear parking sensors.

Eels100

Pleased to hear overall good stuff. We've got 2 sizeable dogs and so boot space is important, and fuel is permanently over £1/litre here, and diesel's cheaper than unleaded, so we're thinking economy too ...!

Once the shlika's fixed up we'll maybe take a stroll round some showrooms, get an idea what's going. Thanks all!

Kido

Don't worry too much about boot space. Even on the hatchback model it's huge. I have 2 labradors who will fit in the boot together although they do lie down on long journeys.

MarkyMarkD

Whilst I love Skodas and I've had a few over the years, I wouldn't buy a secondhand Octavia - not because they are no good, but because (as Polarbearit points out) a secondhand diesel Mondeo is an excellent car, will cost you less, there will be many more to choose from, and will cost less to service and repair.

If we ever replace my wife's Laguna it will most likely be with a secondhand diesel Mondeo (maybe an estate).