Skoda Octavia Hatchback (2004 - 2012) 1.9 TDI PD Ambiente 5d (2008/57) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Knows a real bargain when he sees one.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Well impressed, my brother just shelled out for a used BMW 320d and is still trying to see exactly where all the extra money went. Indeed, when he dropped me off to pick it up he was all over the new Superb!

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes. I usualy regret my car buys almost as soon as I pick them up but this car still makes me smile. 6000 miles of very varied driving and it continues to "just work". Great quality, comfort and fuel economy at a good price.

What are you likely to buy next?

Another Skoda will do fine if they can keep doing what they are doing without going all VW. The Superb looks fantastic by the way

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£0

When did you buy the car?

May 2009

Did you get a good deal and why?

The car was just over a year old and under 12000 miles. I got it for 5000 under list for a new car. The dealer also took 500 off the windscreen price.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Practicality, value and a reputation for rock solid reliability

What was the dealer like?

Friendly, knowledgeable, efficient and very helpfull. Any niggles I had were dealt with before handover and I was very pleased with the experience.

What's it like to drive?

A good drive. Safe handling with lots of grip in the corners and surefooted in the wet on the standard Dunlops. Quick enough and well able for the motorway. Feels large in town and I thinks it is happiest on clear A and B roads. That said it creeps around car parks and traffic with light strearing and well spaced gearing. A little noisy at low speeds and under power in 1st or 2nd. Motorway cruising is quiet and smooth at legal speeds.

What's it like to park?

Rear view is limited when parking and it is difficult (next to impossible) to estimate where the boot ends. That said, it was no worse than a Golf and much better than a Leon I tested. I would invest in parking sensors.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Niggling issues with water leaking into the car over the bottom of the near side door seals. "Fixed" under warranty but not much impressed with the dealer's attitude. Otherwise, car is rock solid at 18,000 miles.

What's most practical about your car?

Real world 55 mpg, passenger comfort and space and the HUGE boot.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

It's a bit like an Apple Mac or an Aga cooker - it just gets on with the job. However, the shopping bag hook in the boot deserves an honorable mention in despatches.