Other Skoda Octavia (1998 - 2005) models:

  • Summary

    5 out of 5 5.0

    What does this car say about you?

    Understated. It's the thinking person's Audi. Adn works well in Lane 1, using lanes 2 & 3 for overtaking... something Audis can't do.

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

    Those in the know give it the quiet 'thumbs up'. Those who don't barely give it a second glance which is fine. They usually only see it from the rear anyway......

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    Yes, been very pleased with it so far.

    What are you likely to buy next?

    Skoda vRS MkII.

  • Buying experience

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Independent

    Did you buy this car new?

    No

    What price did you pay?

    £0

    When did you buy the car?

    January 2013

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    Most certainly. I traded in my Lancer and we virtually swapped, each happy with the outcome.

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    It was a car I had never considered until I met my partner. She has the Fabia vRS Limited Edition in Race Blue and it is a cracking car. I decided to get one too, but as I'm tall, the Octavia seemed a better choice.

    What was the dealer like?

    Very honest, would not hesitate to use him again.

  • Driving it

    5 out of 5 5.0

    What's it like to drive?

    Easy. By which I mean, the driving position is good, the controls are logically placed, easy to reach and well made. Gear changes are effortless and the engine has excellent torque, especially high up in the gears. It may not be as fast as the Fabia from a standing start but soon pulls alongside.

    What's it like to park?

    No worries here. The boot and rear spoiler are a little high but it has reversing sensors so no dramas.

  • Living with it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    Just one thing. The driver's wing mirror stopped adjusting remotely. Not a major issue, it's in the right place for me. New one is many pennies so will live with it for now and maybe have a trawl on ebay for a secondhand one.

    What's most practical about your car?

    Decent sized boot, even better with seats down for those odd large purchases. Seats 4 in comfort and pleasant to drive.

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    The detachable tow bar and flip down electrics. Never used it, and not likely too but handy to have just in case.