2003 Skoda Octavia Elegance review from Norway
"Good value. But - it is not as big as it looks!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
After 500 km, battery warning lamp started to flash nervously. This was checked at the dealer, because we were heading 500 km east to Sweden the same day, he told us to go ahead because this had to be a minor fault, but could not tell us what it actually were.
Car went flawlessly 1000 km, problem disappeared, appeared again a few weeks later. Back to the dealer, solution found, repaired the same afternoon.
Seat belts are often slow at retracting.
Otherwise, nothing at all!
General comments?
The long story written here about the flashing battery warning lamp is typical. This car seems so well built that a warning lamp makes you scream!
The ride is firm, and the road feel is good.
Small 90bhp TDI engine gives enough acceleration in all legal speeeds here in Norway.
Rear seats are not the biggest, but...
The boot is huge! Remember, it is a VW Golf with a big behind...
Good stereo system and speakers.
Fantastic mileage/diesel. Long trips to Sweden with average speed 100km/h and fully loaded car gives average 4.4 liters/100 km!
BTW: stay away from Swedish diesel. It is really lousy...
Xenon headlights, wonderful. You feel like you are lighting up an airport in the night!
Cold mornings (-25!) gives the engine a really hopeless sound, but after 5 minutes, it is ticking nicely again!
Small diesel heats cabin slowly. (wastes no energy though!)
That amount of extras (cruise control, automatic aircon, board computer, good stereo, xenon bulbs, rain sensor + + +) at that price... wow!
Recommended Reviews:
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All 2003 Skoda Octavia reviews
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 2004 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.9 turbo diesel Manual |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 9/10 |
| Comfort marks | 7/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 10/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 14 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 25000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Hyundai Elantra |
| Date of Entry | 2nd February, 2005 |