Faults:

This first fault was based around the automatic element of the front electric windows. This fault only occurred whilst the side or main lights were on. The deal looked at the problem and replaced the switch pack, fault rectified.

The second problem was the paint on the front bumper started to flake away. I approached the dealership, who took the car for examination, and with authority from Skoda UK resprayed the whole front bumper. To which I must comment they did an excellent job.

General Comments:

To say over all the car is very well put together (one of the reasons I looked a Skoda).

The performance from the 2 litre engine is very strong with a great deal of torque delivered at fairly low RPM.

The level of trim on the car is very high for the cost of the vehicle.

Faults:

The line between the brake Vacuum and intake manifold broke at 52000 km.

Water leaking into the car trough right rear door.

Nothing else has actually gone wrong.

General Comments:

There are some things that could be better engineered. Like for example the plastic under the car at front tends to get all loose in snow, I have lifted the car 1 1/2" from the ground at suspension and that helps a lot.

Squeaky doors, but needed new "thingies" that the door locks to front and rear.

The engine is Powerful compared the weight of the car and it is extremely economical.

On highways it uses only 5.5 per 100 kilometers.

In the city it uses only 6.5 - 7 liters per 100 kilometers.

Faults:

Tailgate central locking servo failed.

Clutch replaced at 29000.

Rear washer pipe disconnected flooding the rear of the car!

Cassette player ate tapes after only 3 weeks.

General Comments:

Overall, this is the best car I have owned, with only minor problems, which were quickly and effectively repair by the Main Dealer.

My biggest criticism is that the speedometer has no markings for the national speed limits, i.e. 30 or 70mph. One is just left to guess when you are at these speeds! Not too bright with the current emphasis on speed cameras!

Faults:

My brake lights failed and needed a sensor component replaced.

General Comments:

I am very pleased with my Octavia, it looks great and handles family journeys excellently.

I find that it performs best with a full tank of petrol, has a fine power surge in 3rd gear and glides nicely on motorways.

After owning an Octavia, I am seriously considering buying the new Skoda model, the Superb.

For me a Skoda means a good quality, highly specified car at a great price, for intelligent people who can see past "badge" snobbery.

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Excellent build quality.

My dealer will bend over backwards to ensure you are satisfied with service and quality of work.

Comfortable enough for long drives, although the seats are a tad hard.

Handling and performance are fine for what it is intended to do, although the steering is perhaps over-light.

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

This is an excellent car. It is better to drive than the Audi I had before and it performs better. Ride, handling, performance and equipment levels are better than much of the competition.

The boot is huge and fuel economy is unbelievable, I have averaged 36mpg (from a 2 litre!).

UK dealers are friendly and very efficient. There are still very few on the road in the UK so you have the feeling of driving something quite exclusive.

Faults:

Boot lock jammed so unable to access the boot.

Electric window switch illumination failed twice.

Rattling noise from under the car which 2 dealers have been unable to fix.

Passenger door hinge faulty.

Aircon losing its ability to deliver cold air.

General Comments:

Good basic design, but from my experience Skoda has poor dealer backup. Skoda GB quite helpful but lack any teeth to help sort out problems.

The car suffers from horrendous depreciation so buy used! Skoda still have an image problem.