Faults:

Hazard relay failed, A/C not quite as good as it used to be, front springs replaced and brake discs, rear exhaust replaced, cam-belt done at last service, etc, all expected of age and miles.

General Comments:

Metallic black 2005 Octavia looks good with standard Skoda alloy wheels. A really smart looking car, I love this second generation vehicle.

Ambiente spec is mid range, has plenty of electrics. Interior is comfortable. The car drives smooth and quiet enough for me, most of the time. Could be more refined, but it is not really bad or anything. Gets a bit jerky if you are not smooth with gear changes around town, and the noise levels cruising down the motorway are only about average.

1.9 TDi is a bit slow, but makes up for that with 55 mpg.

Seems to be a durable car, was already ten years old when I bought it, I have had it for a further seven years with no major problems. Easily a better car than my previous old Renault Megane. Only problem is it won't last forever obviously, so it will be a hard car to replace. I'm thinking a more modern Octavia or Superb would be a good choice next.

Faults:

Suspension rattling, replaced shocks at front, plus springs. Wheel bearing was also done. Exhaust centre and back box replaced.

Brakes made the car pull to one side - mechanic replaced discs and pads - now much better.

All acceptable at age and mileage so far. The car has never given any big expensive problems. It was a looked after car when I bought it, and I have continued to look after it with anything it needs at services, change belts on time as well as oil.

Cosmetically the interior and exterior are showing signs of wear, but at 17 years old and the fact I am approaching 140,000 miles, this is expected. Very little if any rust which is good, the car still passes MOT's with ease.

General Comments:

My 2005 Octavia in silver is one of the first of the newer shape cars introduced in late 2004. Very common car, and for a good reason - it is a great all rounder.

Let's get some negatives out the way first - you do not want an early 1.4 petrol engine. It is slow and not that economical managing only 40 mpg on a good day. It has only 75 horse power I believe. There was a later 1.4 that was much better with about 80 horse power but looking at the stats on paper it seems to perform better and be more economical than this earlier engine. Still, it is not really bad or anything, but if you are buying an Octavia I highly recommend any diesel engine - they all perform well and offer over 50 mpg. 1.6 petrol is probably better than the 1.4 as well.

Quite a smart looking car on the inside and outside I think. The car drives well enough, handling is OK but nothing exciting. Interior is quiet and comfortable enough for me. "Classic" is a very basic specification - wheels trims, no alloys. Electric windows in front and mirrors - that is it. Go for an Elegance model if you can. They have much more. Interior is a pleasant place to be in any spec however. Lots of room and decent visibility.

Overall the Octavia is not a car you buy for excitement (maybe the sporty VRS model would be interesting?) but a car you can certainly buy for reliability - even the very basic models.