2011 Skoda Octavia SE 1.6 TDi from UK and Ireland
Summary:
Very good overall
Faults:
DPF light on, cleared out with a long drive and firm acceleration, has not been on since. I have probably done too many short journeys.
Air con stopped working, needs a re-gas.
Passenger side electric mirror a little slow to move.
Brakes and suspension parts needed at last MOT - at the age and mileage I'm putting this down to wear and tear. Timing belt and oil changes carried out in the history before I bought the car. Also detailed in the history is something about the injectors and EGR valve - unfortunately expensive common faults on all modern diesels.
General Comments:
A great car if you want reliable basic transport. The Octavia is not a car to get excited about, but it does the job and ease of ownership is excellent. Diesels are common but they are expensive when they go wrong - I'm glad mine had most of the typical work required at the age and mileage done before I bought it. Petrol version might be preferable if you do only short journeys and do not drive much.
The 1.6 TDi is decent enough, and you will get around 60 MPG if you take it easy. SE model is mid range and has some electrics, nothing fancy, but very well equipped as expected for a modern car. Interior wise the seats and space inside are OK, but the noise levels are only just acceptable. Not the most refined. To drive the handling is very grippy and gives good feedback on corners, though it is a front wheel drive family car, so not a car you would drive like a sports cat anyway. But the torque from the diesel engine is good and it never struggles to overtake.
As mentioned in other reviews on here, you'll notice these are very popular cars as taxis, I believe due to economy and space; there is little to match the Octavia as a good all rounder.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 7th May, 2020
15th Sep 2022, 14:09
It is a good car, I had similar problems to yours. The injector problem seems very common on all diesel cars from this time period however - not just exclusive to this car. Expect around £500 to sort. I have heard from a friend that cheaper diesel from supermarkets might be the problem - try using brand named garages for fuel. You don't need premium in this car, but any regular diesel out of a Shell, BP, Esso, or whoever will likely be better than the supermarket stuff.
21st Jun 2021, 15:12
Update: now over a year since this review this is an excellent car. Now on 120K and the only thing that has broke was the bonnet release handle, very common fault (stupid design made of cheap plastic), but easily sticks back on, a real pain if you do not know what you are doing though, lots of vids on YouTube as a guide. Will definitely replace this car with another Octavia.