1999 Skoda Octavia LX from UK and Ireland - Comments

Drivers door lock failed.

Boot key lock failed.

Boot central locking failed.

Wiper motor refuses to switch off.

Immobilizer faulty, engine not starting or cutting out.

C.V joint failed.

Headlight wiring loom failed.

The dealer had my car for a whole month waiting for some parts.

The car is a nice, but unreliable vehicle.

The cars handling is a bit too soft for cornering.

I have just recently sold on a 1999 Octavia 1.6LX. I had some of the same problems mention in this review. The wipers on my car often would not switch off immediately I put the control to off, often stopping half way across the screen. None of the locks as such failed on my car, but the central locking give trouble which the dealer could never fix. It would randomly lock and unlock itself (fortunately not after the car had been locked with the key from outside) but it was irritating as often you would unlock the car and before you could get the back door open it would have locked itself again. Also it would rapidly lock and unlock as you were driving it. I think this was made difficult to fix as it was an intermittent fault.

In addition to these irritating minor electronic problems, twice electronic engine parts failed causing sudden cut outs, one of which nearly caused an accident when suddenly while coming upto red traffic lights the engine cut out resulting in no power assistance to either the brakes or steering.

I finally got rid of the car (about a year earlier than I would normally (I usually run a car for 3 years) when the heater/blower motor failed and Skoda UK was unable to supply a part compatible with the car (only just over 6 years old). The part they now supply is mechanically identical, but with completely different electrical connections (and they do not supply an adaptor).

I used to be a fan of Skoda, and this Octavia LX was my 3rd (after 2 Felicia) however to be honest I would avoid the Octavia despite the good reviews by the motoring press. They are still relatively good value when bought brand new, but to be honest you can get much better value with the big makes once you are looking at cars 2 to 4 years old. Take this with niggling electrical problems and the rapidly deteriorating Skoda dealer network (Skoda have removed the franchise from their traditional small family dealers in favour of glitzy VW style dealers) and I just could no longer recommend the brand to potential buyers.

I have a Skoda Octavia 1.8 SLXI 20V. My clocks are damaged beyond repair. I have now been looking for over 2 months for the same clocks without any joy. Although my car was made in 99, Skoda themselves tell me in 99 they stopped making this model of clock, they ask me to call back and they shall look into it, but amazingly the parts section is always busy when I call.

I would advise anybody to stay away from Skodas, as I now know several different people with the same or similar problems; this has got to be the worst car and most unreliable car I have ever had. The problems have been from the beginning, which gives me a headache just to think about.