2001 Skoda Octavia Ambeinte 2.0

Summary:

Overhyped and not up to the billed job

Faults:

Oil consumption is sky high. 2L per 1000 miles. Deal says nothing to worry about.

Bad squeak behind dashboard.

General Comments:

This car has been a big disappointment.

Its cheapish, but you can tell after a while. There is no feeling of "quality" or "style" or "I like myself in this car".

Rear room is terrible and is not practical. Oil consumption is alarmingly high.

This is not a cheap VW it is a VW built down to a price. You don't get VW quality.

A nasty car which is overhyped and I am selling as soon as I can.

The dealer was awful, truly awful. I was made to feel like a criminal. Never again! A guess of hype over content.

This car is not a family car. It's a car for a couple who want a bigger car than a polo. If you have children then forget it. Buy something slightly bigger like a Passat, Primera or anything else.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 10th May, 2002

2nd Jul 2002, 15:29

I have been a VW devotee for many years, but not anymore. I've recently traded my 98' Polo 1.6 GL for a 98' Octavia 1.8 SLXi and I'm pleased I did. For a car of the same age and mileage the Octavia is clearly has the better build quality and features (No oil problems here). My wife has a 2001 Fabia 1.4 16V Elegance estate which accelerates, brakes, corners and has better MPG, cheaper insurance and servicing than the Polo VW were selling until April this year. Even a friend who owns an Audi S3 (which like the other correspondent's has had a lot of niggly problems) and a Porsche Boxter was impressed.

When I drive either of my Skoda's I feel happy in the knowledge that VW haven't ripped me off again.

As for dealers the two that are local to me were chalk and cheese. One wasn't interested at all to the point of rudeness the other price matches services (including free collection / delivery), beats internet new car prices, and is very customer oriented - they are out there you just have to look around.

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2001 Skoda Octavia Ambiente 1.9 TDi

Summary:

Bargain basement bargain!

Faults:

Radio does not work as there is a fault in the aerial lead.

Brakes pull to left under heavy braking.

General Comments:

Generally, car has been a solid performer doing everything okay and nothing badly. Despite being a diesel with only 90bhp, it goes well, stops well and handles safely.

Ride seems rough in terms of gravel surfaces, ruts and bump noise and vibration coming through body and making tyre noise.

General quality is okay, but when you look closely it is clearly not quite up to VAG standards in attention to details and quality of materials. Styling is staid as opposed to leading edge, but I guess it appeals to the target audience.

Dealer support and service has been dire which is a shame as it marrs an otherwise very cost effective and competent package. It seems very popular with taxi companies which in a way is a recommendation for longevity and reliability.

The only real problem is the naff brand image!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 27th February, 2002

27th May 2002, 10:49

The one thing Skoda have always had a good name for is the Dealer support, if the author of this report has found a bad one he is very unfortunate.

I am on my third Skoda and have nothing but praise for the dealer.

I am not happy with the way Skoda is going, because it is deserting its existing customer base, but that has not been reflected in the after sales service.

2001 Skoda Octavia Ambiente 1.9 turbo diesel

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Absolutely fantastic value for money.

Excellent build quality, very comfortable, great to drive and a good overall spec. The 1.9 TDi engine is a delight and very, very economical being easy to achieve 60MPG.

Why buy a VW when you can have this for much less?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd June, 2001

11th Aug 2001, 04:54

Yeah, the world is full idiots... the Octavia Ambiente cc is a very nice car. People that buy a VW instead of it can't have other reasons than the one mentioned (or are perhaps ignorant). Poor people...

I hope they don't realize what they would have get if they had bought a Skoda Octavia Ambiente cc.

We are very happy with it (I, my wife and three kids [5,7,9]).

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