Faults:

A lot of wear and tear items replaced, but no major issues. Change the timing belt and do oil changes on time - these 1.9 TDi units won't let you down.

General Comments:

This Octavia has been my private car for a while now, but I have never used it as a taxi which they are famous for. So as a cheap run about it makes sense - a spacious economical reliable car!

For 20 years old this is still my daily driver. Decent performance and over 50 mpg on diesel, refined and smooth interior, so why not use it everyday? Recent MOT showed no nasty advisories so I will continue to use this car until it dies.

It is a very basic model with no fancy features, but this car still gets me from A to B comfortably and reliably. Not bad to look at, a bit dull, certainly not ugly. My car is silver.

Any VW / Audi / Seat / Skoda from this time period with the less complicated 1.9 TDi engine has to be one of the most reliable and economical cars out there still!

Faults:

ABS sensors, wheel bearings, brakes and suspension components, armrest broke, the usual high mileage stuff. The car had no major problems except the EGR valve clogged and caused the car to run rough; was quite expensive to replace.

General Comments:

Good looking and economical car. The Octavia of this generation was the best in my opinion (1998 - 2004), less complicated than later models.

1.9 TDi was the 110 BHP version and was quick and good on diesel. Good to drive.

Elegance model near top of range, had electric everything. Nice interior.

Was a great car, I only scrapped it last year due to needing too much work at MOT time to justify keeping at such an age and mileage. Easily one of the best value for money cars I have ever had.

Faults:

Air-con weak, and a couple of electrical relays failed. Everything else was wear and tear expected of the age and mileage, such as major work to suspension, brakes, bearings, etc.

I keep the car serviced on time and changed the timing belt. Cosmetically looking rougher now, but nothing out of the ordinary for an 18 year old car; looks as good as any average condition 7 year old car on the road.

General Comments:

Silver Octavia Elegance, near top of range with all electrics and the famously reliable 1.9 TDi diesel engine from Skoda, and mine is the better 110 BHP version. Fast when you need to overtake while averaging over 50 MPG; still a great car to daily drive today in 2021.

On the downside these cars are pretty boring, nothing special at all. But if you want a reliable modern car, check out any used Octavia in good condition with history, and you will have a good car. Be aware many were used as taxi's, so avoid very high mileage cars.

I have had this car a long time and plan to keep it till the bitter end, no point in replacing reliable economical transport, especially these days. Recently passed its MOT with no advisories.

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with the car.

General Comments:

I bought this car in a hurry from a friend when my 06 Focus went on the blink. I was worried about buying a car that was even older than the Focus, but all my worries were quickly put to rest. This Skoda has to be one of the best cars I have ever driven. It is reliable, speedy, and durable, and somehow manages only to sip the diesel.

I am lucky as the car came to me with a full service history. The previous owner looked after the car, and I aim to do the same. I am hoping to keep the car running as long as I can.

Some cars give you the feeling that they want to live... and I hope I can keep this Octavia going for a good long while.