Faults:

Oil leak, suspension, bonnet release failed, wheel bearings, etc.

General Comments:

A pretty dull car, but this Octavia is the best if you just want reliability and economy. A genuine 60 mpg + on diesel taking it easy.

The 1.6 TDi is not as refined or as fast as the 1.9 or 2.0 TDi units, and it is also very slow, but those are its only downsides.

Cheap tax/insurance. Low running costs.

The SE model is well equipped; the car is good to drive performance aside. A bit noisy at speed however.

Try one if you just need basic transport.

Faults:

ABS sensor.

Wheel bearing.

Air-filter housing disintegrated while changing the air filter at a service! Cost around £100 for a new plastic housing! Stupid design, the bolts rust/snap easily in this area. Bonnet catch also failed, handle broke off.

Air con not very strong, needs a re-gas.

The rest was wear and tear / maintenance (cam-belt, service, etc).

General Comments:

A pretty boring car, but if you want dependability, look no further than an old Octavia.

As mentioned in many other reviews - these were popular with taxi drivers for a reason, very economical (over 60 mpg if you drive carefully) and cheap tax and insurance. Repairs can be expensive, but that is the case with any car nowadays.

Nothing special to drive. The 1.9 and 2.0 diesels are probably better, but the smaller diesel 1.6 TDi is not fast though it cruises on motorways just fine. Engine noise a little loud but never a problem. Seats are comfortable, ride is OK. "S" model is very basic but still has electric windows and mirrors. Pretty spacious for its size.

Styling wise the car looks very dull, "S" models do not even get alloy wheels. My car is grey in color which does it no favors either.

So there you have it - the Octavia, a dull car but a perfect and economical car for these times where everything is overpriced.

Faults:

ABS sensors, suspension mounts, brakes, cam-belt and services, etc. All mostly wear and tear to be honest.

General Comments:

A dependable and reliable car, the Octavia will do you well if all you want is cheap family transport.

1.6 TDi has plodding performance, but does a good 50 - 60 mpg. Tax and insurance are reasonable. Service/repairs are as expensive as any car these days.

Quite decent to drive, could do with more refinement though (bit too much wind/engine/road noise) but the Elegance model is well appointed, lots of electric items and comfy seats. Spacious enough for me and two or three others.

Not bad to look at in the right color with alloy wheels.

Common sight on the road, usually as a taxi.

Pretty much the epitome of average, but a nice enough car.

Faults:

EGR valve developed a fault; that and the clutch were the most expensive items to replace.

General servicing and belt changes, sometimes expensive, you need to find a good local garage with this car, I would not recommend going to Skoda with an Octavia of this age, they are far too expensive for anything.

Brakes needed a lot of work, seized caliper and discs and pads all round. Acceptable at the mileage. Suspension also.

Interior getting a bit worn, seats are OK but rear armrest broke, A/C is kind of weak, alarm had a fault and was disconnected. ABS sensors also needed attention.

Exterior looking OK for its age, but some small rust bubbles have started at rear door corner.

General Comments:

Like many I have heard of the Octavia being the car to buy if you want economy and reliability. Whilst the car is generally economical and reliable, it has cost me the same as any other car I have had over the long run, it is no better than any other car in the family segment, and certainly nothing special.

That said, it can be a very good car. Keep up with the maintenance (which is also a little expensive) and the car returns with dependability and longevity.

My 2.0 TDi SE model is mid range. I'd avoid the smaller diesels and petrol units, 2.0 is best all rounder. VRS might be worth a look if you need to get everywhere in a hurry. But the ordinary 2.0 TDi will be fast enough for most drivers, while doing anything around 50 mpg or a little more. Tax is reasonable and insurance is cheap for an experienced driver. Just watch those repair costs.

Interior a bit dull but has nice seats and comfortable driving position. Refinement could be better - a bit too much road noise.

The car is OK to drive, plenty of power and the handling is OK. Really nothing to shout about.

Not bad looking, I like this generation, the last of the older generation before the newer models came along in 2013. And you can get the last of these Octavia's on a 2012 reg for just a few grand now.

To conclude I have enjoyed this car for the most part, but honestly no better than anything else I had before; will probably go back to buying Japanese or even Ford or Vauxhall again; Skoda are good but I dunno if I'd buy another, other cars do the same (for the same money) and are a bit more exciting to drive.