Faults:

Turbo, clutch, EGR valve.

General Comments:

Bought this used last year as a cheap ex-taxi with high mileage. General reliability has been OK, but the clutch and turbo were expensive to fix.

I like these cars, but they are perhaps overrated; as with any car at high mileage, you are going to get issues. But I got mine soo cheap due to the high miles and how rough it was.

1.6 TDi has good power and economy.

SE model has a nice interior.

Boring to drive. Ride too firm.

An OK car, just watch for abused examples, there are a tonne of these cars overpriced out there on the used market.

Faults:

Nothing much while I have had it the past year and nine thousand miles.

General Comments:

Economical and boring. That is the 1.6 diesel Octavia in a nutshell.

Not fast at all, but does 55 - 65 mpg. Forget claims of 70 mpg - realistically most people will never get near that in real world driving conditions.

Elegance model is very comfortable with lots of equipment. Nice inside, very modern feeling.

Quite smart exterior appearance also. Silver, nice but common color.

In short I like it, not got much to say otherwise, no complaints.

Faults:

Nothing beyond services and wear and tear parts replaced. But I have only had the car one year and not done much mileage.

General Comments:

Boring but practical car, this Octavia is a much more reliable and economical car than my previous diesel Mondeo.

SE model is mid range, plenty of equipment. Interior comfortable if a bit unrefined.

1.6 TDi is not fast, but you will get 60 mpg + on a regular basis no matter how you drive.

Hope to have it a long time, seems to be popular with taxi drivers so that is a good sign.

Faults:

Nothing other than wear and tear expected of age and mileage (brake pads, suspension, servicing, etc). Electric mirror switch feels a little flimsy.

General Comments:

I could say that this car does 0-60 in 7.5 seconds and can do over 140 MPH whilst daily driving will average over 60 miles per gallon... and leave it at that. What a car. Skoda have come a long, long way.

The VRS Octavia is the one to have. The smaller 1.6 diesels can manage over 70 miles per gallon and are decent cars to drive, but too boring. But get the VRS and you have insane performance with almost as good running costs.

The car was initially expensive to buy compared to the less fast models of Octavia. Insurance is also higher as expected, but as an older man now I can manage it. Compared to my previous Audi A3 I was expecting short falls in interior quality, but the Skoda impresses in most areas. There are definitely some cheaper plastics used here and there, plus the refinement leaves a lot to be desired, but it is still a typical VW/Audi group affair. The car has a lot of electrical equipment as standard, which is expected nowadays. Mine is bright blue, love the red painted calipers and the interior seats' design as well. My first 6 speed manual, takes a bit of getting used to if you have been using 5 speed for years and years. Heard the auto boxes are good as well.

Overall if you are looking for some budget performance, the Octavia VRS is worth a look. I am aware if there are any problems it will likely be as expensive to fix as any car, but always buy a looked after one with good history.