I have sampled an Octavia

@sharkattack Foxwell or Autel are fine, not expensive but a proper brand, not the cheapest amazon/ebay tat.

BUT – remember to actually understand what you are buying. OBD2 is a protocol/standard that all cars post 1990-something abide by and allows you to read engine and emissions related fault codes.

An airbag light, for instance, is a completely different system – usually under SRS (supplementary restraint system, airbags and seatbelt tensioners etc).

ALL OBD readers will read the generic engine and emissions codes. You need the right kit however to start looking at SRS systems, ABS and Stability control systems, Steering Angle Sensor resets, manufacturer specific stuff.

Your bluetooth jobby is simply reading the Generic OBD2 standard codes – engine, ignition, fuelling, lambda system.

Foxwell will 100% do one that will reset your airbag light but it will probably not be their cheapest model. Just make sure you do your research.

Finally – 100% get it fixed. No ones buying that car with an airbag light on.

£18k – you can get a similar-aged Kia eNiro for less than that with 2 years dealer warranty remaining! Being fully electric the eNiro would be much more reliable too – no expensive DSG gubbins to go wrong. If you have access to charging it’d be a no-brainer for me – I’ve got one myself and it’s been great.

My parents have had a couple of Octavias, i am surprised how popular they are here. They aren’t that big and have a sloping rear window.

Also they’re a total **** to reverse compared to any other car i have ever driven. I can place a box van better without resorting to the radar. But that might be a unique to me issue.

An airbag light, for instance, is a completely different system – usually under SRS (supplementary restraint system, airbags and seatbelt tensioners etc).

Useful info this, I’ve been reading about it.

I might suck it up and grab one of these…

https://www.halfords.com/tools/hand-tools/electrical-diagnostics/foxwell-nt680-lite-diagnostic-car-scan-tool-281054.html

Finally – 100% get it fixed. No ones buying that car with an airbag light on.

I’ve already had 2 offers from opposite ends of the country. I’ve told them both to hang fire until the weekend.

Bit of a trek as you’re Sheffield based, but if you can be bothered to take it to Sutton in Ashfield, these guys should be able to sort your airbag light out at a reasonable cost.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555837562266

Some riding friends of my son’s set it up.

My parents have had a couple of Octavias, i am surprised how popular they are here. They aren’t that big and have a sloping rear window.

One of their main selling points is that they have close to the interior space of a Mondeo-class car, on a Golf-class chassis*. So maybe it depends what you’re comparing them to?

*Although I have learned from this thread that the chassis-sharing is different these days.

chakaping

One of their main selling points is that they have close to the interior space of a Mondeo-class car, on a Golf-class chassis*. So maybe it depends what you’re comparing them to?

*Although I have learned from this thread that the chassis-sharing is different these days.

Exactly, somebody mentioned the E Class earlier in the thread.  The Octavia estate has a slightly larger boot than the E Class wagon, yet is a foot shorter in length. Rather than comparing to a Golf, I’d say it’s Focus sized, but feels like a Mondeo in terms of interior space/boot size.

dhague

Full Member
£18k – you can get a similar-aged Kia eNiro for less than that with 2 years dealer warranty remaining! Being fully electric the eNiro would be much more reliable too – no expensive DSG gubbins to go wrong. If you have access to charging it’d be a no-brainer for me – I’ve got one myself and it’s been great.

DSG on Octavia VRS of this age is DQ381 or DQ250, both are reasonably reliable wet clutch units.  The ones that had a bad reputation for judder etc, early wear, overheating etc are dry clutch units.

 Rather than comparing to a Golf, I’d say it’s Focus sized, but feels like a Mondeo in terms of interior space/boot size.

I’m driving an older one, but I’d say the compromise is that drives more like a medium-sized car (less composed, but more lively).

Modern ones are probably much more refined though.

chakaping

I’m driving an older one, but I’d say the compromise is that drives more like a medium-sized car (less composed, but more lively).

Modern ones are probably much more refined though.

Yes that’s about right.  A medium sized car that uses its space well and has a bit of poke. I’ve had a few VRS and each subsequent model has been slightly more refined and less raw. My favourite was the MK2 facelift (12 plate).

Talking of refinement though,  my one complaint with my MK3 facelift (18 plate) VRS is road noise.  Especially on those concrete dual carriageways (like the bloody A12 near Chelmsford) the tyre roar is intrusive and annoying.

I haven’t sampled an Octavia but for your budget I’d buy a Superb, because bigger is better right? And you could get a 280bhp 4×4 one which would be faster than the vRS.

Talking of refinement though,  my one complaint with my MK3 facelift (18 plate) VRS is road noise.  Especially on those concrete dual carriageways (like the bloody A12 near Chelmsford) the tyre roar is intrusive and annoying.

It’ll be a big improvement on the Yeti that’s for sure! I’ve also got a big stack of Dodo Mat left over from my last van which I’m planning to line the boot and wheel arches with. That stuff makes a huge difference to road noise.

I haven’t sampled an Octavia but for your budget I’d buy a Superb, because bigger is better right? And you could get a 280bhp 4×4 one which would be faster than the vRS

We’ve driven a couple of Superb’s and I like them but they’re massive. I’m not convinced we need the absolute biggest car we can get when the Octavia is already much bigger than what we have. Also no need for 280bhp. If I wanted something properly fast I’d be keeping the Yeti for the wife and buying something completely different for myself.

I’m trying to stick to one car from now on, I’ve got too many toys and not enough time to use them.

Considered an octavia estate as it’s the default, but wanted a sunroof (I know, I know, leaks etc). We’ve a similar age Passat estate with nav that’s out of date. I got a chap off Facebook to send me a code in return for £100 and now live from android auto… Doesn’t transfer across to the digital dials, but I certainly don’t care.

I take my bike in the back despite having a roof rack, saves fuel and prevents being followed home for the bike…pros over the Octavia are acres of rear legroom for our teenagers

Drop the seats and takes a bike with front wheel off, interior height is a bit low so I’d be tempted to go Caddy Maxi but the suspension is not as plush for family duties. Octavia VRS pretty harsh ride, too much for here (Edinburgh) but maybe ok where you are?

Personally I wish I’d gone Auto but there we go.

Howie

Well it cost me £175 but the airbag light is gone. On the plus side I now own a Foxwell NT something-or-other. If anyone needs any codes reading in Sheffield for beer money you know where I am.

I’m itching to pounce on the VRS now but don’t want to get stuck with 2 cars. The Mrs is fully on board. Unfortunately we have to pay the Yeti insurance tomorrow so hopefully we have some eBay activity at the weekend and I can claim a refund asap!

Result. You can always opt to pay your insurance monthly, will cost more if you don’t for 12 months, but means you can cancel after a month if you sell the Yeti.

I’m itching to pounce on the VRS now but don’t want to get stuck with 2 cars

Will the dealer take the Yeti as part exchange?

Not read the entire thread but two guys I work with have bought similar age/mileage Superbs for similar money and that’s what I would be looking at if spending £20k on a used Skoda.

Will the dealer take the Yeti as part exchange?

Yeah for 4k. I’ve already had offers way higher than that. I’ll hope for some activity over the weekend then make a decision.

Not read the entire thread but two guys I work with have bought similar age/mileage Superbs for similar money and that’s what I would be looking at if spending £20k on a used Skoda.

I’ve driven both and I just prefer the Octavia.

“Talking of refinement though, my one complaint with my MK3 facelift (18 plate) VRS is road noise. Especially on those concrete dual carriageways (like the bloody A12 near Chelmsford) the tyre roar is intrusive and annoying.”

I had a 2012  Octavia with dreadful tyre noise at all speeds. Completely cured. Disappeared. When I ditched the OE Bridgestone tyres with 4mm left for Goodyear Vector 4 Seasons.

irc

Full Member
“Talking of refinement though, my one complaint with my MK3 facelift (18 plate) VRS is road noise. Especially on those concrete dual carriageways (like the bloody A12 near Chelmsford) the tyre roar is intrusive and annoying.”

I had a 2012  Octavia with dreadful tyre noise at all speeds. Completely cured. Disappeared. When I ditched the OE Bridgestone tyres with 4mm left for Goodyear Vector 4 Seasons.

Nice one, they’re on my list to try next time if I can get them in the right size.

FWIW I would say the MK3 is quite a bit worse for tyre noise than the MK2. Engine is quieter though.

There are quite a few threads on Briskoda showing how to dramatically improve them with a bit of sound deadening foam, I need to decide if this car is a keeper before I go to the effort.

but wanted a sunroof

Mine has definitely got a big hole in the roof, maybe it’ll buff out?

Harsh ride? You should have tried my EP3 Civic!

Noisy at speed? Maybe a bit, just slow down and drive on better roads 😉

I’ve not regretted my Octy so far, about 4 years into owning it now. It’ll run for longer yet (it’s hitting 94k soon I think).

Living vicariously through this thread. Currently got this saved in my favourites in case by any chance my car gets writen off*

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403047207687

*probably from someone looking at it and instantly falling asleep because it’s so dull.

Today we nearly bought a Superb iV – except despite Parkers and others saying they can tow the VIN plates on both the ones we looked at “just to be sure” said a big fat 0kg on line 2.

Yep, finally after nearly a year of “what car next” prevaricating and driving Mrs dweller up the wall with constant swings in preferred options, trying to grasp whether we should go petrol, hybrid or diesel we decided we both liked it and it’s off the table.  🤬🤬🤬

Now looking for a filthy diesel in the hope that this is an isolated issue with the iV model.

Is the iV the hybrid? I wonder if it’s something to do with the floor or the boot being full of batteries.

Well the Yeti is better than ever. I thought I could hear a knock on the front end so I took it to the local garage and had both droplinks replaced. Instant silence. The deterioration must have been so gradual that we didn’t really notice it but it’s much improved now.

Another £130 down. Selling this car has been expensive so far.

I’ve sent messages to 2 people who wanted to see it but no one has shown up yet.

Is the iV the hybrid? I wonder if it’s something to do with the floor or the boot being full of batteries.

It is the hybrid. When I checked specs for the iV through Parkers or similar it’s showing 750 unbraked and 1900 braked as the towing capacity.

I suspect there was some mandatory factory fit tow preparation required.  The hybrid (and ICE versions) have been well reviewed as a tow car but it seems a number of models need a factory upgrade during build.  This seems to be peculiar to Skoda in the VAG group as I’ve yet to see a Passat or Audi with the issue but I want the bigger boot of the Superb.

The dream is over for now.

The buyer for Yeti has done a no show. We’ve been waiting for him all day and he’s gone quiet. As soon as we’d done the deal I was going to phone and reserve the Octavia.

I’m the meantime, it’s bloody sold. Someone beat us to it.

On the bright side, there’s quite a few similar cars for sale. Unfortunately they’re dotted all over the country and I don’t know how we’re going to visit them without our car.

I feel a bit deflated because I thought it was in the bag. Meh. I’ll find something somewhere.

I’m in the process of buying a car and after quite a bit of pushing the dealer offered trade in value on my car that is only a couple of hundred pounds less than if I sold it myself. Well worth trading it in this case just for the convenience factor.

I was only going to update this thread when I’d found the perfect Octavia but I’m stuck at work and we can’t view anything yet.

Aaaaanyway. The wife is in Newcastle at the minute and she sent me a link to this which is 5 minutes away from our house… Tosser Alert

She bloody loves it. The car will be her daily driver so I don’t want to shoot her down immediately, but that doesn’t stop me from building evidence against it!

Normally I’d hate it but I have to admit I love the colour. I’d prefer it on a bike frame or something that we don’t have to drive around in.

I’ve never looked at, sat in, or even considered an Audi so I know nothing about them. I am surprised to discover that they sell such an expensive, 2.0 turbo, car with ‘only’ 148bhp. That’s like 90’s power levels but with 2020’s kerb weight.

Yeti update: Someone on eBay is begging to buy it this weekend but they’re offering just a bit less than the minimum that I hoped to get. But, if a suitable replacement pops up this week they can have it.

I’ve got one of those but mine is red and not blacked out. I don’t notice a lack of power…

If you are up for other makes, I bought a 2 year old Focus ST petrol estate in November last year (71 plate, 18k miles) for £24K.

Brilliant car to drive and really practical. Last of the pre face lift models, so has all the extras included such as power tailgate, head up display, adaptive LED headlights etc. 280 bhp and currently averaging 30 mpg.

I’m considering everything now. There are some really nice SEAT 4×4 wagon things for sale locally which is basically a Golf R but cheaper and (hopefully) a bit more discreet and less likely to be swiped by bank robbers.

I’d love a Focus ST but the wife isn’t convinced and she’s the one who has to drive it every day. It would partly make up for the Fiesta which I sold after a just a year and have regretted ever since.

I’ve got one of those but mine is red and not blacked out. I don’t notice a lack of power…

Is yours a 35 or a 40? (I’m learning the Audi lingo) Any problems with it? Are parts and services reasonable? I’ve always thought that Audi aren’t content to sell you a car they want to rinse you at every other opportunity. Tell me if I’m wrong.

It’s slightly er, showy, with all that black kit and massive wheels. But yeah blue is ok otherwise.  I imagine a nice steel hardtail would look good in ‘turbo blue’.

That’s my thoughts exactly. Lush colour, maybe on a helmet or a t-shirt.

As for being showy though, living in urban Sheffield, it would blend right in. We’d still look poor next to the millions of Range Rovers, Porsches, G-Wagons, Bentleys etc. It’s the place to be if you want to drive around looking like knob and making loads of noise.

We’ve got a Skoda Kodiaq while our car is getting fixed. It’s massive but very, very dull. Apart from being big I can’t think of anything it does anything other than averagely. I’d be looking at that Audi before committing to a Skoda.

Are parts and services reasonable?

An intermittently faulty coolant level sensor (saying levels were low when they weren’t) on an A6 Avant was quoted by an Audi main dealer at a whopping £2,500. 😮

Audi are just posh VW, Skoda are less posh VW. Go onto ECP or similar and see how much service parts cost for the A4 vs the Octavia.

You may pay more in labour at an Audi garage than a Skoda garage, but I’d be taking it to an independent in any case.

Re the Audi the interior will be a lot nicer. The boot space will be a lot worse.

Even the A6 boot is pokey for the size of car (opened the boot, took one look, said “not for us” and moved on).  It’s a shame because I’d much rather have the Audi interior.  I reckon the Octavia boot is better for usability than the A6 even if it’s down on litres.

There does seem to be a suggestion (on some threads on Briskoda) that there’s also some different throttle mapping etc going on with Audi Vs Skoda to emphasise differences in driving experience with the Audi models typically defaulting to a sharper/more responsive settings.  Might not apply to the VRS.   Could all be forum BS of course.

Even the A6 boot is pokey for the size of car (opened the boot, took one look, said “not for us” and moved on).

Interested to hear what you ‘moved on’ to? When I was looking at estates the best rear boot space by far was in a 2017 Subaru Outback, but in the end I was too worried about the mpg to go for it.

Want to see an almost perfect Octavia?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405230011609

The VRS Challenge is the runout model of the mk3 facelift so they’ve usually got everything thrown into them. This one looks like it’s had every box ticked. The only thing I can’t see is the factory detachable towbar.

The only problem with that one is the mileage is way above average and we’re trying to get something that hasn’t hit puberty yet. Also, I can’t just pop down to Swindon for a look at it because it’s a 7 hour round trip.

The only problem with that one is the mileage is way above average

It’s only 60k.  It’s not clocked that up driving round town.  The only other thing is smokers pack 🤢.

@Stevet1

Our boot constraints include dog headroom (75cm) over a sensible part of the floor area so might not be a perfect indicator if you’re just lugging squashy luggage.  Basically we want an old school long roof not a curvy shooting brake type thing.

• Octavia (but would need a roofbox due to dog needs)
• Superb (probably enough room for most trips without a roof box)
• Passat (somewhere between the above)
• 5 series and
• E class

Neither of the last two have had the doggy tape measure treatment yet.

The Superb would be the potential leader on space but seems to be patchy towing homologation and limited numbers available.

The V90 failed the boot headroom test and wasn’t helped by the sensation when I sat in it that I was looking through a tank slot window.

I have even started looking at SUVs out of frustration at lack of choice in the estate space.

Still no Octavia here. For a car that’s so commonly spotted in Sheffield there’s surprisingly few of them for sale anywhere near us. I’m getting sick of looking now. I’ve got AutoTrader fatigue syndrome from checking every day.

So, we’re going up north to visit family this weekend and we have 3 cars on our shopping list. We’re going to see and hopefully drive all of them on Saturday and then either piss or get off the pot. By which I mean, seal the deal or keep the Yeti for another year.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405250069985

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202404128582407

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202406040396895

They’re all pretty much the same car so it might be hard to tell them apart. No fancy options, no panoramic roofs, no cool digital cockpits or anything. Just a petrol engine, a turbo, 7 speed DSG and a massive boot.