Skoda Octavia Estate (1998 - 2005) 1.9 TDi Elegance 5d (2002/51) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
Good, reliable, smart looking car.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
They love it! Lots of people have asked what I think of it, as they're considering getting one. Hardly any of the old Skoda jokes any more.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Yes. Did everything I wanted it to.
What are you likely to buy next?
Toyota Celica (already got it)
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Didn't buy from a dealer
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£5,800
When did you buy the car?
December 2005
Did you get a good deal and why?
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Had everything I wanted - diesel, air conditioning, sunroof, CD changer.
What was the dealer like?
Griffin Mill in Pontypridd, terrible service. Parts dept always out of stock, no communication when work being done, car was kept in nearly two weeks for a routine service and was then told it was ready to be collected when it wasn't, ordered replacement tailgate latch four years ago for me and still waiting to hear from them! Ended up going to White Dove Skoda in Cardiff or Cardiff Volkswagen when I needed stuff, they were much better!
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Will shift if you tell it to, plenty of power when needed, will happily go up steep grades and will even accelerate up them if you want. Feels smooth and safe in all conditions.
What's it like to park?
Fine, good visibility out the back.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Rear brakes needed replacing twice. Bushing on gearshift wore out. Had to replace MAF due to problems with turbo switching off and car going into limp mode if pushed over 3,000rpm. Problems with smokey cold starts in winter and coolant temperature light flashing; glow plugs and temp sensor replaced which significantly improved (but did not eliminate) this issue, still needed to turn key to run plugs at 6am in winter. (this is all small potatoes compared to some cars' faults)
What's most practical about your car?
Carrying capacity! Fold the seats down flat and you can carry a lot: TVs, Christmas trees, luggage for four people.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
CD changer
