Skoda Octavia Estate (2005 - 2013) 2.0 TDI PD Ambiente 5d DSG (2005/55) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Not fancy, but does what it says.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

All the jokes about Skodas and bringing the tone of the neighbourhood down but a 2 litre diesel with 140bhp that regularly gives 49 mpg (55 mpg on longer journeys) and only reduces to 42 mpg with a 1550kg caravan on the back elicits a quiet and grudging respect.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Most definitely. Need auto because I'm disabled and not nearly as economical as the Octavia 1.9 manual diesel we had before it but a lot better than most even with auto and DSG.

What are you likely to buy next?

Possibly Kia Sorento if we purchase a bigger caravan - otherwise ...... Skoda Octavia.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£4,500

When did you buy the car?

October 2008

Did you get a good deal and why?

Not too bad. Replacement (2nd hand warranted 35000 miles) engine but highish mileage.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Liked Skodas and needed a lowish estate for getting my wheelchair in and out.

What was the dealer like?

What's it like to drive?

Excellent seat positioning option; VERY powerful with lots of low-end grunt, very quick acceleration and good road handling. Nothing fancy but it does what it says it'll do without any fuss.

What's it like to park?

Rear parking sensors fitted so it's a doddle.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Needed new bottom flywheel (2011-£550), fitted new n/s cv joint (Jan 2012).

What's most practical about your car?

The low, wide and tall entry to the boot (for my wheelchair which my wife has to lift); good entry space into all doors; excellent seat positioning.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

DSG gearbox use manual function when towing caravan up hills!