My Skoda Octavia is using too much fuel.
Hi,
I have a Skoda Octavia diesel and it is heavy on juice; can you tell me what the problem is?
Thank you
Harry Brooker (Dublin)Expert answer
Hi Harry,
It's very difficult to assess such a thing remotely, but here are a few things to check:
1 - Are you carrying extra weight in the boot?
2 - Check your tyre pressures, condition and alignment - makes a big difference.
3 - Check the cleansiness of your air filter. Very important.
4 - Have it serviced if it has not been in a long time.
5 - Check that none of the brakes are binding - jack up each corner in turn and with the car out of gear and the handbrake off you should be able to freely turn each wheel. If not, the brakes may be binding and need to be looked at.
6 - Only when you've exhausted the simple stuff should you look into getting the car hooked up to a diagnostic machine. Some versions of the TDI engine had problems with injectors and turbos that could lead to higher fuel consumption, but the fix is expensive.
Let us know how you get on
Volkswagen Golf or Skoda Octavia?
I am looking at upgrading my car to a one or two-year-old Volkswagen Golf 1.6 TDI Highline or a Skoda Octavia 1.6 TDI Elegance. There is as you know a price difference, but which would be the better buy? Should I look at something else?
Des Wynne (Dundalk)Jan 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Des,
It depends entirely on your priorities. If you favour style and badge appeal, go for the Golf. There are few better cars. If you're a practical type, get the Octavia as it has significantly more rear seat and boot space than the Golf and is more or less identical to drive.
Is this trade-in deal on a nearly new Octavia good?
Hi there.
I am thinking of purchasing a second hand (132) Skoda Octavia Elegance 1.2 petrol with 17k miles on it from a main dealer. I currently drive a 2001 Opel Astra (127k miles), which is due for taxing this month. The whole deal including trade-in comes to €16.6k net.
My annual mileage is circa 11,000 so I am wondering if the petrol version is the best option and if the price of the deal is reasonable in your opinion. I would welcome your advice as I have to make a decision in days.
Regards, John from Charleville.
John Rafferty (Charleville)Jan 2015 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi John,
Yes, I'd say you're onto a good one there. Obviously, a well used 14-year old Astra isn't going to come with a bundle of trade-in value attached, so I think the price looks pretty fair for the Octavia, especially given the low mileage. Honestly - we see press cars with higher miles than that!
As for the petrol/diesel side of things, I think you'll be fine in the 1.2 TSI. At 11,000 miles a year you're well within the bracket to keep burning petrol rather than switching to more expensive diesel (more expensive to buy the car, not the fuel of course) and the good news is that the 1.2 TSI engine is exceptionally frugal. In fact, I once drove one for 200km before I realised that it wasn't diesel, so slow moving was the fuel gauge. In my defence, it was late and I was tired...
Would a high-mileage, private Octavia be ok?
Hello there, would a Skoda Octavia (1.4/1.6 petrol 2005-2007) be worth buying? Especially with a higher mileage of 150,000km and more? And would it be risky buying from a private seller? Dealers are dear...
Thank you very much for your answer
Rasti
Rasti Jevcak (Ennis)Jan 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Rasti,
I'd say that kind of mileage puts you just over the tipping point for diesel, but if you must insist on petrol then go for the 1.6 - that 1.4 is so underpowered that you have to work it hard to get any performance out of it, and that really hurts the fuel consumption. As for buying privately, just keep your wits about you. The Octavia is a solidly reliable and well made car, which lowers the risk, but don't accept anything without immaculate paperwork and a proper, fully-stamped service history. None of this my-brother's-a-mechanic-and-he-looked-after-it rubbish. Worth getting a history check (from the likes of Cartell.ie) and maybe an AA inspection too. Be especially wary of cars with outstanding finance still owing on them.
Why is my Skoda Octavia not starting?
Hi, my 2007 Skoda Octavia will not start. It will turn over but will not start (had to jump start it the day before). What could be wrong?
Jon Ward (Drogheda)Dec 2014 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Jon,
I'm afraid this sort of thing is nigh on impossible to diagnose from afar as there are so many factors at work. Here are a few things to look at, but really, you need a mechanic to take a look:
- Hook it up to a diagnostic machine and get any error codes - that could save time
- Perhaps the glo plugs aren't working - they'd be needed in this cold weather (if it's diesel)
- Maybe the fuel tank pump isn't working. Turn the ignition on and you should hear a buzz from under the rear seats
- Is there sufficient fuel in the tank?
Best of luck with it - let us know how you get on
Which of these diesel cars should I import from the UK?
I plan on going to the UK to buy a car soon. Thinking of a 2010/2011 diesel, a Qashqai, Passat, Sportage or Octavia. If I got a Kia it would still have warranty. Any other make with warranty like this? Can you give me advice?
John O Callaghan (Rosscarbery)Dec 2014 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi John,
The only other brand with a comparable warranty back in 2010 or 2011 would be Hyundai, which has (and had) a five-year, unlimited mileage warranty. Of the cars you've mentioned, in descending order of preference, we'd go for Octavia, Passat, Sportage and Qashqai. If it's out of warranty, you can always get an aftermarket one.
What do you think?
What €12,000 estate should I go for?
I am thinking of buying an estate car as I need the extra space. Seems to be a lot of Astras out there, but want to get something fairly good with a budget of €12k-ish. Recommend anything in particular?
Jonny Jackson (Tallaght)Dec 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Jonny,
The Astra is not a bad choice and the current Ford Focus Estate is simply massive inside too. But, to be honest, if it's a compact estate you're after then there are really only two serious games in town - the Kia cee'd SW and the Skoda Octavia Combi. Both are terrifically well made, reliable and, if you get the 1.6 diesel engine in either, very frugal. And both have absolutely enormous boots - more than 500 litres each. Cracking cars both, so simply take your pick. The Kia has the better warranty, the Skoda is perhaps slightly nicer inside.
Let us know which way you go with it
What mid-sze petrol car should my parents buy?
My elderly parents are in the market for a mid-sized hatch with a budget of around €22k, which seems to get them most brand's lower-mid trim models. A crossover they feel is too big for them despite me recommending the easier entry of the higher seats. They need a small petrol engine, as their mileage is low and will never reach a speed capable of clearing a DPF.
The question is what car? There is a really good range of options between Golf, i30, Focus, Pulsar, Auris and many others. What is the best all round option, and do you happen to know if any of them are easier to get into/out of than others?
Thanks
Shane Sheridan (Dublin)Nov 2014 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Shane,
If it's a small petrol hatch you're looking for then I think the best options are either a Ford Focus with the 1.0-litre EcoBoost turbo engine (the 100hp version is the sweetest) or either one of the three Volkswagen Group hatches (Golf, Skoda Octavia or SEAT Leon) with the brilliant 1.2 TSI turbo. Both engines, if driven gently, should yield close-to-diesel fuel economy.
Incidentally, your point about higher seats being easier to get in and out of for elderly drivers is well made. It might be worth checking out something nearly-new along the lines of a Golf Plus or Ford C-Max in that regard.
I want to reduce my tax bill by replacing my Mondeo.
I have a 2007 Mondeo that costs me €636 in tax per annum. I do very low mileage and most of my journeys are very short. What car would you recommend? My Mondeo is 1.8 TDCi and although I enjoy the power on the odd long journey I make, the tax is killing me on a car that I don't utilise to its maximum. I'd be looking at no newer than a 2012 model.
Shane Corcoran (Dublin)Sep 2014 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Shane,
Ok, if you want to trim your tax, then your best hope is to get into a much more compact car. I'd suggest trading down to a five-door hatchback, and seeing as you do such low mileage, I'd suggest going for petrol - you'll find it much less trouble than diesel.
How about a Skoda Octavia 1.2 TSI petrol turbo? Near to diesel levels of economy but no diesel particulate filter (DPF) to worry about, Band B emissions so you'll pay just €280 to tax it and it's also nice to drive and damn near as spacious as your old Mondeo.
When to change a Skoda 1.6 TDI timing belt?
Can you tell me at what mileage do I have to change the timing belt in a Skoda 1.6 TDI please?
Michael Murphy (Cork)Sep 2014 Filed under: servicing
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
You've not mentioned whether you have the Superb or the Octavia, but either way our data suggests that the recommended service interval for the 1.6 TDI timing belt is 140,000 miles (225,000 kilometres) or every four years.
We'd suggest erring on the side of caution with timing belts always, especially on a car that you've not owned yourself from new.