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Reliability: Skoda Octavia or Toyota Avensis?

Which is more reliable, the Skoda Octavia diesel or the Toyota Avensis diesel?

Noel Mcnamee (Dublin)

Jan 2014 Filed under: reliability

Expert answer

Hi Noel,

It's probably pretty much neck-and-neck. Toyotas are legendarily reliable and well-made and there's nothing in the history of the current Avensis to suggest that it's anything other than that. Likewise, the Octavia; Skodas tend to do extremely well in owner satisfaction surveys and while part of that can be put down to the switched-on customer service nature of the brand's dealers, there's no doubt that Skoda's Czech factory turns out some beautifully made products. Nothing between them, really.


Octavia RS or BMW 3 Series?

2009 Skoda Octavia 2.0 TDI RS or 2010 BMW 320d ? I'm looking for a sporty secondhand hatch/saloon with low tax and good economy. Should I go for the cheaper Octavia or the BMW 3 Series?

Thanks

Vittorio Papa (Dublin)

Jan 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Vittorio,

Oooh. Aargh. Ummm. God, this is actually a real toughie as I utterly adore both cars and they're both ideal picks. 

OK, I'll lay out the pros and cons and you'll have to make your own mind up from there.

The Octavia will likely prove to be the more reliable in the long term and is much more spacious and practical than the Beemer. The 320d, by contrast, is much sweeter to drive thanks to all the usual BMW rear-drive balance and it does have a nicer interior. 

To be honest though, I'd grab either with both hands and not let go. See which one you can find that's in better condition or is better value.

Let us know what you decide


Audi A4 or Skoda Octavia?

Audi A4 or Skoda Octavia? Which would be the better buy?

John Browne (Dublin)

Jan 2014 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi John,

Well, an A4 is much more expensive than the Octavia, so that would seem to answer the question. The Octavia uses many of the same components, it’s reliable, decent to drive and very practical so why spend extra? Of course, the Audi is more stylish, sharper to drive and more refined, but it depends on what matters most to you.


Can you recommend a good family car?

Can you recommend a good family car? I have a newborn on the way and am looking to buy a family car in the next 2-3 weeks. I have a budget of roughly €10,500. I'm six-foot-four in height so space is very important. My wife and I also have family down the country so would be making regular trips now and then outside Dublin. In a nutshell, I'm looking for something reliable, pratical, economical and fun to drive. I've been homing in on a Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi Zetec.

Any advice or other recommendations would be much appreciated.

Seamus Hadrill (Dublin)

Jan 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Seamus,

A Mondeo 2.0 TDCi is, frankly, a great choice - spacious, comfy, well made and superb for that kind of long-haul journey. Just as a suggestion though, it may be worth coming down a class and having a look around, just as a way of potentially keeping your running costs as low as possible. Perhaps a Honda Civic diesel or a Skoda Octavia TDI? Both are massively spacious (so would carry your height with plenty of space behind for baby seats etc.), but would also be a little cheaper to run than the Mondeo, and almost as comfy on the long haul. Worth a thought, but if you fancy the Mondeo, go for it. Buy one with a full service history and you won't go wrong.

Let us know which way you go in the comments below.


Why won't my Skoda Octavia start?

My 2006 Skoda Octavia will not start. The key is not going to the ignition position and there are no initial start lights on dashboard. What's wrong?

Angela Nunez (Tunapuna)

Jan 2014 Filed under: electrics

Expert answer

Hi Angela,

Sounds to us like a dead battery. It might come back to life if 'jump-started' and then driven for a while, but it's possible that it needs to be replaced completely.


What petrol car to replace my Corolla?

Hello there,

I currently drive a 1995 Toyota Corolla 1.3 petrol hatchback and spend about 70 to 75 Euro a week on petrol. I get about 440 miles from a full tank of petrol. I have thought about buying diesel, but am worried about high servicing costs. Could you recommend some very economical petrol cars that are the same size internally and as roomy as the Corolla.

Jimmy Smith, Newbridge

Jimmy Smith (Newbridge)

Dec 2013 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Jimmy,

Try a Skoda Octavia 1.2 TSI petrol. It's massive inside and has a huge boot, and it can easily reach 50mpg in daily driving, with around 900km to a tank possible.


What's wrong with my 2007 Skoda Octavia?

Hello,

I have a 2007 Skoda Octavia 2007 1.9 TDI that sometimes won't start - the engine will turn over, but won't start. When it does eventually start it runs ok for a while, then it cuts out and won't start any more: fuel pump, pipes, filter and fuses etc, have been checked and all ok. Have a fault code but not sure if related - P1650 data bus powertrain: missing message from instrument cluster ECU.

Thanks

Steve

Steve Daly (Cork)

Nov 2013 Filed under: fault

Expert answer

Hi Steve,

That fault code indicates a wiring issue somewhere that may well be your problem, but would require a good auto electrician to sort out. 

However, before doing that, a known issue with that car causing similar problems is a faulty engine coolant temperature sensor that intermittently sends the wrong signal to the car's brain and causes all kinds of problems. It needs to be replaced and shouldn't cost the earth.


Volvo V60 D4 or Skoda Octavia RS TDI?

How does the new Volvo V60 D4 compare to the Skoda Octavia RS diesel?

Philip Donegan (Ballina)

Oct 2013 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Philip,

The Octavia RS is a much sportier car overall with a more driver-focused chassis (though firmer and less comfortable). However, the new D4 Volvo engine is superior in every way (assuming you mean the new 181hp four-cylinder one tested here). 

So, personally, I would have the Skoda look, spec and chassis, but the Volvo engine and running costs!

Depends what's important to you...

 


Should I replace my Corolla with a Golf or Octavia?

I bought an 09 Toyota Corolla 1.4 petrol with 64,000km on the clock three months ago. It is still covered by the dealer's one-year warranty, is taxed until July 2014 and NCT'ed until July 2015. Since then, I have changed job and will now be commuting two hours a day on the motorway and so need to change for a diesel. Even though I'm generally the only one in the car, I prefer saloons and like a big car around me, partly for safety reasons. I also want a comfortable, hi-spec, economical car. And as I will be putting a lot of miles on it, I want something with low mileage. I am thinking a diesel Volkswagen Golf or a Skoda Octavia.

Have test driven the Ford Focus and Hyundai i30 and the interior put me off. Maybe I was driving the basic models but found them to be quite cheap in feel. I am trying to keep the total spend to about €2,000 to €4,000 with my own for trade-in.

First of all, am I on the right track in the types of cars I am looking at for what I want? Secondly, how much should I roughly be expecting to get for my own car?

Grainne Callanan (Kilkenny)

Oct 2013 Filed under: choosing used car

Expert answer

Hi Grainne,

I'd say you can expect to get about €8,000 and €9,000 as a trade-in value for your Corolla, although that could vary quite a bit from dealer to dealer. As for the cars you're looking at, a diesel Golf or Octavia would probably be ideal for the type of driving you're looking at doing, but if it's refinement you need, then I'd go for the Volkswagen over the Skoda - there's not a lot in it, but the Golf is that bit quieter.

Hope that helps


I need a car that's easy to get in and out of...

Can you advise me on a car that's easy to get in and out of? Presently driving a Skoda Octavia. How about something like a Peugeot 208?

Christpoher Reid (Navan)

Sep 2013 Filed under: choosing new car

Expert answer

Hi Christopher,

I think what you need here is a car of medium height, not low slung like a hatch or tall like an SUV, but in the middle, so that it's easy (apologies for being indelicate) to get your bum on the seat and swing your legs in more easily. A tall hatch, essentially. So perhaps have a look at a five-door Ford C-Max, or possibly a Honda Civic or Volkswagen Golf Plus. They usually present an easier entry-exit setup than something more low and rakish. Try a few out and see what works best for you.


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