I'm thinking of changing to a Skoda Octavia.
Hi,
I'm seriously considering changing to a Skoda Octavia, but I am undecided whether to get brand new or a second hand example up to three years' old. The 0% APR finance offer is obviously very tempting on a new car, but I'm just wondering if you think there's value in the second hand market? How does the Octavia's depreciation rate compare in the first two years with two to five years?
I'm also a bit puzzled by the different specifications that have been available since 2013. Can you give any clarity on this? It looks like in 2013 they were offering Ambition, Exclusive and Elegance, but it's now Active, Ambition and Style. Which ones were/are the better equipped models?
Thanks.
Gerry Connolly (Skerries, Dublin)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Gerry,
I think it's well worth considering a new Octavia, not least because the PCP rates are very tempting and it insulates you from any depreciation (which is pretty mild on an Octavia at any rate - it should retain at least 50 per cent value after three years). Used ones are good too, of course, but it's tempting to have that shiny new one with a full three-year warranty.
As for trims, well spotted - Skoda did indeed shuffle around its trim levels so that Ambition, which used to be the lowest spec, is now actually a well-equipped mid-range. It's worth going for as it comes with items like nice alloy wheels, a 5.8-inch touch screen for the stereo, multi-function steering wheel and Bluetooth.
What are these Skoda trade-in values?
Trade in values of 2009 1.6 diesel Skoda Octavia Greenline Estate (100k miles) and a 2008 Skoda Fabia 1.4 diesel saloon (95k miles)? Both in good condition.
Howard Preston (Sligo)Jan 2016 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Howard,
About €6-7k trade in for the Octavia, and about €4-5k for the Fabia, I'd say.
I'd like to change my Octavia for a Qashqai.
Hello,
I am considering changing my 2007 Skoda Octavia (420,000km on the clock) to a Nissan Qashqai. Can you advise me on best option? Other than visual look I have no knowledge of the Qashqai - where can I read a review? What trade in value/scrappage can I expect? Is it better to seek finance or pay cash?
Any advice and guidance on how I should progress will be appreciated.
Regards
PJ Ferris (Drogheda)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi P J,
The current model Nissan Qashqai, introduced at the beginning of 2014, is a really cracking choice - well made, frugal and nice to drive. Go for the 1.5 diesel if you do big miles, or the 1.2 petrol turbo if you're mostly doing short hops around town. As for your Octavia, I'd say you could expect to get around €5,000 as a trade in, depending on the dealer and your car's condition and history.
Finance or cash? Easy: if you can afford to pay cash, do it. You'll be able to argue yourself a decent discount up front and you won't be paying any interest. As for finance, PCP offers are tempting and very good value, but they kind of rely on you coming back in three years' time for another car. If that's not your plan, then a personal Credit Union or bank loan could actually work out better value overall. If you have a financial advisor they can give you more detailed advice than I, and check out the CompleteCar.ie Guide to Car Finance for more information.
How much is a 2008 Skoda Octavia worth?
2008 Skoda Octavia 1.9 diesel, registered after June: how much?
John Finnan (Tipperary)Dec 2015 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi John,
I'd say in and around €7,900 as long as it comes with a full service history.
Should I buy a new Skoda Octavia L&K Combi?
Hi, you reviewed the Skoda Octavia L&K recently and I was wondering what wheel and engine noise were like in the cabin of the car. I am close to making a decision on a Combi estate version and the spec is very high compared to other similarly priced cars. Overall would you think it would be a good investment, as I intend to keep it for five years at least?
Many thanks, Ian O'Neill
Ian O'Neill (Waterford)Nov 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Ian,
Cracking car, but yes, you do get a good bit of tyre noise, especially in the back. Take it for a good test drive on the nearest motorway or dual carriageway to see if it's too noisy for you.
Should I switch my Ford Focus for a diesel car?
Petrol or diesel? I am looking to change my 2005 Ford Focus 1.4 petrol to something similar. I am averaging 40,000 miles per year and wonder what would be a good option for me. The budget is approx €10k.
Shirley Mulcahy (Portlaoise)Oct 2015 Filed under: petrol vs. diesel
Expert answer
Hi Shirley,
I think you need to be looking at diesel with that kind of mileage. A €10k budget would slot you nicely into a 2009 Honda Civic 2.2 i-CDTi (don't worry about the size: it's cheap to tax). It's ood to drive, massively spacious, economical and reliable.
There are also some Skoda Octavia 1.9 TDIs and Toyota Auris 1.4 D-4Ds around for this budget that are well worth looking at.
How much road tax for a Skoda 1.9 TDI?
Hi,
What road tax will I pay on a Skoda 1.9 TDI diesel registered in February 2008?
MICHAEL LENANE (WATERFORD)Oct 2015 Filed under: taxation
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
It depends on the model but if it's the Octavia 1.9 105hp then the CO2 emissions are officially quoted as 135g/km, so you'll pay €280 a year to tax it. If it's a Fabia hatchback 1.9 TDI then it'll be €270 (129g/km of CO2), a Roomster 1.9 TDI will set you back €390 (145g/km) and a Superb the same €390 (153g/km).
Would an Opel Insignia be a good alternative to an Octavia?
You recommended in June a Skoda Octavia or SEAT Leon for my needs. The Leon would be too small and I've being trying unsuccessfully to get an 08/09/10 Octavia since. Would an Opel Insignia be a sensible alternative in terms of efficency, reliability and durability?
Thanks!
Cormac Mc Cashin (Maynooth)Sep 2015 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Cormac,
Yes, and the Insignia is also lovely to drive and really quite classy. It may not be quite so robustly reliable as an Octavia though. But if you buy with a full service history and look after it properly it shouldn't give any major trouble.
How does the new Toyota RAV4 compare to the new Honda CR-V?
Hi! What is my 2011 Skoda Octavia 2.0 TDI with 103,000 kilometres on the clock, worth? And how does the new Toyota RAV4 compare to the new Honda CR-V?
Thank you
Joe. Limerick
Joe Franklin (Limerick)Jul 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Joe,
I'd say your Octavia is worth in and around €12,000. The RAV4 and the CR-V are not really direct rivals although there is some crossover of their price points.
The RAV4 is very nice, well made, decent to drive and very spacious, but the more expensive CR-V looks and feels appropriately more sophisticated.
Relevant reviews:
2015 Honda CR-V review (AWD)
Honda CR-V review (front-wheel drive)
Mazda3, Skoda Octavia or Toyota Corolla?
Hi guys.
I currently drive a Volkswagen Golf (2007) and am looking to upgrade to accommodate a growing family (two young kids). I've narrowed my selection down to Mazda3 (saloon), Skoda Octavia, or the Toyota Corolla. Space is a main concern.
Any advice?
Cheers, Ronan
Ronan Murphy (Carrigaline)Jun 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Ronan,
Go for the Octavia. The Mazda3 is nice to drive and incredibly reliable and the Corolla is about as reliable and unbreakable as a granite rock, but the Octavia has the best interior space and reliability is generally excellent, so go for that. Case in point: once spent two consecutive weekends hauling my young family from Dublin to Waterford to visit relatives. First weekend with a Ford S-Max, second with an Octavia (this would have been 2006) and the Octavia carried the same amount of luggage as the S-Max...
Relevant reviews: