Used Skoda Octavia Cars For Sale

A history lesson…

The original was launched back in 1998 and, in truth, was never really much kop. That all changed, though, when the MK2 Skoda Octavia was birthed. Skoda’s flagship saloon car had finally become a serious contender for your money, thanks to an intoxicating blend of alternative style, build quality and economical engines.

The latest model has been with us since 2004, and despite its age continues to sell well. The vRS model was introduced to appeal to the drivers who prefer horsepower over economy, and with a 0-62mph time of just 7.2 seconds, it certainly worked.

There’s been a couple minor facelifts since the original, so rest assured the latest cars come with all of today’s tech and economical engines. If you want something alternative and well made, the Octavia is a superb choice.

Bang for your buck

Ever since Skoda was taken over by VW back in 1991, the marque has undergone quite a transformation. Skoda is now classed under the premium sector of the market, which is not only surprising but it’s also a far cry from the days when you’d be laughed out of the pub if you were to admit to driving one.

VW has seriously done a brilliant job with Skoda and all the cars come with everything you’d expect of a modern day saloon. You do pay a bit of a premium for all that VW’ness, but it’s worth it. 

Auto climate control, ESP, airbags everywhere and the most up-to-date VAG engines mean the Octavia drives just a well as it looks. 

What you’ll pay

You’ll need £3,650 to purchase an 04 plated Octavia 1.4-litre Classic but if you spend another £600 you’ll bag yourself a 1.6-litre model instead. The 1.6-litre FSI-engined model opens at £4,550 in Ambiente trim and is one of the picks of the range.

What to check

There’s basically nothing to worry about at all with an Octavia. Due to the VW connection, it’s as well-built as Buckingham Palace. The chances of anything serious going wrong is about as likely as eating a low-fat Domino’s pizza. 

Parts

An alternator is one of the more expensive items sitting at around £450, while a clutch assembly is around £215. Front brake pads are a more reasonable £40 a pair. Remember, it’s basically a VW underneath, and VW like to charge handsomely for their part.

How it drives

The vRS, powerful Octavia is easily the pick of the bunch, as it’s not only bags of fun on A and B roads but also quiet and restrained on the motorway. The 2.0-litre turbocharged engine is an absolute peach and is as bulletproof as any VAG engine. 

If that version is a bit too hot for you, the diesels and lower capacity petrols are just as impressive. All Octavia’s drive like a saloon; by which we mean they’re a little soft and do suffer from roll in the bends, but they’re anything but disappointing.

The boot is rather enormous, while the interior quality is second-to-none. Buying a Skoda saloon used to be a bit of a joke… not anymore it isn’t.