The first Skoda Octavia was designed by Volkswagen engineers. The Octavia I is essentially a cheap German car. She quickly became a hit among new cars and lasted 14 years on the assembly line. Today it is one of the most interesting offers on the secondary market.

History and design of the model

With its appearance, the Skoda Octavia made a strong impression. The car was noticeably different from the rough Felicia. Built on the VW Golf IV platform, the Octavia featured large overhangs. With a length of 4.5 meters, its wheelbase was only 2.51 m. This led to the fact that the proportions of the body were not harmonious enough, but thanks to the designers, the classic contours looked attractive.

The Skoda Octavia has been available as a five-door hatchback and station wagon since 1998. In 1999, an all-wheel drive version appeared, as well as an exclusive version - Laurin & Klement.

In 2000, the car underwent a facelift - the appearance of the front and rear bumpers, grille, headlights and dashboard changed. Even in the cheapest trim levels, the interior design began to resemble the VW Golf. Before the update, only the most expensive versions looked like this. A sports version of the RS appeared in the model range (since 2002, also an RS station wagon) with a 180 hp engine, lowered suspension, sports bumpers and a spoiler.

In 2004, the second generation Octavia took over. But the first model was produced for another six years, however, under the name Octavia Tour.

In 2001, the Skoda Octavia was crash tested by Euro NCAP and earned 4 out of 5 stars.

Interior and equipment

The interior of the Czech car does not differ in size from the VW Golf IV. The relatively short wheelbase makes it relatively comfortable to sit on the back sofa only together, and even then, if the passengers are not too tall. The trunk is a record large in the class - from 528 to 1330 liters in the hatchback and from 548 to 1512 liters in the station wagon.

The front panel does not impress even in restyled models, and the finishing materials are not of the highest quality. Improvements are noticeable only in the Tour version, but then the Skoda Octavia II had already appeared. If someone wants to feel at least a little luxury, then you need to look for the Laurin & Klement version, which has leather trim and small wood-like interior details.

Skoda Octavia Laurin&Klement.

In the early years of production, the equipment of the basic version of the LX was modest: power steering, driver airbag, immobilizer and a four-speaker audio system. In 1999, ABS, passenger airbag and side airbags became standard equipment. After restyling, even the bumpers of the basic versions began to be painted in body color.

Before the facelift, in addition to Laurin & Klement, versions LX, GLX, SLX were offered. After restyling, they were replaced by Classic, Ambiente, Elegance and RS. There was also a limited edition Limited Edition, which after 2004 became known simply as Tour.

Engines and their disadvantages

In addition to the weakest 1.4 8V with 60 hp. (an old motor of Skoda's own design), all engines went to Octavia from the hands of Volkswagen engineers. Among them, you can find instances capable of running on gas (1.6 8V and 2.0 8V), strong and tuneable 1.8 turbocharged and the famous 1.9 TDI in several variations. The car was equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission and a 5 or 4-speed automatic.

Gasoline engines - typical faults and recommendations

The smallest 1.4 8V with 60 hp. too weak for a Czech car. Dynamic characteristics of a more modern 16-valve version of the 1.4-liter 75 hp engine. worse than expected. The best choice would be the Skoda Octavia with a 1.6-liter engine producing 101 hp. (after restyling 102 hp). This motor is reliable, relatively cheap to repair and tolerates the installation of gas equipment.

A 1.8-liter gasoline unit with five valves per cylinder, due to its complex design, is more expensive to repair and has the risk of increased wear on the block head. This should not be forgotten by those looking after the Skoda Octavia with 1.8 Turbo. Thrill seekers will love this engine, especially in the charged RS version. Before buying, you need to check the condition of the turbocharger. The cost of its restoration is at least $240.

Diesel engines - typical malfunctions and recommendations

The weakest in the line of diesel engines is atmospheric 1.9 SDI with a power of 68 hp. It almost never breaks down, but it has sluggish performance and fuel consumption is not much different from Volkswagen's more advanced and powerful 1.9 TDI. This is one of the most successful diesel engines. But the motor is no longer modern, noisy and vibrates noticeably. Do not forget that the young years of the Octavia 1.9 TDI are long gone, which increases the risk of malfunctions.

The very first 1.9 TDI with 90 and 110 hp. powered by high pressure fuel pump, subsequent 101 and 130 hp. - injector pumps. The former are more tolerant of poor quality fuel and cheaper to repair, but less flexible. Repair of high-pressure fuel pumps costs from $200 and more, and injectors about $120 (more expensive in engines with pump-injectors). Weak versions of the 1.9 TDI do not have a dual flywheel and a variable geometry turbocharger, which are installed only in the most powerful versions. None of these engines are equipped with a particulate filter.

The cost of replacing a dual mass flywheel is about $750, and a turbocharger is about $210 (fixed geometry) and $450 (variable geometry). For an EGR valve replacement, you will have to pay about $ 150.

Suspension

The Czech compact has a suspension similar in design to the Volkswagen Golf IV. The front is MacPherson struts, the rear is a torsion beam. All-wheel drive versions have a multi-link scheme on the rear axle. Both cars are confident on the road. Suspension courageously endures severe tests on Russian roads, and repairs are not difficult and not expensive. The choice of alternative substitutes is wide. Failed front arm bushings and rear beam bushings can be replaced for just over $300.

Other malfunctions

When inspecting the Skoda Octavia, it is necessary to pay attention to the condition of the low-lying oil pan and check the steering rack. Leaks will indicate the need for repair, which means another additional cost.

Unlike previous models of the Czech brand Skoda Octavia, the first generation is well protected from corrosion. Revisions require fenders, sills and a tailgate in the area of ​​​​the registration plate.

Conclusion

The first copies can be purchased very cheaply, but these will be hackneyed cars. There are a lot of Octavius ​​from Europe on the market with diesel engines and high mileage. There are gasoline versions from the hands of the first owners, but their equipment is often poor - there is not even an air conditioner.

Skoda Octavia I is recommended for those who are looking for a practical car, easy and inexpensive to repair, with a large selection of readily available spare parts. Sports fans will love the RS version. A used Skoda Octavia will last a long time and will not empty your pocket, provided that the copy you get is in very good condition and you do not neglect timely service.

Not happy with the service! As soon as I bought the car (I took it from my hands), I did MOT and changed the oil from the officials in Odessa. Since I drove in with black oil, I left with the same one! But according to the papers it is written that they even did the flushing! I ask why the oil is black, the answer is: you have a diesel !!! Then I changed it myself so the oil turned black only after 1000 km! You cannot be present during the work and you cannot see what they are doing with your car and whether they are doing anything at all! And the prices for everything are inflated by 2 times! In short, money scam! Now the mileage has already reached 82000, at the last MOT they found both leaking rear shock absorbers, they need to be changed! But I think this is due to the fact that the car is constantly loaded. There are no more problems. At 60 thousand, I changed antifreeze in the engine cooling system and brake fluid, and I also took the oil in the manual gearbox - I took all the liquids only from the SKODA officials in Odessa, but they changed everything in front of me at a regular service station. About 70 thousand mileage I changed the bushings of the front anti-roll bar, but the mechanic at the service station said that on our Ukrainian roads it is a consumable part! I also installed branded cruise control on the car (for Skoda it is called "Tempomat ") - the benefit of the engine electronics allows this to be done without any problems. The price of the issue, together with the installation in Odessa, is about $ 150 from the officials. Although I rarely drive on highways, this device makes driving on the highway very easy !!! fuel and oil filters, I constantly pour ELF EXELLIUM NF 5W-40 (synthetic) oil and strictly change it every 10 thousand (I have been using this oil only since 2004, but I buy it only in one place through a friend and with a guarantee that it is not burned). Together with the fuel, I fill in the LM Speed ​​​​Diesel Zusatz additive, but irregularly. All the filters are only from the officials of the VAG concern, I don’t see any reason to save on this. There was no oil consumption from replacement to replacement. I never turn off the engine right away - I let it run for 1-3 minutes at idle, depending on the previous load - it’s better for the turbine. 3000 rpm. The speed on the highway is 120-130 km / h. I rarely accelerate on the highway to 150. In general, I think that SKODA is a good choice for the gloomy Ukrainian realities and diesel engines should not be afraid! Although I used to be biased towards this brand, yes and I have a car with a diesel engine for the first time. But despite the fact that we write and talk about a diesel engine and our diesel fuel, I somehow don’t feel like changing to a “gasoline” anymore. Mileage 90,000 km. I changed the oil in the engine and the oil filter (native from VAG). The oil is still ELF EXELLIUM NF 5W-40. There is still no oil consumption for waste, at least not visually on the dipstick. When changing the oil, I did a flush diesel. For flushing, I used our usual VAMP oil. In general, I do an engine flush with each oil change, although I drive purely on synthetics. I didn’t do anything else to the car, it’s winter, it’s cold.

Skoda Octavia Tour this car has become a real bestseller in the CIS, due to its affordability, reliability, comfort and presentable appearance, which has not lost its relevance to this day. Skoda Octavia Tour is presented in two bodies: wagon and liftback. It is the second type that has gained popularity in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and neighboring countries. In Europe, station wagons are traditionally more popular.

Skoda Octavia Tour has been produced since 1998, but the roots go back to the middle of the last century. The model became the successor to the Skoda 440 Spartak, the production of which was stopped in 1955. Already in 1959, the first Octavia rolled off the assembly line. For 12 years, more than 280 thousand cars were produced. The model took an active part in the rally, some of the races were won.

In 1996, three years after the collapse of Czechoslovakia, a new history of the model began, and in 1998 the first Skoda Octavia Tour was released. February 2004 was marked by the release of the millionth car of the series. The concern produced the most corrosion-resistant bodies among all competitors, which caused a huge surge in popularity in Russia. The secret was hidden in the galvanization of the metal.

Production of the first generation ended in 2010 after 16 years. Skoda Octavia Tour continued to be produced for a small number of countries, including Ukraine and the Russian Federation, even when it was replaced by a modern modification in 2004 - the PQ35 platform, the second generation. The reason for this is the high popularity in these regions. Oktavia-II repeated the success of its predecessor and continues to be the heart of the brand.

• Assembly traditionally takes place in the Czech Republic, Russia, Slovakia, Kazakhstan, India, Ukraine and Poland - there are no customs duties. Which significantly reduces the cost of the car in these countries.

These are one of the few regions where you can buy a Skoda Octavia Tour 2008 or 10th model year. But, unfortunately, this model is not in great demand among collectors.

Specifications

Both domestic and foreign car owners note the huge capacity of the trunk in the liftback body (liftback) - the compartment cover opens along with the rear window. This design allows you to fold more things and, which is important for many, place bulky goods, such as dog kennels, four tires or a baby carriage, a bicycle. The trunk volume of the liftback is 528 liters, in the station wagon - 1328.

Drive unit

Depending on the personal preferences of the client, the car was equipped with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive with a Haldex clutch, which is famous for its very high reliability. The distribution of torque along the axes is determined by the electronics.

• The curb weight of the Skoda Octavia Tour is 1220 kilograms, which, together with a successful range of engines, makes the car one of the most economical in the class.

Suspension

For handling and comfort meets the traditional MacPherson strut in front and a semi-independent rear axle. The ground clearance of the Combi version is 177mm, an indicator close to SUVs, and a reinforced suspension made the car ideal for Russian roads and difficult winter conditions. The cost of spare parts is affordable for people with average incomes - more expensive than for Lada and Daewoo, cheaper than for the premium class.

Body

In the construction of the body, several grades of steel are used for individual elements, which makes the car manageable, light and stable, but at the same time strong enough. Dimensions: length - 4507mm, width - 1731, height - 1431. Wheelbase - 2512. Ground clearance of the basic modification in the liftback body - 140mm. Anti-corrosion warranty - 10 years, in reality, rust appears much later, provided that the car has not been in an accident.

Complete set

The most affordable version on the market is the LX dorestyle. It has only a power steering, a steering rack adjustable for reach and tilt and a connector for the radio.

The GLX added one airbag, heated rear window and mirrors, power door windows, fog lights. In the richest version of the SLX - passenger airbag, alloy wheels, climate control.

Complete sets released after restyling in 2000 were called Classic, Ambiente, Elegance and the most charged Laurin & Klement, where leather-covered seats, a sunroof and xenon head optics were added.

Engines

Both gasoline and diesel engines were installed under the hood. Transmission - either mechanics 5/6 steps, or automatic with 4 gears.

Petrol:

• 1,4 liters - 75 horsepower, 4 cylinders, acceleration to 100 km / h - 18 seconds. The most economical option of gasoline - the consumption in the combined cycle is 7.5 liters.
• 1,6 - 102 hp 4 cylinders, acceleration to 100 km / h - 14 seconds. This unit is in the greatest demand today. Consumption - 8.5 liters / 100km.
• 1,8 - 125 hp, 4 cylinders, acceleration to 100 km / h - 10 seconds. The motor is considered one of the most balanced in terms of dynamics to fuel consumption.
• 1.8T- 150 hp, 4 cylinders, turbocharged, acceleration to hundreds takes 9 seconds. The maximum speed is 217 km / h. This is the most torquey engine in the line.

Diesel:

• 1,9 TDI- 90 hp, acceleration to 100 km / h - 13 seconds. The maximum speed is 178 km / h. Consumption - 6.2 liters. The most popular diesel modification in the post-Soviet countries. Unpretentiousness to fuel and high reliability of the turbocharger are noted.
• 1,9 TDI- 101 hp, acceleration to hundreds - 11 seconds. The maximum speed is 192 km / h. Consumption in the city - 6.7 liters, on the highway - 4.0. Good traction characteristics of the motor are noted, the engine is in great demand among summer residents.
• The cost of diesel Skoda Octavia Tour 2007 release in the secondary market ranges from 200 to 600 thousand rubles, gasoline - 150 - 500 thousand. Prices shown are 2016. Diesels are extremely rare.

Salon

The interior decoration cannot be called ascetic or premium - it is comfortable, simple, intuitive. The RS modification is distinguished by a three-spoke steering wheel, in the usual versions there are four. The instrument panel is analog, large numbers are well read.

In the driver's door there is a control unit for locks and power windows, which is highlighted in the dark. On the dashboard there are two digital screens that display mileage, temperature overboard, current time.

The armchairs are upholstered in pleasant fabric, of which there are several types, differing in pattern, color, and tone. Seat adjustments are mechanical, of course, without knee bolsters and inflatable elements. But the seats are very comfortable and do not tire on long trips over long distances. There is enough space for rear passengers, even if tall people are sitting in front, however, one should not expect palatial volumes inside a C-class car.

Laurin & Klement - the most expensive equipment, where the interior is covered with leather, and the control panel is decorated with wood inserts. The lower part of the dashboard is painted in a noble beige color, the upper one is black. Door cards are distinguished by chrome-plated opening handles and wood-like inserts, they could also be trimmed with leather.

• In the photo: the gearshift lever in the configurationOctavia A4 Laurin & Klement.

Vehicle safety

High-strength steel transverse reinforcements are installed in the door, which minimize deformation during a side impact, and powerful tubes in the sills also contribute to this. Of the active safety systems, there are pretensioner belts for the driver and passengers, including the back row. Airbags are integrated in quantities from 0 to 1 and 2 pieces, depending on the configuration. Passenger safety, according to EuroNCAP, - 4 stars, pedestrian - 2.

• The only car in the segment to receive four starsEuroNCAPwith only one airbag.

In frontal impact tests, the A-pillars remain virtually unchanged when modern Chinese cars push them outward significantly and the windshield falls on passengers.

Problems

In the first Skoda Octavia Tour, produced before 2000, there was a weak body rigidity. This problem not only reduced the level of safety, but also regularly led to the destruction of the windshield when driving over bumps. In restyling, the defect was eliminated.

Results

Skoda Octavia Tour is a worthy alternative to the domestic auto industry. With minimal investment, the car owner receives true German quality with the proviso that this is a Czech car. In addition to decent safety and comfort, the model is slowly losing value, which is unusual for modern European cars.

Epilogue

First of all, I want to express my great admiration for this site, which I have been using for a very long time and read reviews from time to time, but I never got around to writing my own. Over time, I changed several cars and decided to compile this article.

background

It all started with the fact that at one point I realized that I had enough used cars and I needed a new one. At that time, few people thought about the crisis and in the South of Ukraine the prices were "slightly" insane when compared with the prices of European auto centers.

Avtomarket.ru?

For myself, I chose the segment of golf class cars, four-door and preferably a hatchback, with a spacious interior and a fairly spacious trunk. I attached great importance to fuel consumption, since at that time I was operating a right-handed Japanese with a fairly affordable 13.5l / 100km gasoline engine.

Among the nominees were Toyota Corolla, Mitsubishi Lancer X, Kia Ceed, Opel Astra, VW Golf, VW Jetta and others.

Since I am a big fan of Japanese cars in the past, the first thing I went to see what the Asians had to offer. I don’t remember what I felt good, but I remember that I was very disappointed with the Japanese approach to the quality of interior trim. Either a “wooden” plastic panel, or a short uncomfortable seat, or something not aesthetic, like an elastic band on the steering wheel in a Corolla, the purpose of which, as I understand it, is to hide the short plastic casing of the steering column.

In a Korean car, I was tormented by the thought that he was Korean. Although the Kia Ceed was left indifferent in the 1.6 CRDi LX configuration with a leather package. I caught fire to them in earnest and was already thinking about it or Ceed SW.

Acquaintance with Germany

I was walking down the street and pondering the options and came across a salon VW. I went into it and sat in the Golf. I saw the letters DSG on the handle of the automatic transmission. It didn’t tell me anything and I left the salon indifferent. It took a couple of days and I came across a DSG system on the Internet. I was bombarded with a bunch of articles and videos, and I was very puzzled.

I sat in the Golf, like nothing ... The German design did not impress the convinced Japanese driver. Everything is somehow rough, there are no “tsatsok”, light bulbs, the usual retractable boxes for all sorts of nonsense ... At the same time, when I wandered around the salons, my friend buys a used VW Passat B5 (restyled) 1.8T automatic transmission and a mileage of 90 thousand km. I reacted with some irony and skepticism to its acquisition.

But then I got a chance to go with him for 650 km across the vast expanses of our Nenko Ukraine, which is also famous for its fools and roads. Half the way I was driving with my mouth open and could not believe that the car could go like that. On the way back, I no longer paid attention to the fact that the salon is not replete with the presence of unnecessary items that seemed necessary to me before. I was very impressed with the quality of the car and its driving capabilities.

I couldn’t afford a new Passat, but again I didn’t want to buy a used one.

Buy yourself a badass. a friend suggested...

Part 1 - theory

Skoda… What did I know about this car until that day? What is the history of this brand? What is behind it? I didn't know anything.

A new stage begins, but I was already thinking of making a decision and making a purchase this week. A new search and new experiences begin.

Laurin & Klement… Mlada Boleslav… 1825…. bicycles, motorcycles… and here I come across an article:

“What is the Skoda brand usually associated with? Mostly with family runabouts. But the very first “shkodovka” was completely different. Next to her, Bugatti lost its charm, and Rolls-Royce looked rustic and affordable.

Yes, the Skoda concern was an auto giant and had a rich history. I read tons of stuff and everything was so interesting when you discover something new.

Part 2 - getting to know each other

Run to the nearest Skoda dealership. The Skoda Octavia does not seem to attract anything, but it does not repel it either. I begin to adjust myself to focus and feel the sensations of the car.

Sat. Closed the door... Silence!

Noise isolation is excellent. I adjusted the chair to fit my height (185cm), I was very impressed with the chair cushion. On a Japanese stool, my ass ached from long roads, and my car was of good enough quality in its time.

The steering wheel is pleasant to the touch and a high-quality instrument panel with excellent readability of the readings.

The panel is made in a strict Nordic style and, unlike the Lancer X, Corolla, Astra, had a “rubberized” plastic that was pleasant to the touch.

The interior upholstery also left an impression. I couldn't afford a leather interior, but the quality of the fabric on the Octavia was very good.

Came out ... I sat in the back seat and found a lot of free space. It was nice to sit again, plus a separate dual-zone climate control. Again wins over opponents.

Trunk…. Well, from that moment on, a smile begins for many buyers at that time, and later owners of Octavius. A huge trunk with easy access, which left many cars in its class unrivaled. Leaves with a nose all contestants of the given class.

Metal. Perhaps it was this aspect that made a significant contribution to the choice. Good and high-quality metal, which the Czechs did not regret. Calling sidekick (the one on the Passat), telling the impressions from the cabin.

You click on the door - he advises. Look at the thickness of the steel.

Indeed, to the touch - a hard and elastic metal, which is difficult to adequate pressure (in the cabin) by hand and knee. Went checked in Kia Ceed and Japs - as if the door was made of foil. Still, after all, but passive safety. In addition, the metal is galvanized, which is also a plus.

Knobs and switches are tight and very quiet in shifting. I'm used to having three or four control rings on one handle with a lot of buttons that looked Japanese, that is, flimsy. Right there - elasticity and clarity. Nothing extra, just the essentials.

Part 2.5 - Skoda and DSG?

Yes, I have. - says the manager of the salon.

6-speed automatic from VAG was the ultimate dream. I did not have the opportunity to drive on the DSG and I only theoretically understood how it works and its advantages.

Pangs of Choice

The fact that Japanese cars are dying for me - I already understood, but I still tried to fight this feeling. I also understood that the VW-Audi Group became my ideals. Choice…. It was very hard for me to choose between Golf and Octavia. Golf + was also on the horizon, but I didn’t like that he looked slightly towards family vans, and yet I wanted a clean hatch.

Now about the engine? Oh, that was hard too. 1.6 is not enough, and 2.0Tsi is too much. What did I know about turbocharged modern diesels? Not much. It was necessary to decide.

Luckily, I found a man who owns a 1.9 Tdi Octavia Tour. On the odometer under 200 thousand, the turbine has not changed. I drove and felt what a modern diesel is. No, this is far from the tractor that my father had 17 years ago. Here is another accident - a diesel Ford Mondeo 2.0CDti 2000 onwards, which had 170 thousand mileage and also the turbine did not undergo additional maintenance, except for standard maintenance (although it was operated only in Europe, with frequent visits to Ukraine).

All is decided! It will be Diesel! I read technical data on consumption 7.7 / 4.7 / 5.8 and rejoice, not believing my eyes. After the Japanese 3S-GE engine with city consumption, at best, from 13.5 to 15.

Skoda - continued

Part 3 - Practice

Came to the salon and began to complete the car. I took 1.9 TDI + DSG, Ambient body, climate control, 205/55/R16 molding, radio with cd/mp3. Got out of the budget for 7 thousand, but still took it. Waiting ... Oh, God! Almost three months. Waited. Sat. Started. Quiet diesel rumbling. Soft wheel. Nice chairs. I went home.

After 150 km, the radio and interior light started working (the protection was on). Some indicators have been reset. The machine realized that now this is not another transportation, but a ride home. While being run-in, I could not fully feel the charm of the engine, but I felt the charm of the DSG. I have never seen such inaudible switching and such clarity. Was delighted.

Noise isolation while driving was beyond praise. The car is tough (I like it) in moderation. Drives well at high speeds. Resistant to side wind.

Convenient options, like a recoil system, which grabs the brakes a little on a slope. Traction control system, which, through the ABS and ESP sensors, grabs a slipping wheel, thereby transferring torque to a stationary wheel.

Speaking of brakes. In the Octavia, I was very pleased with the brake response and clarity. Perhaps some braking will seem harsh, but you get used to the specifics and you feel the car quite clearly.

The steering is light and informative. The steering wheel comfortably "sits" in the hands, and the armrests are convenient for the location of the hands. Their material is of high quality and resistant to friction. Doesn't fade or lose color.

The salon is not easily soiled and is resistant to any kind of cleaning.

Computer

The first MOT was done at 8 thousand, contrary to 10 thousand on the recommendation, because the quality of roads and fuel leaves much to be desired. All indicators are normal. There are no complaints. Replaced consumables as instructed.

Part 4 - 10.000km

Having overcome its first anniversary, Skoda pleased with its reliability, excellent driving performance, spaciousness, unpretentiousness and the absence of childhood diseases. For all the time, the interior, doors or steering column never creaked. All buttons and switches have retained their functions and elasticity in switching.

At 9500 km, the glass cracked like a “snowflake” from an oncoming stone. He flew 160 km / h and caught a piece of gravel from Kamaz. Replaced under insurance 50/50.

For almost a year and a half of operation, I got used to the dimensions completely and felt the car. Torque of 250 Nm/min at 1900 rpm leaves many behind at the traffic lights. In urban traffic jams, DSG showed itself from a great side. Consumption is less than that of a conventional machine and practically differs little from a manual transmission. DSG is more than an automatic.

On the track, the car feels great and overcomes the required 189 km / h according to the passport. On the Odessa-Kyiv highway, the car was quietly driving at 205 km / h (GPS control) with a small margin in terms of speed. At speed, when shifting, it behaves confidently, does not heel, responds to control and braking adequately. Noise is moderate. The engine is strong and pleasant to work with. Consumption for 1350km was 6.1l

Part 5 - Conclusion

That's how I got this article. Do not judge strictly, the first article in my life. I tried my best to convey feelings and experiences.

The computer shows 16 thousand mileage and during this time I never cease to be happy with the car. I don't know how happy I would be with another car, but I'm completely satisfied with my Octavia.

After 2 thousand MOTs, and before that I have another 1250 km trip on the bottom, on which I will try to drive 1000 km on a tank. (Before that, it was possible to reach up to 930 km).

Warm wishes from me and my Octavia to all motorists!

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29.09.2017

The Škoda Octavia Tour is a small family car produced by the Czech automobile manufacturer Škoda Auto. With the first generation Octavia (A4), the newest history of the Skoda brand began, in which it became a full-fledged player in most markets in Europe and Asia, and is practically not inferior in popularity to its “big brother” Volkswagen. To date, you will no longer find new Octavia Tours, but, in the secondary market, eyes widen from the abundance of offers. And, here, is it worth buying this car over the age of 10 years and with a mileage of about 200,000 km, and, also, what problems you will have to face after the purchase, now we will try to figure it out.

A bit of history:

The Skoda Octavia concept car was introduced in 1992. At the end of 1995, in the city of Mlada Boleslav (Czech Republic), the foundation stone was laid for the production of a medium-class car - a new hall for the paint shop was built, and the plant was modernized for the production of Skoda Octavia. Most of the investments were taken over by the Volkswagen concern. The name "Octavia" was borrowed from the first two-door sedan of the "Skoda" brand, which was produced at the plant in Mladá Boleslav from 1959 to 1971. Skoda Octavia received a second life in 1996, when a completely new car was named after her, which was built on the same platform as the fourth generation Volkswagen Golf. The modern Octavia model is presented only in five-door body versions - liftback and wagon.

At the peak of this model's popularity, the plant in Mladá Boleslav did not stop for a minute to meet the needs of the market. Few people know that the time for which the Skoda Octavia was assembled did not exceed 3.5 hours. In 1997, the Skoda Octavia in the Combi body was presented at the Frankfurt auto show, and already in 1998 the car appeared in car dealerships. In March 1999, an all-wheel drive version of the car debuted on the market. In 2000, the model underwent restyling, during which the front part of the car was changed, a new 1.8 turbocharged power unit appeared, the development of which was based on the Audi TT engine. In 2004, the second generation appeared on the market, despite this, the production of the previous version was not stopped. Skoda Octavia Tour was produced until October 1, 2010. In just 14 years, 1,442,100 vehicles were assembled at factories in the Czech Republic, Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan, and India.

Problematic and weak points of the Skoda Octavia Tour with mileage

Despite the fact that the paintwork is of fairly good quality, today it is difficult to find a car in perfect cosmetic condition. Scratches and even chips are an essential attribute of cars at this age, but, behold, their absence should alert. As for the corrosion resistance of the body, then, despite its middle age, the metal confidently resists the onslaught of the red disease. Despite the fact that traces of rust do not appear in the places of chips for a very long time, it is better not to delay their elimination. On cars produced before 2001, there may be traces of corrosion on the thresholds from the bottom and on the trunk lid. When choosing a car, you need to take into account that the quality of the paintwork on Czech-assembled cars is an order of magnitude higher than that of cars assembled in Ukraine and Russia.

When visiting a service station and tire fitting, you need to ask the master not to put the “plate” of the jack under the stiffeners, they are quite soft and can deform under the weight of the car. Over time, the axes of the wiper leashes and door locks suffer from the effects of reagents ( when driving through bumps, a creak comes from the door). If the door hinges creak, get ready to lubricate them every 3 months. Another weak point is the front optics - the protective plastic is sandblasted and cloudy. Also, the disadvantages include the short service life of the shock absorber supports of the trunk lid, the fact is that it is very heavy and the shock absorbers stop holding it. If the problem is not corrected, there is a risk of serious injury.

Power units

Skoda Octavia Tour has a fairly wide range of powertrains: atmospheric - 1.4 (60 and 74 hp), 1.6 (75, 101 and 102 hp), 1.8 (125 hp) , 2.0 (115 hp), turbocharged - 1.8 (150 and 180 hp); diesel - 1.9 SDI (68 hp) and 1.9 TDI (from 90 to 130 hp). Skoda Octavia Tour engines are reliable and durable, with proper and timely maintenance they do not cause much trouble up to 300 thousand km. But, like any mechanism, power units have certain weaknesses that can be encountered during operation. The most common drawback, characteristic of almost all motors, is increased vibration and floating idle speed. The culprit of this ailment is “bad” gasoline, which the engine ECU, driven into the rigid framework of ecology, cannot cope with. In some cases, it is possible to fix the problem by flashing the engine control unit, if this does not help, you will have to change the throttle.

On cars of the first years of production, with a mileage of more than 160,000 km, the occurrence of rings is possible. The reason is short trips or long driving at low speeds. To avoid trouble, it is recommended to periodically spin the engine up to 4000-5000 rpm. Vehicles with mileage over 200,000 km have increased oil consumption. To eliminate oil starvation of the power unit, on a run of 200-250 thousand km, cleaning of the oil-receiving grid is required. If not cleaned in a timely manner, this can lead to jamming of the camshafts and breakage of the timing belt. Symptoms - drops in oil pressure during prolonged operation of the engine at high speeds. According to the regulations, the timing belt needs to be changed every 90,000 km, but practice has shown that it is better to do this at 60-70 thousand km. With every second belt replacement, it is recommended to change the pump as well, since its resource is 150-180 thousand km.

On a batch of cars manufactured after 2007, low-quality cooling system fans were installed. On most cars, the problem node has probably already been replaced, but, just in case, it's better to play it safe and check the fan's performance. The main symptoms are increased noise and vibration, when you scroll the fan with your hands, you feel a backlash. On earlier versions, fans nurse up to 200,000 km. Also, a small thermostat resource, on average 50-60 thousand km, can be attributed to common problems. Often, new owners are frightened by the sudden appearance of a clatter at idle, however, there is nothing terrible about this - a feature of the operation of the gas tank purge valve. If there is excessive noise in the rear seat area ( decreases with increasing rpm) it is necessary to pay attention to the condition of the fuel filter.

Another weak point is the starter from Valeo ( doesn't start well in cold weather). In order to save yourself from trouble for many years, it is recommended to replace it with an analogue from Bosch. The average starter resource is 150-200 thousand km. Once every 120-150 thousand km, replacement of catalysts is required. On a Russian-assembled car on a cold engine, the catalyst may make extraneous sounds (rattling), after the engine warms up, the sound disappears. The crankcase drain plug has a weak thread, when changing the oil, consider this feature ( tighten carefully so as not to strip the thread), otherwise you will have to change the oil pan.

Despite the reliability and ease of maintenance of a 1.4 engine (60 hp), buying a car with such an engine is not recommended for several reasons. Firstly, this motor is very weak for this machine. Secondly, if repairs are needed, it will be very difficult to find the necessary spare parts. A more modern 16-valve version of this 74 hp engine, ( installed since 2000) has not only better dynamic performance, but higher maintenance costs. The 1.4 motor (74 hp) is equipped with a timing chain drive, but, in this case, this is rather a minus than a plus, since the chain resource is relatively small, and the replacement cost is significantly higher than that of a belt. Among the owners of a car with a 1.4 engine, there are rumors about the “repairability” of this unit - indeed, there are problems with this, but only if you try to do everything according to factory technologies ( missing parts with factory dimensions). On copies with a mileage of more than 200 thousand km, the engine is most likely already overhauled, the only question is how good it is.

The 1.6 power unit is the most reliable in the lineup; also, unpretentiousness in maintenance can be attributed to its advantages. With proper operation, the engine is able to serve up to a capital of 300-350 thousand km. Minor breakdowns occur mainly due to poor-quality fuel and reagents penetrating electrical connectors, pads and blocks, which leads to malfunctions of the power unit. The accumulation of dirt with salt leads to incorrect operation and premature failure of the lambda probe (replacement -50-70 USD). For the same reason, it is quite often necessary to replace the coolant temperature sensor (30-50 c.u.). The use of low-quality gasoline leads to premature failure of the air flow sensor (60 c.u.). After 100,000 km, the EGR valve needs to be replaced. One of the main reasons for an unplanned visit to the service station can be an electronic gas pedal - a belated response to pressing, or freezing, keeps the momentum.

The power unit with a volume of 1.8 has a complex design, because of this, the cost of maintenance and repair is much higher than that of other engines of this car. The biggest trouble that can happen with this engine is the engine head fails ( in the risk zone cars with a mileage of more than 150,000 km). On this motor, every 20-30 thousand km, a throttle valve flush is required. The first sign that it is clogged will be increased fuel consumption - more than 15 liters per 100 km. The appearance of a clattering sound from the engine is the first signal that the hydraulic lifters need to be replaced. On turbocharged engines, ignition coils are a weak point, often their resource does not exceed 80-100 thousand km. Be sure to monitor the oil level and keep it closer to the “Max” mark, since the turbine suffers from oil starvation very painfully. With timely maintenance, the turbine runs 200-250 thousand km.

The 2.0-liter eight-valve engine is surprisingly unpretentious, but, in terms of reliability, it is still inferior to the 1.8 engine. The disadvantages of the motor include an unsuccessful piston group - it often cokes. Due to the high operating temperature of the engine - about 105 degrees, there may be problems with the crankcase ventilation system. Operating a car with faulty spark plugs leads to failure of the ignition coils.

Diesel engines delight their owners not only with their reliability and good traction, but also with low fuel consumption. Engines running on heavy fuel, like gasoline engines, are not without minor troubles with the thermostat, starter and sensor failure. And, here, on a large scale, it will be necessary to invest in repairs on a run of 180-200 thousand km - replacement of nozzles and a particulate filter, on a 1.9 TDI engine, the high-pressure fuel pump fails. At the same run, the dual-mass flywheel and EGR valve need to be replaced. On a run of 230-280 thousand km, the time comes to replace the turbine. A little earlier, the boost pressure sensor needs to be replaced. Weak versions of the 1.9 TDI engine do not have a dual-mass flywheel and variable geometry turbocharger.

Transmission

Most of the Skoda Octavia Tour, presented on the secondary market, are equipped with a five-speed manual transmission. Rarely, but, nevertheless, there are cars with a four-speed automatic. And, here, to meet a car with a six-speed mechanics, which was installed in tandem with the most powerful diesel engine, is a great success. The mechanics are reliable, the only complaint that comes from the owners is the fuzzy gear shifting. The reason is the wear of the shaft bearings. If the gears began to turn on with effort, adjustment of the rods or cables (with turbo engines) is required. The clutch resource depends not only on the driving style, but also on the engine size, for example, for a transmission paired with a 1.4 and 1.6 engine, the average clutch life is 130-150 thousand km, while on the engine 1.8 does not always take care of 100,000 km. On cars manufactured before 2006, on a run of 90-140 thousand km, the differential rivets can break, which then destroy the box body. Symptoms - rumble in second gear, twitching at low speeds.

An automatic transmission is less reliable than a manual transmission, according to many owners, a car with such a transmission is considered not the best option to purchase. The main reason is the capricious valve body, it must be cleaned regularly, even with a timely oil change (every 60,000 km). If this is not done, the Valve Bost valve, which is responsible for blocking the torque converter and the main pressure control valve, fails. Also, linear solenoids, speed sensors and wiring are not famous for their long life. Most of the Octavia Tours presented on the secondary market are equipped with front-wheel drive, rarely, but, nevertheless, all-wheel drive versions are also found. It is better to refuse to buy such a car for several reasons. Firstly, the Haldex coupling of that time did not have exemplary reliability. Secondly, the clutch maintenance schedule is small - 30,000 km, and most owners of such cars did not properly service it, therefore, many Octavias have been purely front-wheel drive for several years now. Repairing the clutch will cost a third of the cost of a used car.

Driving performance of the Skoda Octavia Tour with mileage

The chassis of the first generation Skoda Octavia was borrowed from the Volkswagen Golf: front - MacPherson, rear - beam ( in the all-wheel drive version of the multi-link), all spare parts are twins. The suspension is quiet and gently smooths out all the bumps in the road. Quite often, when driving at low speeds forward and backward, the owners are bothered by a knock, the source of which, when contacting the service, is not always possible to identify. The reason is that the engine at low speeds creates vibrations that are transmitted to the exhaust system and it gives it to the body. The problem is not cured. As for the reliability of the suspension, there is nothing to complain about here, the stabilizer bushings serve 40-60 thousand km, the racks are up to 80,000 km. Ball bearings have to be changed every 90-110 thousand km, a little less often thrust bearings and shock absorbers, every 130-150 thousand km. Silent blocks, on average, run 150-180 thousand km. In a multi-link, every 100,000 km you will have to update the bushings of the transverse and trailing arms.

The steering system rarely brings unpleasant surprises. The steering rack, as a rule, does not cause problems up to 150,000 km, after which there is a backlash, the replacement of the rack, in most cases, is required closer to 200,000 km (they ask for 200-300 cu for a new rack). Steering tips go 100-120 thousand km, thrust up to 200,000 km. The only place in the steering that requires special attention is the steering column hinge - play appears over time. The brake system is also reliable, but, due to the large amount of reagents on our roads, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the brake line sealing rings - they corrode strongly. To prevent brake failure, it is recommended to change them forcibly when updating the brake fluid.

Salon

Despite the fact that the interior design of the car looks outdated and inexpressive, the interior is quite comfortable. For interior decoration, cheap, but wear-resistant materials were used, thanks to which, even after many years of operation, the interior does not look shabby. For connoisseurs of luxury, the Laurin & Klement version is available with rich equipment and expensive finishing materials, however, such instances are not common. As for the reliability of electricians, there are a couple of weak points here. Over time, the rear window heating filaments stop working. You can fix the problem, this will require soldering the contacts with special material. On vehicles with mileage over 150,000 km, the air conditioning compressor needs to be replaced. The reason is that the switching valve is clogged. With sudden changes in temperature and an increase in humidity, the instrument panel may “fail”. Of the minor problems, one can note the frequent burnout of the backlight bulbs of the air conditioning control unit and the stove.

Outcome:

Skoda Octavia Tour is one of the most successful models of the Czech concern. Despite the large number of possible problems, the likelihood of their occurrence on one individual instance is very small. In fact, Octavia is a full-fledged German car with a very attractive price not only for purchase, but also for maintenance.

If you are the owner of this car model, please describe the problems that you had to face during the operation of the car. Perhaps it is your review that will help readers of our site when choosing a car.