Full review of the Skoda A5 car. "Octavia" II is the sales leader in Russia. Luck or ambush? Choose a used Skoda Octavia. Options and prices of the Skoda Octavia A5

For a long time, most Russian car enthusiasts have fallen in love with cars belonging to the golf class. The origin of the Skoda Octavia A5 was no exception. The history of this model began back in 1996. For twenty years, the level of demand for it has never decreased. The company has always provided consumers with a car with an optimal price-quality ratio.

In 2004, the second generation was introduced. This car made a good impression on the experts. They confidently stated that such well-known models as the Ford Mondeo, Renault Laguna, and Volkswagen Passat now have a serious competitor in the Skoda A5. "Octavia" II with updated characteristics immediately took a leading position in almost all markets in the world. Particularly popular came after the presentation of the modernized model. Its presentation took place at an exhibition in Paris in 2008. Car enthusiasts were able to appreciate not only the design, but also the technical equipment. They were pleased with the changes in the gearbox and the introduction of new engine models.

Exterior

The external features of the car do not evoke any strong, obsessive feelings. Smooth lines, on the contrary, look very calm, and this is what attracts the attention of most people. The hood of the A5 Octavia has several ribs, and together with the new radiator grille it gives the car unprecedented power. The updated optics now move smoothly back. This performance evokes a special individuality and attractiveness.

If you look at the car from the side, the large hood immediately catches your eye. The window sill line is neat, while the correct calculation of the domed roof allowed the manufacturer to achieve a convenient location for all passengers in the cabin.

Dimensions

The length of the Octavia A5 was 4569 mm, the width of the car was 1769 mm, and the height of the updated sedan stood at 1462 mm. The ground clearance is quite acceptable for driving on any type of road, it is 165 mm.

Salon overview

In terms of internal features, the Skoda A5 Octavia is fully consistent with cars produced by the Volkswagen concern. The simplicity of the interior goes well with the high quality of finishing materials. The driver will undoubtedly enjoy the large number of settings for the seats and steering wheel. In addition, the new dashboard has a pleasant backlight. A large number of control systems allows you to fully enjoy the car on the road. All elements are located within reach of the hand, while buttons responsible for multimedia and cruise control are installed on the steering wheel. Going on a trip with five people will be an easy task for the car, because the interior is spacious, and the luggage compartment of 560 liters will allow you to take all the necessary things with you.

Technical tuning

The Skoda Octavia A5 is quite well equipped in terms of technical equipment. As for the installed units, the manufacturer did not skimp here. As a "filling" you can install engines with a volume of 1.4 to 2 liters. Moreover, each of them is thought out to the smallest detail and brought to perfection, due to which they will demonstrate quite acceptable performance on the road.

The most popular engines are 1.4 and 1.8, belonging to the TSI family. In addition, this line has a powerful version of the 2-liter engine. The consumption of the 1.4 diesel engine is 7 liters. Among gasoline units, the most popular, in addition to the city 1.4, is the 1.6-liter unit. Both manual and automatic transmissions can be installed on a car. The manual transmission is available in 5 or 6 speeds. The automatic transmission is also divided into two types: a DSG robot and a regular 6-speed gearbox.

The Skoda A5 Octavia is equipped with an independent front suspension with an additional anti-roll bar and a multi-link system at the rear.

Car introduced in 2004 Skoda Octavia the second generation was created on the platform of the Volkswagen Group A5(PQ35). The car received a new line of engines consisting of seven engines: BCA 1.4 l, BGU 1.6 l, BLF 1.6 l, BYT 1.8 l, BJB 1.9 - liter TDI turbodiesel, BKD 2.0 l and another TDI AZV turbodiesel with a volume of 2.0 l. The bodies were presented in two types: Octavia (sedan) and Octavia Combi (station wagon). The maintenance schedule for the Octavia A5 sedan and station wagon is similar. The official manual states that routine maintenance must be carried out exclusively at a service station and this procedure, as a rule, will cost extra financial costs. To be able to save money, you can carry out routine maintenance yourself, since it is not at all difficult and this manual will help you with this. The cost of do-it-yourself maintenance of the Octavia II will depend only on the price of spare parts and consumables (the approximate price is indicated for the Moscow region and in US dollars at the exchange rate at the time of writing). Below is the car maintenance schedule Skoda Octavia 2 (A5) with gasoline engines according to deadlines:

List of works during maintenance 1 (mileage 15 thousand km.)

1. in the engine and oil filter (also during all subsequent maintenance). RECOMMENDATIONS for the use of motor oil VW 500 00, VW 501 01 or VW 502 00, corresponding to the European standard ACEA A2 or A3, viscosity grade 15W-40, 10W-40, 5W-40, 15W-50 or 5W-50 (depending on climatic conditions). 1.4 engines need 3.2 liters, 1.6 liter engines need 3.2 liters and 2 liter engines need 3.8 liters. For filling we chose Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40, 4 liter canister. The cost of one of these is on average $30 (search code 550021556). Oil filter for Octavia 2 (06D115562), cost on average $8.
2. Checks during maintenance 1 and all subsequent ones:

• Accessory drive belt;
• Air conditioning compressor drive belt;
• Timing belt;
• Crankcase ventilation system;
• Hoses and connections of the cooling system;
• Coolant;
• Exhaust system;
• Fuel lines and connections;
• Covers for joints of different angular velocities;
• Checking the technical condition of the front suspension parts;
• Checking the technical condition of rear suspension parts;
• Tightening the threaded connections securing the chassis to the body;
• Condition of tires and air pressure in them;
• Wheel alignment angles;
• Steering gear;
• Power steering system;
• Checking the free play (play) of the steering wheel;
• Pipelines for hydraulic brake drive and their connections;
• Wheel brake pads, discs and drums;
• Parking brake;
• Brake fluid;
• Adjusting headlights;
• Locks, hinges, hood latch, lubrication of body fittings;
• Cleaning drainage holes;

List of works during maintenance 2 (mileage 30 thousand km or 2 years)

1. All work that is provided for during maintenance 1 of the Octavia A5.
2. . FILTRON (K1111A), cost on average from $7;
3. Replacing brake fluid. Specification DOT 4. System volume 1 l. (B000750M3). Cost per 1 liter. on average $8.
4. Produce. Fuel filter VAG (1K0201051K) average price $15.5.

List of works during maintenance 3 (mileage 45 thousand km.)

1. All the same work as provided for in TO 1.
2. . For engines 1.4 l/55 kW and 1.6 l/75 kW, spark plugs NGK BKUR 6ET-10 (101000033AA) with gaps of 1±0.1 mm are needed, cost on average $5 per 1 piece... For engine 1, 6 l/85 kW - Bosch FGR 6HQE0 (101000068AA) gaps 1.35±0.05 mm1, cost on average $5 per 1 piece.

List of works during maintenance 4 (mileage 60 thousand km or 4 years)

1. All maintenance work 1 + everything that is included in the second routine maintenance of Octavia A5.

List of works during maintenance 5 (mileage 75 thousand km.)

1. All maintenance work 1.

List of works during maintenance 6 (mileage 90 thousand km or 6 years)

1. Carry out all work related to TO2.
2. Repeat the work of the TO3 regulations.
3. . MANN (3C0129620) average price $10.

List of works during maintenance 7 (mileage 105 thousand km.)

1. Perform routine maintenance maintenance 1

List of works during maintenance 8 (mileage 120 thousand km.)

1. Perform routine maintenance TO1 + TO2.

List of works during maintenance 8 (mileage 135 thousand km)

1. Perform routine maintenance of TO1 plus work with TO3.
2. Replace the timing belt. Timing belt kit BOSCH (1987946362) average price $49. The kit includes a belt and a roller.

Replacements according to service life

1. Replace coolant every 10 years. Monitoring the coolant level and, if necessary, topping up. Cars are filled with purple coolant “G12 PLUS”, which meets the standard “TL VW 774 F”. Coolant "G12 PLUS" can be mixed with coolants "G12" and "G11". To change the coolant, it is recommended to use “G12 PLUS” fluid in all cars. Search code G 012 A8F M1 1.5 liter container (concentrate) diluted with water in a 1:1 ratio. The total volume of the system is 1.4 l - 6.7 liters, 1.6 l - 6.9 liters, 2.0 l - 8.2 liters.
2. in manual transmissions and automatic transmissions it is not regulated by the manufacturer and is performed during repairs. Nevertheless, experts recommend checking the oil level in the box and replacing it every 100 thousand km.

How much does maintenance cost for Skoda Octavia 2?

Drawing a final line over maintenance regulations for Skoda Octavia II A5, we can draw several conclusions regarding the cost of the Skoda Octavia A5 work schedule. The most expensive maintenance the eighth technical inspection of the car will come out, which is done after a mileage of 135 thousand km... At this stage, you will need to replace the engine oil and oil filter ($38), spark plugs ($20) and timing belt ($49) total $107.00.. The second most expensive is TO6, where you need to replace the air filter ($10), cabin filter ($7), engine oil and oil filter ($38), brake fluid ($8), spark plugs ($20) and fuel filter ($15.5) total $98.5. Concerning the cheapest maintenance, and this is, of course, TO1, it will cost you only 38$ for changing the oil and oil filter. These prices are relevant if you carry out all the work yourself, because the prices are only for spare parts and consumables, and if you add here the price of the invoice that the service station issues to you, then you can easily lose a couple of thousand rubles.

This model, in its second “reincarnation,” has been known to car enthusiasts since 2004. In 2008, a modernized Octavia A5 with a modified appearance, new engines and gearboxes was presented at the Paris Motor Show. For the Russian market, this car is produced in Kaluga at the facilities of the Volkswagen Group Rus automobile plant.

This liftback represents the Czech automobile company Skoda Auto in the ultra-competitive European class “C” (being one of its largest representatives). The car uses Volkswagen's PQ 35 parent platform, which also powers the Audi A3, Volkswagen Golf and Seat Leon. The “Second Octavia” has such decent dimensions for its class that it can sometimes be classified as a D-class. Length - 4569 mm, width - 1769 mm, height - 1462 mm, base dimensions - 2578 mm, ground clearance - 164 mm, rests on the ground with wheels on 195/65 R15 tires (optional 205/55 R16).

Due to the special body configuration with a sedan-like trunk, many are inclined to believe that the Skoda Octavia is a sedan. However, as access to the cargo compartment in the car there is not a trunk lid, but a fifth door, so it would be more correct to talk about the liftback body design.
The front lighting equipment has an intricate shape with raised eyebrows of the upper lines, as if in surprise. The bumper has an impressive air intake and foglights covered with rectangular glass plates. The hood with four distinctive fins flows down to the false radiator grille, decorated with a chrome trim with a green Skoda Auto logo.

The profile of this Czech car is so calm and faceless that it can cause boredom. When the gaze slides from the hood to the stern, there is simply nothing to linger on. And the stern of this car is complete calm and tranquility. The design is boring, but this is where the “zest” lies; Octavia does not repel with aggression and is liked by buyers of all ages. Its appearance can easily be called a “auto design classic.”

Calm, smooth lines continue into the cabin. Ergonomics are not satisfactory and do not require getting used to. Everything is at hand and exactly in the places where it should be. The steering wheel is from the older Superb model, the seats are comfortable, the instruments are easy to read, and the controls for comfort functions are logical and understandable. The range of adjustments for the steering column and driver's seat is enough even for a tall person. The trim and controls are made of tactilely pleasant materials, but, alas, their quality is still worse than that of the Volkswagen Golf.
In the second row, passengers will not be offended; three may be cramped, but two will fit comfortably. There is plenty of room in all directions (in the first generation, even the Octavia Tour did not provide such space in the second row).

The trunk is a true “ace in the hole” of the Octavia; when traveling, it holds 560 liters, and with the second row seats folded, it can give up an impressive 1,455 liters for loading.

The interior of the Skoda Octavia demonstrates its commitment to providing comfort and ease of use for many years. Gray and faceless, but high quality and functional. The initial “Active” configuration includes electromechanical power steering, heated electric mirrors, first-row seat lift, heated washer nozzles, central locking, front windows, and driver airbag. But air conditioning, oddly enough, is missing from this not poor list.

Technical specifications and test drive. For the Russian market, the 2nd generation Skoda Octavia is available with four gasoline engines:

• 1.4 liters (80 hp) with 5 manual transmission,
• 1.6 liters (102 hp) with 5 manual transmission or 6 automatic transmission,
• 1.4 TSI (122 hp) with 6 manual transmissions or 7 automatic transmissions
• 1.8 l. TSI (152 hp) with a choice of manual transmission or 6-speed automatic transmission.

The front suspension is independent on a classic MacPherson strut, the rear is independent multi-link. Disc brakes with ABC, for 1.4 TSI and 1.8 TSI with ESP. The new petrol 1.4 TSI and 1.8 TSI demonstrate enviable traction, even at low speeds. The 1.4 TSI tandem with a 7-speed DSG is incomparable. The engine and gearbox are made for each other, the small-volume engine pleases with low fuel consumption (6.3-6.5 liters in mixed mode are stated).

On the road, the second Skoda Octavia demonstrates the German school of chassis construction and chassis settings. The car is assembled, fits perfectly into turns, holds a straight line impeccably, and has sound and sound insulation comparable to the class above. In parking mode, the steering wheel is weightless. Suspension elements allow you to move comfortably on roads with poor surfaces, and, on occasion, take a turn “on the verge of a foul.” The Octavia steers predictably, and even in critical modes the steering wheel demonstrates acceptable responsiveness and elasticity. But you don’t want to drive it recklessly, there is noticeable roll in corners, and the car is not small. As with the exterior and interior, the controls are reliable, calculated and... boring. Volkswagen marketers allowed Skoda engineers to make a good car, but which is in no way a competitor to the icon - the Volkswagen Golf! It seems that everything about the Czech car is good, but it doesn’t touch the soul.

Price. In Russia, the 2012 Skoda Octavia is offered at a price of 559 thousand rubles for the “Active” 1.4 liter (80 hp) package with 5 manual transmission. The richly equipped modification “Elegance” 1.4 TSI (122 hp) with 7-speed DSG and climate control starts from 859 thousand rubles, and an additional package of options raises the cost of this car to 950,000 rubles.

Some lyrics for introduction.
I bought a used Octavia A5 FL. Fresh, with low mileage. When purchasing, I didn’t bother with the installed radio. It's worth it from the factory, well, it seems like it should continue to be worth it. The main thing is that the car is good and everything works.
But the fact is that in the three previous cars I had pretty good music. Moreover, on the last car, I completely selected and installed it myself.
And after listening to SWING for about 2 months, my soul couldn’t stand it. Well, there shouldn't be such wooden music in such a normal car! Moreover, at home and at work, there is no way to listen to your favorite music at your favorite volume. So the car is the only place where you can afford it. I think I'm not the only one who feels this way...
SWING does not have a USB slot. For me this is a very big drawback.
Naturally, a good music upgrade involves installing amplifiers. SWING does not have line outputs. Of course, many amplifiers now have high-level inputs. But the sound quality of the radio itself leaves much to be desired. You still won’t get good sound from the high-level outputs of such a radio. And it also has a defective equalizer.
Buy a BOLERO or COLUMBUS... Sorry, it's not my thing. The same thing will happen, only with USB and a screen (I don’t need a screen). It costs an incredible amount of money. I didn’t consider Chinese analogues of COLUMBUS at all.
I just need good, high-quality, powerful sound in my car.
In this case, there is only one option. Change the head to something sensible Alpine, Pioneer, Kenwood...
1 DIN with pocket or 2 DIN. Moreover, both options can be with or without a screen (as needed). I definitely don't need a screen. For greater ergonomics, in the future I will install 2DIN without a screen. These manufacturers have such options.
For now I have a Pioneer DEH-6300SD in stock. It has three pairs of line outputs, a good equalizer, USB and SD slots.
So for now I will have 1DIN with a pocket. The system will have two amplifiers. Stealth subwoofer in the left wing. Amplifiers on the right...

I found a video on YouTube showing how to remove the original radio. Everything turned out to be as simple as shelling pears. I needed a flat head screwdriver and a torx wrench. I don't remember the size now.

I purchased an adapter frame and additional adapters at a car audio store.

Here is the actual radio that will be installed

The installation process took surprisingly little time. So far everything is connected to standard connectors via adapters

Well, I was pleased with the price. But this is just the beginning...

There is constant power to the radio. For now at least. I turn it on and off manually.
Radio reception is not always excellent... But this radio has not always been good for the quality of radio reception.
Yes, in our city there are no normal radio stations

Useful topics:

Sales of the Skoda Octavia A4 began in 1997. This is the first car from Skoda that it produced after joining the VAG concern. This car was based on the Golf 4 with the PQ34 platform. Moreover, the quality of the fourth Golf has not gone away, although the new Skoda is in a more affordable price segment. In 1999, an all-wheel drive station wagon version was released, and a little later a hatchback. In 2000, the model underwent a facelift: the headlights were enlarged, a new radiator grille was installed, and the bumpers were changed. The rear seats have been reshaped to provide additional legroom for rear passengers. In 2001, a “hot” version of RS was released.

Skoda Octavia A4 1998

A major change occurred in 2004 - Skoda is already being produced on the new PQ35 platform and has the full name Skoda Octavia A5. The range of engines and suspension have changed, the design of the car has changed. But the previous model was not stopped being produced - it was called “Skoda Octavia Tour”, and was produced in parallel with the new version until the end of 2010.




Skoda Octavia RS 2001

In 2007, the new model received an all-wheel drive station wagon version, the ground clearance of which was increased. In 2008, another restyling of the Octavia took place and the prefix FL was added to the name Skoda Octavia A5.

The quality and reliability of Octavia is almost the same as that of Volkswagen, and the price is lower. All engines installed on the Octavia are from Audi and VW. The first version of the Octavia A4 used seven naturally aspirated gasoline engines. This:

1.4 (60 and 75 forces);

- 1.6 (75, 101, 102) ;

1.8 (125);

2.0 (115).

Two “turbo gasoline” 1.8 (150 and 180 horsepower) and three turbo diesel engines: 1.9 SDI and 1.9TDI (68, 110 and 130 horsepower)

Modifications of Skoda Octavia A4 engines

Characteristics of the most popular first generation Skoda Octavia engines.

In 2004, the second generation of Octavia appeared, which retained the 75-horsepower 1.4 and 102-horsepower 1.6 MPI. The remaining engines have changed to 1.4 MPI, 1.6FSI, 2.0FSI and turbocharged 1.4TSI, 1.8TSI, 2.0TSI. Diesel: 1.9TDI and 2.0TDI.

Modifications of Skoda Octavia A5 engines

Characteristics of the most popular second generation Skoda Octavia engines.

Gasoline engines of 1.6 and 2.0 liters and all diesel engines were equipped with a timing belt drive. The chain is equipped with petrol 1.4, 1.6 MPI and 1.8.

All power units are reliable and durable. With proper maintenance and the use of high-quality fuel, the engine will easily run 300 thousand. But, of course, there were some minor shortcomings.




Skoda Octavia A4 2004

Some drivers had to change the intake manifold at 15 thousand km. The reason is cracks in the body. The smell of gasoline in the cabin, which is acutely noticeable on a cold engine in winter, will tell you that it is cracked. This malfunction affected 1.4TSI engines. The same motor warms up slowly in severe frost.

1.6-liter engines can easily cover 300 thousand km before the first major overhaul. Rare complaints have been noted about high oil consumption on the new engine, which decreases with running. At 50 thousand, you may have to replace the VCG valve.




Skoda Octavia A4 2004

On turbocharged 1.8-liter engines, ignition coils often have to be replaced. As for the turbine, its resource is more than 200,000 km, and if you don’t “force” it too much, then more than 300,000 km. The main reason for its demise is the lack of lubrication, which occurs after the pressure pipe becomes coked. So check its condition periodically and change it as necessary. These same engines, especially when paired with automatic transmissions, often have an increased appetite for oil. The reason is thin oil scraper rings, which quickly become coked when driving frequently over short distances. If your driving style is predominantly like this, then for preventive purposes, “spin” the engine, specifically jumping out onto the track for this.




Skoda Octavia A4 station wagon 2004

Sometimes the Octavia engine begins to vibrate slightly when idling, and the speed begins to fluctuate. This happens due to low quality fuel and most often on 1.6 liter engines.

The electronic accelerator may be a little glitchy, which is manifested by a late response to pressure, or vice versa - the gas may stick. Again, this most often happens on 1.6-liter engines.




Skoda Octavia A5 2005

On the first generation of Octavia, it was not uncommon for piston rings to become stuck after 150 thousand kilometers. Specimens that mostly drove at low speeds and short distances suffered from this disease. As already written above, it is worth periodically letting the engine “wear out” by spinning it up to 5 thousand revolutions.

Valve seals last 150-170 thousand km.




Skoda Octavia A5 station wagon 2005

There have been cases of a drop in oil pressure in the system during long driving at high speeds. The reason was mainly due to poor contact of the oil pressure sensor. After 250 thousand km, the oil receiver grid often becomes dirty, and if it is not cleaned, the engine will run with oil starvation.

When replacing the timing belt and rollers, do not forget to change the water pump. It often fails between two scheduled timing belt replacements. The plastic impeller bearing in the pump fails.




Skoda Octavia A5 FL 2008

For 2007-08 A5 models, radiator fans often failed (due to manufacturing defects), resulting in vibration and noise. The only cure was replacement. On the first Octavia models, the radiator fan needed to be replaced after 200 thousand km. The cooling system thermostat could fail at 50 thousand km. The “clicking” sounds at idle are the result of the fuel tank purge valve. There is no need to treat this.

If strange sounds begin to come from the back seat of a running Octavia, this means that the fuel filter in the tank is noisy and needs to be replaced.




Skoda Octavia A5 2005

Complaints about the operation of the Octavia starter are not uncommon. French Valeo starters fail especially often. In cold weather, Skodas with such a starter started very poorly, due to the lubricant thickening in it. Ideally, install a Bosch starter. If this is not possible, it is worth rehashing the starter and removing excess lubricant from it. If the starter buzzes but does not turn the engine, then it's time to change the bendix. When starting the engine every 15-20 km, the starter life is approximately 200,000 km.

The Octavia's catalyst serves for approximately 150,000 km. On Russian versions, the catalyst may ring already on a new car. But after the engine warms up, the ringing goes away. On 1.6-liter engines, the exhaust system corrugation often burns out.




FSI engines do not tolerate Russian operating conditions well. Over time, dealers even stopped importing them for sale on the Russian market. Their main problem was the ECU, which needed to be reflashed, and the engine’s poor tolerance to domestic fuel. 2-liter FSI engines did not start well in cold weather. They were equipped with spark plugs with a long “skirt”, and after the oil thickened in severe frost, the ECU increased the injection, the spark plugs were flooded, and the situation worsened even more. If you change the spark plugs to an analogue with a shorter “skirt”, the problem goes away. As for the 1.6-liter FSI, domestic fuel often inclined it to detonation.

Diesel engines are very economical and have the traction of a steam locomotive. But only if you pour high-quality diesel fuel into them. Routine maintenance of these internal combustion engines is 15 thousand km, but in our conditions it is better to carry it out once every 8-10 thousand km.

The 1.9 TDI engine easily covers almost 250 thousand km. Its turbine will work the same amount, or a little more, without repair. After 200 thousand they usually change the EGR valve and thermostat. The flywheel also lives for almost 250 thousand km. Around the same time, the particulate filter and boost sensor will need to be replaced.

The Octavia was equipped with three gearbox options: manual, classic automatic and the controversial DSG.

Most often in our market you can find Octavia with manual transmission. As for the problems in its operation, this is poor engagement of first gear on the new box. Then the problem went away, and after driving more than 50 thousand km it reappeared. The reason is wear of the bearings on the shafts.

The clutch lasts for about 150 thousand, but if you drive the Octavia aggressively, you may need to replace it twice as quickly.

The clutch for 1.8 liter turbo versions is the most expensive, and its service life is approximately 100,000 km. On cars produced before 2006, the differential rivet often broke off at a mileage of 100-130 thousand km, which subsequently led to the destruction of the gearbox housing. This is evidenced by a howling sound when driving in second gear, twitching at low speeds, crunching and a certain noise, and a drop in the gearbox fluid level. After 2006, the manufacturer began to install reinforced rivets.




Skoda Octavia A5 FL 2009

Slipping in reverse gear is contraindicated for the Octavia’s “mechanics” and can lead to gearbox repairs. If you start to hear clicking noises when you engage reverse gear, then most likely the problem has affected you too. The problem lies in failed reverse gears.

“Automatic” on Octavia is less common. Usually this box does not cause problems for owners up to almost 300 thousand km. Occasionally (at a mileage of approximately 150 thousand) vibrations are encountered in reverse mode “R”. Sometimes the transmission can be pushed a lot between 1st and 2nd gears. But here we cannot do without repairs.

DSG boxes began to be installed on Octavia in 2004 and only on the TSI version. Oddly enough, this gearbox performed better than its counterpart from Toyota and Opel, but it is not without problems.

On cars produced before 2007, the DSG gearbox control unit did not work correctly. Later, the manufacturer tried many versions of the ECU software and found the best option.

DSG complaints mainly related to insufficient smoothness of the ride. The weak point of the box, like all DSGs from VAG, is the expensive mechatronics, which often fails.




Skoda Octavia A5 FL 2009

In the first versions of the DSG, the mechatronics could easily break down already at 30,000 miles. But after selecting the optimal ECU firmware, the situation changed. This type of gearbox does not like aggressive sport driving; if you start abruptly from a stop with slipping, the gearbox may go into emergency mode.

A detailed article about the pros and cons of DSG gearboxes can be found

As for the Octavia’s body, even on relatively old models it still looks quite decent. Chips do not turn red for a long time, but it is still better to eliminate them in a timely manner. The paintwork of the Russian Octavia is slightly worse than that of the Czech version. The hood of the Kaluga version becomes covered with chips faster, and their rear arches also become covered with bubbles faster (but this happens quite rarely and only on cars of the last years of production).

During seasonal tire fitting, the installed jack can crush the stiffener. Therefore, it would be useful to tell the master about this, or use a lift.

Corrosion on an Octavia after 2001 may appear due to the effects of natural sandblasting from the wheels - the sand knocks off the paintwork on the sills and the rear door. The area above the license plate may also rust. The chrome on the radiator grille may begin to peel off as early as 40,000 miles.

Owners of second-generation Octavias often note the absence of a hood seal. You have to install it yourself. High pressure washing can completely remove the rear emblem. In Russian-assembled cars, water often enters the interior through the door seals.

It is worth regularly checking the condition of the drain gutter located under the windshield. When it becomes clogged, water confidently penetrates into the interior. The cellophane inside the doors actively retains water. Therefore, if for some reason you dismantled the door trim, be sure to ensure its integrity.

Rear doors may squeak when opening, and their window regulators may crack during operation. All this is inherent, as a rule, in Russian-assembled cars.

Try not to wipe the headlights with a dry cloth once again - they are easily scratched and become cloudy over time.

The noise insulation qualities of the interior are at a sufficient level. Sometimes the noise can come from the wheel arches. In frosty weather, the rear trunk shelf may make noise, and the plastic trim of the rear doors may make noise. The creaking can come from the dashboard, in those places where its elements are joined, from the parking brake button and from the door pillars. Sometimes rattling can come from the closed driver's window.

The suspension of this car can be confidently called “indestructible”. At a mileage of 70-80 thousand km, the support bearings of the shock absorber struts are the first to fail. Around the same time, the wheel bearings will also have to be replaced. Silent blocks of levers are maintained for 200 thousand km or more. Shock absorbers - 120-160 thousand km. The tie rod ends and the rods themselves last 120-150 thousand km. You don’t have to think about replacing the steering rack or repairing it until the mileage is 300 thousand km.

Factory brake pads are not in danger of being replaced for the first 40 thousand km for the front axle and 70 thousand for the rear axle. The brake discs also wear out about 70 thousand. After 150 thousand km, the brake cylinders may have to be changed.




Skoda Octavia A5 FL 2009

Another weak point of Octavia is considered to be its electrical equipment. The most common malfunction is failure of the lower rear window heating threads. Treated by soldering. Someone complained that after the back door slammed, the glass heating went out of order.

Often the light bulbs that illuminate the stove and air conditioner fail. The ESP unit is also not famous for its reliability. When damp, the dashboard may become glitchy.

At a mileage of 150 thousand, the air conditioning compressor may “die”. Its imminent failure will be indicated by its constant unscheduled switching on and off. On cars manufactured before 2001, the climate control may stop working. Most often, this is due to the failure of the electric damper motor.

When purchasing the RS version of the Octavia, you should definitely measure the engine compression and check the pipe between the turbine and the intercooler. It should not be clogged with oil. If the previous owner used low-quality fuel on the RS, the life of the injectors and fuel pump will be greatly reduced.

A selection of reviews, video reviews and test drives of the Skoda Octavia:

Crash test Skoda Octavia: