Buying a used Skoda Octavia: what to look out for

GOOD FOR: Punchy, refined engines, Quality interior

LOOK OUT FOR: DSG issues, Body damage

If you are in the market for a used, premium D-segment sedan, it doesn’t get much better than the Octavia facelift. It’s got smooth engines, a high-quality cabin, plenty of space and a lot of features. However, there are things to look out for, so read on to see what you should know before you splash the cash.

Skoda Octavia powertrain

Launched in 2017, Skoda continued to offer the choice of three engines and three gearboxes with the Octavia facelift, as before. These include a 143hp, 320Nm, 2.0-litre diesel mated to a six-speed manual or a six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic, and two petrols – a 1.4 and 1.8 TSI. The smaller engine makes 150hp/250Nm and is mated to a six-speed manual only, while the larger 1.8 unit produces 180hp/250Nm and gets a seven-speed DSG gearbox only.

All engines are punchy and refined, so you should choose based on your usage. The TSIs make good city cars and occasional highway cruisers, but they are on the thirsty side. The diesel auto would be our pick of the bunch as it has a good mix of performance and fuel efficiency. Skoda stopped selling diesels a while ago, but the engine is good and dealers still support its service.

Skoda Octavia variants and features

At the time of launch, the Skoda Octavia facelift was offered in three trims – Ambition, Style and Style Plus. Later, down the line, Skoda also added a range-topping Laurin and Klement (L&K) trim, with its Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster, and an entry-level Corporate Edition, which was available exclusively to existing Skoda customers. Furthermore, the Style Plus trim was discontinued in 2018.

In terms of features, the top-spec Octavia facelift gets a hands-free parking function, a panoramic sunroof with remote operation, a 12-way electric-adjust driver seat with memory, leather upholstery, a driver fatigue monitoring system and an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that gets Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink compatibility.

If your budget permits, it’s best to go for one of the higher trims as you get a fully loaded car. However, even the mid-spec Style Plus is quite well-equipped and it strikes the best balance between features and price.

Skoda Octavias came with a standard 4-year/1,00,000km warranty, which is already impressive, but buyers also had the option to extend it for the 5th and 6th year. Look to buy an example that’s still covered under warranty, or better still, has the extended warranty package as this will give you some peace of mind. The Octavia is generally a reliable car, if it has been maintained properly. But the DSG issue does stand out as something to look out for.

Skoda’s service network is pretty widespread across India and spares will be readily available. However, do note that some parts are quite expensive so it’s worth getting a thorough inspection done before you make the purchase.

What to look out for in a used Skoda Octavia?

DSG issues

Owners have faced issues with the DSG gearbox of the Octavia. The mechatronics unit of the DSG gearbox is known to malfunction on occasion and this will be an expensive fix. Before purchasing, take a test drive and ensure the gearbox is jerk-free and shifts smoothly.

Body damage

Being a premium sedan, body panels and things like the lights are all quite expensive to replace. Inspect all body panels thoroughly for any scratches or damage. Also, get the car on a ramp and inspect the underside as well. As it’s a low-slung sedan, it is susceptible to underbody damage going over large speed breakers.

Also worth knowing

Some Octavia owners have also faced premature wear of the suspension bushings and brake pads. On a test drive, listen for any squealing while braking as this is a sign of worn brake pads. Also, listen for any thuds from the suspension and check if the suspension bottoms out on a rough road, as these are signs of suspension wear, which is an expensive fix.

Second hand Skoda Octavia price and resale value

Look to spend anywhere between Rs 9 lakh-16 lakh for an Octavia facelift in the used market. Dealers are asking more but demand for used Octys isn’t high, so you can use that to your advantage to get a better price. Do note though, that the diesels are holding their value better than the petrols.

Also see:

Should you buy a used Land Rover Discovery Sport?

Should you buy a used Hyundai Creta?