VW to Skoda same problems different badge???

[Astonm]

I have just been looking at changing my car and a 2008 Octavia VRS 170bhp has caught my eye.

Question is will I have the same type of problems as my 2005 BKP 140bhp engine?

I know skoda and VW share engines etc but do they share the same problems as Skoda always seem to come top on most drivers surveys

[logiclee]

The PD engine in the Octavia doesn't seem to suffer as many issues as the Passat.

Saying that 2008 was the year the VRS got the CR engine so a 2008 VRS could have a CR engine which would be a lot safer bet. The CR unit is also more refined and more economical.
So you may be better looking out for a CR version.

Cheers
Lee

[DSG4ME]

Again look at the engine cover's, Skoda tended to get used to use up the old stuff before they got the newer unit's.

[clayts]

Hi there, I am not sure about the last comment. My previous car was an Octavia. but myself and a colleague ordered new company cars, I went for the Octavia (as it had more toys) and he went for the A4 (cos he didn’t want to get stick for driving a Skoda). I took delivery of the Skoda three months before the A4 arrived and the Skoda had more up-to-date switchgear and odd and ends like aero wipers. They were both the 2.0 TDI

This may not of course apply to larger parts like engines and gearboxes.

while i am on the subject the build quality on the Octavia was superior to the A4 (not by much) and the Audi was back in the garage constantly, eventually they replaced the whole car after a year of issues.

The only problem I had with the Skoda was that the water pipe for the rear windscreen wash kept popping off (the A4 doesn’t have one as it is a saloon)

And just in case you think I favour Skodas over Audis, I now have an A6, but when second-hand prices for the Superb comes down I will probably chop the A6. The A6 has done 50K and I have had numerous niggles with it, including faults with the ABS / ESP

[logiclee]

Skoda are all about value for money and you will see newer switchgear and higher spec Audio units than VW.
The switchgear in the Octavia from 2008 wasn't fitted in the Passat until 2010B6 and B7.
In the Octavia and Superb even mid range models get the Bolero (RCD 510) and Higher Spec models get the Columbus (RNS510)

In the more expensive Passat you only get the basic RCD310 and only get the RNS310 in the top of the range. VW want an extra £1900 for the RNS510.

But I think DSG4ME was talking about engines, Skoda are rarely the first to get new engine technology, the 140PD unit was on sale in the Octavia until the end of 2010.

You can't beat Skoda for value for money and reliabilty though that's why there is over a six months wait for most models.
On order we currently have a Fabia 1.2TSi DSG Elegance with optional Heated Seats, Sat Nav, Bluetooth, MDI, Cornering Front Fogs, MFSW and Elba 16" Alloys.
The closest spec Audi A1 cost £20k, the Fabia with the current 20% VAT deal is £13500. The downside is an 8 months wait.

Cheers
Lee

[Crasher]

A recent statement from the head of Skoda says that he expects Skoda to start suffering the same reliability issues as VW in the years to come as their sales increase. At the moment we still find that of the four VAG brands we work on (VW, Audi, Seat, Skoda), Skoda are still the best built and most reliable of the four.

[Guest 2]

Every taxi I see is either a Octavia or a Superb. I was in a taxi Octavia with 300k miles on the clock and the driver said it gave no bother and is serviced religiously by Skoda and passes PSV tests with flying colours!

The public may not have Skoda as their first choice but taxi drivers do!

[logiclee]

It seems that the only reason people are turning away from Skoda's is because of the long waiting lists, Skoda can't build them fast enough.

And as for desirability a new Fabia VRS can be ordered for just over £13250.
Most dealers have 10/60 plate demonstraters with a few thousand miles on them for £14995

And it's come full circle buy yourself a VW or Audi with the 1.2TSi and the chances are it will be a Skoda unit. The Czech engine plant builds the unit and most produced are exported for the VAG group. I wonder if those driving about in their £20K Audi A1's or more expensive A3's realise they are driving about with a Skoda engine under the bonnet.

Cheers
Lee