This is a rather strange one, sometimes I have the beard and other times I don't, weird. The Skoda Octavia from 2002 with over 500,000 miles on the clock and still going. I find out what makes it tick...over.
Octavia mk1 is an amazing car. Simple electronics, long-life engines aka glutton of kilometres, very low fuel consumption, easy for repair, low maintenance, over 14 years in production and after 19 years still looking like a car. The Legend in our garages :) Excellent German and Czech engineering.
Come altre auto del gruppo vw di quel periodo sono frequenti rotture degli alzacristalli elettrici. Con il caldo si scolla il tessuto del tetto, difetto presente dagli anni 80 in poi, col tempo il tessuto ti cade in testa
ndsceisn esatto. Per evitare rotture delle plastiche del meccanismo degli alzacristalli mi dicono che va evitato di tenere i vetri giù del tutto mentre si va o mente si chiudono le portiere. Il cielo che ci stava cadendo in testa l’ho fatto riparare.
that's my car. I sold it to skoda for €250. I since moved back to Ireland on the lookout for another Octavia!!! :) i miss that car! Id buy it back in the morning if i could
Nice car Robert, you kept it very well! I don't know where the car is now and since this video I'm sure you'll have to fight others off for another Octavia
That 1.9 TDI (non PD) engine is bomb proof. Shame VW stopped making it. The 97-04 Octavia is a triumph of simplicity and robustness. No unnecessary electronics or gadgets....so less to break and cheaper to fix! Sometimes less is more. Modern cars are just over-complex and will become too expensive to repair as they age. I think cars from the 90s are the best we've ever had. Properly made and reasonably safe, but not too many electronic gimmicks or expensive components.
I've got a used 2008 Mk1 Skoda Octavia. Just love it. Very robust in every way. Only issues are with its central locking, power window modules, horn plates, poor headlights and corner lights. With all its shortcomings though, I plan to use it for ever.
Just one back, I purchased one Skoda Octavia 2002 version diesel basic model running successfully 107000kms ...eighteen years old vehicle.... What a beautiful vehicle and pickup and suspension vehicle. I enjoy riding...
Bob, just this week I bought a 2003 Jetta 1.9TDi with 380,000 KM's. It was a 1 owner & well maintained car. The interior is rattle free & looks fresh - no sagging seats or wear - still looks as new. Plus, the exterior is in great shape (garaged). It's got everything I need ( 5 speed box, sunroof, heated seats & AC) & is just superb!! It's very comfortable & I am really happy with it. This video helped me make the decision to go ahead & make the purchase. Many people would be put off by the mileage, but I know these cars are durable, well built, efficient & dependable. I hope to keep it on the road as long as possible. I love it!!! I wish more people would give these vehicles a chance.
I've still got mine, 2002 Octavia estate, only 126,000 miles so far. 16 years old and serviced every year since new. I'm its third owner and it drives like new. Anything it needs, it gets because I'm going to try and keep her untill finally she gives up. She may very well outlive me lol. These cars are truly amazing. I have managed twice now to drive from Montrose, Scotland to the Queensferry bridge in Edinburgh and average 97.7 mpg!!! Even without trying I average about 60mpg. I've done over 60,000 miles in just under 4 years and she's never let me down. I do look after her though. Service whenever required and hydrocarbon treatment every year to keep her in tip top condition. Underneath she is solid and is only just starting to show one or two very small spots of surface rust. Before it gets a chance to get worse I'm attending to it. If you look after these cars you will be rewarded. It does everything I want so I'm keeping her!
I have a 02 Octavia. .only 170k mi on it. But it is working perfect apart from central locking is dodgy at times but everything else is like new. It is the best car I've ever owned. .it is everything a car should be. No fussy bits no pointless techy bits just a comfortable workhorse that's comfy big cheap to buy and a little bit classy. I love my octavia ..truly are a unique car.
A friend of mine taxi driver, has a 2004 octavia with 393,000 miles on the clock. Everything still works on the dam thing. Just had it serviced when it needed a service. Its a cash cow for him. When I asked what His next car would be? Another Skoda Octavia. Enough said hey!!!!!! Skoda for me next.
My god. Those cars are worth a min of 6000 USD here in Egypt. But they're also usually in great shape, maybe even with genuine leather seats. They're everywhere in Alexandria and only there. Not as common in Cairo and other cities though. I love them. Wish we have your prices though. But at least the maintainence is dirt cheap.
That era 1.9 TDI was bulletproof so long as it was driven daily. i know a taxi driver with an 01 Passat with 280k miles and no issues whereas my dad had the same model and used it around town. He changed the tandem pump, turbo (vgt so very expensive), injector seals and the car leaked water like the Titanic. It's an engine that is happy and reliable running eight hours a day as apposed to small mileage.
Great video Bob. Am aTaxi driver in Glasgow and Its not uncommon for the octavias to pass the million mile mark. I know of two so far that have done it :-)
I had the 2008 as a taxi, just short of 800,000km when i was done. Great car. I did most of the services myself, Castrol or Mobile 1 oil and a filter every 10 weeks, fuel filter every second service and air filter every 6 months. Replaced it with the 2015 model, but this one is breaking my heart.
I'm still using my early 1998 Octavia Mk1 (non facelifted as compared to the one in the video) as a daily driver. I can't believe it will turn 19 next February 'cause it looks 13 at most. You really wouldn't tell it's so old and if nothing goes terribly wrong, I'll keep it for at least next few years. I've been able to do so much maintenance to it even though my background in cars was literally zero. My theory why these cars are so reliable is that Skoda needed to break the" crappy, unreliable eastern bloc car" paradigm so nothing was skimped. The car was designed to be ultimately reliable just to re-establish the brand. Skoda couldn't afford this one to be a flop. I'm not so sure that the current models are built with the same mentality in mind.
Well here in india skoda's are nothing less than a corporate audi or perhaps an entry level luxury. Turbo petrol skoda's are owned by hardcore enthusiasts and diesels make way into mile munching; real estate, & industrial garages. Due to low disposal incomes in india, skoda vehicles are certainly expensive to maintain yet extremely satisfying to drive.
My 2004 model Subaru Impreza TS Sport Wagon only has 120,000 km, but I almost never used it as daily driver. It has been setup with Lego-like Subaru bits from other models to ride like I want it. Only the noise inside gives away the car's age, and perhaps the frame-less windows. This Skoda does impress a lot, especially the TDI's longevity. Keep 'em coming Bob.
This is one of the best cars based on Golf 4 platform. TDI versions can go till the 1.000.000km. My friend have one, he made 690.000km today. Interior is't scratched
Cool. I have a 99 Octavia 1.6 petrol. It's actually my first car and still over 3 years now. I would've went for a Golf or Astra but I bought it because of the big boot as I was studying furniture design, it's comfortable to drive and it can seat 5 tall humans including myself. I once put a dining table (for 6) with 4 of the 6 chairs in the back with backseats down, peace of cake.
My late father used to minicab a Cortina mk3. They were usually rusted & knackered around 70-100k miles. His had several big overhauls including engines. Been to Jupiter & back, the rear seats, door handles & mechs worn out, grumbly rear axle, the lot. He would have been king of the cabbies if he had this Octavia.
My 2002 VW Passat 1.9tdi 130bhp saloon has 189,000 miles on it. I'm 17 so it's my first car and i'm hoping that it could brake the world record for the most miles on a car. 3.2 million i think that volvo is at. I'm sure mine can do that :)
I had one of these. Great cars. One of the toughest out there, as you know from this video. Just make sure you get the timing belt done as well as those oil changes and you'll be fine :)
Hi Bob. I've had 3 Skodas in the family and I'm currently piloting a MK1 Octavia vRS that dates from 2005 with approaching 80k on the clock and I recently had her treated to an LPG conversion @ 72p per litre. As they say in the north, sure you couldn't beat it with a big stick. :-) ps ace videos. Keep up the great work.
I've had my 2003 Octavia for 12 years now it's done 208.000 miles Its serviced every year and its by far the best car I've ever had . I'll run it till it drops
I guessed in the first half minute correctly,had to be a 1.9TDi!!! awesome engine that goes forever, driven two golfs with that engine and enjoyed every mile, nice video Bob and interesting direction with the older car review, no matter what i like all your videos so keep them coming
You should tell RTE or TV3 that man, I'd love to bring what I do to TV but it seems I don't know the right people. Start a Facebook campaign, it seems to be the only way to get things done in Ireland!
Hi Bob Since I live in Scotland, I have no influence on RTE or TV3. I would also add that I have no influence with the UK Television channels. However I have long stopped watching that clown Clarkson on the so-called motoring programme "Top Gear" which is merely a vehicle for Mr Clarkson to further his crass money generating company, with no measured nor genuine love of motoring. You, on the other hand, provide humorous and honest reviews of cars which are enjoyable and accurate. You also manage to do your reports without denigration, sensationalism or special effects! Keep up the great reports Bob. There are still people out here who appreciate quality. With any luck, some day the " programme makers" will come to their senses. Regards Ian
My dads got one of these skodas and also it was an old taxi he bought for £1000 from the taxi company owner , my dads one has done 200 thousand miles and it's still a nice running car because it's been looked after and gets serviced a goof few time a year
It's great to see how reliable some cars are when they are being maintained properly. There is a Dutch car magazine that frequents youtube where they have a series from the Dutch equivalent of the MOT-service, they follow the inspector who looks through the cars, tells which issues the car has and they interview the owner (not sure if its's okay to advertice for other youtube channels :P). I remember them reviewing a late 90's Volvo v70 and Saab 9-5 with more than a million kilometers on the clock and all issues they had were related to age, tear and wear, and with a few fixes they were good for plenty of kilometers ahead.
we had 2 of those in family. First one was 1998 1.9 tdi (110 hp) fully loaded and we sold it with around 500t km. It was runing on its original clutch and turbo and the interior was in very good condition (no roof saging or anything like that). Secon one was 2005 1.9 tdi (90 hp) but in Tour spec and we sold it with 400t km. Mechanicaly it was in perfect shape but interior not so much due to worst materials that were put in Tour models
I have a 12 year old Megane coupe with nearly 130,000 miles on it which so far - touch wood - has never let me down. As you say, it's all down to servicing it properly...
Purchased a late 2011 (61 uk reg) Skoda Octavia mk2 face lift 1.6 tdi cr with 277k on a less than 6 year old car and it still drove like New and was on original clutch!
I know a guy that runs a taxi company and he replaced his old merc range with these and superbs. Some of his mercs had do close to 1m miles, and he loves his skoda fleet. Them old merc was a hard act to follow but skoda managed it.
My 2008 Fabia Sport Edition has the same 1.9 engine in it and I love it! Only has 67000 km right now, I guess I can go for a few more trips around the globe...
Surely it's in skodas best interest to show how reliable their cars are. I m not saying they are not but do wonder how much mechanical work has been done by them before letting journalists drive it.
Lovely cars. I had a mk1 VRS with 150k on it when I sold it. Regular servicing is fine but there are certain milestones where you have to fork out £££s to keep it on the road, eg. suspension replacement at 120k, new clutch eventually etc.
My skoda 1.9tdi 2001 eighteen years old, owned from new. 177.000 miles on the clock. Like the man said, regular good service. The odd mot work carried out. I really don't intend to get rid of it.
Just bought myself a car of this make and model, sending it in for service next month. Not because there's anything really wrong with it (aside from some cheeky lock errors) but because I want it to last.
I like the old Octavia, really is a tough cookie.Makes a nice change to see a test like this. My Octavia has a little way to go yet, as its only a week old and done 500 miles! lol Be interesting to see what you think of the new VRS Bob.
I´d love to get hold of one, but roadtaxes here in Sweden is almost 600€ for a year for the Skoda 1.9 tdi. All pre-2005 diesel models cost insane amount in yearly roadtaxes. However i´d be a perfect commuter car, got a 140km daily run to my work. At the moment i´ve got a Corolla (petrol) with 320 000km on the meter but need to get a diesel instead in the long run
Got a taxi in Cork last year with 893000km. The taxi driver had even seen this video and we had a great chat about it. He hopes to retire before he gets to a million
Seán McCabe in 2007 I taxiid in a 1997 Peugeot 406 turbo diesel, the old xud version. When I first drove it there was 118,000 on the clock. 7 years after that, when the car was retired, it had 451,000 miles. Definitely one of the best cars I've ever driven ☺️
Lool, check some Felicia, we have one with 120k and after many crashes and drives like new, we are towing loads of heavy shit with it, no problem, just rust is problem on 5th door
i have the same Octavia but in wagon and it has gone 333000km. its going very well, that engine is the best. however the low beam headlights are not working, and its not the fuses with fault, what could be the problem?
+Bob Flavin im going to sound negative i had a 07 one when i was young and stupid with 128k on after two years it was the biggest heap of shit ever, yet that and loads are problem free guess i was unlucky. ive got a 2005 vectra 1.8 16v petrol got to say its the best car ive ever had four years only wear and tyre stuff only issue was two sensors even then it drove just slow ha
Class videos I'm thinking of buying a Lexus 450h it's a 2006 high tax I know but just sold my car cleared off my loan and have enough to buy one , can you do a review on one of these I heard there an animal , cheers Bob
Bob Flavin Do you think the same goes for the Civic Hybrid? Here in the USA I have a Honda Civic Petrol Hybrid with a 1.5L 4-Cylinder with the electric motor and CVT. Do you think it is just as bulletproof as the standard Civic?
Might be about to buy a 2003 Octavia 1.9TDI BlueLine 90HP (the older TDI) as a cheap mile muncher. What is it like at speed? (say 60MPH) in terms of quietness? Is it a comfortable noise level? The only things I have driven for comparison purposes are a 2001 A6 1.9TDI 115HP which is very quiet and comfortable at 60MPH, and my 2005 Corolla T-Sport 190 which is stripped out and sits at about 3750RPM at 70, which as you can imagine, is horrifically loud at 60MPH on the motorway and makes my ears hurt...
which would you recommend , drive it like a saint and never go over 2000 rpm or drive it like ya stole it and take it to the red line and blow the soot out of her every now and again.
Ηow much did the owner cost him overall to keep it for 500.000miles?It might have been cheaper to buy a new one btw Skoda's services are not cheap as people think just like with every VAG's car.
Bob Flavin Bob ive still got an 03 volvo S60t5 with 275,000 miles on it i bought for £2500 back in 09 from an old guy.It only had 75,000 with fsh.Ive changed the discs & pads and 3 sets of tyres and it still feels solid.My wife keeps telling me to get shot of it but i cant let it go.I only bought it because i was working up in thurso and i didnt fancy driving up im my hilux.Cant beat the comfort of a volvo on long drives
scottishbadboy1 I don't know, I had a 2004 Renault laguna estate for some time. Drove it to Spain and back a few times.such a comfy car that was. Not exciting, it didn't egg you on, but comfort it did well.
i did by one 2 days ago 360,000 km engine pd year 2007 mk1 skoda best car ever build engine no smoke pull like train 100 bhp hope get some more tune on fuel very good top spead didnt check yet 5 spead and they going to 2009 or 2010 year very good and not many on the road parts very cheap mirors golf mk4 will do,or seat,leon,may parts fit off other car what is same i did have chance to by new skoda mk2 bhat the parts are diferent and on the back have wishbone and other parts what mk1 dont have only axell
