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Is my Skoda Octavia reliable because of my driving style?
I read your slightly dismissive comments a couple of weeks ago on the Skoda Octavia and Volkswagen Passat 2005-2011. I have had a 2-litre diesel Octavia L & K for almost seven years and have covered 77,000 miles. I've had glow plugs fail a couple of times, which I'm led to believe is an occupational hazard with this model, but apart from that it has proved to be a fantastic car in every respect, with an impressive performance. Other Octavia owners I've met have spoken in similar terms, both for diesel and petrol variants.
In my case most of my driving (80 per cent) involves journeys of about 50 miles plus. Would this be a factor in its reliability, i.e. none of the problems that others seem to have with particulate filters etc? Or have I just been lucky? I originally bought it as I was looking for something the same size as a 3 Series BMW without paying BMW prices. So far I've had no cause to regret my choice.
In my case most of my driving (80 per cent) involves journeys of about 50 miles plus. Would this be a factor in its reliability, i.e. none of the problems that others seem to have with particulate filters etc? Or have I just been lucky? I originally bought it as I was looking for something the same size as a 3 Series BMW without paying BMW prices. So far I've had no cause to regret my choice.
Asked on 25 May 2013 by IWB, Long Hanborough
Answered by
Honest John
I record what readers tell me in www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar. This is the most comprehensive, accurate and unbiased summary of vehicle reliability available to the public in the UK because it is based on more than 800,000 volunteered letters and emails rather than questionnaires and 'reader surveys'. In the Octavia entry, there is quite a long list for the numbers sold. Yes, the type of running you do is conducive to good reliability, good economy and good performance from the DPF, if one is fitted.
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