ABS sense

My May 06 Octavia 2.0 TDI has just been diagnosed with the failure of the ABS unit [G201 fault code]. I note your recent comments about VW covering the cost of replacing the pump, but from other comments...

Extra Sensory

When considering buying a new Skoda Octavia 1.4TSI, I asked two local dealerships about the advisability of ordering the electronic stability programme (ESP) as a factory-fitted extra. Both were negative,...

Going loco

I recently bought a second hand car from a local trader. There were no problems when I looked it over and took it for a test drive. I even noticed that it had a brand new spare tyre. After paying for...

Spinalonga

I own a Skoda Octavia Hatchback 1.9PD Elegance that has low profile Bridgstone tyres, tread depth 3.5mm. I live in a cul-de-sac untreated by grit that is on a slight hill that I am unable to climb despite...

Anti-luck braking

The week before Christmas I was struck with the ESP light stuck on, on my 06 Skoda Octavia 1.9 4x4 estate, with 30,500 miles. Took it to the dealers that I bought the car from and who have done all the...

Octaplussy?

I purchased a Skoda Octavia 1.4 TSI DSG in October 09. Performance is surprisingly good for such a small engine and economy 39-40 mpg. What bothers me is that, after the car has been left out in the rain,...

Tax banned

I am starting to wonder where the logic is in the current car tax band system. My understanding of the government's stance on this is to get older, heavier polluting vehicles off the road. If this is the...

Taxi breaks

The warranty is about to run out on my 2007/57 Octavia, which has been a taxi since new. So far the DMF has been replaced under warranty once at 30,000mls and more recently at 55,000 miles. My current...

Shiftless attitiude

Further to M.B.'s recent letter and your reply re Octavia/Yeti I am also thinking of changing my Octavia TDI estate for a 4x4 to cope with Scottish winters next year. Whilst the new Yeti looks good I have...

Something in particulate

Just recently (in this cold weather) I have had great difficulty starting my Skoda Octavia 1.9 TDI. When it eventually has started a cloud of back particulates belches out of the exhaust. I have normally...