Buying nearly new

Which makes the better nearly new buy: skoda octavia 1.4tsi or ford focus 1.5 ecoboost? I'm looking for the best combination of performance, economy and reliability. I've read that the Ford doesn't deliver...

Which VAG car is best?

I am considering buying a nearly new car Volkswagen group car. I like the Golf Estate, Skoda Octavia and Superb, but I have a number of concerns regarding modern engines – DPF and DMF problems on diesels,...

Is the Skoda Octavia coupe on the way?

I want to buy a new Skoda Octavia, but have been told that a coupe could be on the way. Will the Octavia coupe happen? I'm prepared to wait for a year or so.

How can I improve my Octavia's fuel economy?

I have a 2013 Skoda Octavia 2.0 diesel. However, while my old Octavia gave 65mpg, I find the new model to struggle to get past 50mpg. I understand that I can get the "brain" remapped? Is this true? Will...

Which tyres are best for low road noise?

My Skoda Octavia is currently on Continental Sport Contact 2, 205/55 R16 91V tyres, which seem very noisy on rougher tarmac. Is there an economical 'quieter' alternative?

Buying a new Octavia - which engine is best?

I'm looking at buying a new Skoda Octavia petrol and would welcome your opinion on which engine and gearbox I should choose. It will mainly be used by one driver on a daily commute, but must also be able...

Can I fit a towbar to a Skoda Octavia Scout?

I would like to buy a 2014 Skoda Octavia Scout for towing a caravan. But Skoda say they cannot fit a tow bar to this car and I can't find anyone to supply one. Any ideas?

Need a small 4x4 car - what do you recommend?

After several years of excellent motoring it’s time to move on and replace my Audi A6 Avant 3.0 SE quattro. I normally make at least a couple of motoring trips to the Alps in the winter and have found...

Can a stop-start system cause turbo damage?

I have just ordered a Skoda Octavia 1.2 petrol. The car has a stop-start system fitted for economy, but surely it is good practice to let a turbo engine idle for a short time to allow the turbo to cool?...

Buying a new Skoda Octavia - what sort of discount should I get?

I am about to order a new Skoda Octavia Estate Elegance 1.4TSI 140PS. With all the bells and whistles I calculate the list price will be around £23.500. What sort of percentage discount could I reasonably...