I've owned Octavias since 2003, the 1.9 tdi versions. Also currently own a 2010 Focus 1.6 petrol. Firstly, they are quite different cars, the Focus is much nicer to drive and much more capable on twisty roads than the Octavia. The Octavia is more of a workhorse, fine unless you push it hard and then you quite easily reach its limits. It understeers very noticeably and is quite nose-heavy. The seats (for me) are very uncomfortable in the Octavia and give me back pain after a couple of hours, the Focus seats, although looking cheaper, are in fact much more comfortable and lumbar-supportive.

As Octavias age, they are prone to lots of niggles such as unreliable electrics, water leaks, plus suspension troubles ( springs, wheel bearings) . My first one needed a new turbo at 15K and 4 new springs later on. They are not the paragons of reliability the surveys and magazines would have you believe. The Focus is only 6 years old, but so far has been totally reliable.

I won't be buying another Octavia as VW have a very patchy reputation for engine reliability and build problems these days. But i have enjoyed my ownership of the TDis. The latest common rail tdi will need a DPF at some point in its life, again, as others have said, a modern diesel is not worth the hassle.

I don't have quite as much experience of the Focus, but they are a decent car, cheap to maintain and quite under-rated I think. BUt if ultimate reliability is required, neither of these makes can match Honda or Toyota petrols.

I'm used to larger and older car designs, i couldn't live with a Focus at all, use the company pool Focus sometimes and its a cramped claustrophobic car to me with far too many blind spots via those narrow windows, i don't agree with the driveability reputation they appear to have, yet another modern car i was very glad to get out of.

Picked up one of our chaps in it who is actually looking to buy one and he thought i'd brought the pool Fiesta when he too realised how little room there is inside, his purchase plans have now changed.

I suspect the Octy will be more spacious, if its anything like the Passat i dove last year.

Good decision,

Although I have an octavia tsi from new, I have been very disappointed woth how it is ageing. Recently a coilpak and lead failure ( common) has cost me £180 to replace WITH goodwill as its just out of warranty with fsh. Otherwise would have cost £360!!

Also a front shock has started leaking oil, both failures are unacceptable in a car so young and the costs are shocking. The servicing is of a low standard, for instance when they say "check brakes" it means they check only if they are ready to be changed. There is no maintenance to clean and free them,no advisory either, so you drive around with binding brakes and red hot discs/hubs. And of course , premature brake wear and failure of hubs....which may be their plan.

The octavia is a very boring car to drive.

Edited by brum on 09/04/2016 at 10:49

2012 1.2tsi se estate with loads of options. Annoying levels of road noise, a wallowey / bouncy ride, safe but uninspiring handling and an old fashioned/dark cabin layout.

Rattling camchain on coldstarts have plagued it from very early on, however Skoda dealer keeps insisting there is nothing wrong. The heavily rusting suspension is depressing to behold. Why do VAG have plastic covered anti roll bars when the covering splits after 3 years and acts as a water trap? Just started diy servicing it and everything from the ridiculously overtightened oil filter to the the neglected and corroded/binding brakes makes me realise that dealer servicing is overpriced rubbish. Not that independents are any better. Maybe I expect too much, my 18 year old Alhambra is still happily soldiering on (still on original disc/pads!!) - but then I service it myself, and not that regularly....

After a lifetime of being a VAG fanboy, the brand just seems to be losing its appeal to me.

Edited by brum on 09/04/2016 at 22:42