Ambiente Estate 1.6 FSI Manual

problem list keeps growing

Our 97R Nissan Micra never broke down but it was finally time for retirement after its 10th birthday due to rust and other issues. I was looking for a bigger reliable workhorse to join our growing family. After reading loads of reviews and customer satisfactory survey, I chose Octavia estate instead of Toyota Verso and saved a few £k.

I still love it till this day. It has been reliable but certainly not trouble free. Far from it. In fact, it has more problems than I would like/expected.

A few days after delivery, I noticed that lumbar support was missing on driver’s seat. It took dealer 4 attempts to fix it. It was finally sorted but now outer side cushion looks slightly deformed again.

Since last November, first gear biting point sometimes causes violent vibration when pulling off junctions quickly. This usually happens on cold morning when temperature is less than 5 Celcius but problem fades as engine warms up. Crank shaft positioning sensor was replaced under warranty but I notice no difference.

Whole dash board died one Saturday in February but resurrected on Monday morning when I was about to take it to the dealer. For 2 days, I didn’t know how fast the car was going or how much fuel left etc. Dealer can’t help as problem didn't show up again.

Then front passenger and rear door seals leaked a few times and water trailed on rubber floor mat. Striker plates adjusted couple time and problem currently not showing.

Shocked to discover a few spots of bubbling paint work at the bottom of tailgate when opened. Never expected this as the body is galvanished steel. Rectified under warranty.

Warranty now expired. Rear wiper has intermittent stalling problem. Electric windows sometimes don't respond until a few seconds later.

At 14k miles, 2 front wheel bears were replaced due to excessive noise and play. I was landed a bill of £400+. Skoda offered no contribution (they were in the beginning but later changed the tone and I was fooled to bring my service schedule to the dealer). Skoda deemed it due to wear and tear. The steel seems to be bio-degradable.

Current mileage is only 15k miles. My disappointment keeps mounting as the problem list gets longer. I've only had it for 3.5 years! Very fond of the Superb Estate but my wife questioned “Do you want another Skoda still?” Yes, I do but I must be mad to pay more for another Skoda.

Report as offensive