In order that the purchased car does not become your headache and the ruiner of the family budget, you should treat its acquisition with all seriousness and responsibility, not sparing either time or money.
First of all, figure out what you want. If you need comfort, buy an executive class car, and if you want your invested money to have a material expression, buy an American "cruiser", especially since its price will not scare you, and high fuel consumption will be offset by low operating costs. If you are a fan of long trips and family vacations in the bosom of nature, a station wagon is what you need, and, believe me, your choice will not disappoint you. It is comfortable, roomy and modern.
It is best to stop your choice on a middle-class car with a "LX" / "GL" body type, they are well equipped and in demand, but do not be moved and do not shell out additional money for a variety of additional equipment, of which only the power steering and the sunroof are really valuable. roof. Automatic transmissions may cause lower resale prices, especially for smaller machines.
So, you have decided on the model. Now, take your time, proceed to inspect the car.
First of all, carefully study the registration documents: how many owners were there, do the registration and identification numbers of the car match the numbers in the documents? According to the vehicle passport, make sure that the technical inspections were carried out and this is marked with the appropriate warranty seals. Check the authenticity of the identification number plate (folded ends of the plate and new and clean rivets are a signal that something is wrong, and it is better to refuse further inspection). If everything is in order, feel free to move on and proceed with an external examination.
Inspect your car in natural light, rather than in a garage or car dealership, as you will notice many color differences.
The main question is - was the car in an accident? If it stands on all four wheels, there are no poorly fitted panels, differences in paint shades and traces of putty, the side members are not bent, the centering of the bumper and headlights is not disturbed, there are no traces of the old license plate, then the car has avoided an accident and no repairs have been carried out before.
If you peel back the window seals and compare the color underneath with car color, then you will find out if the car has been repainted. Also pay attention to traces of paint under arches, doors, suspension parts.
Body-colored wiring and hoses in the engine compartment are a sign of careless repairs.
The fact that the car was looked after, they will tell you liquids and engine oil filled by level.
Minor parts like worn treads or bent discs can be expensive to replace.
Sagging seats in the cabin, worn-out rugs and upholstery, squeaks, knocking and strange odors, the presence of rust and dampness in the trunk easily give out. These are all signs of a long life, and getting rid of them is quite expensive.
Do not forget to check the operation of the central locking, fog lights, power windows. You don't need expensive repair of little things.
By swinging the wheels vertically and looking at the wear pattern on each tire, you can check the wear on the wheel support and learn a lot about the condition of the suspension and steering system.
Rock the car from every corner. This will check the shock absorbers and the stability of the vehicle on all four wheels, especially if it is a station wagon or a vehicle equipped with a towing device.
After an external inspection, proceed to check the main mechanisms.
Engine
With a cold engine, check the automatic choke and fuel injection starting. Any engine, including a diesel one, should not make noise and quickly switches to a quiet ride.
With a warm engine, running at low speed in high gear, check for wear crankshaft and bearings. There should be no rumbling. Check the wear of the cylinder and valve surfaces by operating the throttle valve. If blue smoke appears, serious engine repair is required, black smoke is a sign of worn injectors and problems with the fuel mixture.
The temperature sensor must work reliably under any change in conditions (for example, during operation on Idling). Remember to make sure the fan turns off in time.
After warming up, the engine should run quietly and smoothly, even diesel. Light tapping indicates wear on the valve drive or camshaft. With a hot idling engine, remove the filler cap and check for smoke and carbon deposits. Also check for leaks. The oil pressure warning light should normally be off. If this is not the case, then it indicates wear on the crank mechanism or oil pump.
Transmission
First of all, check the clutch. Try to pull away in high gear with a firm hand brake... The engine should stop immediately. Then check the grip of the clutch. If it occurs at the very end of the pedal travel, it indicates clutch wear.
Gear changes must be confident and the transmission must be quiet.
The automatics should work smoothly and very accurately: if the gearbox does not want to smoothly shift up, then its wear or poor adjustment is likely. Check if the switch from normal to sport mode... Gearboxes on 4WD vehicles should run particularly smoothly when driving, although some "sag" should be expected on some models. Check the automatic transmission oil level. If it is low or the box is completely dry, we advise you to stop further inspection of this machine. Repair of automatic gearboxes is laborious and expensive.
It is imperative to drive at least 30 km on different roads in order to identify all the shortcomings of the car.
Be careful: if the car wobbles or goes to the side, the best case- this is the wrong camber-convergence, at worst - the parts of the suspension or steering are bent.
When checking for play, swing the steering wheel to the sides. If you have power steering, be sure to make sure it is reliable at different speeds and loads. On front-wheel drive vehicles, turn the steering wheel to the maximum angle to check the wear on the constant velocity ball joints, as indicated by a clicking sound.
Rumbling or floating indicates worn shock absorbers and springs. Check electronic shock absorber adjustment in different modes.
Check the brakes carefully with different forces. If the car moves to the side, it could be a sticky caliper. Wear of the discs is indicated by a jerky pedal. Check also anti-lock braking system brakes (when driving, the warning light should not light up, and when starting - vice versa).
Having checked your chosen one in this way, think carefully whether your impressions correspond to the indicated mileage and, after weighing all the pros and cons, make up your mind. A qualified, informed choice is the guarantee that the car will become your assistant and friend.
Some more tips
Once upon a time, all car buying guides indicated that pedal wear was a good indicator of mileage. This defect is too well known to be trusted these days, as pedal rubber is easy to change.
Upholstery in modern cars much more durable than the one installed ten years ago, but the driver's seat still wears out first. Inspect the outside edge (it rubs when the driver enters and exits the car) - it is from this that the age of the car is determined.
Check the operation and condition of all lamps and other electrical devices. Cracked headlight diffusers are especially important - some of them can be very expensive.
The condition of the tire is a good indicator of the mileage - the declared 40,000 km with unpaired tires is highly suspicious! You can also factor in the cost of replacement, especially in the case of low profile and other specialty tires.
From the driver's seat, check the operation of the instruments and controls - dangling handles, as well as the smooth surface of the steering wheel rim, indicate high mileage.
Skoda Octavia Is the car that made the Czech car manufacturer famous throughout the Eurasian continent. The post-war socialist period was marked by stagnation for Skoda and to rectify the situation, 30% of the company was sold to the Volkswagen AG concern. In 1995, the German share rose to 70%, which marked the beginning of the emergence of the "Volkswagen for the Poor" on the market. Octavia marked the emergence of a popular car with German quality and affordable price, becoming one of the most successful brainchildren of the company.
What did the first generation remember?
The start of sales began in 1996. Created on the A4 platform, the hatchback had a spacious trunk of 530 liters in the normal state of the cabin and 1330 liters with the seats folded. Next, a station wagon version appeared and the maximum volumetric load increased to 1530 liters.
Octavia A4 of the first generation in the original version was produced until 2000. Then a restyled version was added to the conveyor, which received updated optics and smoother body lines, several new engines were added. Restyling eliminated children's sores and reliably strengthened the status of Octavia as a people's car in the minds of people.
Engines
Traditionally, the Skoda Octavia was equipped with engines from the Volkswagen concern, which are distinguished by their unpretentiousness, reliability and ease of maintenance. However, not all units are created equal, so we have highlighted the best and worst models.
Worst motors:
1.4V (AMD)- the only motor in the lineup, own production of a Czech company. The lower-shaft, eight-valve engine produced a modest 60 hp. and 120 N.m. torque. Such indicators were not enough even for a comfortable ride in the city, and the consumption was close to its more voluminous counterparts. There was also a 16-valve version capable of developing 15 hp. more, but it did not meet modern requirements.
1.6V (AEE)- an atmospheric ally of "budget" trim levels. His 75 horses barely moved cars in the city, and when loaded and on suburban roads, he was frankly suffocating from a lack of power.
1.8V (AGN)- a rare guest on secondary market the already unloved 125 hp eight-valve. Despite the noticeably higher power of 125 hp in comparison with the previous engines, just one advantage is not enough to close increased consumption gasoline, oil, and electrical problems.
1.9 SDI (AGP)- another archaism, with a modest 133 N / m of torque and 60 horses. In general, the motor is reliable, unpretentious and, in rare cases, can be used as the heart of a workhorse. But on the other side of the scale there are such weak points - high consumption, high noise, weak dynamics.
Which best motor for the first generation? - it is impossible to answer unequivocally, since each unit has its own fans and haters. We have selected the most reliable, demanded and popular among those existing in the line, these are:
1.6 8V- a torque of 145 Nm, an aluminum block and the absence of sores - that's what this motor is loved for.
1.8 T- a special unit with 20 valves and a turbine produced 150 hp, and its sports version all 180. Such a motor is preferred by those who put speed in the first place. Unlike analogues, this turbocharged engine did not suffer from oil starvation, excessive consumption lubricant although repairing a complex upper part of the engine can turn out to be a lump sum.
Advantages
Roomy trunk.
The body, galvanized on both sides, begins to "bloom" only after an accident or similar mechanical damage, otherwise corrosion is quite rare even on the first versions.
The cost of a used car is less than that of single-platform competitors.
Large selection of complete sets and bodies.
Fifteen power units.
disadvantages
In the presence of electronic windows in severe frosts, the glass itself can stick to the seals.
Insufficient rigidity of the body of the pre-styling version could lead to cracks on the glass.
The timing belt requires constant replacement at least once every 70 thousand km. What do you think, until what year did the release of this modification last? Before the release of the second generation? But no! The first Octavia with the Tour prefix remained on the assembly line until 2010.
Second generation
The updated Skoda Octavia entered the assembly line in 2004. Now the car was created on the A5 platform, so the design was noticeably updated, new motors appeared. The lineup supplemented by the all-wheel drive version of the Scout, which is a modification of the station wagon. The motors began to be aggregated by the DSG box, which was unloved by the majority. It is worth noting that if the version with wet clutches was gradually gaining popularity, then the modification with dry discs for a long time rooted in the minds of compatriots the association of the DSG system with huge expenses.
Applicable motors
Status again best engine has to be shared between several models. The most popular motors on the domestic market are:
1.8 TSI- the most bought motor on the market. What is good about this variation of the motor is its reliability. Diseases are minimal here - the chain must be changed every 100 thousand, despite the fact that the manufacturer considers this part to be maintenance-free. The engine forgives the low quality of the oil, but it is not worth saving on gasoline, otherwise the nozzles, along with the pump, fail.
1.6 - the second place is taken by the familiar naturally aspirated eight-valve with distributed injection. The motor has won success for its availability, ability to withstand up to 350 thousand mileage and cheap service. He also has weak points. So, the pump must be replaced along with the timing belt, the ignition coil often fails, along with high-voltage wires... Sometimes the valve stem seals lose their elasticity ahead of time, and then the engine starts to blow up blue smoke.
1.4 TSI- a dark horse that has become extremely popular among motorists. Low consumption with excellent dynamics in the city and on the highway - amaze any car enthusiast. There are also sores, like weak pistons, on models before 2011. There may be trouble with the liquid intercooler, which is easily clogged and can let antifreeze into the intake manifold.
Most frequent breakdowns
Due to the poor quality of painting, the paint layer bubbles easily, exposing the galvanized body.
Electronic components and wiring of the engine compartment are sensitive to moisture and quite often becomes the reason for a visit to the service.
The first models quickly wore out the rear bushings of the front suspension.
The bad roads package suffers from quick breakage of the rear springs.
The alarm relay button often fails.
Advantages
A high-quality salon with decent materials, even in a budget configuration.
Excellent safety performance for driver, passengers and pedestrians.
Modest consumption of the presented motors, as well as low cost of maintenance and consumables.
The secondary market price is lower than that of competitors.
Third generation
From 2012 to the present, the third generation is being produced Skoda car Octavia, on the universal MQB platform. The new base allowed designers and engineers to realize more daring fantasies. The output was the most beautiful model in 16 years, which after a while will become even more attractive after restyling. Not only the appearance has changed, but the whole concept of the car.
Now, even in the basic configuration, the driver does not feel prejudiced, and the most expensive versions will compete with Volkswagen and Audi. This is also noticeable in the cost, which is very close to the brands presented. If earlier the driver received more for his money, now you can think about buying the original, not a copy. Like other generations, the third has its pluses and minuses, although the negative factors are becoming less and less every year.
Power plant overview
For a whimsical domestic driver, the choice of engines was simplified as much as possible, leaving the 1.6 atmosphere that everyone loved and two turbo engines of 1.4 and 1.8 liters. They are combined with a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed automatic or a robotic DSG in 6 or 7 steps. The latter will traditionally be in the minority, although the wet clutch system and work on previous bugs promise drivers smooth shifting, quiet operation and no overheating when trying to park on a hill.
Advantages
Nice interior and nice materials, good sound insulation
Excellent ergonomics.
An abundance of electronic systems.
High quality multimedia.
Catchy appearance.
Affordable cost of the basic configuration.
2 years warranty with no mileage limitation (taxi drivers will appreciate it)
disadvantages
Zhor of oil from a motor with mileage.
The DSG box hasn't gotten rid of all its shortcomings.
Large PTF glass, easily broken by stones.
There is no gas stop for the hood.
ESP does not turn off
Rigid suspension
In custody
Each of the generations has its own pros and cons, but this vehicle managed to carry its main features through the decades. What every driver will love Skoda Octavia for is safety for the driver and passengers, reasonable cost of the car and operation, durable components and assemblies. Also, the driver gets one of the largest trunks in the class, allowing you to carry everything you need. Not in the last place is the appearance, which, although it does not seem particularly attractive, allows you to maintain "freshness" appearance even decades later.
Once we asked our Autoguru what used car from the category “not too expensive and not too cheap” he would choose. After some hesitation and calculations, he replied: "Of course, Skoda Octavia A5!"
A highly anticipated answer, we thought. Since the Skoda Octavia A5 is considered one of the most popular models in its class. Despite the fact that the car has already been discontinued and is expected soon new model from, we set out to find out why it is still in great demand among domestic motorists.
For the "check" we took the version of the Skoda Octavia A5, released before the 2008 restyling. Since it is these representatives of the Skoda brand that are the majority in the secondary market.
Among the used Skodas, two modifications of the second generation Octavia stand out: the liftback, the most common in Ukraine, and the Combi station wagon, on the basis of which the SUV was also created. Octavia scout, "Armed" four-wheel drive 4x4, increased ground clearance and a protective body kit around the entire perimeter of the body.
Skoda Octavia A5 cars produced in 2004-2005 were mainly assembled in the Czech Republic, in subsequent years the assembly took place at the Eurocar plant in the Transcarpathian region. Anticipating the skeptical grin of our readers, we note that many auto mechanics assure that there are no comments on the Ukrainian assembly of the Octavia A5.
Appearance and salon
The bodies of this model are perfectly protected from corrosion. And the plastic shields that cover part of the bottom not only significantly improve aerodynamics, but also protect the metal from various damages.
The Skoda Octavia A5 salon is decorated without unnecessary design "bells and whistles" in a strict style inherent in all models of the VW auto concern. All controls are very easy and convenient to use, as they are located in their usual places. The interior of the car is quite spacious, it can easily accommodate five passengers. The finish is made of high quality plastic. It is also worth noting such important advantages of the Skoda Octavia A5 as high carrying capacity and a fairly roomy trunk.
Sometimes during operation there are problems with the power windows: the guides can get dirty, and the glass does not rise to the end. In such cases, it is necessary to carry out preventive cleaning of the mechanism. Breakdowns of compressors and air conditioners also occur. It happens that freon can escape through the filling valves that have lost their tightness.
Under the hood ...
It should be noted that among gasoline engines the Octavia A5 engine is considered the most problem-free. The most common are 1.6-liter units. The 2L engine is equipped with modern systems such as direct fuel injection into the FSI cylinders and variable valve timing. There is also an ignition system with individual coils for each spark plug. Usually these systems work without problems, but sometimes due to poor quality fuel and untimely replacement spark plugs, individual coils break. There is another nuisance - the factory corrugations of the exhaust system may break off, and in 2.0 liter Fsi engines, the timing belt sometimes fails prematurely.
Among the diesel versions, the 1.9 liter engine is considered more reliable. Its 2-liter counterpart has a very thin partition between the cooling jacket and the exhaust duct, which can easily crack. Since this place is extremely difficult to weld, you have to change the cylinder head.
Weaknesses of the car Skoda Octavia A5
Due to too large a distance between the cells in the bumper, flying stones sometimes pierce the radiator of the air conditioner. The problem can be easily solved by installing an additional branded grille.
In 5-speed "mechanics", which is used with a 1.6 liter engine, shaft bearings sometimes fail. And after running 70 thousand km in rear suspension stabilizer struts wear out.
Conclusion: if you are not afraid of the frequent purchase of bearings, then this car is quite reliable and justifies its price. Eh, we regretted, if it were not for loyalty to environmental principles, who knows how our automotive fate would have developed ...
The Skoda brand in Russia at the turn of the century gained amazing popularity. This is primarily due not to reverence for the Czech automobile school or nostalgic memories of Soviet times. The secret is different: very soon after the takeover by Volkswagen, the Swedish concern began to produce "almost German" cars, but with a price noticeably lower than that of the "original".
The first Octavia, with its practical "liftback" body, excellent workmanship and driving characteristics, became the very "Volkswagen for the poor", becoming almost more popular than German cars. And the second generation of Octavia has become larger, "faster, taller, stronger" and generally more perfect. And here the popular slogan has already changed a little, and now the car was more often compared with the Audi, because the level of the fairly simple soplatform Golf V the car clearly stepped over, both in terms of engine power, and in size and comfort.
The popularity of the model turned out to be so high that often the Octavia turned out to be even slightly more expensive than the more solid Superb model in the secondary market, and more expensive than the Golf. As already mentioned, the car clearly stepped over the level of German models in terms of practicality, power and even comfort, and it looks larger and more interesting. In general, a further story about the second generation of the car, Octavia A5 (PQ35), aka 1Z.
Variety of offer
The second generation of the car was born in 2004, it differed significantly from its predecessor both in size (they grew a lot), and in the architecture of the suspensions and the choice of power units. The choice of body types was preserved: a very comfortable liftback and a more practical station wagon were still offered, and on the basis of the latter, the Octavia Scout model has been produced since 2006 - a raised "off-road" version of the car with all-wheel drive.
Possibilities new platform The A5 has been used to its fullest to enhance both comfort and ride performance. Technically, the car is very close to the Golf V, but with one very important "but", the car fit into the "golden mean" in size between an overly compact hatchback, to the detriment of cargo capacity, and an overly expensive and heavy D-class sedan, and the choice motors was noticeably wider than that of the Golfs. It would seem that the Jetta, which is close in size to the trunk and interior, was for a long time more expensive than the new Skoda, and less practical, because powerful engines were not offered for it, and the sedan-type body is much less practical for the only car in the family. The choice of power units made the car a very inexpensive option for those wishing to get "hotter", because the Octavia was equipped with a 1.8 turbo engine, which did not go so far from the two-liter turbo engine on the Golf GTI, Golf R or Octavia vRs in terms of power, but the car with it was significant cheaper than all factory "hot hatchbacks". For those who could afford more power, there was the Octavia vRs, with a two-liter turbo engine, and until 2008 it was a BWA series engine, glorious for a higher boost margin than the later CCZA EA888 series engines.
In the photo: VW Passat B6 and Golf V
The advantages did not go unnoticed - the car was one of the most popular models in its class, despite the already not low price. In 2009, the car was updated, the appearance became more interesting, and not the most successful two-liter atmospheric engine was replaced by a 1.4 TSI, powerful and economical, moreover, it has not yet received the glory of a "problem", and since 2010 European cars have been equipped with a similar engine 1.2 TSI, which is also much more powerful and economical than the naturally aspirated 1.6.
In the photo: Skoda Octavia A5 after restyling
And of course, from the very beginning, the main motor for Russian market there was a simple eight-valve 1.6 engine with a power of 102 hp, which is considered a model of reliability, so those who just wanted reliability had a choice. Even the fact that it shared the market with its predecessor, which remained on the market until 2011 as Octavia tour, later replaced by the Skoda Rapid.
In the photo: Skoda Octavia Tour
The car turned out to be successful. The reason for this is not only excellent driving characteristics and practicality of the body, but also excellent workmanship, and a huge selection of comfort and safety options. Automatic transmissions could be ordered with almost all engines, climate control could even be dual-zone, not to mention several options for upholstery, electric drives for everything and various "family" options, such as trunk organizers and a million shelves and nets.
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Typical breakdowns and operational problems
Motor
Everything power units have already been in the focus of attention in reviews and . On cars manufactured before 2008, you can find a perpetual and beautiful 1.6-liter engine with 102 hp, it can be a BGU, BSE, BSF or CCSA engine, but the essence is the same, as are the characteristics, simplicity, indestructibility and good traction " on the bottom ". In fact, this is the most reliable motor, and the rest are far from him. It has enough power at the limit, but it is even pleasant to drive in the city, especially if you are in no hurry, but on the highway you will have to "twist" it to keep it in good shape. Aspirated European engines 1.6 and 2.0 are very rare, and this is not the best choice, especially 1.6 115 hp. Two-liter motor nevertheless, it is relatively reliable mechanically, although its piston group loves to coke, and the fuel equipment does not really work in winter, and in summer it is afraid of our gasoline. Much more common are the 1.8 TSI motors of the BZB series with a power of 152 or 160 hp. - as already mentioned, this is a close relative of two-liter turbo engines, including in terms of thrust, moreover, it is not deprived of the attention of tuning firms. However, there are enough disadvantages: a small resource of the timing chain and the phase shifter system, often no more than 100 thousand kilometers. The motor "eats" oil due to problems with piston rings or wear of valve seals. But the chances of a good condition of the engine are considerable.
Transmissions
The car was not very lucky with transmissions, as well as all other Volkswagen-like of this period. Mechanical boxes transmissions are almost problem-free, but with automatic transmission everything is very difficult. With a 1.6 102 power engine, the usual "automatic" Aisin TF-60SN was put on the car in all years of production. And even if with serious overheating (which is quite possible - there is a very unsuccessful heat exchanger here) the box fails, yet the reliability is more than sufficient. The same machine can be found on cars with a 1.8 engine produced in 2008-2012, only they overheat with this engine more often. The problem can be solved by installing an external automatic transmission heat exchanger, but if you neglect this, the valve body will be the first to suffer, with further problems in the mechanics of the box itself. Cars from some countries can be equipped with this automatic transmission even in combination with 1.4 and 2.0 engines, but officially such cars were not sold with us. Much more unpleasant surprise was DSG boxes... The seven-speed DQ200 is most often found in combination with 1.4TSI engines, but cars with a 1.8 engine of some years of production were also equipped with it. These DSGs turned out to be remarkably raw despite the bravura press about excellent dynamics and smoothness. The boxes were annoyed with jerks in traffic jams and the rapid failure of clutches or other components. In general, it did not work out. Many owners changed several clutch sets, and the mechatronic hydraulics unit also failed. Fortunately, now the cost of spare parts and work on DSG has noticeably decreased, but still this is not the most the best choice... The six-speed DSG DQ250 never caused so many problems, even though most of them on the Octavia were on vRs models. But the existing problems with the mechatronics unit and software failures provided her with a bad name. These "robots" were installed on cars with engines of 2 liters or more, including all diesel ones. The all-wheel drive transmission with Haldex clutch has proven itself to be relatively problem-free, and you definitely shouldn't be afraid of it. Sensors save the clutch from overheating, and it is well configured, providing a good resource for the unit, at least 150 thousand kilometers, and at the same time fast and accurate response.
Chassis
The complication of the suspension in comparison with its predecessor had little effect on its reliability, although it increased the cost of repairs. Skoda's suspension is strong, just don't overestimate its strength. The MacPherson strut in the front has a good margin of durability, but when replacing the price of aluminum levers can knock down a little - fortunately, there is a good selection of non-original spare parts. Behind this generation of cars "multi-link", which means a lot of levers and silent blocks. Fortunately, the resource of all this splendor is more than one and a half hundred thousand kilometers even on our roads, but the suspension must be checked strictly on a lift - it is "silent" on unevenness until the very end, when levers are damaged already require immediate replacement. Again, the choice of non-original spare parts is very wide, for every taste and pocket.
Body and interior
The only serious problems with the interior and the body are, perhaps, only the body itself and its corrosion, because contrary to popular belief, there is no galvanizing here, the body protects only a good layer of paint, but without proper care it does not save from the development of extensive corrosion, and, to unfortunately, this is a fairly common occurrence. There are minor electrical problems, but there are clearly no weak points, and troubleshooting is unlikely to be expensive. If you are thinking about choosing an Octavia, then remember that a car with a naturally aspirated 1.6 102 hp engine will be the most problem-free. and on mechanics, however, and with automatic transmission, the likelihood of problems is minimal. More and more powerful motors are a lottery. Success strongly depends on who and how drove this car, and they are much more expensive to repair. And if you are already aiming at turbo versions, then it is better to take a car with a 1.8 engine, overpaying against the seemingly optimal 1.4, just for the sake of somewhat higher reliability. But cars with DSG on the secondary market are difficult options. On the one hand, even with a weak engine, such a box allows you to drive very quickly and economically. But the chances are very slim that you won't need to repair it anytime soon. In general - refuse. And a conventional six-speed automatic transmission on a 1.8 engine, after installing an additional heat exchanger, will delight you with reliability and comfort of operation.amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; lt; a href = "http://polldaddy.com/poll/8945701/" amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; ; amp; amp; gt; Which Octavia do you prefer? amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; lt; / aamp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; amp; ; gt;
The previous A5 Octavia was produced for nine years - from 2004 to 2013. And in the prime of life - in 2008 - it underwent a major modernization. From "Octavius" in the secondary market dazzles in the eyes. Nothing to be surprised at - nimble, spacious, and, add mechanics, generally reliable. Although, there were some technical flaws (and sometimes failures).
Which motor to choose?
If you count all the variants of the Octavia engines, you get 19 units with a volume of 1.2 to 2 liters. But most of them are hard to find in Russia. The two-liter FSI with direct injection retired back in 2008, the fresh 1.2 TSI did not become widespread (our driver does not believe in such a volume), traditional Russian thinking prevented the diesel 1.9 TDI and 2.0 TDI from gaining popularity, quite reliable and durable. Approximately 90% of all cars are with one of the three most popular engines. Let's dwell on them.
Skoda Octavia 2004
Skoda Octavia 2008
In terms of reliability, mechanics put first place atmospheric 102-strong 1.6MPI with distributed injection. It is very popular on the "secondary", but blindly take such "Octavia" is not worth it. So, the engine does not have piston cooling nozzles, which can lead to breakdowns due to overheating. In addition, the valve stem seals wear out quickly - possibly up to 40-50 thousand km. This increases oil consumption, although the cylinder bore remains wear-free. It is better to change the caps together with piston rings... Working with spare parts will cost about 10-11 thousand rubles (hereinafter - the prices of an unofficial service). Also, mechanics note that this engine has a changed timing compared to the "ancestor". The car became more cheerful, but there was a feature - on idle the tachometer needle floats a little. You just have to get used to it.
There are almost no common and at the same time expensive breakdowns in the Octavia electrics. If they do, they are small, albeit unpleasant. Malfunctions on 1.6 MPI engines throttle... The main thing is not to change the entire unit in the heat of the moment, most often the problem lies in the electrical connector and wiring. Repair costs a penny
And what to do for those for whom the power of an aspirated 102 is not enough? There is, it would seem, the golden mean in the form of a 122-horsepower 1.4 TSI - an excellent combination of power and economy. But for a new car. On the secondary, the engine fell into disrepute. The destruction of pistons in motors of the SAXA series is not uncommon. Replacing the piston group with a modernized one will result in no less than one hundred thousand rubles. Oil consumption more than a liter per thousand? It's definitely time to sound the alarm. For those who refueled anywhere, the problem manifested itself even at 30-40 thousand mileage. Improvements on the machines since 2011 have slightly improved the statistics, but the problem with oil overruns has not been completely solved.
Oil on air filter indicates the need to replace the oil separator of the crankcase ventilation system, which will cost 6-8 thousand. Also, the power supply system does not differ in reliability. There is often a problem with fuel pump high pressure, causing gasoline to enter the crankcase. Foreign knocking will help diagnose the malfunction in time. The issue is being resolved by replacing the pusher for 2,500 rubles or the injection pump in its entirety for 15,000.
Among other problematic parts on 1.4 TSI - hydraulic timing chain tensioner. Due to the unsuccessful design of the latter, a jump occurs, which can lead to disaster. An extraneous knock appeared - a bullet in the service. Few people managed to travel more than 75,000 km without replacing the node. A chain with a hydraulic tensioner, guides, a damper and gaskets will cost 10-12 thousand rubles, and work - another 8-10 thousand. In addition, the 1.2 and 1.4 TSI engines take a long time to warm up in winter, especially with a seven-speed DSG - we talked about this in the material.
1.8 TSI motors with 152 hp. safer, although they are also famous for their increased oil appetite - two or three liters between replacements. Since 2011, they have also been equipped with modernized piston groups... And similar troubles with the oil separator and hydraulic tensioner happen. Here are just some of the costs are significantly higher. For example, a timing chain with accessories will cost from 21 to 27 thousand, and work - about seven. You should definitely listen to the engine in any mode. Knocks during a cold start often talk about the imminent death of the valve timing regulator (from 30 thousand).
Plus to everything supercharging problems cannot be avoided on turbo engines... The only question is time. With proper operation, the turbine may not cause problems up to 150,000 km. A sure sign that it's time for repairs is a loss of traction, especially noticeable in high gears. There are many reasons: various valves, actuators ... Or maybe it's time to change the turbine itself. Accordingly, the costs of a completely different order - from 4500 to 120 thousand rubles.
On some important work, such as replacing the timing chain, mechanics are advised not to save money and put original spare parts, the more the difference in costs is not so significant. But there is also a colossal spread. For example, the price range for steering rack from 40 to 100 thousand
DSG, automatic or mechanic?
Truly reliable at Octavia only mechanics, which usually does not remind of itself up to a hundred thousand run. The classic automatic machine has also been loyal to its owner for a long time, but it initially came with only a weak 1.6 engine. True, since the end of 2011, he was prescribed to the powerful 1.8 after numerous sad cases with DSG. The easiest way to identify such machines is by the lever of the box - the robots have the abbreviation DSG engraved on it. But weakness the automatic transmission still has it. Often the heat exchanger "flies" (15-20 thousand), which is why the box stops shifting to higher gears. A big plus when buying if the previous owner was puzzled by the installation of an additional radiator.
Whether it's DSG ... A seven-speed robot with dry clutches at the dawn of its life received a solid "two" for reliability from mechanics. After passing only 20-30 thousand kilometers, some "Skodovody" changed the clutches! Distinct jerks and vibrations, especially on low gears, talk about a "dying" node. Those who did not attach importance to this discomfort drove to the replacement of mechatronics, which costs 85 thousand rubles. There are people who are up to 150 thousand changed clutches three (!) times, but in general, a box almost never survives up to 200 thousand. By the way, exactly up to 150 thousand or five years operation of Skoda increased the warranty on DSG over time. But if it is over, you will have to pay 45 thousand for the clutch repair kit, plus 10 thousand for the work.
Less worried about the six-speed wet DSG on powerful cars where double clutch works in an oil bath. Albeit less often, but the owners of cars with such boxes still visited the service with the same problems. In the VW concern, the box is constantly being finalized, and now it is no longer so weak. But on Octavias over three years old, one way or another, the DSG is causing too many problems.
What other problems?
The rest of the second "Octavia" can be considered a model of reliability. In due time, of course, there were other malfunctions. For example, a whistling pump or a difficult cold start due to freezing lubricant in the starter retractor relay. But, in the overwhelming majority of cases, these and other shortcomings have long been eliminated under warranty by the first owners.
The suspension shouldn't be a problem. Until the first "hundred", as a rule, the owners are limited to replacing the bushings and stabilizer struts. For everything about everything, you will have to pay in the region of 3-4 thousand. Although, of course, there are childhood sores. Of these, weak thrust bearings can be noted. When turning the wheels, a characteristic creak appears due to clogged sand or dirt - this is about two or three thousand work .. Most of the proposals for pre-styling versions fit into the range of 250,000 - 450,000 rubles. The updated "Octavias" - already in a completely different price category 400,000 - 750,000 rubles.
Alternative
Those aiming at the purchase of Octavia A5 often look at the fifth Volkswagen Jetta (350,000 - 500,000 rubles), the fifth-sixth Golf (300,000 - 700,000), Volkswagen Passat B6 (380,000 - 700,000). Competitors comparable in price among sedans and hatchbacks of other concerns, as a rule, are cheaper, but inferior in size. For example, Opel astra can be found for 250,000 rubles, and for 650,000 - under warranty. Three year old Chevrolet cruze for 400,000 rubles? Easily! For the same money big choice four- and five-year-old Kia cee "d" and Ford Focus. All of these models have an advantage of 100,000 - 150,000 over comparable Octavias. In turn, the Japanese Mazda 3, Toyota Corolla and the Honda Civic are in roughly the same price range of 380,000 - 700,000.
The most reliableSkoda Octaviais version 1.6MPIand 1.8TSIon the "handle" or with a classic automatic machine. Turbocharged cars withDSGit is worth taking only "young", and you will have to follow them carefully.
We would like to express our gratitude to the Master-Motors technical center for help in preparing the material.
Alexey Golikovsky
