ROBUST QUALITY WITH VALUE FOR MONEY
SKODA OCTAVIA 1.9TDI (DIESEL)
There’s always a solution to a problem. One current problems is increasing fuel prices, which have a nasty habit of eating into your bank account just when you’re partying in the hills.
Good for us then that a car like the Skoda Octavia 1.9TDI is slowly trickling into the used car market, at prices ranging from Rs. 7 to 7.5 lakhs. It’s built like a tank and drinks cheaper diesel. So before you set off to put cash on a new mid-size saloon, take a good look at a used Octavia diesel.
History
The Octavia was initially launched with two engine options, a 2.0-litre petrol and a 1.9 turbo-diesel. But the peppy oil-burner is the sensible choice for a country where diesel is still the cheaper fuel.
Values
The best placefor a used Octavia is a Skoda dealership. Some are now Skoda Signature dealers - a movement that started last December. Existing customers get top prices for their cars - if they upgrade to a Superb.
As with any used car purchase, check service records and request the dealer to help with a comprehensive history. Earlier Octavia diesels, like the Ambiente, will set you back by Rs 8.0 lakh; the Elegance trim - with leather and some goodies - will be a little more expensive.
COSTS
Skoda has just begun offering a two-year unlimited milage warranty, and with no extended warranty package, the Octavia you will pick is certain to be out of warranty. Luckily, buying from a Skoda Signature dealer, gives peace of mind with six month / 15, 000km warranty.
Some Octavia parts can be a tad expensive but they only need infrequent replacement. Body parts are expensive too. Side mirrors will cost you cool Rs 7000! Install after market mirror gaurds to prevent mirror theft. Very little goes wrong with the Octavia if you get it serviced regularly and stick to the service schedule.
At 10, 000km service on your 1.9TDi including air and diesel filter changes could set you back by about Rs 10, 000.
ENGINE
Most Octavia diesels will have clocked fairly high milage - since people buy them for highway-munching ability. So dont be surprised to see three-year ’young’ cars with 90, 000km on the clock! Check services records for regular fluid and filter changes, since the diesel endine can go on and on for miles without needing any additonal maintenance.
SUSPENSION
The Octavia runs MacPherson struts in front and a space-saving transverse link with trailing arms at the rear; this deletes intrusions into the luggage area. Suspension bits will last for a good 50, 000km with care. But check for damage any way. The front strut is known to pack up a little easy as well, thanks to the heavy motor. The Octavia diesel has discs in front, drums and no ABS. Pad life won’t better 25, 000km and its best to replace the pads if the car you are looking at is any older and hasn’t seen a replacement yet. The car runs 195/65-R15 rubber on steel wheels for the Ambiente and alloys on the Elegance.
Interiors
THe Octavia has quality interiors, albeit a bit drab, that age slowly. You’ll not find a squeak or rattle on even three year-old, badly abused cars. Check all the powered goodies to see if they work - mirrors, power windows and central locking. The air-con vent louvers, if manhandled, have a bit of snapping out of place and sometimes breaking.
DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
The Octavia diesel is nice to drive, with safe, neutral handling even when pushed, and there’s plenty of power on tap for overtaking. Check for straight-on steering feel, clutch action and progressive brakes.
VERDICT
THe Octavia 1.9TDi makes sense as a value for money package with a massive boot, eager, seemless and frugal diesel engine and tank-like build quality. Find one in good shape and hopefully low milage and you will be happy that you never put your cash on that upper mid-sizer.