Škoda Octavia 1996 - 2010 - USED, ENGINES, FAULTS

Skoda Octavia 1

The first-generation Skoda Octavia hatchback was introduced in 1996 and immediately attracted thrifty Europeans. 1997 wagon version was introduced. In the coming years, the range of cars was expanded, a four-wheel drive station wagon and a sports version of the RS were offered.

In 2000, the Škoda Octavia undergoes a restailing, a slight refresh, a new front (bumper, radiator grille, headlights), but also a rear bumper and new taillights in red and white with a glossy effect. Skoda no longer uses the LKS, GLKS and SLKS designation of equipment levels, but the new names Classic, Ambiente and Elegance.

Despite the introduction and launch of the Škoda Octavia II in 2004, production of the Škoda Octavia I continued until 2010. With the advent of the second generation, the Škoda Octavia I was sold under the name Škoda Octavia Tour, until 2010. This basic model was cheaper. and had several levels of equipment and engines.

At the beginning of the design, the Germans brought a platform VW Golf 4 and wondered how much they could use from it. Just look at what they did with the Skoda Octavia, which is a car you can see today in every parking lot, taxi stand or in large underground garages.

Volkswagen wanted a car on the market that would appeal to all those customers who for some reason did not buy the VW Golf. Significant reduction in production costs through technology exchange with the Wolfsburg Automobile Factory and body type sedan. It paid off.

It often happens that only one model changes the complete image of a particular manufacturer. Such is the model of the Škoda Octavia. It was created to break all prejudices about the Škoda as a car only for the Czech Republic and one that cannot buy a good car at an even better price. Now we can say that she completely succeeded.

Due to the long production period, used cars with many different levels of equipment can be found. It is basically just the front airbags and ABS system. There are also models with side airbags and partly with electronic stability control - but the buyer should not expect that equipment to be available in every model.

To this day, it enjoys a good reputation, even in the used car market. The deciding factor is that the engines, gearboxes, suspension components and most other parts come from Germany, where they were previously tested in VW i Audi models.

In the crash tests, the Euro NCAP Institute Škoda Octavia received a 4-star result.

The Octavia is available as a five-door hatchback and as a station wagon. The Skoda Octavia station wagon is available in small numbers with all-wheel drive. If you choose a Skoda Octavia do not expect to get you an athlete, except in the case of the RS engine.

COMFORT - Škoda Octavia 

Škoda Octavia

You can easily distinguish this old Škoda Octavia from the new one by its smaller front grille and headlamps, which do not dominate as much as the new one. But this does not mean that the old Skoda Octavia is ugly. On the contrary.
It's still attractive looking, and its practicality and usability are top notch. The trunk is large, there is enough space for five adults, only senior passengers on the back bench will have little trouble accommodating their legs. When scratched beneath the surface, the interior of the Škoda Octavia is reminiscent of the Golf. The control panel is clear and the quality of the seats is high and can be badly damaged. The quality of the materials used in the Octavia was made, which tells us about its best feature, which is durability.

This, of course, speaks of their durability and the very quality of the workmanship, which is at the German level. The seats are comfortable enough for longer journeys, and the impressive ease with which this Skoda Octavia breaks through the crowd is impressive throughout the city.

2000. The Škoda Octavia is modernized, restailing. The exterior of the car has changed slightly, but the higher quality of the finishing material, the better the contours of the seats, the richer range of equipment and refreshed engines have a very positive effect on the overall perception of the car.

The Škoda Octavia 1 has dimensions 4511 mm, width 1730 mm, height 1430 mm. Despite this, the interior of the Škoda Octavia cannot be called spacious, but it all makes up for the boot capacity. With the Škoda Octavia sedan, the trunk can accommodate as much as 528 liters, and by folding the backrest of the rear seats, the boot increases to 1330 liters.
The big move was the launch of the Škoda Octavia wagon, which was introduced in 1997. The driver has a boot with a capacity of 548 liters and the rear seat swivel capacity increases to 1512 liters.

The behavior of the Skoda Octavia is simple, regardless of version and engine. Power steering and adjustable steering contribute to this.

The body of the Škoda Octavia is galvanized. Rust first appears on the tailgate, near the radiator and on the edges of the rear bumpers.

ENGINE - Škoda Octavia 

Škoda Octavia

You should avoid the smallest engines such as the 1,4L 60hp and 75hp petrol engine that cope with the weight of this sedan. The caravan variant is not even intended as an option. This is followed by 1,6 with 100 hp, the optimum choice, followed by 2,0 gasoline with 115 hp which proved to be a very reliable and durable engine.

Gasoline 1.6 MPI: Not shockingly technically sophisticated, nor does it belong to the group of extremely energy efficient engines. Somewhat archaic engines, however, are easy to service and do not require expensive oils. The engine develops 102 hp and 148 Nm. The declared average fuel consumption is 7,7 l / 100 km. This engine was modified in 2000 with the 1.4 16V 75 hp engine, which is too weak for this car.

The 1.6 petrol engine is already familiar from Felicia and many other (older) Volkswagen models. The 55 KW / 75 hp power of the cast iron engine block was sufficient only for a smooth ride with the relatively heavy Octavia (acceleration to 100 km / h in 14,4 s, top speed 170 km / h).

1,8 liter petrol engine, 125hp, 150hp turbo. 180hp RS version.

In 1996, a 1.8 20V petrol engine was developed by German engineers from Audi, similar to a Ferrari V8 engine with 5 valves per cylinder (three intake and two exhaust). In order to have better values, an additional variable suction was added. 1781 cc engine, 92 kW / 125 hp and 170 Nm torque at 4100 rpm. / min. The Skoda Octavia with it went up to 201 km / h and accelerated from 0 to 100 km / h in 10,9 s, but in practice it was very thirsty.
1.8 20V turbo engine with 110 KW / 150 hp. The advantage of the "Turbo" engine is a maximum torque of 210 Nm of 1750 rpm. / min up to 4600 rpm / min. The top speed of the vehicle is 216 km / h. From 0 to 100 km / h, the Škoda Octavia 1.8 T can accelerate in 9,0 seconds. It officially consumes only 100 liters per 7,9 km on average, although in practice it is up to 2 liters more.
The RS version, with a 1,8 T engine with power boosted to 132 KW / 180 bhp (from model year 2003, also available in station wagon), is the fastest production car made in the Skoda to date, as it goes up to 235 km / h from 0 to 100 km / h in 7,9 with the special Škoda Octavia RS WRC Edition.

The largest gasoline engine had a capacity of 2 liters and a power of 115 hp.

The Skoda Octavia 1.9 TDI seems to be the best engine for this car. If you are looking for a diesel, this unit regardless of capacity variants will be a very good solution. But keep in mind that despite the high mileage it can travel, the engine has problems with turbocharger failure, ECU engine supply relay failure, and heater relay failure. The SDI engine is much more durable, but in turn it has poor performance.

Engines 1.9 SDI with 68 hp and 1.9 TDI version with 90 hp, 101 hp, 110 hp and 131 hp. TDI engines give decent dynamics and are capable of meeting a moderate amount of fuel consumption, and if the driver takes care of the turbocharger, they can easily reach 400 km. The Skoda Octavia 000 TDI works very decently. It is a very dynamic engine with low fuel consumption.

For diesel, picture taken from the VW concern. 1,9 FDI with 68 hp should be avoided as it is quite sluggish, and the recommendation already proven and shown 1,9 TDI with 90 or 110 hp. You are a little noisier but you will be impressed by the low power consumption, low cost maintenance and long life. 90 hp 1.9 TDI consumes 5.3 l / 100 km, no variable geometry turbocharger and flywheel mounted.

The 1,9 TDI has a liter turbocharger with variable turbine geometry and 81 KW / 110 hp and 235 Nm of torque. The engine of the same volume with injection nozzle pump (1.9 TDI PD) has a power of 96 KW / 130 hp and a maximum torque of 310 Nm at 1900 rpm. / min., and in combination with a six-speed transmission.

Gasoline engines exceed 200000 km without engine overhaul, diesel exceeds at least 400000 km.

We offer three 5-speed and 6-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmissions.

Suspension Škoda Octavia is a simple but very durable solution - MacPherson struts at the front and rear torsion.

The Škoda Octavia chassis is resistant to bad roads, and in the event of damage, repairs do not cost much. The suspension of this model is extremely simple, durable and inexpensive to repair.

Škoda Octavia - Model history:
1998 New Škoda Octavia introduced. Gasoline engines 1.6 and 1.8, as well as 1.9 TDI with 90 hp and 110 hp. The equipment packages are named LXi, SLX and GLX.
1999. Introduced new engines, namely 1.8 Turbo (150 HP), 2.0 petrol and 1.9 SDI with 68 HP.
2000: restyling of the Škoda Octavia. Equipment packages renamed Classic, Ambiente and Elegance. We also offer a new 1.4 hp 75 hp engine.
2001 The Škoda Octavia station wagon with 4 × 4 drive is introduced, as well as the 1.8T VRS with 180 hp.
2002. VRS Caravan Presented.
2004 Škoda Octavia 2 introduced.

FAULTS - Škoda Octavia 

If the vehicle is well maintained, service costs can be kept at a relatively low level. Serious mechanical failures that will prevent the vehicle from driving are rare. Electrical faults, central locking, and window lifts are more commonly teased.
Škoda is currently one of the more reliable car manufacturers, according to surveys. You can expect problems with the EGR valve failure on the higher of the two diesels, which causes increased fuel consumption and significantly lower engine power. Another problem with turbo diesel can be dirt and turbine failure due to irregular engine oil change, so this information should be checked when purchasing.
If you decide to use one of the gasoline, check that the timing belt is changed regularly and watch for the strongest ones. Keep in mind that they are fast paced, so check the clutch, discs and signs of a collision for good.
Also note if oil leaks from the transmission. Also, you should check the crankcase, which is due to the engine position being too low, that the crankcase is not hooked to the curbs.

Common problems with lambda probes in gasoline models.

Common problems with failure of the timing belt plastic spanner on gasoline engines 1.4 and 1.6.

The clutch quickly consumes 1,6 gasoline. The clutch on the diesel and 1.8 petrol engines are much more durable.

The 1.8 Turbo engine is not one of the most popular on the market, but certainly the ability to drive a Skoda Octavia with a powerful gasoline engine is tempting, especially since it is quite easy to increase the 1.8 T from 150 to even 200 hp. But keep in mind your typical faults: bobbin and camshaft chain failures. This engine has a complicated, head and does not tolerate gas supply.

On gasoline engines, more pronounced at 1.8T 20V leads to frequent MAF sensor failures and one or more bobbin failures.

With a 1,8 20V petrol engine, there is a problem with the operation of the water pump, which can cause the toothed belt to collapse and the engine to be destroyed. The problem occurs with earlier types of water pumps, when the rotors were made of rubber or plastic, the pumps with metal rotor later did not have these problems.

Replacing the timing belt on 1,8 engines up to 80000 km if the timing belt crashes the engine.

In 1,8 20V diesel and TDI engines it is recommended for regular replacement of all belts, tensioners and water pumps as there are cases of severe engine damage due to only partial replacement of individual elements. Moreover, the buyer should carefully consider whether the timing belt replacement intervals have been met. If you are in doubt when the timing belt and timing elements are replaced, replace them with the risk of engine damage.

Frequent sensor temperature failures, the problem occurs more frequently on TDI engines.

For sudden power outages and unreliable operation of the 1.9 TDI (110 hp) diesel engine, it is usually caused by a fault in the ECU unit of the engine, the problematic units marked (038.906.018 BM) should be replaced with new markings (038.906.018 GK).

For vehicles with TDI diesel engines, there is an occasional loss of engine power, which is mostly due to the following factors: irregular maintenance, because of old oil, turbocharger jams, clogged EGR, el. EGR valve magnets, cracks in the air hoses and vacuum around the turbine, stuck levers worrying about the load on the turbocharger, bursting or clogging the vacuum tubes to control the turbine's workload or problem with the ECU unit, problems are often caused by the flowmeter, in the stronger version ( 1,9 TDI 130 hp) real injector problem, variable geometry of turbocharger and floating flywheels from expensive failures occur the last two.
A major drawback of TDI engines is also the noise, which can cause headaches especially when idling.

Problems with the ECU engine in most of the 110hp TDI, though cases of lack of power also occur in other versions.

EGR valve blocked
Problem: The EGR valve tends to be blocked leading to a loss of power and rough idle, noticeable lack of acceleration.
Solution: Remove the EGR valve and clean it.

Especially with older TDI engines there is a tendency for oil to leak.

1,9 TDI engine damages the flowmeter, recommended regular installation of original air filters.

1,9 TDI engine. Models from the first years of production problem with the relay 109 that powers the ECU of the engine, when the relay fails the engine will not start. The engine may also shut down while the relay 109. is canceled. If the engine error light does not illuminate when making contact, the relay 109 has failed and the ECU does not receive power.

Frequent instrument panel failures, usually due to cold connections on the instrument panel electronics.

Common problems with malfunctioning of remote central locking due to module failure.

Malfunctions of the window lifter and central locking system are known to almost all users of this model.

The rear wiper may fall off.

The rear light unit occasionally does not work due to connectors problems.

The airbag connectors are poorly designed and the airbag warning light often goes off.

Models from the start of production had a problem with the air conditioning compressor belt.

Water leaks into the passenger cabin at the feet
Problem: The rainwater drainage chamber can become clogged with leaves, causing the passenger's feet to leak. The chamber is located next to the windscreen wiper mechanism under the windshield.
Solution: Unlocking a hole in the chamber will allow water to flow through the holes instead of leaking into the space at the passenger's feet.

When braking at high speeds the vibration of the front disks causes a great tolerance when making the discs.

The problem with the fifth cylinder when braking the rear wheels, technically the rear wheels are weaker brakes, often just because of the fifth cylinder.

Suspension eraser balance rods wear out quickly, damages the shock absorbers quickly.

Revocation - Škoda Octavia:
25.06.2001. Possible fuel leakage on the fuel tank.
10.05.2002. Problem with the ABS system.
March 26.03.2003, XNUMX Fault in vacuum tube power steering, which has the potential to leak.
31.03.2003. Errors when installing rear wiper in sedans.
26.08.2004/XNUMX/XNUMX Side airbag wiring error.

Škoda Octavia - Before buying, you should know:
- engines, all VW engines are generally good, but avoid the slow 1.4 and 1.9 SDI. Also check the 1.8 and 2.0 engines, as they have been called to authorized services for problems with the ignition system.
- interior, look at the condition of the rear seats. If they are in bad condition, it means that the car was used a lot.
- exhaust, exhaust system frequent rust.
- The name Škoda has never attracted thieves, so most cars driven by should not have a criminal past.

CONCLUSION 

If you've never driven a Skoda, now might be the time to do it. The Škoda Octavia in the sedan and station wagon are true pictures of how the Czech factory went for the better. Driving the Octavia is almost speechless, stability is just as expected, and performance is good even with the TDI. Don't think of Octavia as a Škoda. This is a new car and has nothing to do with the past. Think of the Octavia as a big, good and cheap family car with good driving characteristics and performance.

Acceptable design, diesel engine under the hood and wide availability of cheap spare parts. It must be a Skoda, a car that is for people with a practical approach to life.

Used Škoda Octavia prices - review

Mladen

Hi there, I am Mladen and I am an auto enthusiast. I started this blog years ago to help like minded people share information about latest cars, car servicing ideas, used car info, exotic cars, and auto technology. You will find helpful articles and videos on a wide variety of cars - Audi, Mercedes, Toyota, Porsche, Volvo, BMW and much more. Ping us if you have anything cool to share on latest cars or on how to make older cars more efficient, or just want to say hi!