Skoda Octavia II (2004-2013): known problems and buying guide

Ask for timing chain and DSG work records first. Chain damage, oil use and the DSG are the costly faults.

Updated 24 October 2026

All versions

Variant	Running cost per month	Median price	Listings	Fuel	Engine codes	Gearbox	Production years
1.6 TDI, 105 PS, 5-speed manual Research	€370	€3,299	167	Diesel	CAY	Manual (5)	2009–2013
1.6 TDI, 105 PS, 5-speed manual, all-wheel drive Research	€399	€3,299	167	Diesel	CAY	Manual (5)	2009–2013
1.4 TSI, 122 PS, 6-speed manual Research	€401	€3,750	127	Petrol	CAX	Manual (6)	2009–2013
2.0 TDI, 140 PS, 6-speed manual Research	€404	€4,500	85	Diesel	BMM	Manual (6)	2009–2013
2.0 TDI, 140 PS, 6-speed manual, all-wheel drive Research	€422	€4,500	85	Diesel	CFH	Manual (6)	2009–2013
1.8 TSI, 160 PS, 6-speed manual Research	€423	€3,690	81	Petrol	CDA	Manual (6)	2009–2013
1.8 TSI, 160 PS, 6-speed manual, all-wheel drive Research	€450	€3,690	81	Petrol	CDA	Manual (6)	2009–2013
1.2 TSI, 105 PS, 6-speed manual Research	€381	€3,990	72	Petrol	CBZ	Manual (6)	2010–2013
1.9 TDI, 105 PS, 5-speed manual Research	€465	€2,900	60	Diesel	BKC	Manual (5)	2009
1.9 TDI, 105 PS, 5-speed manual, all-wheel drive Research	€496	€2,900	60	Diesel	BKC	Manual (5)	2009

Built 2004 to 2013, facelift January 2009. Liftback, Combi, Scout and RS.
Reliability: 3/5. Timing chain and DSG faults cost the most.
DIY: 2/5. Chain, DSG and cylinder head jobs need a garage.
Prefer: 1.6 MPI or 1.6 FSI petrol, with service records.
Avoid: turbo petrols without chain and oil records, and any DSG without service history.

1.2 and 1.4 TSI (turbo petrol, EA111, chain): see the EA111 guide. The chain can slip.
1.8 and 2.0 TSI (turbo petrol, EA888, chain): 1.8 TSI (BZB, CDAA) and 2.0 TSI RS (CCZA). Chain and oil use faults.
2.0 TDI pump-injector (PD, BKD and BMN): the cylinder head can crack.
2.0 TDI common rail (EA189): see the EA189 guide. EGR valves can clog.
DQ200 7-speed dry DSG: see the DQ200 guide. Judder and corrosion.
DQ250 6-speed wet DSG (RS): mechatronic (gearbox control unit) faults.

Issue	Affects	Typical km	Repair cost
Timing chain on 1.8 and 2.0 TSI	1.8 TSI (BZB, CDAA), 2.0 TSI RS (CCZA)	Stretch usually 80,000-100,000 km	No confirmed price
Timing chain on 1.2 and 1.4 TSI	1.2 and 1.4 TSI (1.4 TSI CAXA)	Not stated	No confirmed price
Oil use on 1.8 and 2.0 TSI	1.8 TSI (BZB, CDAB), 2.0 TSI	About 100,000 km, about 1 litre per 1,000 km	No confirmed price
DQ250 6-speed wet DSG mechatronic	DQ250, model years 2007-2009	Not stated	Not stated
DQ200 7-speed dry DSG	DQ200, cars built 2008-2011	Clutch over 120,000 km	No confirmed price
2.0 TDI PD cylinder head cracks	2.0 TDI PD, pre-facelift 140 PS (BKD) and 170 PS (BMN)	Not stated	Not stated
EGR valves on diesels	Diesels	Not stated	Not stated
ABS and ESP control unit (MK-60)	Model years 2004-2013 (Austria recall)	Not stated	Software update, no price stated

Ask for timing chain and tensioner work records on any 1.8 or 2.0 TSI. A rattle on a cold start is the warning sign.
On a 1.2 or 1.4 TSI, listen for a rattle on a cold start. Ask for chain work records.
Check the oil level on a cold engine and ask for the oil change record. Oil use of about 1 litre per 1,000 km is the fault.
On a 6-speed wet DSG (DQ250), ask a Skoda dealer to check the mechatronic campaign record.
On a 7-speed dry DSG (DQ200), drive from a stop and through the low gears. Judder when pulling away or jerky shifts are the fault signs.
On a pre-facelift 2.0 TDI PD, check the coolant level and ask for cylinder head work. Coolant loss is the first sign of cracks.
On a diesel, ask for the EGR history. Black smoke, judder, higher fuel use and less power point to the EGR valve.
Check the ABS and ESP recall by VIN with a Skoda dealer, and ask whether the MK-60 software is fitted.

Operational	€191
Workshop	€103
Fixed costs (tax, insurance)	€108
Total per month	€402
New-car depreciation (not included)	€60

ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months

Listings on mobile.de priced up to 50,000 EUR, 29 October 2026.

To check a listing's price, open its variant in the table above. Each variant page has a price check.