Skoda Octavia 2. Generation facelift 1.4 TSI, 122 PS, 6-speed manual (2009–2013)

Research for this car

• Generation guide 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.

• Engine guide VW 1.2 TSI and 1.4 TSI (EA111) petrol engines: problems, costs and what to check

  The timing chain and oil use are the known weak points. Buy only with chain paperwork and a clean oil check.

Known issues for this car

Before you buy this car

From the generation guide

1. 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.
2. On a 1.2 or 1.4 TSI, listen for a rattle on a cold start. Ask for chain work records.
3. 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.
4. On a 6-speed wet DSG (DQ250), ask a Skoda dealer to check the mechatronic campaign record.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. On a diesel, ask for the EGR history. Black smoke, judder, higher fuel use and less power point to the EGR valve.
8. Check the ABS and ESP recall by VIN with a Skoda dealer, and ask whether the MK-60 software is fitted.

From the engine guide

1. Cold-start rattle. A few seconds of metallic rattle on a cold start is the usual sign of a worn chain. Ask whether the chain and tensioner (the part that keeps the chain tight) were replaced, and ask for the dated invoice with the mileage. If not, budget 686 to 1,090 EUR in Germany.
2. Chain stretch reading. Ask a workshop to read the chain stretch values with a diagnostic tester (a computer tool that reads the car's systems).
3. Turbo warnings. A check engine light, or a loss of boost (the turbo's extra air pressure), points to the wastegate or actuator. Read the fault codes with a scanner.
4. Coolant and water pump. Look for coolant leaks and wet stains around the pump. Overheating and leaks are the symptoms. Ask whether the water pump was ever replaced.

Running costs

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

ADAC versions