Skoda Octavia 2. Generation facelift 1.6 TDI, 105 PS, 5-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 1.6 and 2.0 TDI (EA189) diesel engines: problems, costs and what to check

  Recall work, EGR and DPF faults and injector repairs are common. Buy with recall proof, a belt invoice and a clean fault memory.

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. Recall paperwork (no scanner). Ask the dealer for a record of the software update, and of the flow straightener on a 1.6. Bad: no record.
2. Fault memory (needs a scanner). Bad: EGR codes P0401 or P0402, turbo codes P2563 or P2564, or DPF codes such as P2002.
3. Test drive. Bad: judder, lost power or limp mode.
4. Injectors (no scanner). Ask whether the injectors were replaced or revised. Bad: rough running with no injector work on record.
5. DPF (no scanner). Ask how the car was driven and whether the filter was cleaned. Bad: a DPF warning lamp, or short trips only.
6. Coolant (engine cold). Check the level and look for an exhaust smell in the cabin. Bad: any coolant loss. The EGR cooler is a common cause.
7. Timing belt invoice. Bad: no dated invoice for the belt, tensioner and water pump, or past 210,000 km or 5 years with no change.
8. Turbo (needs a scanner). On a 2.0 TDI past about 150,000 km. Bad: boost codes or oil leaks at the turbo.
9. Flywheel (manual only). Drive in 2nd gear at about 1,400 rpm. Bad: a rattle.

Running costs

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

ADAC versions