Skoda Octavia 3. Generation facelift 1.5 TSI, 150 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch (2017–2020)

Research for this car

• Generation guide Skoda Octavia III (2013-2020): known problems and buying guide

  A practical family car, but test the gearbox and check the 4x4 oil record, the suspension and any open recall before you buy.

• Engine guide VW 1.5 TSI and eTSI (EA211 evo) petrol: problems, costs and what to check

  Cold-start judder, oil use, coolant leaks and 48 V faults are the risks, so buy a late car with software and service records and check the oil and coolant.

• Gearbox guide VW DQ200 7-speed DSG (0AM, 0CW): problems, costs and what to check

  Dry DSG with a known weak mechatronic and clutch. Buy only with recall and oil-change records and a clean pump test.

Known issues for this car

Before you buy this car

From the generation guide

1. Test-drive the DSG from cold, then read the gearbox fault memory with a scanner. Bad result: any stored gearbox fault.
2. Lift the car. Check the springs for cracks and breaks, the shocks for oil, and the arm bushes for play. Springs are changed in pairs. Bad result: a broken or cracked spring, or leaking shocks.
3. Switch on every light and check each LED lamp. Bad result: a dead or flickering lamp. A controller repair has no confirmed price.
4. Pull back the carpets at the front footwells and check the door drains. Bad result: damp carpet or rust under it.
5. Check the tailgate edge around the number plate lamp and the paint on the bonnet and doors. Bad result: bubbling paint or rust at the tailgate.
6. Test the screen, navigation and Bluetooth pairing. Ask for the software version. Bad result: freezes or restarts. Skoda updates the software free.
7. Open and close the fuel flap several times, including on a cold morning. Bad result: the flap does not open.
8. Check open campaigns by VIN with a Skoda dealer before you pay. Bad result: an open campaign on the car.

From the engine guide

1. Oil use (no scanner). Check the dipstick and top-up history. Bad: low level, blue smoke, or ring work without an invoice.
2. ACT and camshaft (scanner). Listen for a shudder when the engine switches from two to four cylinders, and read faults. Bad: constant shudder, EPC light, or camshaft codes.
3. Coolant (no scanner). Check the level cold; look for white residue or a sweet smell near the thermostat module. Bad: low level, stains, weak cabin heat.
4. Particulate filter (scanner). On a short-trip car, read soot load and GPF codes. Bad: GPF lamp or regeneration faults.
5. Cold start (scanner). Start stone cold; pull away in 1st and 2nd. Bad: judder between 1,200 and 1,800 rpm. Ask for the update record; a scanner shows the ECU version.
6. Recall check. Enter the VIN in the official recall check. Bad: an open 24ER, 24EV or 24EP campaign.

From the gearbox guide

1. Fault scan (needs a scanner). P17BF, P189C, P1895 or P0841 mean a pressure fault, usually the accumulator housing. Get a repair price or walk away.
2. Pump test. Ignition on, engine off. The pump should run briefly and stop. A pump that keeps whirring points to the accumulator.
3. Oil. Look at the gearbox and the undertray. Wet oil can mean a mechatronic job.
4. Control unit signs. Ask about a flashing gear display, a blown gearbox fuse, or the car losing drive at a stop.
5. Clutch values (needs a scanner). Read remaining clutch travel and the adaptation counters. Counters that will not adapt, or very low travel, mean a clutch job soon.
6. Road test in 6th and 7th. Full throttle from 1,000 and 1,500 rpm. Engine speed that swings by up to 200 rpm means a worn clutch. Also feel for judder pulling away.
7. Reverse, cold and warm. A flashing R, no reverse or a crunch is bad.
8. Cold start. A rattle for 5 to 10 minutes, or in 2nd on overrun, points to the flywheel.
9. Paperwork. VIN check for open recalls; for 2008 to 2013 cars, proof of the 2013 oil change; invoices for any mechatronic repair.

Running costs

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

ADAC versions