Skoda Octavia 3. Generation facelift RS TDI, 184 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch (2018–2019)

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 2.0 TDI (EA288) diesel: problems, costs and what to check

  Coolant leaks, EGR and AdBlue faults are the main risks. Buy with a cold-start check, a coolant pressure test and a full scan.

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. Turbo (needs a scanner). Read boost faults and check the vanes. Bad: power loss, whistle or smoke.
2. DPF (needs a scanner). Read soot and ash loading. Bad: frequent regeneration or high oil level.
3. Intake manifold (pressure test). Pressure-test the cooling system. Bad: coolant loss with no puddle, worse under load.
4. EGR cooler (pressure test). Cap the cooler hoses and repeat the test. Bad: it holds only with the cooler bypassed.
5. AdBlue and NOx (needs a scanner). Read NOx sensor and dosing faults. Bad: an emissions warning, a restart countdown or crystallised AdBlue.
6. Water pump and heater. Start cold; heater must blow hot. Bad: weak heat, wandering gauge, dried coolant.
7. Oil pump drive (needs a scanner). Listen for a rattle at idle and check for oil-pressure codes. Bad: a red oil-pressure warning.
8. Belt and pump invoices. Ask for dated belt, pump and thermostat invoices. No record means budget for a belt job.
9. Recall check. Enter the VIN in the official recall check. Bad: an open 23Z7 campaign on a T6.

Running costs

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

ADAC versions