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“The Skoda Octavia 1.6 ltrs A/T Ambient Limo, is a fine...”

Written on: 25/07/2005 by dammygaj (1 review written)

Good Points
I have had an Octavia 1.6ltrs Estate A/T car since Aug 2003 in Nigeria. At first sight it exceeds its cash value when compared to others cars at pal with it. Vehicle performance, and control are excellent for its class, but the vehicle ride is as good as it gets.

Bad Points
Teething problems are emminent shortly into use. Say 3 months. e.g radiator fan failures, gear box oil seal leakage, Air conditioner evaporator leakage, Total electrical/electronics shutdown when demanding full power from engine, falling of internal and external body parts and a whole lot of other problems. Fuel consumption is not an issue as it is a norm with the VW series.

General Comments
The Skoda Octavia 1.6 ltrs A/T Ambient Limo, is a fine car at the cost acquired. In its class are the likes of Volkswagin Bora 1.6ltrs. As is known, they bear about the same engine type and to a great extent the same body parts since the Skoda cars were acquired by VW. In 1 year the car was able to deliver 35,000km with attendant bad roads. Within the period, it was only casualty to a falled radiator fan which caused engine temperature to rise beyond the 90 deg celcius mark. Subsequent problems on the heels of that was a leaking gear box bearing seals,which was blamed on milleage (total revs). Next was leaking air conditioner evapourator which incidental has affected more than 80 percent of the cars VW Bora and Skoda Octavia cars sold within my locality, maybe this is a given. This demanded an outright change out as there is no repair remedies. The final blow is the incident of elctrical/electronics shutdown when going for full engine power, like is required in over taking/quick acceleration etc. This momentarily knocks off the ignition/engine, open up all automatic door locks, switches off and zeros the dash board clock as well as puts on all dashboard indicator lights. All these happen in split seconds. Quite a minance when on high speed. Happens an average of once per hour in steady ride. Other issues are the falling-off / breaking of plastic body members e.g egine oil dip stick, door rubber lining (water seals), seat belt door frame cover etc. My latest worry is getting ingnition/spark plugs suitable for my car as it does not tolerate regular sparks available. Would be a perfect car at its price if total insurance cover is attainable for either 100,000 km or at least 2 years warranty (to cover these mentioned defects or faults).