Here’s a piece of something I wrote in another public automotive forum and just wanted to share it here:

After many months of searching for a replacement for my Peugeot 308T, I had finally settled on a Skoda Octavia (made 2006, registered 2008 so effectively it’s a 4 year OTR car). Initially placed booking for the Peugeot 508 and VW Jetta but due to a recent property purchase, I can ill afford a monthly car repayment approaching RM2k. So I had a budget of around RM50,000 – RM70,000. My priorities were:-

1) Must have the appropriate business-look (the 308 fails somewhat in this aspect, IMHO)
2) Must be a sedan

Based on those 2 criteria, I shortlisted 2 cars. A new Proton Inspira 1.8MT (cheapest ok looking car for less than RM80k) and a 2nd hand Peugeot 407 (which I test drove a few years back and recalled how capable a cruiser it is and relatively fuss free as reported by owners). I did not take into account any Japanese alternatives as my company’s bosses is not supportive of Jap technology. So I narrowed down my search to those cars from September onwards. Some Proton dealerships were throwing RM8k discounts which brings it down to the high side of my budget whereas the only models I can find of the 407 are those made in 2004-2006. I was more inclined towards the 407 since having driven contis before, getting back to an Asian car makes driving a little more mundane. However, those 407s are CBUs and has less features than the 2008/09 CKD versions. Some components may be due to be changed and I am worried about the parts pricing.

 

Then, 2 weeks ago, this car showed up in Mudah:-

 

 

I have been aware of Skoda for quite a while considering they’re part of Volkswagen Audi Group and initially, I could not accept their boxy outlook. The Czechoslovakia built car seem to have a design that’s appropriate to the 90s and have never given it much thought. A lot of people agree that Skoda is a good brand but it’s second hand value is almost non-existent. Also other concerns of potential buyers include availability of spare parts and dealership support (I’ll get to those later). But many concur that it might be a good 2nd hand car to buy once the first 3-4 years of painful depreciation is borne by the 1st owner …. but not all follow up with the purchase as newer car models that offers more features at low prices hit the market. With such wide variety of choices, it is easy to forget about this make … unless you happen to stay for a period of time in Europe and see how popular it is there.

 

 

Owning a Golf TSi changed the negative perspective I had of the brand …. in the end, it’s the driving dynamics, quality of built and functional convenience that comes with the car that matters. So in 2 days since it was posted up, I went to see the car and day 3 saw me paying the deposit for it, day 5 had the loan approved and 6 days later, I was driving it home.

 

Dimension specifications

 

It has a length 4,572, width 1,769 and height 1,462 with a wheelbase of 2,578mm. So in terms of size, it’s a C segment and direct competitor to Honda Civic, Toyota Altis, Nissan Sylphy, Mazda 3, Mitsubishi Lancer/Proton Inspira, Hyundai Avante/Elantra, Kia Forte, Peugeot 308 and VW Golf.

 

Compared to a Proton Inspira, the Octavia has almost the same length, same width and rides lower by 20mm. While the wheelbase of the Inspira trumps the Octavia by 57mm, rear legroom remains excellent … better than the Forte, I feel even though Forte’s wheelbase is the longest at 2,650.

 

Full specifications sheet can be found here:
http://www.skoda.com.my/octavia200fsi_spec.htm

 

 

Practicality

 

One of the most useful features about it is how the boot/tailgate opens up. Conventional hatchbacks (and station wagons) have one advantage which is to open its rear and the entry aperture is tall and wide, making it easy to stuff in odd sized objects and large boxes. The Octavia offers similar, if not a better way of giving you the best aperture opening (geez, I’m beginning to sound like a DSLR camera freak)

 

With the rear windscreen opening up together like a hatch. it’s HUGE. I think I dare say I can go shopping for a fridge and it’ll fit nicely in there. My colleague said he’ll call me when he needs to move house. Check out the boot space:

.

 

Without the seats folding down, it has a boot capacity of 560litres. Once folded down, the space goes up to a whopping 1,350litres …. in mafia terms, that’ll probably equate to …. ermm …. 8 body bags? The rear seats can be folded completely flat, a mini-bang bus?

 

 

The layout of all buttons and switches are typical German …. simple, easy and practical. Steering is light but communicating good feedback that allows me to take corners at higher speeds (which I did once and discovered how bad all 4 tires were since for the past 50,000km, it was not changed). With stock profile tires sized 195/65/15, the 4 rubbers and VW suspension soaks up pot holes and bumps pretty well. Bro chargerguy here remarked that it felt like an E class, only with better acceleration.

 

The car has cruise control but has no indication on the instrument cluster whether it’s active or otherwise so users must be more alert when using it.

 

Memory seats, with 3 memory positions. I absolutely love this …. every traffic light would see me fiddle with it to see if I can further improve my seating position …. so much so I wonder if having too many seating options is a good thing. Oh, the memory function also memorizes the side mirror tilt angles so that when the shorter wife gets into the car and selects her seating position (which is usually closer to the pedal), the side mirrors tilt inwards for her to see well too. Last I checked, the 407 does not have this.

 

Auto headlight and auto rain sensors are standard in the Octavia. Too bad it uses halogen ….

 

I was quite impressed with the white MFD considering the car is technically 6 years old. If I’m not mistaken, the Golf MkV and Jetta MkV has orange backlights like the 308.

 

 

All 4 doors has illuminated warning lights on doors to warn oncoming traffic that the door is ajar. Hardly come across cars that costs less than RM200k with this feature.

 

Ample cubicles everywhere for the Starbucks coffee cup, baby milk bottles and other odd liquid containers. No, I don’t think there is space for the vodka bottle.

 

Side mirrors has integrated turn signals and also has the door convenience light so that whenever you open the door, the area below it is illuminated to avoid the patch of mud that you may have otherwise missed parking in the dark alley.

 

Other practical specs of the car includes Auto climatic aircond, an alarm (you have no idea how surprised I was discovering this since both the Peugeot and Golf does not come with alarms), 8 speaker system (which sounds so much better than the Golf), parking lights (less worry about other drivers not spotting your car at the dark corner when you can switch on one of the side front and rear lights) and all 4 windows are electric with full auto down/up (typical of all VAG vehicles, holding the unlock button on the remote opens up all the windows to cool the car more).

 

Performance and Handling

 

 

At the heart of the Octavia is an Audi sourced 2.0litre FSi (fuel stratified injection) engine which is supposedly more fuel saving compared to other 2.0 engines. And it’s true! My first pump has the trip indicator showing 640km range (it has a 55 litre fuel tank, btw) which far exceeds my Golf TSi’s range. I was wondering if it was faulty but after driving it around town these past few days, I think it’s accurate. And this is purely city drive. Tomorrow will be making a day trip down to Pontian and will report the pure highway mileage. The engine kicks out 150hp and 200Nm worth of torque which is more than adequate to propel the car from 0-100 in about 10 seconds.

 

 

6 speed tiptronic gearbox sourced from Audi. Not as smooth as a DSG at high speeds but I absolutely love it at low speeds where it does not suffer the 1/2 second lag of DSGs

 

NVH in the cabin is excellent, thanks to proper fire wall and sound-deadening done around the galvanized body. The bad thing is, it amplifies all the little creaks that appears on a few year old car. Need to find time (and a driver) to go “mouse” hunting in this car.

 

.
As mentioned earlier, my tires are due to be changed and I did that yesterday. In went the Bridgestone AR10 205/60/15 and the rim looks a bit nicer with some side bulge. The bad thing is, the fender gap is now as big as a whale and I could roll over a chicken and it’ll probably survive going round my tires smile_disapprove.gif . Oh, look …. Volkswagen suspension. As I recall, the Octavia shares the same platform as the VW Jetta MkV …. shouldn’t be too difficult to find spare parts then
.

 

.

Brake calipers are from Audi/VW …..

.

 

Spot the VW badge smile_big.gif

 

Everything underneath this car is either from VW or Audi. Heck, my mechanic even remarked that the starting growl of the engine is almost exactly identical to an Audi TT.

 

As for the fuel consumption, I get an average of 500km/50litres city drive while outstation, my best record so far is this:

 

 

Scary driving around with zero km range on the trip meter

.

Spare parts
.

Ok, not a single person I have spoken to about the car neglected to mention about availability of spare parts and how expensive it might cost for a car that’s as rare as an honest politician. I think for parts, there are a number of Audi/VW specialists around who can source for similar compatible parts. Also heard there’s a place in Jln Ipoh that beings in Skoda parts so I’m not that worried. As for the pricing, well, one of the reason why I purchased this car is because it has full service records with the authorized SC. Just to list some of the components that has been changed for this car as well as it’s pricing for you to judge:-

 

Normal service of oil change, oil filter: RM446.85 (done every 10,000km)
ATF : RM319.20
Front windscreen : RM1,725 (surprisingly cheap considering it has sensors on it. Golf costs around RM4k & 308 costs a little higher)
Aircond compressor : RM2,314
Battery 66DIN : RM417
Timing belt kit (yes, it still uses a belt but replaced every 100,000km) : 1,058.40
Drive belt : RM100
Belt tensioner : RM430

 

I changed a set of Bridgestone AR10 205/60/15 for RM280 a piece.

 

If you’re in Malaysia and wonders if spare parts are easily obtained, here’s a list of dealers/workshops that carries Skoda parts as well as other VAG makes:-

 

BERMAZ MOTOR TRADING SDN BHD (9529-K)
Lot 9, Jalan 219, Federal Highway,
46100, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.D.E.
Tel: 03 – 79576662 , 79573662
Fax: 03 – 79577662
Contact: Mr. Paul D.C , Janet
Email: pauldc@skoda.com.my

 

DUNIA PRESTASI AUTO SDN BHD (327256-H)
No.5, Jalan Pelukis U1/46, Temasya Industrial Park,Section U1
40150 Shah Alam, Selangor. D.E.
Tel: 03 – 7627 8888
Fax: 03 – 5569 2891
Contact: Mr. Paul D.C , Mr. Wan
Email: pauldc@skoda.com.my

 

CKW TAYAR SERVIS SDN BHD (663621-H)
No. 13 & 15, Jalan 3/69, Section 3,
Bandar Baru Bangi, 43650, Selangor
Tel: 03 – 8920 3093 , 8925 7393
Fax: 03 – 8925 3903
Contact: Mr. C.K.Wan, Miss Ling
Email: wanhingautomotive@gmail.com

 

NZ WHEEL SDN BHD (329033-V)
Lot.1385,Wisma Naza, Jalan Kapar, Batu 2,
Kawasan 19, 41400 Klang,Selangor.D.E.
Tel: 03 – 3342 3333
Fax: 03 – 3343 4627
Contact: En. Izzuddin , Nor azian
Email: izzuddinmyusoff@naza.com.my

 

BUMI MERIDIAN SDN BHD
No. 54 & 54-1, Jalan Kasuarina 12 / KS 7, Bontanic Capital,
41200 Klang, Selangor.
Tel: 03 – 3325 1325
Fax: 03 – 3325 1326
Contact: Mr. Koh Lay Huat
Email: bumimeridian@gmail.com

 

PRIMA MERDU SDN BHD (NEW BRANCH)
Lot 1872, Block C/D, Jalan Semenyih,
43000 Kajang, Selangor.
Tel: 03 – 8873 8221
Fax: 03 – 8737 5562
Contact: Mr. Alan
Email: alan@skoda.com.my

 

EXCELCAR SERVICES SDN BHD (497061-V)
No,1, Jalan Damar SD 15/1, Bandar Sri Damansara,
58200 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 – 6274 3900
Fax: 03 – 6272 7728
Contact: Mr. Steve Chong
Email: excelcar@streamyx.com

 

ACT- CHIEVERS SDN. BHD
No.33, Jalan Kencana 15, Taman Kencana,
56100, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03 – 4297 3366
Fax: 03 – 4297 2266
Contact: Mr. Ken Wong
Email: janice@sianghin.com

 

BERMAZ MOTOR TRADING SDN BHD
214, Jalan Ampang,
50450, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03 – 2161 1399
Fax: 03 – 2161 1292
Contact: En. Asmadi
Email: asmadi@skoda.com.my

 

AUTO TULIN SDN BHD (NEW DEALER)
Lot 14, Jalan Pahang,
53000 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 – 4022 5828
Contact: Mr. Indran
Email: autotulin@yahoo.com

 

So far, I have had to service once and I sent it back to Glenmarie because it is conveniently located near my office. If I wanted to go to a non-authorized SC, I would visit:-

 

Exquisite Marques Sdn Bhd (I call them EM for short)
No 1 & 3 Jalan PJU 3/41,
Sunway Damansara Technology Park
47810 Petaling Jaya
Selangor Darul Ehsan
Malaysia
Tel No: +603 – 7885 9628
Fax No: +603 – 7885 9728

 

Still think it’s difficult to get after sales service for this car?

 

Price
As for the price, the car was sold new in 2008 at RM173,xxx minus a few thousand discount.

I bought it for RM58,800 OTR inclusive of insurance (with windscreen insurance added), transfer fees, convenience fee, hardship fee, blah blah blah. May complained about how poor the 2nd hand value of Skoda, to which I agree (at this point). So it’s good to get a 2nd hand unit then when the first owner have absorbed the first 3-4 years depreciation cost.

 

A 2006 Octavia should cost between RM45,000 to RM60,000 depending on condition and mileage. 2nd hand dealers may mark up higher to factor in the cost of long storage (it’s not everyday you find a willing buyer to purchase such a “cold” car). The older MkI Octavia with a 1.8 turbo engine such as those from 2004 to 2005 may be had for RM30,000 – RM50,000. So for those shopping for a car with a budget of RM40,000 to RM60,000, you can only afford B segment Japanese cars of the same segment such as Honda City (2004-2005), Nissan Sentra (2005-2006), Toyota Vios G Spec (2004-2005) and Hyundais/Kias. When you compare against those makes, the Skoda’s lower 2nd hand value makes it practically a steal!

 

Personally, I can’t complain much about the price (though I think it’s slightly on the high side but considering the car condition is still good, has full service records, I am willing to pay a bit more for it) …. at least, I think it’s a better buy compared to an Inspira or a 2nd hand 407. But that’s just me

 

The instrument cluster …. green, green, green …. easy to see yet I feel is classy compared to orange dials


 

The rear lamp light profile, without and with rear fog lamps. Sorry for the poor image quality, the rear fog lamps looks a lot brighter than what you see here.

Subsequently, after spending a whole day at the spa, my ride is truly 10 years younger!



 

Subsequently, I ordered a pair of after market headlights from Germany. Amazing how a pair of headlights can change the whole front profile:

 

 

 

Here’s how the DRL looks under low lighting conditions:

 

.

 

All in all, I’m quite pleased with the car. To me, the main selling point of the Octavia is:-

 

1) Large boot and tailgate opening
2) Kerb view left side mirrors
3) Parking and rear fog lights
4) Continental stability, especially in high speeds.

 

And 2nd hand unit prices makes them a steal …. just make sure you get to see the full service record before committing.

 

I would be most honored and grateful if you could visit https://www.facebook.com/Kensomuse and Like the page to show your support and receive updates on the latest articles.  Comments are most welcomed. Thank you very much!

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44 Comments

  1. Amenojaku
    August 2, 2012 at 1:08 pm — Reply

    Dear Kenso, great article.

    But what are your thoughts on Octavia Mk1? I saw one in mudah (2005) with 1.8 turbo (?tsi) for RM36k. Pretty good price i’d say. But i’m not sure about the engine & gearbox. Is it TSI/FSI? DSG?

    http://www.mudah.my/Skoda+Octavia+1+8+A+Turbo-15572015.htm

    • August 2, 2012 at 2:44 pm — Reply

      Well, when buying a 2nd hand Skoda, I believe you can always negotiate a bit lower considering not many people know how good the car is. Being a Peugeot 308THP before, I am usually a little apprehensive when getting a 2nd hand turbocharged engine. I’m not saying this isn’t a good buy; do go for a thorough test drive of the car and make sure you check the full service records. If they can’t produce the service records, ask where was the car serviced and ask the 2nd hand car dealer to follow you to the SC to have a full print out of the car’s service history.

      Yes, the car may be cheap, but you don’t want to be spending 40-50% of the car’s price to fix/change some components that may have worn off or being neglected. Always remember: for the 2nd hand buyer, the power is in your hands so long as you don’t sign on the dotted line. Take your time

  2. Amenojaku
    August 10, 2012 at 10:50 pm — Reply

    Thanks for the advice Chief. I’ve decided to follow your lead and search for Mk2, preferably Sedan, exactly like yours hehe. My and choice would be the Octavia Mk2 Combi (StationWagon), which showed up in MUDAH several days ago. But it’s gone now, somebody must have bought it very quickly.

    So i’ll be searching and waiting until a good one pops out. Will tell you if/when i get one. Cheers.

  3. hishar
    November 20, 2012 at 5:33 pm — Reply

    Hello,

    I’m driving a 407 2005 CBU, but recently experienced engine jerking which I hated the most. I’m thinking of switching it over to Skoda Octavia. I like the design although it isn’t Pug but I’m scared of the maintenance wise. How’s your Octavia running now? Fuel consumption? Thanks.

    • November 20, 2012 at 9:47 pm — Reply

      Hi,

      I had a Pug before and I can relate how quirky the French can be. Anyways, so far the car’s consumption has been quite consistent …. 47 litres for 500+km for city drive and about 700km for outstation. I’m servicing it as per normal (that’s every 10,000km) and each service is about RM500 (authorized SC)

      • H
        December 2, 2012 at 1:41 pm — Reply

        Hello kenso,

        Went for test drive for octavia fsi 2.0 (2006) yesterday. I couldn’t feel the excitement as I’m driving my 407. But my heart still can’t let go this octavia. The milleage is on around 108K and I envied on the FSI thing. Then it comes to the bummer, I asked the car dealer can I have a look at the service record. He couldn’t provided that and asked to me to check with glenmarie. This is what I test drive for yesterday http://www.mudah.my/Skoda+Octavia+FSI+B+-18435613.htm.

        On the way back, my pug starting to jerking and power loss again.. Sigh..

        • December 2, 2012 at 2:17 pm — Reply

          Friend of mine wanted to buy this as well and I tested it personally. Even brought the car into Glenmarie and have it inspected by the mechanics there. The car’s condition seems to be fine at that time and I doubt there’s any difference a month plus later. Excitement? Not if you’re going for the VRS, my friend. Otherwise, the FSI is a good, reliable German tech workhorse.

          • HH
            December 14, 2012 at 12:16 pm

            so what did your friend settle for? what was the reason he did not settle for this octavia? do u think if i do the maintenance in independent VAG workshop, can i get lower price? my 407 normal maintenance cost me around RM 300-350. would be very happy and undoubtedly get an Octavia if the maintenance cost settle close to my 407 maintenance.

          • December 14, 2012 at 1:17 pm

            He didn’t get it due to financial reasons on his side, nothing wrong with the car. Maintenance cost will be a little higher compared to the 407 but in exchange, it’s less temperamental compared to a Pug

  4. FND
    December 24, 2012 at 9:02 pm — Reply

    Hi Kenso, nice car. Really keen to find a Skoda too. Seeing that beauty of yours makes me drool all over the tablet. Any tips on what to look when viewing the car (there one yr 2006 in Mudah-direct owner). From my read service record, smooth gear changes,leaking at absorber (how much for replacement?) Any electronic parts to look?
    How much do the vagcom charge at gleanmarie? Don’t want to spend so much on repair. And know any good woods mechanic in jb? Worried as I just transfered here.
    Thanks.

    • December 25, 2012 at 9:33 am — Reply

      After using mine for about a year, I’ve had to change only the air conditioning system. Absorbers are still stock even though it creaks whenever it gets wet. The last time I went to Glenmarie, they didn’t charge me anything …. generally the folks there are pretty helpful and friendly.

      Sorry, can’t help you with JB’s Skoda SC …. but I’ve known a friend who got transferred to Perlis and he has no issues driving it down to KL to service every 10,000km. With Singapore so close, I’m sure you can find some VAG specialist in JB …. worse case scenario, drive into Singapore and see what you can find there. Good luck, bro!

      • FND
        December 25, 2012 at 2:40 pm — Reply

        Thanks for the tips. Now need to check with the johorean and singaporean colleagues. But most of them are clueless when mentioned the word skoda. Just need to convince the HM first.
        One more question. most of the 2nd hand skoda are w/out service history&owner’s manual. Even if vagcom test is fine, still worried because I don’t know what type of lubricant and service interval by previous owner. What’s you take on this? Should I take the gamble and trust vagcom analysis. tq

        • December 25, 2012 at 5:13 pm — Reply

          You’re indeed right to say most owners don’t keep a full set of service records. However, I am certain they do go to specific SCs for service, particularly during warranty period. Ask where did the owner bring the car to and check its records there. Here in the Klang Valley, almost all Skodas go to Auto Prahna so it’s easy to check there. Personally for me, if I cannot get the full service record either from the owner or the SC, I will probably not proceed to buy …. unless I am so in love with it that I MUST have it. If that’s the case then I’ll check:-

          1) VAGCOM – for any warning messages
          2) Suspension & bushings -raise the car and check the rubbers for cracks
          3) Chassis to see if there are accidents
          4) Radio & speakers – display still readable? Most would have probably darkened due to heat
          5) Engine & Gearbox – test drive to see how smooth the shifts are, how loud the engine sounds when revved hard (estimate, at best)
          6) Tires and alignment – test drive
          7) All switches & buttons – check also aircon vents to see if they can still slide and tilt, sun glass compartment, auto dimming rear view mirror
          8) Rattles and creaks – abnormal sounds from doors, suspension in test drive. Find some bumps or thick yellow lines to run over
          9) Air conditioning – cold? stationary checks in the hot afternoon sun is best
          10) Mileage related issues – timing belt needs to be changed every 100,000km & this will cause major bleeding to your wallet as the water pump also needs to be changed at the same time.

          Good luck!

  5. FND
    December 25, 2012 at 6:33 pm — Reply

    Thanks Kenso. Appreciate yr advice. You are really the authority for Skoda in Malaysia.:)
    Now time for Skoda hunting. Wish me luck.
    p/s: anybody can lend me their Octavia 2.0fsi manual?

  6. nabil
    February 17, 2013 at 9:34 am — Reply

    Kenso,

    I am a proud owner of 2nd hand Skoda as well. Out of curiosity, how do you order the headlight from Germany ? How much does it cost ? It does look really nice

    • February 17, 2013 at 12:22 pm — Reply

      I found it in eBay. Plus taxes, it costs about RM1,4++. Incidentally, I took it off as I wanted to retain back the original look. Also, the headlamp is not very suitable for me as I travel outstation pretty regularly and come home late night so with the leveling function no longer working, the headlights does not illuminate the roads as well. City driving is fine. If you’re interested, I can offer it to you at a fraction of the original cost.

      • octsg
        December 31, 2015 at 3:42 pm — Reply

        Your headlamp still available? I might be keen to get it but I’m now in Singapore so if I drive up or you come to JB or Singapore perhaps we can meet up. Thanks! Just email me when it’s convenient.

  7. Alphawolf
    March 14, 2013 at 8:58 am — Reply

    Hello,

    Had you driven the Fabia before? Is the 2nd hand good buy?

    • March 14, 2013 at 9:03 am — Reply

      Sorry, I have not, bro.

  8. Alphawolf
    March 14, 2013 at 9:33 am — Reply

    too bad, thanks anyway.

    Went Googling and failed to find a “Malaysian Skoda Club” or something of that ilk. Am actively looking for a good Skoda with full service history..so would appreciate if somebody with knowledge of a good Skoda for sale to drop me an email 🙂 had already went to Mudah.my….not much of a choice there

  9. Alphawolf
    March 14, 2013 at 11:17 am — Reply

    Hello Kenso
    Another question. Are there any such thing as non-oem parts for Skodas here in Msia?

    • March 14, 2013 at 11:52 am — Reply

      There is, such as air filters from K&N, after market headlights like the one I installed on my Octy. A quick search in eBay gives you loads of poison 😛

  10. Alphawolf
    March 17, 2013 at 12:36 pm — Reply

    Went to a used-car dealer to check out on a couple of Fabias (one white and one blue)… disappointed to found out that the one I am interested in (the blue one) is “at the repair shop”…not a good sign..

    Since Fabias are oh-so-rare…this is the only time I can be close and personal with one. It does look a lot better in the flesh than in the pictures. However, when the salesman started out the white one…the engine sounded like a tractor man…and the vibration is terrible in the cabin. I let it idle till it’s at operating temperature, but it’s still noisy and vibrates 🙁

    The interior is nice though…but some parts of the plastic had fallen out. The salesman tried to open the bonnet and…the plastic lever in the cabin snapped 🙁 I pressed the shiny chromed part covering the auto gear and it creaks..

    Roominess is fine for a big guy like me at the front, but the back is very small, expected for a small car like that.

    OK, maybe this white one is under pitiful condition…but it does not bode well on the condition of other Fabias. I was expecting superior NVH and cabin quality compared to my 2004 Aveo (which I am thinking of trading in, but now has 2nd thoughts. It’s still very good what 😀 ), but unfortunately no.

    However, I am giving Fabias a benefit of a doubt..now on the lookout for a much better maintained one..

  11. May 24, 2014 at 1:49 pm — Reply

    I am proud owner of a 2nd hand Octavia FSI 2.0l. Very good car and spares arfe cheap compare to may other make. Any problem in spare do email me. Thanks.

    • Isaac
      August 6, 2014 at 1:53 pm — Reply

      Hi Soon,

      I too am an Octavia owner, just wondering where abouts do you send your vehicle in for servicing around the klang valley? Also, I’m looking for a new drive shaft as my vehicle has developed wobbles when on the go.

      Thanks.

    • Uthaya
      November 26, 2016 at 8:16 am — Reply

      Hi soon,

      Could you please list down the shops for cheap and good spares for my octavia.. and keen to know which ATF to use for my octavia FSI.. how much it costs..

  12. Peter
    August 5, 2014 at 4:27 pm — Reply

    Dear Kenso,

    Very rare to be able to find something about Skoda written in a local perspective. I too am thinking of getting a 2nd hand Skoda if possible.

    Recently I chanced upon this sale listing :
    http://www.carsifu.my/cars/95477/skoda-octavia-1-968-for-sale-in-perak-by-skodaoctaviars

    From your experience and judgement, is this deal too good to be true or a considerable buy?

    • August 5, 2014 at 4:49 pm — Reply

      It’s too good to be true and likely a scam, especially after seeing the price and diesel engine

    • Dave Banerjee
      August 25, 2014 at 5:50 pm — Reply

      Peter, did you find that ad to be true? Being a SKODA owner I can bet that a false ad.
      Keen to know how was your experience.

  13. Alphawolf
    August 7, 2014 at 10:33 am — Reply

    Is the local distributor of Skoda still around? I had seen a few new Superbs and Roomsters but ZERO advertisement anywhere.
    What a shame…if they market Skodas properly here as a cheaper alternative to VWs, I am confident there will be a ready market. The new Octavia looks great…and the Rapid will be a better buy than a Jetta IMHO..

    • August 7, 2014 at 4:59 pm — Reply

      Auto Phraha is still the authorized distributor of Skoda in Malaysia and they’re part of Berjaya Group and shares resources with Bermas which is the official distributor of Mazda vehicles here in Malaysia. Thanks to Volkswagen Group Malaysia successfully implementing a CKD program for some of their key models, it is rather preposterous to have a country selling Skodas (which is positioned as a cheaper alternative) at a higher price compared to Volskwagen which is the reason why Berjaya Group is shelving the brand and is focused on doing servicing and maintenance. A pity, I agree.

  14. Dave Banerjee
    August 25, 2014 at 5:46 pm — Reply

    Where did you buy the headlamp with DRL?
    I have been driving SKODA OCTAVIA 2.0 FSI for last 5 years and feeling extremely safe and nice every kilometer.

  15. shahren
    April 5, 2015 at 7:53 pm — Reply

    hi

    anyone knows specialist in skoda octavia?
    want to buy this car. would like to invite the mechanic inspect first.

    • November 29, 2015 at 5:07 pm — Reply

      Oh dear, I missed this question. So sorry.

      To your question, any mechanic worth his salt is able to check for damage and help spot if it had a history of accident(s). Or you could take note of the number plate and go to Dunia Prestasi, the authorized Skoda SC to see if there are any service records (if the seller does not have it already). The good thing about having so little authorized SC is it almost guarantees the car has a record there. The best is to drive the car to Dunia Prestasi and ask the mechanics there to check the car out (you may have to agree to pay for petrol or any other fee to show sincerity on your part). All the best and good luck!

  16. Miguel García
    May 16, 2015 at 2:26 am — Reply

    Good evening, I need 2.0 FSI engine and Skoda Octavia Dual box. Serial body: TMBCD41Z282006517; Serial output: BVZ 022 855; Model: Octavia A5 AMBI / BODY 2.0L 150 H. hope prompt response.

    From: Venezuela, Maracaibo -edo. Zulia

  17. DrR
    November 28, 2015 at 9:59 pm — Reply

    Hi Ken
    Thanks for your input on skoda. It removes my apprehension and agreed to by a 2008 model tonight. Hopefully to get the car on wednesday

  18. Tim
    March 8, 2016 at 10:02 pm — Reply

    Hi Ken
    Is this the address? I am considering one too. 2006 | 175k KM | asking RM26K. Do you think it’s a fair price? Got some service history. Not full. 2nd owner.

    DUNIA PRESTASI AUTO SDN BHD
    Address :
    No.5, Jalan Pelukis U1/46, Temasya Industrial Park,Section U1, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor
    Tel :03 – 7627 3888

    • Tim
      March 8, 2016 at 10:05 pm — Reply

      Argh…u already have this adrs in ur blog. Must be the tired eyes..:-)..
      Btw, what u think abt the price. Btw it’s 2.0A Octavia FSI. Thanks

      • March 8, 2016 at 10:09 pm — Reply

        Sounds about there. Most Octavia FSIs have a production date of 2006 but some, like mine hit the roads in 2008. Price should be between RM25k – RM30k depending on how well the vehicle is maintained so I believe it’s fair. But you should get it checked and best way of doing that is to have the car inspected at Dunia Prestasi Auto. All the best!

  19. Tim
    March 9, 2016 at 8:18 pm — Reply

    Hi Ken
    Just checked out one Octavia 1.8T | yr 2006. The owner said there is minor issue = engine oil leaking and air cond sometimes not cold when stand still. The compressor alrdy changed.

    Do you think both issues really minor?

  20. Tim
    March 21, 2016 at 7:08 pm — Reply

    Have Bought one 2.0 FSI…can put 20inch kids bicycle in the boot and stroller!!

    Btw getting service alert in 900km/165 days. What service is this?

  21. Munho
    January 17, 2017 at 11:44 pm — Reply

    Hi Ken,
    Are there any Skoda parts dealers in Kota Kinabalu?
    Thanking you in advance!
    Munho

  22. August 30, 2017 at 5:03 pm — Reply

    You can get Skoda Parts from AVS at Batu Caves, See Soon Jalan Ipoh,

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