Used Skoda Octavia 2020-present review
Skoda has gradually refined the Octavia with sharp looks, a plush interior and increasingly solid reliability, making it a strong used family hauler
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What's the used Skoda Octavia like?
Ownership cost
Our recommendations
Alternatives
Reliability
Mark Pearson & Owen Bellwood
Updated: 21 October 2026
How we test cars
What's the used Skoda Octavia like?
The Skoda Octavia’s crown at the top of the Czech firm's range may have been stolen by the top-selling Skoda Kodiaq SUV, but there is still an awful lot to like about the trusted family hauler.
We've long admired this clever and classy family car for its space, all-round competence and general affordability. Now into its fourth generation, the Octavia has steadily edged upmarket thanks to sharper looks, a plusher interior and a greater level of refinement all over. What’s more, well-specced trim levels, decent reliability and competitive used prices make the Octavia a very compelling option.
Overview
There’s a lot to like about the Skoda Octavia, because it is practical, spacious and offers up a surprisingly comfortable ride. What’s more, while reliability has previously been a sore subject, Skoda now seems to have turned a corner.
Pros
- Comfortable ride
- Enormous boot
- Plenty of rear-seat space
Cons
- Ride can sometimes be a little too floaty
- Fiddly touchscreen
- Some rivals are more refined
Used cars available now
In partnership with
Skoda Octavia
2.0 TDI SE Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr
£979
Skoda Octavia
1.6 TDI GreenLine II Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr
£1,000
Skoda OCTAVIA
1.6 TDI Elegance Euro 5 5dr
RRP £17,417
£1,295
Skoda Octavia
1.6 TDI S Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr
£1,490
Skoda Octavia
1.4 TSI Elegance Euro 4 5dr
£1,495
Skoda Octavia
1.6 TDI Elegance Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr
£1,495
Skoda Octavia
1.6 FSI Ambiente Tiptronic Euro 4 5dr
£1,499
Skoda Octavia
1.9 TDI Ambiente SE 5dr
£1,695
Skoda Octavia
1.6 MPI SE Euro 5 5dr
£1,699
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Engines & Performance: As ever, there's a decent selection of engines to choose from. The range kicks off with a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol (badged 1.0 TSI 110) with 109bhp, then moves up to a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol (badged 1.5 TSI 150) with 148bhp, followed by 2.0-litre TDI diesels with either 113bhp or 148bhp.
There's also a vRS version with a choice of engines. The 2.0 TDI diesel produces a respectable 197bhp, the standard 2.0 TSI petrol has 242bhp, and the plug-in hybrid vRS iV has 242bhp with CO2 emissions of just 26g/km thanks to a decent all-electric range.
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On the road, performance of the the 2.0 TDI 150 diesel-engined car is impressive, polishing off the 0-62mph dash in a very respectable 8.7sec. The 1.5-litre petrol is similarly quick, but you do have to work it a bit harder for it than you do the diesel. The manual gearbox is precise and the optional dual-clutch automatic delivers impressively swift shifts.
Trims & Equipment: Trim-wise, you'll find SE, SE Technology and SE L, as well as the sporty vRS. SE gives you 16in alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, auto lights and wipers, heated door mirrors, keyless start and even an umbrella in the door.
The SE Technology trim is barely any more expensive than the SE trim when new, despite gaining voice control, floor mats and more distinctive alloy wheels, plus front parking sensors and an infotainment upgrade. There’s a bit of a price jump to SE L, but you do get plenty of extra luxuries and some useful kit for your money.
Ride & Handling: On motorways, the Octavia can waft along on its softly sprung suspension for mile after mile. The consequence of this soft set-up, though, is that it feels a little floaty over crests, and it isn't always quite so controlled when you run over harsh potholes or sharp expansion joints.
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Despite the softness of its suspension, the Octavia is perfectly capable when it comes to corners. In particular, its steering is precise and has plenty of reassuring weight. However, the Octavia does lean through the corners more than a Honda Civic or Seat Leon, leaving it feeling less agile than its rivals.
If sporty driving characteristics are import to you, check out the Sportline model. With its 15mm lowered suspension, it resists body lean a little better and its progressive steering set-up sharpens responses.
Interior & Practicality: Inside, finding an ideal driving position is easy. SE L models get a powered driver’s seat with a memory function to make getting comfortable even easier. All Octavias also have adjustable lumbar support.
Skoda has positioned the infotainment touchscreen high on the dashboard so you don’t have to take your eyes far from the road to see it. In entry-level models, it's an 8.25in screen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, as well as a DAB radio. Meanwhile, SE Technology and SE L cars feature a 10.0in screen with built-in 3D navigation that’s clear and easy to follow.
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There’s plenty of space up front in the Octavia, and it's pretty generous on rear-seat space, too. Behind a tall driver with their seat pushed back, even taller passengers can lounge comfortably.
The Octavia’s 600-litre boot is not only huge compared with similarly-sized rivals but also bigger than most competitors from the class above. The load area is longer and taller than in most comparably priced hatches and is a practical, squared-off shape. The only downside is that there is quite a significant lip to negotiate when lifting heavy items in and out of the boot.
What’s new?
- May 2024: A 2024 facelift brought highlights including anti-dazzle LED headlights, refreshed interior with 13in infotainment screen, AI-based voice control and more efficient engines
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"I make no bones about it, I love an Octavia. I've run many as long-term cars and they're all admirable. Not the greatest to drive, but great for family use and so practical and solid." - Mark Pearson, Used Cars Editor
If you're interested in buying a used Skoda Octavia, or any of the other cars mentioned here, check out our What Car? Used Cars classifieds site.
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Tips & Advice
How to test drive a car
There’s no substitute for a test drive in a new car. Take it on a variety of roads and surfaces to ensure it measures up.
Make sure you’re insured for the test drive
Short-term car insurance – also called test-drive insurance – will ensure you’re legal when you’re shopping for your next car
Will the car fit your needs?
As part of the test drive, fill the car with regularly-carried luggage, and make sure the family can get comfy before you buy
Ownership cost
What used Skoda Octavia will I get for my budget?
Skoda Octavia prices can start as low as £5000, but this will be for a lower-spec model with high mileage. For a good, clean example with average mileage for the year, expect to pay around £9000. Spend between £10,000 and £12,000 on a 2021 model, depending on trim, and between £11,000 and £18,000 on 2022 and some 2023 cars. You'll need upwards of £15,000 for a 2024 or 2025 car.
To keep up-to-date with used Octavia prices, use our free valuation tool to make sure you are getting the best deal.
Check the value of a used Skoda Octavia with What Car? Valuations
Find used Skoda Octavia cars for sale
How much does cost to run a Skoda Octavia?
MPG
According to the latest WLTP official figures, the 1.0 petrol averages 56.5mpg, the 1.5 TSI 150 petrol averages 52.3mpg, the 2.0 TDI 115 diesel 68.9mpg and the 2.0 TDI 150 67.3mpg. The standard petrol 2.0 vRS averages 40.9mpg, the diesel 56.5mpg and the plug-in hybrid vRS 256.8mpg.
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Road Tax
Annual car tax (VED) for cars registered after April 2017, like this one, is charged at a flat rate, currently £200 a year. See our road tax costs advice page for the latest information.
Servicing
Servicing for the Octavia is cheaper than for many rivals, and Skoda offers a two-year plan that costs £22.75 per month and covers two services including oil and filter changes.
It’s worth noting that all diesel Octavias and most petrols have a timing belt that needs to be replaced every five years at a Skoda dealer at a cost of £449. In addition, it makes sense to replace the water pump at the same time.
Insurance
Insurance costs are slightly cheaper than an equivalent Volkswagen due to Skoda’s cheaper repair costs. Most Octavia's fall into insurance groups 11 to 23.
Reliability
This generation of Skoda Octavia has received mixed reliability feedback from real-world owner reviews, and sits 16th out of 24 models int he family car category in our annual What Car? Reliability Survey.
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Owners of both petrol and diesel models reported issues, particularly with electrical systems and glitchy infotainment units. Some experienced warning lights that led to multiple dealership visits. While Skoda’s dealer network is generally responsive, delays in sourcing parts have caused frustration, especially for more complex repairs. Although the Octavia is praised for its practicality, these reliability concerns have dampened some owners' enthusiasm.
To learn more about the used Skoda Octavia's reliability, visit our dedicated reliability page.
Tips & Advice
Organise your motoring life
Whether you need to keep tabs on your insurance renewal, sort breakdown cover, or book a service, My What Car? has you covered
Never miss a motoring date
Remembering to arrange insurance, book a service or buy breakdown cover can be a pain. Fortunately, My What Car? is here to help
Can I buy a car with cash?
Paying cash isn’t always an easy way to a new car – and you may not be able to get the big discounts you might expect
Protect your investment
GAP insurance allows you to get the full price for your car if it’s stolen or written off, but only a quarter of Brits buy it
Reduce your car finance bills
Refinancing your car effectively means taking out one loan to pay off another, which could help reduce your monthly payments, or reduce your finance term
What is hire purchase?
Hire purchase allows you to make monthly payments to buy your next car – although these will be higher than with a PCP
What is PCP finance?
Low monthly payments are key to the appeal of Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) agreements. But are there downsides?
Our recommendations
Which used Skoda Octavia should I buy?
Engines
We love the smoothness and refinement of the petrol 1.5 TSI 150. It also offers a really good compromise between performance and economy.
Trims
Almost any version of the Octavia will be satisfying to own, but we like the SE Technology best of all for its extra kit over the SE.
Our favourite Skoda Octavia: 1.5 TSI 150 SE Technology
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Tips & Advice
Which smartphone integration should I have?
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are fantastic – and free – technologies. Here we show you the benefits, drawbacks and best apps
Avoid ULEZ and clean-air zone fines
If you regularly drive into a clean air zone, you’ll want to ensure your next car is compliant to avoid costly fines
Alternatives
What alternatives should I consider to a used Skoda Octavia?
Cheaper Skoda Octavias find themselves up against the Vauxhall Astra, a ubiquitous but pleasant hatch that’s good to drive and comes with a practical interior. Entry-level versions can be a bit sparse and the diesel engines can be gruff. On top of that, the low-speed ride is a little firm.
The Ford Focus is great to drive, with a smooth and quiet Ecoboost engine in some versions and low running costs. Some rivals are cheaper, though, and the Octavia offers more space and more kit, as well as feeling better-made.
The Volkswagen Golf shares its underpinnings with the Octavia, although VW's model is a shorter and less capacious car. It's brilliant to drive, well equipped, refined and comparatively cheap to run. On the other hand, it’s not as roomy inside as the Octavia and the interior is a little dreary.
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here
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If you're interested in finding a used Octavia, or any of the other family cars mentioned here, search the What Car? Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.
Skoda Octavia owner reviews
Sort by: Most Recent Star rating
RICHARD MATHEWS
Skoda Octavia 1.5 petrol estate
Likes: Value, Reliability, Servicing
Nov 3, 2025 8:49 PM
Bought used. Within the short warranty period, there was a fault with the cruise control - It randomly switched itself off. Potentially dangerous on the motorway. However, the nation wide dealership eventually let me take the car to a Å KODA main dealer. This was fixed, successfully, within the next 3 weeks. All is now working as it should. I do enjoy the LED headlights, but I am dazzled by similar lights on SUVs and posh vans which seem to be set too high. Fuel consumption is a little worse than I expected. On motorways the car cruises beautifully at national speed limits.
Anonymous
Skoda Octavia 2.0 petrol estate
Likes: Value, Reliability, Servicing, Running costs
Jun 17, 2025 1:48 PM
Fast,comfortable, reliable
Alan
Skoda Octavia 1.5 petrol estate
Likes: Value, Reliability, Servicing, Running costs
Jun 16, 2025 2:01 PM
Not small not large just perfect, good engine and mechanics. Comfortable and easy to drive
Christopher Bell
Skoda Octavia 2.0 petrol estate
Likes: Value, Reliability, Servicing
Jun 16, 2025 12:58 PM
This is my 4th Skoda in succession. I find Skoda very reliable. I like their presence. My Octavia vRS has 245 bhp and is quick, which is what I like. It's a very comfortable, spacious car with huge boot space.. it's Inffontaknment/Navigation system is very good.
John
Skoda Octavia 1.6 diesel hatchback
Likes: Value, Reliability, Servicing, Running costs
Jun 1, 2025 11:01 PM
Had Octavia for 6 years now and it's been a great car. My first Skoda and will be happy to have another
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How reliable is the Skoda Octavia ?
Reliability rating: 90.4%
Skoda Octavia
Read reliability
Used cars available now
In partnership with
Skoda Octavia
2.0 TDI SE Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr
£979
Skoda Octavia
1.6 TDI GreenLine II Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr
£1,000
Skoda OCTAVIA
1.6 TDI Elegance Euro 5 5dr
RRP £17,417
£1,295
Skoda Octavia
1.6 TDI S Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr
£1,490
Skoda Octavia
1.4 TSI Elegance Euro 4 5dr
£1,495
Skoda Octavia
1.6 TDI Elegance Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr
£1,495
Skoda Octavia
1.6 FSI Ambiente Tiptronic Euro 4 5dr
£1,499
Skoda Octavia
1.9 TDI Ambiente SE 5dr
£1,695
Skoda Octavia
1.6 MPI SE Euro 5 5dr
£1,699
See all available cars
About the writer
Name: Mark Pearson
Title: Used cars editor
Follow Mark Pearson on
Mark Pearson has been a motoring journalist for more than 15 years and is currently the used cars editor for What Car?.
Mark spent his formative years at the BBC, where, at various times, he scheduled, broadcast and archived television and radio programmes and researched, wrote and produced promotional material.
Name: Owen Bellwood
Title: Used car writer
Follow Owen Bellwood on
Owen Bellwood joined What Car? on its used cars desk after a career that has so far seen him cover race cars, road cars and even the global drinks industry.
Owen works as a Used Car Writer at What Car? and joined fresh from a stint covering Formula 1, MotoGP and the World Endurance Championship for Motorsport Network. There, he worked with a team of international reporters on race reports, breaking news and unlocking the culture behind each series.
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