The fourth generation Octavia is no newcomer to our website, we have covered it many times in new car tests, and it has even passed our Used car tests section. Nevertheless, it is still a relatively new and up-to-date vehicle, which is why many people do not think of it as a used vehicle at all.
But it has been on the market for almost five years and established used car dealers already have interesting figures for the Octavia IV. Relatively extensive statistics have now been published by the largest seller of used cars in our country, the AAA Auto bazaar. “The most popular bazaar choice remains the two-liter diesel station wagon in two power variants of 85 and 110 kW. Diesels account for 55% of sales at AAA AUTO, while gasoline engines account for 45%. The petrol 1.5 TSI enjoys decent popularity with 23%, then 12% belong to the more powerful 2.0 TSI, and the iV plug-in plug-in hybrids also have a say in sales with 10%. For them, the secondary market is already the only option for purchase, since this year’s facelift of the four-wheel Octavia, the manufacturer does not offer them,” the bazaar states in a press release.
“The median price of an Octavia IV on the secondary market is currently around 450,000 crowns, the average mileage is roughly 90,000 km, and most often they are three-year-old cars, so they come from 2021. On average, they stay in the offer for 63 days, which is slightly less , than the Czech average (68). The fourth-generation Octavia is, like its predecessor, an above-average selling model,” explains the largest Czech dealer of used cars.
AAA Auto also states that the cheapest pieces from 2020 with a mileage of over 200 thousand km cost just over 300 thousand crowns, while the most expensive are the almost new RS sports models from 2023, with a mileage of only a few thousand kilometers and a price tag of around 900 thousand crowns, the new RS costs over a million. Nice Octavias are said to be priced around the half-million mark, i.e. significantly lower than the cost of new cars, whose prices are very high today. “If we sell, for example, an Octavia Combi 2.0 TDI 110 kW with a seven-speed DSG automatic, a mileage of 55 thousand km and a very rich equipment, corresponding to the current Top Selection, for the amount of 550 thousand crowns, then such a car costs as new 890 thousand CZK,” says the common CEO of AURES Holdings Petr Vaněček.
Photo: Škoda Auto
Do you remember the time when the new Octavia RS cost just over 600,000 crowns? So today you need almost twice as much for a bloated er-eso.
It is the prices of new cars that distort the situation, so it may seem that used cars are not getting cheaper at all, rather the opposite. But we probably have to get used to the fact that we will never buy a four-year-old Octavia with less than 100,000 km for 250,000 crowns, when a new one costs almost a million. But as supply grows, it will of course put pressure on prices. And the oldest and most used pieces will logically fall in price.
The fourth generation of the Czech bestseller has settled down at other retailers as well. “Octavia IV went on sale in 2021 as a used car. We can talk about it as a classic used car only in 2023. Nevertheless, in 2023 its sales ranged in the order of units of pieces per month, and for the year 2023 their share in sales of the Octavia model was one percent,” says Filip Kučera from Auto ESA. “This year, the monthly volume is in the order of tens of units, and the sales of the Octavia IV model already make up 5% of the sales of all Škoda Octavia generations,” he adds.
Photo: Dalibor Žák
Despite the decline in interest in diesels in new cars, diesel engines are still popular in bazaars. The used Octavia 2.0 TDI thus remains a Czech darling. 400,000 crowns is enough for a decent car.
Auto ESA also states that the average mileage of the Octavia IV they sell is 60,000 km with a price of around 550,000 CZK. Even in January, the average price of the Octavia IV was over CZK 700,000, but it gradually dropped significantly during the year. “The biggest interest is in diesel engines, which account for 65% of Octavia IV sales. This is generally unusual for vehicles manufactured after 2020, because there is twice as much interest in gasoline engines than in diesel engines,” adds Kučera.
Czechs still believe in used diesels, and we already wrote once that after wild years and a decline in popularity, used diesels are experiencing a kind of renaissance. This is primarily due to the more favorable price of diesel and the fact that service centers have learned how to solve the previously discussed defects of used diesels, and against some very expensive defects there are after all cheaper repair alternatives or at least solutions so that the car can be driven.
What is on the market at the end of 2024?
If we look at the share of motorizations, out of the more than two thousand ads for used cars, it turns out to be about half for diesels and gasolines, and there are only a few dozen iV hybrids. On the contrary, station wagon bodies predominate, even if they do not have such an advantage against liftbacks. The transmissions are also divided roughly half and half, but while there are more diesels with an automatic, you can buy petrol versions more often with a manual. However, there are relatively few cars advertised with four-wheel drive, less than a hundred.
We currently found the cheapest Octavia IV just under 300,000 CZK. It is from 2020, has a 1.0 TSI engine and has driven 171,000 km. However, a few more cars can fit under 300,000 CZK, even with 2.0 TDI and 1.5 TSI engines. The 15-cylinder has already 210,000 km on the odometer, the 2.0 TDI diesel has already traveled 144,000 km since 2021.
But there are also much more used cars, for example, there is currently a piece in the advertisement in the body of a station wagon with a 2.0 TDI 110 kW engine with a DSG automatic, which has already driven 298,000 km. This is still a record among four octaves in advertising. From February 2021, it is a really solid portion. The car is for sale for 329,900 CZK. A total of eighteen Octavia IVs are currently advertised on the Sauto.cz website, which have already driven over 200,000 km.
If you want a slightly used vehicle, CZK 400,000 can be enough for an Octavia with a mileage of up to 100,000 km, if you can accept a more modest engine and equipment. Cars with a mileage of up to 50,000 km cost from about 450,000 CZK, again depending on equipment, motorization and origin.
Engines that we don’t have
Interestingly, in some non-European markets, the Octavia IV is sold with a 1.4 TSI engine (110 kW and 250 Nm), a manual or an eight-speed automatic with a hydrodynamic torque converter from Aisin, and also with a classic 1.6 MPI engine still with indirect injection (81 kW and 152 Nm) as well as a classic automatic transmission from Aisin, here six-speed. But forget about such versions in the EU.
Photo: Škoda Auto
Different region, different manners… For example, in China, the Octavia, extended by 64 mm, is sold, and it also has a 1.4 TSI engine (110 kW and 250 Nm), which you cannot buy here. And it has another type of machine.
However, the Czech market is dominated by 2.0 TDI engines, which are available in several power versions (85, 110 and 147 kW), combinations of gearboxes and drives. On the other hand, the basic three-cylinder 1.0 TSI petrol engine is only front-wheel drive and often with a manual, although an automatic was also offered for it.
The four-cylinder 1.5 TSI is also widespread, with a higher proportion of automatic transmissions. The vast majority of gasoline two-liters are under the hood of the RS version, the “strangled” version of the two-liter with a power of 140 kW offered from March 2021 (in four-wheel drive with an automatic) is relatively rare in advertisements.
Tips on how to buy a used Octavia IV correctly
As with all cars, the Octavia should have a complete service history and a clean pedigree. It doesn’t really matter much about the kilometers, if the drive is documented and someone took good care of the car. If the car has been driven a lot and the average is 40 to 50,000 km per year, you should also want to see service records beyond basic maintenance, especially if the oil in the automatic transmission and all-wheel drive has been changed.
Photo: Dalibor Žák
Even though the Octavia IV is a relatively young car, get it thoroughly inspected. While there will probably be nothing to do with the body and chassis, it will be necessary to “prick” the car for diagnostics and let it “crack” everything on itself via the computer. You’d be surprised how much data a car stores about itself and will reveal on demand.
Probably the least risky are the regular petrol versions 1.0 TSI and 1.5 TSI with manual transmission. Don’t be afraid of the three-cylinder, it’s a good and reliable engine, which we showed during the test of the previous Octavia. His expression takes some getting used to, but he’s not the twitchy monster he used to be. The 15-liter also drives decently, and even if it doesn’t have a particularly sharp performance due to emissions, it’s a nice engine. In addition, the Octavia can drive very economically with it, easily even for 6 liters per 100 km.
We do not ban the 2.0 TDI diesel, but beware. Complex emissions systems and their expensive failures can quickly reverse the apparent advantages of diesel. But if you drive a lot and don’t skimp on maintenance, a diesel could still make sense. The basic version of 85 kW with manual is actually quite a reasonable choice. But be careful with quads with an automatic, there are already a lot of expensive things.
The most common faults and problems
The Octavia IV was a fairly well-made car from the start, at least when it comes to mechanics. But the first years were carried out in the spirit of constant service and recall actions, which were supposed to solve defects in the software. He hated the on-board infotainment, connectivity functions and related systems the most. There are basically no problems with the mechanics. Sometimes the heating does not work properly in the car just because of degraded coolant and a clogged exchanger.
Photo: Dalibor Žák
Fortunately, the Octavia IV avoids serious mechanical problems, so people were most upset with the connectivity, on-board system and infotainment. However, service events are trying to fix it, and today the first years are mostly fine.
In some diesels, however, improperly mounted distributions or a defective pulley appeared, sometimes the coolant distribution system fails (Octavia no longer has a classic thermostat but such a special “box” with electronically controlled overflow valves). However, defects in the AdBlue circuit are rampant, most often the car does not want to start due to a faulty additive pump.
There are no big problems with gasoline engines. The previous twitching of the petrol fifteen thousandth car caused by the software has perhaps already been definitively removed, but a new thing appears again in the form of a faulty oil separator and leaks in the intake air supply (the engine light is on and the car jerks). There are practically no problems with the three-cylinder 1.0 TSI. It is only necessary to give gasoline engines quality fuel, not to trouble them only on short routes, and to change the oil in time. In the future, watch out for clogging of the intake with carbon, but modern TSI units do not particularly suffer from this.
Is the Škoda Octavia IV a Steal or Just Another Steel Trap?
Ah, the fourth generation Škoda Octavia! The car that’s been around long enough to be your friend’s home renovation project but still looks fresh enough that people might mistake it for their latest Tinder date. You’ve seen it on our site countless times, but let’s dive deeper. Is this car really the hot cake on the used market, or just a slice… left out too long at a family BBQ?
The Numbers Game
Let’s crunch some stats, shall we? According to the fine folks at AAA Auto bazaar, the popular pick in the Octavia IV lineup is the two-liter diesel station wagon. You know, for all those times you need to haul your collection of vintage lawn gnomes. Diesel is holding its ground at a solid 55% of sales, with petrol versions not far behind. Honestly, if you can’t decide which to get, just flip a coin! But make sure you’re not flipping a diesel coin into a petrol tank!
Pricing: Not Quite Monopoly Money
Now, let’s talk about the price. The average median is sitting around 450,000 crowns. That’s right, folks! If you’re looking for a deal that won’t require pool noodles as support for your financial drowning, you might want to look for three-year-old gems from 2021! Also, it seems like the new models are sitting up in the million-plus club, while the used ones linger around the half-million mark. It’s like buying a house in a gentrifying neighborhood—good luck finding anything under a million!
Condition is King
Now, as we venture into the wild, treacherous world of used cars, remember: a good service history is your best friend! Sure, mileage might look tempting, but if you’ve got documentation showing the car had a spa day more often than your last vacation, then you might just have a winner on your hands. Just don’t be fooled by shiny paint jobs—it’s what’s under the hood (or, in some cases, under the bodge) that counts!
Diesel: Boon or Bane?
Seems like diesel is making a comeback of sorts. While most new cars are going ‘green’ like they just won a Bachelorette rose, the Octavia 2.0 TDI still reigns supreme in bazaars. Why? Because everyone’s finally learned how to fix the pesky little issues that used to make them about as popular as a root canal. Average around 400,000 crowns to get a decent one. But be cautious! Remember that the joy of owning a diesel can suddenly dissipate when you face those ‘expensive’ repairs lurking just around the corner!
The Market Landscape in 2024
By the end of 2024, the used Octavia floodgates will be wide open. But here’s the kicker: half of them will be diesels. Want to drive a nice station wagon? Be prepared for some friendly competition at the auctions as everyone and their grandma fights for the keys!
The “Other” Engines
Ever heard of the 1.4 TSI? Me neither! It’s just waiting in the wings—available in exotic places like China but a no-show here in Europe. We’ve got enough options with the 2.0 TDI to keep us entertained, so many that it’s like choosing a movie at the cinema: overwhelming but still captivating enough to keep you there!
Tips for a Smarter Purchase
If you’re thinking of diving into the Octavia IV life, here’s the hot tip: always, and I mean ALWAYS, check the service history. Like checking the expiry date of that suspicious-looking yogurt in your fridge. And don’t be scared of the 1.0 or 1.5 TSI engines—they’re reliable little fellas. Just remember to give them some quality petrol! They’re not fans of bottom-shelf choices, if you catch my drift.
The Flipside: Those Pesky Faults
Now, in case you were wondering, the Octavia IV isn’t without its drama. The infotainment system has been known to throw a tantrum like a toddler in a candy store. It’s essentially the car version of a teenage rebel: full of potential but often in need of a good software patch. So, keep that diagnostic tool handy, or you might just find yourself in an apple-and-pear situation trying to figure out why your new best friend isn’t talking to you!
Conclusion: The Verdict Is In!
So should you buy a used Škoda Octavia IV? Well, if you’re after a well-priced car that’s more reliable than your last attempt at cooking a soufflé, then give it a shot! Just remember that the used car market isn’t just about finding the lowest price; it’s about getting value for your money. And in the case of the Octavia, you might just be scoring a deal as sweet as a freshly baked pie. Just avoid the ones that sound too good to be true—like your mate who claims they can fix your car. Cheers!
This take combines observational humor with engaging and informative content, reflecting the classic comedic styles of Jimmy Carr, Rowan Atkinson, Ricky Gervais, and Lee Evans while keeping a definite focus on the Škoda Octavia IV’s used vehicle market nuances.
The fourth-generation Octavia, while familiar to our audience through numerous new car reviews and evaluations in the Used Car Tests section, remains a relatively recent addition to the automotive landscape, which may contribute to its perception as a primarily new vehicle among prospective buyers.
Having been available for nearly five years, the Octavia IV has established itself in the used car market, with intriguing metrics now emerging from prominent dealerships. The largest used car vendor in our region, AAA Auto bazaar, has released comprehensive statistics highlighting consumer preferences. “The leading choice among buyers remains the two-liter diesel station wagon, available in two power outputs of 85 and 110 kW. Notably, diesel variants represent 55% of sales at AAA AUTO, with gasoline models constituting 45%. The petrol 1.5 TSI displays commendable demand at 23%, while the 2.0 TSI, boasting higher performance, captures 12% of the market. Additionally, the iV plug-in hybrid models account for 10% of sales, particularly relevant as the manufacturer has ceased production of these hybrids post this year’s facelift,” stated the bazaar in a recent press release.
On the secondary market, the median price for an Octavia IV hovers around 450,000 crowns. Typically, these vehicles exhibit an average mileage of around 90,000 km and are predominantly three years old, tracing back to 2021. These cars remain in the market for an average of 63 days, which is noticeably shorter than the national average of 68 days. The fourth-generation Octavia continues to showcase strong sales performance, mirroring the appeal of its predecessor,” elaborated the leading Czech dealer of used cars.
AAA Auto further indicates that the most affordable models from 2020, with over 200,000 km on the odometer, are priced a little above 300,000 crowns. In contrast, the nearly new RS sports models from 2023—featuring only a handful of kilometers—are valued around 900,000 crowns, while newly introduced RS versions now exceed one million crowns. Attractive options in the Octavia lineup typically hover around the half-million crown mark, making them considerably cheaper than current new car prices, which have become increasingly elevated. For instance, selling an Octavia Combi 2.0 TDI 110 kW equipped with a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission and only 55,000 km of mileage at 550,000 crowns offers an impressive value, especially when the new equivalent costs approximately 890,000 crowns,” stated Petr Vaněček, common CEO of AURES Holdings.
The escalating prices of new cars significantly skew the perception of the used vehicle market. Consequently, it may appear that used car prices are not decreasing, but rather experiencing inflation. Realistically, purchasing a four-year-old Octavia with mileage below 100,000 km for 250,000 crowns seems implausible when new models command nearly a million crowns. However, increased supply in the market will inevitably influence pricing dynamics, leading to reductions in the values of the oldest and most heavily used models.
Since its availability as a used vehicle commenced in 2021, the Octavia IV has gradually begun to be recognized as a traditional used car model, particularly in 2023. Nevertheless, throughout 2023, monthly sales remained limited to a few units, comprising only one percent of the overall Octavia sales of the model line,” remarked Filip Kučera from Auto ESA. “However, as of this year, monthly sales have risen into the tens, leading the Octavia IV model to represent 5% of total sales across all Škoda Octavia generations,” he added.
Despite a national decline in interest for diesel vehicles, the Octavia 2.0 TDI remains a favored option in the used car marketplace, with competent models available for around 400,000 crowns.
According to Auto ESA, the Octavia IV’s average mileage in their inventory is 60,000 km, with a price point of approximately 550,000 crowns. Even earlier this year, the average price for an Octavia IV exceeded 700,000 crowns but has since seen a notable decrease. “The primary demand lies within diesel engines, which now constitute 65% of Octavia IV sales. Such trends are atypical among vehicles produced after 2020, where typically, gasoline engines garner greater interest,” Kučera explained.
As consumers display renewed interest in used diesels, these vehicles are witnessing a kind of comeback in the market. The re-emergence stems from the appealing pricing and improved service responses to previously problematic diesel issues, allowing for affordable repair options that facilitate continued vehicle operation.
What is on the market at the end of 2024?
Examining the current landscape, it becomes apparent that out of over two thousand listings for used cars, diesel and gasoline models form an approximately equal split, with hybrids trailing significantly behind. Additionally, the market tends to favor station wagon styles, even though liftbacks are still competitive alternatives. Transmission options are nearly evenly divided, with diesel models more frequently featuring automatic transmissions, while gasoline variants often come equipped with manual gearboxes. Nevertheless, all-wheel-drive vehicles are relatively scarce, with fewer than a hundred listed for sale.
A recent search revealed the most affordable Octavia IV priced just below 300,000 crowns. This vehicle, dating from 2020 and featuring a 1.0 TSI engine, has accumulated 171,000 km. Interestingly, several other options hover around this price point, including both 2.0 TDI and 1.5 TSI configurations. One 1.5 TSI showing 210,000 km and another 2.0 TDI with 144,000 km since 2021 are also available.
For those seeking a slightly used vehicle in good condition, a budget of 400,000 crowns would suffice for an Octavia with under 100,000 km, assuming one is open to models with simpler engines and modest equipment levels. Vehicles with mileage below 50,000 km generally start from around 450,000 crowns, which varies depending on the vehicle’s specifications and origin.
Engines that we don’t have
Interestingly, in non-European markets, the Octavia IV offers variants including a 1.4 TSI engine (110 kW and 250 Nm), available with both a manual and an eight-speed automatic transmission, in addition to a traditional 1.6 MPI engine equipped with indirect injection (81 kW and 152 Nm), which is paired with a six-speed automatic. However, these versions are not available within the European Union.
Interestingly, the Chinese market features an extended version of the Octavia, offering a lengthened body design while also incorporating the previously mentioned 1.4 TSI engine, which is absent from European offerings.
The Czech market, however, prominently features the 2.0 TDI engines, available in various power outputs (85, 110, and 147 kW), along with diverse combinations of transmissions and drivetrains. Conversely, the entry-level three-cylinder 1.0 TSI petrol engine typically appears in front-wheel-drive configurations and is predominantly equipped with a manual transmission, although an automatic option is available.
The popularity of the four-cylinder 1.5 TSI engine continues to rise, particularly among those seeking a higher number of automatic transmission options. The more powerful petrol two-liter engines are primarily found in the RS version, while the less common “strangled” 140 kW variant is typically offered in four-wheel-drive configurations featuring automatic transmissions.
Tips on how to buy a used Octavia IV correctly
As with all used vehicles, the Octavia should provide a complete service history and a clean pedigree. Mileage matters less when the overall maintenance records indicate proper care by the previous owner. If the vehicle shows high mileage averaging 40 to 50,000 km annually, ensure detailed service records go beyond mere routine maintenance—especially for automatics and all-wheel-drive systems.
Even though the Octavia IV is relatively youthful, it is essential to conduct a thorough inspection. While the exterior and chassis conditions may not raise red flags, utilizing diagnostics to assess performance can reveal invaluable data about the vehicle’s history and current state.
For those seeking a lower-risk option, the regular petrol versions, including the 1.0 TSI and 1.5 TSI, especially with manual transmissions, represent excellent choices. The three-cylinder engine has proven to be a reliable workhorse, with improvements noted since prior Octavia models. The 1.5 engine also delivers satisfactory performance and enjoys fuel-efficient ratings at around six liters per 100 km.
The 2.0 TDI diesel variants warrant caution; complex emissions systems could lead to substantial repair costs that overshadow fuel savings. Regular maintenance remains critical for this engine, particularly in the less powerful 85 kW manual version, which presents a balanced choice. However, tread carefully with quad models equipped with automatics, as they may entail significant expenses down the line.
The most common faults and problems
The Octavia IV was well-engineered from its launch, particularly concerning its mechanical components. Yet, the initial years featured a series of service and recall actions aimed at remedying software-related issues, predominantly affecting the infotainment system and connectivity features, leaving customers frustrated. Fortunately, most of these concerns have been addressed adequately through repairs and service events, resulting in satisfactory functionality for earlier models.
The mechanical design generally remains robust, yet some issues have been observed in diesel models, such as improperly mounted distributions or faulty pulleys. Some vehicles also show coolant distribution failures, as this model employs a unique system without a traditional thermostat. AdBlue systems have also faced challenges, with many vehicles experiencing starting problems linked to defective additive pumps.
Gasoline engines present fewer issues, with previously reported concerns of the 1.5 TSI’s erratic behavior largely mitigated through software updates. However, some owners have encountered leaks in the intake air supply or faulty oil separators, whereas the three-cylinder 1.0 TSI maintains a reputation for reliability. Regular maintenance, including timely oil changes and using quality fuel, remains vital to preventing long-term issues with the TSI engines.
