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Which SHOULD be more reliable and durable on budget upto 5K?
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Depends on age, mileage, condition, servicing etc. But being formerly an owner of a '52 TDCi and a Mk IV Golf TDI,I'd say the Octavia.
Lets just say that the simpler engine is better understood, its foibles and their fixes are known, and are a darn sight cheaper to set right than the Mondeo.
Note that there are 2 other threads on page 1 at the mo detailing the upsides of the TDi and downsides of TDCi.
tt
Edited by theterranaut on 13/12/2009 at 17:24
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Im running a petrol 2.0 626 at the moment, are the added complexitys of diesel worth the extra MPG?
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For the TDI I'd say yes. Not that complex or expensive to fix, bags of oomph and great economy. Get a warranty though.
Know what you mean though, I chopped the Mondy for a Mazda3 1.6.
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John I currently run a 2002 Mondeo 2.0 petrol and both the diesel Mondeo and Octavia Tdi have been on a short list for most of this year but we've just never got round to making the change.
I don't think it can be just about reliability and longevity as they are quite different cars.
£5k is a bit of a crossover budget for the Octavia as both pre 2004 and post 2004 cars come into this price bracket (at dealers anyway). We test drove a 2003 Octavia earler in the year and found it far too unrefined compared to our Mondeo. It had loads of wind, road and suspension noise and was sharp on bumps. Also little thought had gone into the design compared to the Mondeo with things like the heater controls buried way below your sight line at the base of the gear lever.
The post 2005 is loads better and has a real quality feel... still probably not quite as refined as the Mondeo though. The biggest thing for us with the 2006 Octavia we looked at was it seemed a bit cramped after the Mondeo... the rear legroom and load space in particular. After all the Octavia is based on a Golf so it's to be expected.
I think it's true you are likely to get some very very good MPG figues from the Skoda but the Mondeos can often dissapoint in day to day use.
If it was my own money I'd be happier with the overall quality of the Skoda, the fact the Skoda isn't likely to rust if you keep it another 4yrs whereas the Mondeo could well show some edge bubbling by then, I'de rather have the potential added reliability of the Skoda engine above the Ford as the miles mounted, I'd rather be going to the Skoda dealers for parts or service than Ford.
Is it worth going diesel for the increased fuel consumption... as long as you choose a diesel that is capable of good figures yes... it's what I'm about to do in the new year.
Edited by M.M on 13/12/2009 at 18:56
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M M. I should have said that I meant the mk2 octy!!
Also, whatever I do get next, I intend to keep for at least 4-5 years so longevity is very important. Is it fair to say that an Octy should last longer than a Mondy??
I have to say that Ive not noticed too many shabby fords, although I am aware of the door rusting saga on mondeos.
Another point for me is that due to me wanting to keep it for quite a long time, would I be safer buying a cheaper petrol version knowing that even with higher fuel costs, Im less likely to get hit with massive repair bills???
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Both about equally relaibale but Octy is easier and cheaper to fix on engine and electrical faults. Octy is a car good for 10 years, Mondeos tend to be a bit shot out by year 5.
1000's of taxi drivers cant all be wrong.
The Octy 1.9PD engine is a bit tractor like compared to the Mondeo, but its all a compromise. If you are keeping the car another 4-5 years then really it can only be the Octy. They do have their weak spots, but they are all fairly easy to sort and its a very strong car.
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As someone who's run many older cars in my time the Octavia gives me the feel of the one I'd rather have as it slips into middle/old age.
As to the petrol vs diesel liability there's a lot of talk about just now but to be honest the jury's still out. You have to go with what you feel.
Personally I've had enough of high petrol fuel consumption from my current car after many previous years of diesel and can't wait to get back to diesel. I thought the Skoda just a little small for our needs as mentioned, I was very slightly nervous about a used Mondeo diesel so hopefully will have something else and hopefully new so I get 3yrs repairs (if needed) at the dealers expense.
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tinyurl.com/y8el8wu {shortened link to autotrader to restore correct page width}
Not my postcode!!
This place has one octavia, and two mondeos for 5k
Edited by Dynamic Dave on 13/12/2009 at 20:41
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Currently running Octavia 1.9 PD. Last car was CMAX with TDCI engine. Ford was a mass of trouble from day one and suffered DMF failure after 3 1/2 years. Skoda has perfomed immaculately and build quality far superior to Ford. The TDCI engine however was superb, smooth with amazing acceleration. PD is rougher but compensates with economy figures in mid fifties on a long run and mid forties around town. Would choose Skoda over Ford every time.
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John, it sounds as if what you need is a Skoda Superb. More room than an Octavia, although the Mark 1 was I think a saloon rather than a hatch. The 1.9 TDI 130 bhp is the one to go for.
There's always the Octavia estate if you need more luggage room.
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Really dont need something that big Avant!! my 626 is quite big enough!!
Only reason Im thinking of getting rid is because of rust issues and the fact that the parking brake is crap! Dont fancy a big bill to fix or repair the calipers when MOT is due in July!!
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