Other cars Octavia or Civic?

Wheelchair · 13th September 2007, 21:20

Leaning towards the purchase of a Skoda Octavia instead of the Civic.

I'm not too keen on the silver trim in the Civic, its pretty cheap looking. I think the computer is a bit of a gimmick also.

Would be a shame to leave Honda, but the Octavia also has a bigger boot which suits my needs. Plus the Octavia looks good in black.

Any thoughts?

BobM · 13th September 2007, 21:31

I love the civic, I have an EX. Could have taken a Passat ES instead at about the same monthly cost but prefer the smaller car (usually only me in it on business).
I like the SatNav as it is integrated with the radio etc, the I-shift is great, I drive in two modes slow and boring usually if I'm stuck on heavy motorways and rev the bit's off it as a manual if I have room and the inclination

And it is certainly a head turner. (bright blue)
All the same the Octavia is lots of car for the money but drive both and get a list of whats best on both and how they fit your needs.

Bob

HappyMan · 13th September 2007, 21:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wheelchair

Leaning towards the purchase of a Skoda Octavia instead of the Civic.

I'm not too keen on the silver trim in the Civic, its pretty cheap looking. I think the computer is a bit of a gimmick also.

Would be a shame to leave Honda, but the Octavia also has a bigger boot which suits my needs. Plus the Octavia looks good in black.

Any thoughts?

CIVIC is the only car to have!

tomcat · 13th September 2007, 21:39

When I was looking to change, I was considering the Octavia vRS Diesel offering. But the more Octavias I saw, I realised they just look like your normal eurobox car. Very plain, but no doubt functional, especially the boot as you mention. Not sure what spec Civic and Octavia you are looking at, but I seem to remember that some kit on the Octavia (on the vRS at least) were optional extras, whereas they are standard on the Civic.

Obviously, being a Civic forum, most will be slightly biased

, but in balance, I am aware of a few taxi drivers who use Octavias and swear by them, some covering in excess of 200,000 miles, without a hitch.

loon1x · 13th September 2007, 21:56

Being an Octavia 4x4 owner for 3 and a half years,i'd say i'm not that satisfied with it...
That's why i bought my type S...
I know i lost 4 wheels drive and turbo a.k.a. better accelaration...
But i gained in looks,fuel economy,reliability...
Maybe i was an unlucky owner of skoda because i had a faulty clutch changed in warranty,faulty fuel tank seal under the rear passengers seat changed in warranty,problem with water pump at 50.000km out of warranty(2 years only,honda has 7) and had to pay for it,Lost the plastic covers under the engine on snow...it was ripped off the car...Poor paintjob (chips),but i know this is a problem with civic also!!
And a problem with the fuel gauge it read half full and the tank was empty and left me out of gas!!
I'd say i was disappointed with the car but maybe i was the exception of the rule...

nic283 · 14th September 2007, 08:43

tomcat says it all for me - the octavia is a taxi driver's car. Don't buy a used octavia off a taxi driver (or any other car for that matter!) as one guy happily boasted to me about how he reset his mileage.

czechplastik · 14th September 2007, 16:04

We use Octavias in work. They are excellent cars, they drive well, they are comfortable and spacious.

The problem is they are very very dull, could never have one as my own car.

cnicolini · 14th September 2007, 16:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wheelchair

Leaning towards the purchase of a Skoda Octavia instead of the Civic.

I'm not too keen on the silver trim in the Civic, its pretty cheap looking. I think the computer is a bit of a gimmick also.

Would be a shame to leave Honda, but the Octavia also has a bigger boot which suits my needs. Plus the Octavia looks good in black.

Any thoughts?

I would still buy Japanese, you must also look into the resale value, the Civic should hold its money!

Minkster · 14th September 2007, 16:45

With me it was all about residuals. I do a fairly high mileage, and I wanted the possibility after two years to part-ex my car in and upgrade to a new model without changing my monthly payments. This can only be achieved if theres a chance that the value of the car will be equal or more than the remaining balance.

That blew Skodas out as the residuals are rubbish. Same for Fords and even VWs were looking a bit dodgy on certain models I liked (the new Jetta for example). Volvos C30 could have been good, but it was so new there was to much uncertainty. Minis have excellent residuals but I didn't want one.

So that left Audi A3's or Civics. The A3 I wanted (same spec as Civic) would have been over £20k!

If you are going to keep the car for years and years then its irrelevant of course, but if you want to upgrade after a few years, bear possible resale values in mind

DeanFYoung · 14th September 2007, 16:46

No contest - get the Civic! Octavias are still too boring looking, even the vRS doesnt stand out enough (for me).

Wheelchair · 14th September 2007, 16:59

Resale values are not important as I lease my cars on the motability scheme. This also pays for all repairs, servicing, insurance, road tax, tyres, glass.

Still finding it difficult to decide though.

Essexboy · 14th September 2007, 18:09

Is the comparable Skoda not the Fabia? The Octavia is much bigger isn't it?

My mate has a Fabia VRS and loves it, says it's a great car

HappyMan · 14th September 2007, 19:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Essexboy

Is the comparable Skoda not the Fabia? The Octavia is much bigger isn't it?

My mate has a Fabia VRS and loves it, says it's a great car

Yea but it is a very boring car - especially the new one. I have seen more interesting interiors in a coffin than in the new fabia.

In my opinion the Fabia missed the chance to make a good car even better. Other cars in the Fabia class have better equipment etc

malett · 14th September 2007, 23:05

I changed to Honda after 4 Skodas and if I had a chance right now would be straight back to Skoda again

The Civic has more knocks and rattles in it than the 4 Skodas had put together, the Sat-Nav (at least here in Ireland) is so out of date it is unreal, the ride is just to firm for the crap roads around here, the hands free is just a JOKE, the dash marks up if you look wrong at it, I could go on

If it was me in your shoes right now I know for a fact it would be Skoda getting my money and not honda, either the vRS or maybe the L&K with the new 1.8 TFSI engine

TTDegs · 15th September 2007, 00:50

vs

but then I guess you didn't expect me to say 'Skoda'

amronno · 15th September 2007, 01:11

Seriously?!!

Well, indeed Skodas are the best cars coming from VAG, (vw, audi group) even better than the bosses in Wolfsburg and Ingolstadt like! But from what I've heard and read about, these cars are infested with a whole lot of trouble, like electrical problems, high consumtion of oil, leaking and sweating of oil and other liquids, lousy bushings, etc, etc! I'm not impressed at all of this cars, IMO Honda is a much better car maker with far better reputation (probably a world leader on engines) Sorry, I don't buy that one, malett!

fk3de · 15th September 2007, 01:44

Even if they had the same quality standard as the Civics (which I´m not always happpy with...) - Skoda´s are as boring as all VWs/Seats..... Brrrrrrrrrrrrrr.......

Maybe some of the Audi´s are an option - but these are are a little more expensive - and in the end not better.

amronno · 15th September 2007, 02:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by fk3de

Even if they had the same quality standard as the Civics (which I´m not always happpy with...) - Skoda´s are as boring as all VWs/Seats..... Brrrrrrrrrrrrrr.......

Maybe some of the Audi´s are an option - but these are are a little more expensive - and in the end not better.

Yepp, Audi is the "premium brand" of those four although they share a lot of components, such as engines, gear boxes, electronic equipment, etc, etc!
Expensive, booring, -

zzzzzzz - and far to common! Not exclusive at all. For some reason, there are a whole lot of them here! Just everywhere!
I'm much more satisfied with a relatively small, exclusive stand alone car maker like Honda! I prefer quality rather than quantity! Why does everyone like to drive an Audi or a Golf or a Passat I keep asking myself? To me , it is a mystery!
Well, I guess many will be angry at me now perhaps, but I take the risk!
Anyway - this is a Honda civic 2006+ forum

EDIT:
Some of the more expencive Audi's looks great by looking at the exterior, thats for shure, but they are rather rare here, the problem however, is that Audi are infested with quite a lot of the same problems as the VW's, unfortunately! That's bad publicity for a Premium car brand!

Only thing that worries me a little, is that the civic are manufactured at HUK, Swindon, England, and not "made in Japan"! But so far i'm well satisfied!

FWH · 15th September 2007, 16:02

Skodas arent bad transport.
I went for a test drive in the first Octavia when it came out.
Very good value for money.

But also a boring standard car.

The Civic is wow and exitement and different and cool.
4 words you can´t say about the Octavia, no matter how much value for money and practical it is.

Have not driven the RS versions though.

amronno · 15th September 2007, 16:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by FWH

Skodas arent bad transport.
I went for a test drive in the first Octavia when it came out.
Very good value for money.

But also a boring standard car.

The Civic is wow and exitement and different and cool.
4 words you can´t say about the Octavia, no matter how much value for money and practical it is.

Have not driven the RS versions though.

Welcome back FWH!

Missed you around!
I totally agree with you, buddy!
Anyway I'm off now, taking my civic for a spin to Oslo, Uddevalla and Gothenburg!
See you all later!

13th September 2007, 21:20	#1 (permalink)
Wheelchair Supporter Magic Rear Seat Join Date: 10th August 2007 Location: Chelmsford, Essex Posts: 922 Thanks: 7 Thanked 24 Times in 23 Posts	Octavia or Civic? Leaning towards the purchase of a Skoda Octavia instead of the Civic. I'm not too keen on the silver trim in the Civic, its pretty cheap looking. I think the computer is a bit of a gimmick also. Would be a shame to leave Honda, but the Octavia also has a bigger boot which suits my needs. Plus the Octavia looks good in black. Any thoughts?

15th September 2007, 01:11	#16 (permalink)
amronno Just a basic member Magic Rear Seat Join Date: 8th August 2007 Location: Bergen, Norway Posts: 837 Thanks: 11 Thanked 10 Times in 10 Posts	Seriously?!! Well, indeed Skodas are the best cars coming from VAG, (vw, audi group) even better than the bosses in Wolfsburg and Ingolstadt like! But from what I've heard and read about, these cars are infested with a whole lot of trouble, like electrical problems, high consumtion of oil, leaking and sweating of oil and other liquids, lousy bushings, etc, etc! I'm not impressed at all of this cars, IMO Honda is a much better car maker with far better reputation (probably a world leader on engines) Sorry, I don't buy that one, malett! Last edited by amronno; 15th September 2007 at 02:10.

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This thread is about: Octavia or Civic?, it's in Buying, Dealers and Servicing at the Honda Civic forum Civinfo; Leaning towards the purchase of a Skoda Octavia instead of the Civic. I'm not too keen on the silver trim in the Civic, its pretty ...

13th September 2007, 21:31	#2 (permalink)
BobM Supporter Valve Cap Join Date: 25th May 2007 Location: tipton Posts: 16 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I love the civic, I have an EX. Could have taken a Passat ES instead at about the same monthly cost but prefer the smaller car (usually only me in it on business). I like the SatNav as it is integrated with the radio etc, the I-shift is great, I drive in two modes slow and boring usually if I'm stuck on heavy motorways and rev the bit's off it as a manual if I have room and the inclination And it is certainly a head turner. (bright blue) All the same the Octavia is lots of car for the money but drive both and get a list of whats best on both and how they fit your needs. Bob

13th September 2007, 21:39	#4 (permalink)
tomcat Valve Cap Join Date: 5th February 2007 Posts: 36 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	When I was looking to change, I was considering the Octavia vRS Diesel offering. But the more Octavias I saw, I realised they just look like your normal eurobox car. Very plain, but no doubt functional, especially the boot as you mention. Not sure what spec Civic and Octavia you are looking at, but I seem to remember that some kit on the Octavia (on the vRS at least) were optional extras, whereas they are standard on the Civic. Obviously, being a Civic forum, most will be slightly biased , but in balance, I am aware of a few taxi drivers who use Octavias and swear by them, some covering in excess of 200,000 miles, without a hitch.

13th September 2007, 21:56	#5 (permalink)
loon1x Supporter Valve Cap Join Date: 24th August 2007 Location: Piraeus/Greece Posts: 48 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Being an Octavia 4x4 owner for 3 and a half years,i'd say i'm not that satisfied with it... That's why i bought my type S... I know i lost 4 wheels drive and turbo a.k.a. better accelaration... But i gained in looks,fuel economy,reliability... Maybe i was an unlucky owner of skoda because i had a faulty clutch changed in warranty,faulty fuel tank seal under the rear passengers seat changed in warranty,problem with water pump at 50.000km out of warranty(2 years only,honda has 7) and had to pay for it,Lost the plastic covers under the engine on snow...it was ripped off the car...Poor paintjob (chips),but i know this is a problem with civic also!! And a problem with the fuel gauge it read half full and the tank was empty and left me out of gas!! I'd say i was disappointed with the car but maybe i was the exception of the rule...

14th September 2007, 08:43	#6 (permalink)
nic283 Supporter Valve Cap Join Date: 15th June 2007 Location: Central Scotland Posts: 44 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	tomcat says it all for me - the octavia is a taxi driver's car. Don't buy a used octavia off a taxi driver (or any other car for that matter!) as one guy happily boasted to me about how he reset his mileage.

14th September 2007, 16:04	#7 (permalink)
czechplastik King of the rodeo Civinfo guru Join Date: 24th October 2006 Location: Belfast Posts: 4,500 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	We use Octavias in work. They are excellent cars, they drive well, they are comfortable and spacious. The problem is they are very very dull, could never have one as my own car.

14th September 2007, 16:45	#9 (permalink)
Minkster Locking Wheelnut Join Date: 31st May 2007 Location: Grantham, UK Posts: 124 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	With me it was all about residuals. I do a fairly high mileage, and I wanted the possibility after two years to part-ex my car in and upgrade to a new model without changing my monthly payments. This can only be achieved if theres a chance that the value of the car will be equal or more than the remaining balance. That blew Skodas out as the residuals are rubbish. Same for Fords and even VWs were looking a bit dodgy on certain models I liked (the new Jetta for example). Volvos C30 could have been good, but it was so new there was to much uncertainty. Minis have excellent residuals but I didn't want one. So that left Audi A3's or Civics. The A3 I wanted (same spec as Civic) would have been over £20k! If you are going to keep the car for years and years then its irrelevant of course, but if you want to upgrade after a few years, bear possible resale values in mind

14th September 2007, 16:46	#10 (permalink)
DeanFYoung Supporter Magic Rear Seat Join Date: 19th June 2007 Location: Southampton Posts: 544 Thanks: 8 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	No contest - get the Civic! Octavias are still too boring looking, even the vRS doesnt stand out enough (for me).

14th September 2007, 16:59	#11 (permalink)
Wheelchair Supporter Magic Rear Seat Join Date: 10th August 2007 Location: Chelmsford, Essex Posts: 922 Thanks: 7 Thanked 24 Times in 23 Posts	Resale values are not important as I lease my cars on the motability scheme. This also pays for all repairs, servicing, insurance, road tax, tyres, glass. Still finding it difficult to decide though.

14th September 2007, 18:09	#12 (permalink)
Essexboy Supporter Locking Wheelnut Join Date: 9th June 2007 Location: Essex Posts: 179 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Is the comparable Skoda not the Fabia? The Octavia is much bigger isn't it? My mate has a Fabia VRS and loves it, says it's a great car

14th September 2007, 23:05	#14 (permalink)
malett Supporter Wheelnut Join Date: 10th July 2007 Location: Cork City - Ireland Posts: 71 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I changed to Honda after 4 Skodas and if I had a chance right now would be straight back to Skoda again The Civic has more knocks and rattles in it than the 4 Skodas had put together, the Sat-Nav (at least here in Ireland) is so out of date it is unreal, the ride is just to firm for the crap roads around here, the hands free is just a JOKE, the dash marks up if you look wrong at it, I could go on If it was me in your shoes right now I know for a fact it would be Skoda getting my money and not honda, either the vRS or maybe the L&K with the new 1.8 TFSI engine

15th September 2007, 00:50	#15 (permalink)
TTDegs Super Moderator Civinfo master Join Date: 4th August 2006 Location: Cardiff Posts: 5,638 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	vs but then I guess you didn't expect me to say 'Skoda'

15th September 2007, 01:44	#17 (permalink)
fk3de Valve Cap Join Date: 30th August 2007 Posts: 1 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Even if they had the same quality standard as the Civics (which I´m not always happpy with...) - Skoda´s are as boring as all VWs/Seats..... Brrrrrrrrrrrrrr....... Maybe some of the Audi´s are an option - but these are are a little more expensive - and in the end not better.

15th September 2007, 16:02	#19 (permalink)
FWH Super Moderator Civinfo master Join Date: 3rd June 2007 Location: Sweden Posts: 5,227 Thanks: 6 Thanked 44 Times in 39 Posts	Skodas arent bad transport. I went for a test drive in the first Octavia when it came out. Very good value for money. But also a boring standard car. The Civic is wow and exitement and different and cool. 4 words you can´t say about the Octavia, no matter how much value for money and practical it is. Have not driven the RS versions though.