Used Skoda Octavia for sale near Harlow

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.3 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.4%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 1,000
Average Price: Around £15,000

Skoda Octavia (2004-2012) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Delivers spacious and sensible motoring	Early diesel engines are a little gruff
vRS versions combine performance and practicality	Not the most glamorous of badges
Good value for money	Stereo systems not the best

Quick Summary

The Skoda Octavia (2004-2012), the second generation of Skoda's popular family car, built upon its predecessor's strengths by offering a reliable, inexpensive, and practical package with more modern looks and improved technology. Available as a hatchback or estate, it boasts impressive boot space (560 litres for the hatch, 605 litres for the estate) and generous passenger room, making it more spacious than many contemporary rivals and even some modern hatchbacks. Its interior, while not overtly exciting, is highly functional and comfortable.

Driving the Octavia is a pleasant experience, characterized by a composed ride, accurate steering, and precise controls, making it an easy car to live with. A wide selection of petrol and diesel engines, including the efficient Greenline II models and the performance-oriented vRS, caters to diverse needs. Updates throughout its lifespan, including a 2009 facelift, brought improved styling and features like touchscreen media and Bluetooth on higher trims. Running costs are generally low, with good fuel economy and accessible parts, though buyers should factor in potential timing belt changes.

Best for: Those seeking a spacious, comfortable, and practical family car; buyers on a budget looking for good value; individuals needing a car for poor weather (4WD versions); or those interested in a high-performance yet practical option (vRS).

Not ideal for: Buyers prioritising a glamorous badge or exciting interior styling; those who prefer timing chains over timing belts for lower long-term maintenance; or those expecting the latest infotainment as standard on older models.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Octavia if: You're seeking a spacious, comfortable, and practical family car, are on a budget looking for good value, need a car for poor weather (4WD versions), or want a high-performance yet practical option (vRS).

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise a glamorous badge or exciting interior styling, prefer timing chains over timing belts, or expect the latest infotainment as standard on older models.

Competitive Position: The Skoda Octavia (2004-2012) is a highly sensible and capable option in the used family car market. It stands out for its exceptional practicality, spacious interior, comfortable driving experience, and good value for money. While it may lack the premium badge appeal of some rivals, it offers a compelling alternative to cars like the Volkswagen Golf, Vauxhall Astra, and Ford Focus, and even more expensive options like the Audi A4 or BMW 3 Series, particularly with the vRS variant. Its reliability, diverse engine range, and manageable running costs solidify its position as a strong contender, especially for budget-conscious buyers.

Skoda Octavia Review

The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from January 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.