Used Skoda Octavia for sale nearSaffron Walden

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 36.4%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.4 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 800
Average Price: Around £13,000

Skoda Octavia (2013-2019) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Great value for money	A little unexciting to drive, aside from the vRS versions
Hugely practical	Base models are very basic
Reputation for delivering hassle-free motoring	Not exactly a head-turner

Quick Summary

The Skoda Octavia (2013-2019) is a mid-range family car that punches well above its weight in terms of space and practicality. Available as both five-door hatchback and estate models, it delivers significantly more interior room than most rivals, yet for similar or even less money. With a hatchback boot of 590 litres and an estate offering 610 litres beneath the load cover (expanding to 1,740 litres with seats folded), the Octavia is exceptionally practical for families. The range spans from affordable, no-frills S models through to luxurious Laurin & Klement versions, with responsive turbocharged petrol engines and gutsy, efficient diesel options available throughout.

Handling is crisp and clean rather than thrilling, with direct steering and predictable responses, though the ride can feel firm on larger wheels. The most economical versions are the 1.6-litre turbodiesel Greenline models, achieving up to 70mpg in real-world driving, whilst 2.0-litre TDI engines deliver 60-65mpg. Even the performance vRS variants are tolerably efficient. The Octavia feels built to last, with a strong reputation for reliability and hassle-free ownership. Servicing costs are reasonable, with fixed-price options available at Skoda dealers, and many petrol engines feature timing chains that shouldn't require replacement during the car's life.

Best for: Families prioritising space and practicality, budget-conscious buyers seeking great value, those wanting hassle-free motoring, and drivers interested in the performance-oriented vRS versions.

Not ideal for: Buyers seeking an exciting driving experience (except vRS models), those wanting a head-turning design, or those requiring premium trim levels as standard.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Octavia if: You're a family prioritising space and practicality, seeking great value for money, wanting hassle-free motoring, or interested in the performance-oriented vRS versions.

Consider alternatives if: You're seeking an exciting driving experience (except vRS models), prioritising a head-turning design, or requiring premium trim levels as standard.

Competitive Position: The Skoda Octavia (2013-2019) is an exceptionally sensible family car that delivers outstanding value and practicality. In hatchback form, it simply cannot be beaten on space for its size, whilst the estate is vast and versatile. All Octavias feel built to last, with a strong reputation for reliability and hassle-free ownership. Whilst the Volkswagen Golf Mk7 offers a more premium feel and the Honda Civic provides superior user ratings, the Octavia's combination of practicality, affordability, and dependability makes it an excellent choice for budget-conscious families. The Vauxhall Astra, meanwhile, lags behind in expert ratings. The Octavia's cost-effective ownership experience and impressive space make it a standout proposition in the family car segment.

Read our full Skoda Octavia Review

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