I'm thinking of changing to a Skoda Octavia.

Hi,

I'm seriously considering changing to a Skoda Octavia, but I am undecided whether to get brand new or a second hand example up to three years' old. The 0% APR finance offer is obviously very tempting on a new car, but I'm just wondering if you think there's value in the second hand market? How does the Octavia's depreciation rate compare in the first two years with two to five years?

I'm also a bit puzzled by the different specifications that have been available since 2013. Can you give any clarity on this? It looks like in 2013 they were offering Ambition, Exclusive and Elegance, but it's now Active, Ambition and Style. Which ones were/are the better equipped models?

Thanks.

Gerry Connolly (Skerries, Dublin)

Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing new car

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Expert answer

Hi Gerry,

I think it's well worth considering a new Octavia, not least because the PCP rates are very tempting and it insulates you from any depreciation (which is pretty mild on an Octavia at any rate - it should retain at least 50 per cent value after three years). Used ones are good too, of course, but it's tempting to have that shiny new one with a full three-year warranty.

As for trims, well spotted - Skoda did indeed shuffle around its trim levels so that Ambition, which used to be the lowest spec, is now actually a well-equipped mid-range. It's worth going for as it comes with items like nice alloy wheels, a 5.8-inch touch screen for the stereo, multi-function steering wheel and Bluetooth.

Read our Skoda Octavia L&K review here

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Advisor
@neilmbriscoe