Ex-lease Octavias - things to watch out for?

[roshea]

Hi all. As I've mentioned elsewhere, I'm new here because I'm looking to replace ye olde family wagon (99 Magna), and a used Octavia looks like a great option. There have been a few of them on the market recently (at auctions and car dealers) that appear to be ex-lease: un-registered, 2010 made (MY10 / MY11) and around 40,000 km. I'll be looking for a full service history and some remaining warranty to take care of any issues that a full inspection might reveal. Are there any particular issues to look out for in buying something like this?

[BluChris]

Well, far be it for me to tell since I recently sold my Octavia, but the first and most obvious is make sure none are really ex rentals. Highly unlikely by now but Octavia's were on the Europcar fleet.

Next, I would strongly recommend looking for a diesel or an RS. I'm assuming you're looking for a DSG (auto), and the 6 speed fitted to the diesel is more robust than the 7 speed fitted to the 90 and 118.

There are various threads on here about how people have fared with their Octavias - seems to vary from not great to flawless. Can't say I have seen themes other than issues with the 7 speed that can afflict all VAG products so equipped, and LHS dashboard rattle.

Service history of course, and particularly that the vehicles were serviced by a Skoda, VW or specialised VAG independent workshop. Try to get it checked by a good independent, including diagnostic scan.

While you're at it, set up a good working relationship with that independent. Dealer servicing is expensive and not always the best. there are plenty on here who can recommend someone.

[roshea]

Thanks BluChris.

Unfortunately the half-dozen that have appeared locally in the last 2 weeks (all at the same dealer) have been 118 / DSG - just another indication of a fleet deal.

[BluChris]

It's your call in the end. I mentioned the 7 speed DSG because of threads on this site indicating problems with clutch packs in particular, some of which seem to be fixed by warranty replacement and some that seem to recur shortly after. The 6 speed has a history too, but seems to be more sorted in recent years as the more mature design.

The 118s for sale are very tempting, but I'd be looking at the other mid size options too as you suggested. The Superb is considerably bigger and though relatively narrow is more of a large car than a mid size. Depending on the budget, you may also have the sort of $ that will get you into new lower spec small cars. Many have drive away deals, so maybe check if they are large enough?

[woofy]

There weren't really any fleet deals, with 2010 118s I would highly suspect they are ex Europcar as that was the model they ran big fleets of at one stage.

[Damo105]

Ex lease cars are not usually anything to fear. They're usually always well maintained with a full service history. Ex rentals are a different story as they're prone to abuse by renters.

You may have seen my ex-lease car at Pickles a couple of weeks ago. It was an MY11 RS 147TSI manual wagon, race blue with 34kms. It was maintained perfectly by me, pampered and taken care of as it was my own because I intended buying it out at the end of the lease. Due to a change in circumstances I terminated the lease early, which is why it showed up at Pickles when only 18 months old. Whoever bought it would have gotten a bargain (as I suspect it would have sold for low $20s), and a great near new car with no issues.

[BlackSuperb]

Ex-lease Octavias - things to watch out for?

Yup same with my ex MY09 TDI Superb (with all the bells and whistles). Always serviced at a Skoda dealer (condition of the lease). A dealer now has it for sale under $22,000 with 12 months rego.

[K1W1]

"Ex lease" cars with around 40,000 km are not ex lease cars at all the are ex rental cars probably from Europcar I suspect.
Having brought plenty at auction over the years and having then resold them through yards I can say that reliability wise I would rather buy a second hand renter than virtually any second hand privately owned car. They get serviced well and I have never seen any warranty issues with them on used car lots. The only thing you have to watch is body damage. If the body is okay then go for it if it is in your price range and what you want.
The stories about abuse of rentals are generally complete b/s usually promoted by guys who believe that their testicles are hanging around their ankles and that they would have won the last Melbourne F1 race if they had been given a drive.. Most rental cars get driven perfectly normally for fairly short periods and are treated no differently than any other vehicle.
The reason they are shown as ex lease cars is that they were leased to the rental company by either the parent company or the finance company.

BTW I don't know where you are in Melbourne but I was in at Burwin VW in FTG this morning and they had at least three newly registered Skodas (Z plates) on their lot including one Scout.

[TSIfan]

I've been looking at these.... They represent excellent value..... They have perfect service history.... Just not factory warranty.... The dealer offered me extended FACTORY warranty.... I'm thinking of taking the plunge!

[K1W1]

Check the fine print on the warranty that you have been offered. Ask to read the details (all the details) and then do so carefully. Don't accept a glossy brochure there has to be a PDS available.
There are huge differences in what is covered and what is not covered by the various extended warranties that are being peddled and it's the old case of buyer beware.
READ THE FINE PRINT before you sign up.

[TSIfan]

Lucky enough I'm an ex salesman (Volkswagen, skoda and Mercedes dealerships) and know all the tricks!! It's skoda extended warranty and it covers the DSG... That's all I'm stressed about

[roshea]

Thanks for all the input.

I've described these as ex-lease since it seemed to me they must be company vehicles of some kind - ex-rental makes sense.

I've been looking at these.... They represent excellent value..... They have perfect service history.... Just not factory warranty.... The dealer offered me extended FACTORY warranty.... I'm thinking of taking the plunge!

Can you explain a little more about the warranty situation? These would normally have come with 3 years warranty as standard, so the 2010s should have some time remaining on that.

[rory]

The 7 speed being "dry" does not have a service interval unlike the "wet" 6 speed that requires that liquid gold evry so often.

[Tigger]

There weren't really any fleet deals, with 2010 118s I would highly suspect they are ex Europcar as that was the model they ran big fleets of at one stage.

I agree!...these are no doubt Ex Europcar hire cars...

[bobski]

I was speaking to a random bloke at the motorshow that claimed that most of the DSG problems stem from incorrect oil being used in the DSG boxes. Interesting take, but he could have just been a VW plant