Skoda is a Czech automobile manufacturer established in 1925. Skoda Works became state owned in 1948. In the late 1980s, Skoda was still manufacturing cars that conceptually dated back to the 1960s, and in Western Europe, were aimed squarely at the budget end of the market.
Rear engine Skoda cars were a common sight on the roads of the UK and Western Europe throughout the 1970s and 1980s and were often the subject of jokes. But Skoda made tough cars and won its class in the RAC rally for 17 years running.
Since 2000, Skoda has been a wholly owned subsidiary of VW and the companies share numerous platforms, for example, the Skoda Fabia is mechanically similar to the Volkswagen Polo and the Skoda Octavia is similar to the Volkswagen Golf.
At Perth Swedish and European Auto Centre, we have extended family with 25 years of Skoda ownership. One family member regularly notches up 300,000 km and replaces his Skoda Octavia station wagon very 5 years with a new one. Like their VW equivalents, frequently maintained Skodas will give many years and miles / kms of largely trouble-free service.
It's important to look after the DSG "automatic" transmissions as they are actually a dual clutch unit rather than an automatic in the old sense. We highly recommend servicing the DSG transmission every 60,000km to be safe as they are complex. A properly serviced and used DSG transmission can last a long time. A neglected DSG will struggle to last 100,000km.
Of course, we check coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, brakes, suspension, tyres, steering, lights, all fluid levels, air conditioning and the battery. Remember, brakes, tyres and suspension are vital for the safety of your car in daily driving.
