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I'm considering buying a Skoda Octavia 1.8 Turbo 2004 (NZ new).

Main concern is cost of parts/ongoing maintence being a European vehicle.

it has been serviced regularly and is low kms (71,000).

Cost of a mechanical warranty is high, is it worth purchasing?

Any advice/tips would be appreciated.

Linda

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 14 December 2009

Most people who drive or own these vehicles love them.

Having a past proven service history and the fact the vehicle was sold new in NZ also provides great peace of mind.

European vehicles can be more expensive to maintain than say a mainstream Japanese equivalent but the Skoda will not be any more costly than any other Euro of similar age and mileage.

The mechanicals are based around the previous generation VW Golf technology which has earned itself a solid reputation in NZ.

Mechanical warranty insurance is always a gamble but it can pay for itself in one repair and be the greatest investment you ever made.