[ssjr0498]

I guess, BMW is not far behind! There are many instance when they have spoilt perfectly working sun-roof's, clean interiors and what not.

That said, all of it is of no pain once someone reads your tbhp handle!!! EPIC!!!

Originally Posted by gobarboss

Thank for the review. I think anything above 1 Lac KM is a great feat. It's not just Skoda but the after sales of Audi is pathetic. Our 8 year old Q5 (75K km old) has faced so many issues at the Lucknow service centre I had to email the VW head.

In the first instance, they put misaligned break pads. And wouldn't accept the mistake lol. It took another trip to place them properly. Meanwhile as the car was stationed in their centre the sunroof tore/came off. They informed us and wanted to share the price of a new one with us 50:50 ( What was our fault ?).

Only the Toyotas (Fortuner) and Indian made cars (Alto, Safari, Zen) never had an issue in our household.

My Kodiaq TSI is 2 years old now. I have seen a major drop is fuel economy. The tank range has slipped from 560 to 450 when filled completely. Otherwise it's been a flawless so far. But I feel the consensus on fuel eco is 8 to 9 on TSIs. Service experience still is not upto mark. But the braking, features, comfort, drive dynamics is superb. Perfect family car for the price. Nothing beats it at that.

[emperor]

The odometer has rolled past 1,60,000 kilometers, and the Skoda Kodiaq remains a trusted companion on every journey. With a fresh service just completed, I can confidently say the car continues to perform flawlessly. While it’s showing signs of age with some wear and tear, mechanically, it feels as strong as ever, and we’re aiming to keep it going well past 2,50,000 kilometers.



Since the last review at 1.45L km there have been no new mechanical issues, which is a testament to the Kodiaq’s reliability. However, a few observations and developments have surfaced over the last 50,000 kilometers that are worth sharing:

Engine Oil Check Warning:
One thing I’ve noticed since hitting the 1,10,000 km mark is the engine oil check light activating consistently every 10,000 kilometers. Here’s how it typically plays out:

1. Oil Consumption: After servicing, the light doesn’t show up until around 8,000 kilometers, signaling that the oil level is low.
   
2. Dipstick Reading: When checked via the dipstick, the oil level indeed appears quite low. However, during the service, the oil flush consistently leaves about 4.5 liters out of the 5.5-liter capacity, as confirmed by the Service Advisor.
   
3. According to the SA, this is entirely normal for high-mileage engines. He also advised against relying on the dipstick to judge the oil level, citing that even minor variations can trigger the warning light.

Rattling Sounds
One of the first signs of age creeping in is the emergence of rattling sounds, primarily from the right side of the vehicle. These noises are more noticeable on rough roads or when driving over uneven surfaces. While not loud enough to be bothersome, they’re noticeable enough to remind us of the car’s high mileage. The right-side passenger door appears to be a significant contributor and some of the sounds seem to originate from within the door panels or the trims, likely due to loosened fittings.

Cosmetic Aging and Upcoming Bodywork
After six years of use, the exterior is beginning to show its age:

• The Kodiaq has accumulated several dents and scratches over time, particularly from city traffic and highway debris.
• Impressively, none of the panels have been repainted since the car’s purchase, which speaks volumes about the original paint quality.
• We’re planning to send the car for bodywork soon. The aim is to fix the dents and scratches while retaining the original panels, ensuring the car’s aesthetic matches its mechanical condition.

Engine
The 2.0L TDI engine in the Kodiaq has become slightly noisier and there is increase in lag when flooring the accelerator, reducing the sharp punch it once had. Despite this, overtaking remains effortless, and the car continues to perform capably on highways and in city traffic, delivering all the power you realistically need. The 7-speed DSG remains impressively smooth.

Interior
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Kodiaq is how well the interior has aged. Apart from the faint rattling noises (mostly from the right side of the vehicle), the interior remains as solid and premium as it was when new. It’s nearly impossible to tell that this car has clocked 1.6L km just by looking at the cabin. The seats, dashboard, and other touchpoints have held up extraordinarily well. The seats remain supportive, and the cabin continues to provide a relaxing, noise-insulated environment for long drives.

Service Update
The most recent service cost us ₹31,000, which included oil change and the replacement of all four filters—air, oil, fuel, and cabin. We also had our rear wiper replaced which was long time due.

The Road Ahead
While we initially faced a few issues with the Skoda Kodiaq, particularly due to the engine freeze early in its life, the last 80,000 kilometers have been incredibly smooth, with no major troubles. This SUV has proven itself as a reliable and capable companion, handling everything we’ve thrown at it over the past six years with remarkable resilience. With upcoming bodywork and consistent maintenance, we’re confident that it will continue to serve us well for years to come. Our goal of reaching 2,50,000 kilometers feels not only achievable but also realistic, given the car’s performance and reliability over the last several years.

Here are some recently clicked pics (I do that rarerly):




Attachment 2688960

[Octy]

It’s amazing how the car is performing especially mechanically after such a high mileage. I wanted to ask if the car running is running on the stock suspension setup. Also have the engine or transmission mounts have been changed ever, since you have mentioned the engine has got noisier

[thisissoumya]

Congratulations on hitting the 1.5L mark on a Skoda. Very satisfying to see a high tech skoda performing so well without frequent visit to workshop.

wishing you a fuss-free ownership experience and all the luck to hit the 2.5L mark. Cheers!

[GeeTee TSI]

Fabulous ownership record indeed, that too of a complex car.

This is testament to a well maintained diesel car being a sustainable alternative to scrapping it and getting a contemporary model which isn't much of an upgrade.

[SilverSmoke]

Originally Posted by gobarboss

My Kodiaq TSI is 2 years old now. I have seen a major drop is fuel economy. The tank range has slipped from 560 to 450 when filled completely.

Mine 2.0 TSI is 29 months & 44K ODO now. But FE & performance is more or less the same. With average tankful range of 620 KMs on highway + city mix.

[peugeot96]

Wow a high miler Skoda! The previous highest I have seen is a relative's 2020 octavia with 150k on the odometer. Gives me hopes that my Slavia will hold up for at least that much!.

[Chisels121]

Originally Posted by peugeot96

Wow a high miler Skoda! The previous highest I have seen is a relative's 2020 octavia with 150k on the odometer. Gives me hopes that my Slavia will hold up for at least that much!.

Dad's colleague has a '13 Rapid with 200k km on the clock that too on non existent Bihar highways. No wonder he still swears by it

[mHawk_UTKRISHT]

Hello sir, I'm looking to buy a SUV under the 55 lakh segment. Considering you've owned the Kodiaq this far, any recommendations for a feature loaded, AWD power SUV?

[Vikash Kumawat]

Originally Posted by emperor

Here are some recently clicked pics (I do that rarerly):
Attachment 2688955

Attachment 2688956

Attachment 2688960

Kodiaq diesel really turned out a trusted companion,

Lets see if I spot this Kodiaq somewhere on the Jaipur-Sikar highway

[emperor]

Originally Posted by Octy

It’s amazing how the car is performing especially mechanically after such a high mileage. I wanted to ask if the car running is running on the stock suspension setup. Also have the engine or transmission mounts have been changed ever, since you have mentioned the engine has got noisier

Yes, the suspension is still the stock setup. As for the engine and transmission mounts, they haven’t been changed yet. The noise is not overly loud or concerning at this point. Hence for now, I plan to wait before considering a replacement, as the mounts are still performing adequately.

[Chitta Pradhan]

Originally Posted by emperor

We purchased the Skoda Kodiaq in February 2018. At that time, there weren't many options in the 50 lakh range. We I must admit, I have developed a deep affection for this car. We have no plans of selling it and intend to continue using it for as long as possible. The Skoda Kodiaq has truly captured our hearts, and we look forward to many more adventures together.

Since you have extensive experiance of both Vento TDI DSG and Kodiaq diesel DSG, please help me.

Searching for a upgrade for Vento TDI DSG in used car market. Today test drove a Kodiaq 4*4 style, done 70k, up-to-date service record, 2018 model for 18 lacs. Liked the car. Spacious and refined...

Also got a news of 2020 Compass 4*4 diesel AT of a known person. Done 45k. Could not discuss about the price because of the closeness. I have not test driven the car yet.

Few questions-

1. Which will be a better buy?
2. Will Kodiaq be unreliable and too costly to maintain?
3. I don't need 4*4. As I understand, there is no option to swich off 4*4 in both cars. How much of an affect it has on FE?
4. I felt the ride of Kodiaq to be comfy. How is ride of Compass?
5. Will both be proper upgrade to my Vento?
6. Is the price quoted for Kodiaq is ok?
7. What should be the price of Compass?
8. Most of the time, I will drive the car alone. In that case, how stiff or bouncy will be the ride quality?

Please revert & help.

Thanks

[emperor]

Originally Posted by Chitta Pradhan

Since you have extensive experiance of both Vento TDI DSG and Kodiaq diesel DSG, please help me.
Thanks

I don’t have the Vento DSG. Mine is a 2012 manual 2.0 TDI.

1. I don’t have much idea about the Compass, so I won’t be able to guide you on which choice is better. However, I can address the rest of your questions. It’s important to note that the Compass and Kodiaq belong to different segments: the Compass is a compact SUV (C-Segment), while the Kodiaq is a premium SUV (D-Segment).

2. From my experience, the Kodiaq has been a reliable car. The last major issue that required immediate attention was around 90,000 km, but even then, it wasn’t something persistent. At 50,000 km, we had some hiccups, but that was due to driving through water logged roads at a high speed and subsequent subpar service center work. Since then, the car has been running smoothly, with no major problems. However, the Kodiaq can be costly to maintain. Regular service costs atleast ₹25k for 10k km intervals. 60k km service can go up to ₹40k. If something goes wrong that isn’t covered under warranty or insurance, it can cost significantly. If you can account for these costs, the Kodiaq is a dependable and well-built vehicle.

3. In both the Kodiaq and likely the Compass, the 4x4 system is not always active. It engages automatically only when required (e.g., during off-road conditions or wheel slip). For regular driving, the car operates in FWD (Front-Wheel Drive) mode, ensuring minimal impact on fuel efficiency. Regarding mileage, I recently tracked the mileage manually (fuel filled vs. odometer readings) and found: 18.25 km/l on highways, 15 km/l when driving 200 km on highways and 80 km in city conditions.

5. This depends on your expectations. The Kodiaq, especially the 2018 Style trim, lacks features common in 2024 models, such as TPMS, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, ADAS, 360-degree camera, and ventilated seats. These are conveniences but not necessities. The Kodiaq is very well-engineered. While the 150 BHP from the TDI engine may seem underpowered on paper, it gets the job done efficiently. The DSG gearbox has been extremely reliable in my case, with no issues even after extensive use. The Kodiaq feels luxurious. Its interior materials, design, and build quality will make it feel like a significant upgrade from the Vento. If your priority is space, comfort, and refinement, the Kodiaq is a worthy upgrade. However, for cutting-edge features, you might consider newer options.

6. A quick google search shows that ₹18 lakh is a fair price for a 2018 Kodiaq with 70,000 km. However, inspect the service history and condition carefully before committing.

8. As the driver, you’ll find the Kodiaq exceptionally comfortable over bad roads. The suspension is well-tuned to handle rough patches, and you’ll barely feel anything in the driver’s seat. However, rear passengers may feel some bumps, especially if the car isn’t fully loaded. Overall, for solo driving, the ride quality is plush and stable.

Let me know if you have any more questions—I’ll be happy to help!

Originally Posted by mHawk_UTKRISHT

Hello sir, I'm looking to buy a SUV under the 55 lakh segment. Considering you've owned the Kodiaq this far, any recommendations for a feature loaded, AWD power SUV?

I’d suggest waiting for the 2024 2nd-generation Kodiaq. Based on reviews and videos I’ve come across, it looks like a significant upgrade over the current model. The interior strikes a great balance between modern design and practicality, retaining physical buttons for ease of use while adding a contemporary touch. While the engine is expected to remain largely the same, the new model should come with more advanced features, making it a more compelling option in terms of technology and comfort. If you don’t want to wait, the current Kodiaq is still an excellent choice, especially with Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC), which enhances both ride comfort and handling. It’s a feature that truly sets the Kodiaq apart in its segment.

[Chitta Pradhan]

Originally Posted by emperor

I don’t have the Vento DSG. Mine is a 2012 manual 2.0 TDI.

3. In both the Kodiaq and likely the Compass, the 4x4 system is not always active. It engages automatically only when required (e.g., during off-road conditions or wheel slip). For regular driving, the car operates in FWD (Front-Wheel Drive) mode, ensuring minimal impact on fuel efficiency. Regarding mileage, I recently tracked the mileage manually (fuel filled vs. odometer readings) and found: 18.25 km/l on highways, 15 km/l when driving 200 km on highways and 80 km in city conditions.

significant upgrade from the Vento. If your priority is space, comfort, and refinement, the Kodiaq is a worthy upgrade. However, for cutting-edge features, you might consider newer options.

6. A quick google search shows that ₹18 lakh is a fair price for a 2018 Kodiaq with 70,000 km. However, inspect the service history and condition carefully before committing.


Let me know if you have any more questions—I’ll be happy to help!

Thank you so much for your valuable inputs. I had checked the service record of the car in the PC of the service centre and took photo of last 2 service bills. It seems to be in perfect condition. In March-24, car was serviced for 19k with oil, filter change etc- odo- 65k. In Nov-24, odo @ 69k, car was serived for some issues- service cost- 33k- major expenses- water pump, repairing kit, BRK lining (I suppose it's break lining or something else?).

Few more clarifications please.

1. Your comment on the 69k unscheduled service? In the invoice it has been mentioned that the car is not starting & break pad symbol glowing.

2. During above service the water pump costing Rs 10,444/- has been replaced. Is it a recurring issue? Will it's failure cause the car stranded midway.

3. I could take the car to 120 kmph in no time during TD. Power felt adequate. But could not check the AC enough. How is the effectiveness?

Thanks

[emperor]

Originally Posted by Chitta Pradhan

Thank you so much for your valuable inputs. I had checked the service record of the car in the PC of the service centre and took photo of last 2 service bills. It seems to be in perfect condition. In March-24, car was serviced for 19k with oil, filter change etc- odo- 65k. In Nov-24, odo @ 69k, car was serived for some issues- service cost- 33k- major expenses- water pump, repairing kit, BRK lining (I suppose it's break lining or something else?).

Few more clarifications please.

1. Your comment on the 69k unscheduled service? In the invoice it has been mentioned that the car is not starting & break pad symbol glowing.

2. During above service the water pump costing Rs 10,444/- has been replaced. Is it a recurring issue? Will it's failure cause the car stranded midway.

3. I could take the car to 120 kmph in no time during TD. Power felt adequate. But could not check the AC enough. How is the effectiveness?

Thanks

The glowing symbol is an indicator of worn brake pads or low brake fluid levels. If "BRK lining" was mentioned in the invoice, this means the brake pads were replaced. Brake pads typically wear out between 30k-40k km, so a replacement around this mileage is normal.

The engine not starting issue could be due to electrical issues like a weak battery, a failing alternator, or a faulty starter motor. Since the water pump was replaced during this service, there’s also a slight possibility that a seized water pump caused a strain on the timing belt, though this is rare.

The job of a water pump is to circulate coolant in the engine to prevent overheating. I believe they typically last for about 80k–1.2L kilometers. Surprisingly, as far as I remember, the water pump in my car has not been replaced yet despite the mileage. If the water pump fails, it will cause the engine to overheat, leaving you with no option but to turn off the car immediately to prevent serious damage.

The A/C is highly effective for most conditions. The front row delivers an exceptional cooling experience regardless of the outside temperature. The second row remains comfortable too, though in extreme heat (e.g., 45 C), it might take a few minutes (10-15) to reach optimal cooling. The third row, lacking dedicated vents, understandably takes the longest to cool, especially on very hot days. However, the overall system is robust enough to ensure a comfortable environment for the majority of passengers in most conditions. For everyday use, the A/C does its job without any issues.