Does the Skoda Octavia deserve its reputation for reliability?

While the Octavia is often brought up as a classic example of Skoda's metamorphosis from a provider of questionable build quality to a brand worth considering, the Czech firm has come a long way. Most owners note the car’s durability and low maintenance costs, compared to some other European brands. Nevertheless, doubts remain about long term reliability, particularly in respect of complex components such as the DSG transmission and some of the electrical systems. I want to find out which part of the Octavia is reality and which is myth. It uncovers real world ownership experiences, the things to look out for when buying, and how the Octavia compares against its rivals in terms of dependability and cost of ownership over time.