1998 Skoda Felicia GLXi Estate 1.6 petrol

Summary:

Unbeatable value for money, but avoid lower-spec models secondhand

Faults:

Leaking sunroof at 23000 miles.

Replacement gear linkage (squeaking) at 20000 miles.

Intermittently sticking central locking on one door at 22000 miles.

General Comments:

I still can't find a Skoda that is as fun to drive as an Estelle II, but the Felicia is as dependable as ever.

Its engine is very gutsy and pulls well from low revs, and I would never recommend the 1.3-engined models.

The addition of power steering transforms the face-lifted Felicia--my shoulder pains have now gone!

The cabin is very well appointed for a car of this class, with superb seats and good materials.

My only criticism is that it's still quite noisy at high speeds, and the rear wiper control is absolutely unfathomable.

Its load carrying capacity is incredible.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th February, 2002

1998 Skoda Felicia L 1.3

Summary:

Fantastic reliable and dependable motoring

Faults:

Ignition barrel replaced under the 3 year warranty, but nothing else, touch wood!

General Comments:

Not fast, but average speed.

Great Volkswagen build quality.

Many extra Volkswagen features: eg remote boot release and many other shared Volkswagen bits and bobs.

This is almost as good as a Golf for virtually half the the price, in 1998 I paid £6,999 instead of £12,500 for the equivalent Golf 1.4.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th August, 2001

1998 Skoda Felicia GLXi 1.3i

Summary:

Fantastic bargain with an air of quality

Faults:

I have an odd starting problem, sometimes the car will not start but when left for 10 to 15 minutes it's fine?

General Comments:

Great build quality, but I have to agree with all the other reviews I've read that it dies up hills.

Also there's a complete lack of performance upgrades, the only exhaust I've managed to find is from Jetex and a chip upgrade from Superchip.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th February, 2001

30th Jul 2001, 13:13

As for the problem with starting: When the engine is hot, gas pedal must be pushed to get it started. It is mentioned in the car manual.

1998 Skoda Felicia LXi pick-up 1.9 diesel

Faults:

Exhaust fell off when two days old.

Thermostat blew after three weeks.

General Comments:

Great car, awful company and dealers!

Skoda are quite happy to keep your car for seven weeks to rewire the towbar which they wired incorrectly in the first place. Whilst they have your car, they will be only too pleased to cause fairly extensive all round damage to it and deny all knowledge of it. Great company, eh?

Buy a cheap Felicia (still a very good value car, despite the attitude of its manufacturer and dealers), and get it serviced at a VW garage!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 15th January, 2000