Faults:

Springs at front, shocks needing done soon also. Brake pads and discs, basically wear and tear of the mileage. Rear wiper is stuck, very common fault. Interior is a little hard worn but nothing has broken. Keeps these cars serviced on time and you will have no problems.

General Comments:

The modern Skoda Rapid is basically a smaller Skoda Octavia, and very similar to a Seat Toledo, I believe these cars are built on the same platform.

The car looks like a saloon/sedan, but is actually a hatchback. Very large boot space for such a small car. Interior is spacious as well, amazing how they do it, getting good space into a smaller car. No wonder these are also fairly popular as a taxi. SE model is mid-range and has A/C, electric windows, etc.

Nothing exciting to drive, the 1.6 TDi is fast enough while doing around 60 mpg. Outside looks good with alloy wheels. A little noisy at higher speeds and has a firmer ride, so if you want total refinement, maybe look at a Skoda Superb.

Hard to say much more about it, but if you want a good modern car with cheap tax, insurance and repairs (if you find the right garage), small enough and easy to park, check out the Rapid.

Faults:

When I purchased the car, it had been neglected for approximately 6 years. The clutch went and the engine needed changing (the engine from a front-engined Favorit had replaced the original, causing clutch problems) and it frequently threatened to over heat - solved by replacing the radiator pressure cap (£4).

The rear wheel arches had rusted, as had the sills and front valence, and numerous other areas, while the driver's seat was worn and the rear seats had suffered sun damage (in the UK!).

Following repair, my car has been stunningly reliable, having only broken the clutch cable (quick and easy repair), and had a flat battery. Other than that, it has only required regular servicing to keep it running perfectly!

Following restoration, the body has started to rust again at the base of the doors and front valence.

General Comments:

I have driven this car extensively, and use it daily, covering country, motorway and inner-city driving.

Although not the quickest, it certainly is fast enough to keep up with all traffic without any stress, though I would not try to race a modern car!

The handling has always been excellent, though I suspect if you push it a bit far, you may slide off backwards like an Porsche 911 from the 80's or earlier; I've always found it controllable and usually encouraging of a more sporting approach. Worst habit is in high winds when the front can be blown about.

The interior is basic, but functional. My biggest gripe being the lack of cigarette lighter, making usual satellite navigators difficult to use. Although I've found it comfortable, there is no adjustment for the steering wheel, which may be an issue for some.

Skoda dealers have been useless. When I've approached them, not only can they not source ANY parts for the car, they have frequently been unaware that it even IS a Skoda. With Skoda's image now so strong, it is frustrating that they should continue to ignore their heritage!

Faults:

Nothing to date as car is off the road being tidied up for the summer.

General Comments:

My first car was a 120 Estelle and provided me with many fun years of motoring.

Picked it up very cheap, and have spent the time since doing it up. Plan to put her on the road in early summer, and will use her when the weather is good.

I expect the normal head gasket and radiator problems that seem to be standard with these cars.

Rear wheel drive and engine over the rear end means tail happy fun in the wet or when pushing really hard. I have stuck a twin choke Webber on with K&N air filter, new wheels, updated interior and general tidy up.

Looking forward to the summer!!!

Anyone out there with parts, advice or an interest in rear wheel drive Skodas, please leave a comment!