2010 Skoda Roomster Pure Drive S 1.4 TDi

Summary:

Strange but dependable vehicle

Faults:

Not much, but I have not used it much in the last couple of years, only put 7000 miles on it, no problem so far.

General Comments:

Bought this used for a second car and for reliability, it has not disappointed, but to be fair I have used it very little over the last couple of years.

1.4 TDi is slow, but economical. You can get 50 mpg +, but you are going nowhere fast.

It is a spacious family vehicle but everything is just so... odd. Looks weird. Door handles are in weird places. Dash is strange. Storage areas in strange places. Cannot decide if it feels more van or car like. I've never had anything like it before. I can live with it, but I wish the styling was better inside and out. Alloy wheels look nice though.

Smooth and comfortable enough once you get used to slow performance.

Will prove to be a reliable car, mechanic friend of mine has had many Skoda's with TDi engines, never a moment's bother. Overall a decent vehicle, just do not buy one expecting anything special or exciting.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th October, 2022

2008 Skoda Roomster 1.4 diesel

Summary:

A Postman Pat car

Faults:

Have had the car nearly 5 years now, and the electric windows have failed yet again for the 3rd time. It is not the fuse (replaced) - so I have yet another trip to a garage to put it right.

Also the left rear brake light continually blows - at least once a year.

In the last 9 months when it rains, the car has a very strange "cheesy" smell - which is very unfortunate if I can't open the windows.

General Comments:

Apart from the windows, light & odd smell, the car is a good runner. I can carry dogs, bikes & kids with very little trouble.

It is economic to run and fairly comfortable.

Good leg space and good size boot.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 27th January, 2013

2012 Skoda Roomster SE plus 1.6 TDI turbo diesel

Summary:

A pleasure to own and drive

Faults:

None. The only improvement I'd make is to the main beam headlights: Not powerful enough for country night driving if it's rainy.

General Comments:

Firm road holding. I expected more roll on cornering, but it feels good. No concerns at flinging it around narrow country roads, because it goes where I point it, even on sharp bends with poor road surfaces.

High seat position, great feeling of road presence. Unfamiliar mirror/ window combination at first, but after a few weeks I appreciate the height and good visibility in the Roomster.

Amazing acceleration for a 105 BHP engine! Same power rating as my old car, but it seems much more responsive. Easy power transfer through the gears.

My usual front seat passenger says, "It feels safe". Well, she's right: The Roomster EuroNCAP 2012 safety rating is up there with most Volvo models.

Rear seat passengers love the big windows and panoramic sun roof. Wonderful views.

The SE+ is well equipped. Huge panoramic sunroof, alloys, reversing sensors, sound system (with steering wheel controls) and climate control.

Interior space and versatility - enough said elsewhere, but a real winner.

And the looks? Now that I’m used to seeing it on the drive, I love the quirky curves and high back. It’s such a distinctive shape; other cars now look a little boring by comparison!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th September, 2012

17th Oct 2022, 17:00

Glad you like the 1.6, the 1.4 diesel is not great, I have it and it is slow.

2008 Skoda Roomster 2 1.4 turbo diesel

Summary:

An amazing car that is refreshingly different

Faults:

Nothing, but the brakes seem somewhat "wooden." I think the front pads might have been glazed when I bought the car, and need to be looked at.

I think dipped beam could be much better. I am experimenting with various bulbs at the moment.

General Comments:

I love it.

Even with the couple of niggles already mentioned, I am really pleased with it.

Economy is about 45-50 MPG around town in heavy-ish traffic. On the motorway I have averaged 65 MPG at 70mph.

I am amazed how much power it has for a 1.4 diesel, it is very impressive.

There is some cabin noise from the engine and road, but it's not really intrusive.

Everyone who sees it likes it, especially the amount of room inside.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th March, 2012

18th Mar 2013, 17:24

That was my original post. I've owned the car just over one year now and it still drives fine. It was serviced last week with no problems reported. It's now done 29900 miles.

I found some high performance bulbs for the headlights, which improved night time driving greatly. These are straight replacements, not a HID kit.

The heater I think is still poor for a modern car. Skoda made a big thing on their promo video on YouTube about the work they had put into the heating system, but I've had diesels with much better heaters.

It seems to have developed a very slight low frequency vibration that I can actually feel through the seat, more so at low revs. I thought maybe it was an engine mount, but the garage said they were fine. Still getting 45-50 MPG round town and 60 on the motorway.

So after a year, yes I still like it.