1997 Skoda Felicia LXi 1.3 50 kW from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Solid, charming and inexpensive to run

Faults:

Repeated problems with alternator, but largely due to quality of reconditioned units rather than an inherent design fault.

Faulty tachometer (sticks occasionally, and under-reads)

General Comments:

Solid, generally reliable little car with few real problems. Spare parts in the UK are generally expensive, however.

While quite crude compared too many cars of equivalent size made currently, it's charming to drive, and handles in many ways like a well-sorted 1970s front-drive sports saloon.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th April, 2005

1997 Skoda Felicia GLX! 1.6 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Good value for money

Faults:

Accelerator cable snapped.

Rear windscreen washer packed up.

General Comments:

Car was very reliable and no major faults developed in the time I owned it.

The car was purchased from Robert Bamford of Gloucester whom another reviewer reports problems with. Having now purchased three cars from them I have always founf them to be most helpful.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th August, 2003

1997 Skoda Felicia SLXi 1.6 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Utter, utter rubbish. Don't buy a Skoda

Faults:

What hasn't gone wrong might be easier - remember this is a 6 year old car.

Brakes - completely replaced.

ABS - all sorts of problems - don't go there.

Rust - around wheel-arches. My 20 year old 205 has less rust!

Slow running - at low speed car jumps like I'm a learner on my first lesson

Trim - boot trim came away after closing boot

Bodywork - a few dents caused by passing feathers. You would not believe how easily the bodywork dents.

The engine is fine. That's the only good bit. Thank you VW.

General Comments:

I thought that a R Reg Skoda would be a better bet than a L Reg VW Golf.

What a big mistake.

Basically this car is the biggest heap of junk I've ever owned.

I will NEVER buy another Skoda. Bring back Lada, all is forgiven.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 23rd April, 2003

18th Nov 2003, 16:25

Bad luck! a shame as so many others had good experiences. We've traded up to a Fabia now and its great.

22nd Feb 2006, 04:24

Bring back Lada!? Have you ever driven new Ladas? Imagine yourself driving new Lada: everything inside moves and gives a sound of submachinegun, your teeth are dancing too! After one winter outside your 09 Lada starts to look like leopard with its rusty spots! If you drive old stone roads (like ones in the city center) you don't hear music and need to shout to your passenger! The good thing about Lada is the price. Although they usually don't need much repair. I came to Skoda Felicia after driving new Lada and now I feel like entering palace after a hut! Never compare comfort of Russian and Western cars!!!

23rd Feb 2006, 22:59

Your lack of enthusiasm for the Lada is evident, and your capacity to exaggerate, ("dancing teeth"), is breathtaking, and really quite comical. I`ve had several new Ladas, and have always found them to be sturdy and reliable - just like the Skodas. Both are economical and inexpensive, and are easy to maintain.

1997 Skoda Felicia GLi Estate 1.3 MPi from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Cheap, reliable transport

Faults:

The battery was replaced under my used car warranty shortly after I bought the car.

The alternator was replaced under my used car warranty at approximately 50,000 miles.

General Comments:

The car has proved to be very reliable and cheap transport.

Apart from routine service items (brake pads, etc.) the only items to go wrong have been sorted out under warranty. Parts are generally cheap, and the simple nature of the car helps reduce maintenance costs. For example, for a recent MOT test I had to replace a cracked headlamp. On my previous Volkswagen, I had no choice, but to buy a complete headlamp unit at a cost of around £100. On the Skoda, I could just replace the front lens at a cost of £12.

Performance is "adequate" rather than rapid, and the car will struggle up hills when the (very large) boot is fully laden and all the family is on board.

Fuel economy has always been in the range of 40-45mpg.

Some have commented on the heavy unassisted steering, but I do not find it so. It all depends on what you are used to! My previous 1.8 litre Passat also had unassisted steering, and was much heavier.

In general, the car handles safely and predictable, although it is more prone to excessive understeer in the wet than would be ideal. The brakes are ultimately OK, but need a firm shove and thus do not always inspire confidence. The braking ability required is always there - you just need to press the pedal harder than in other cars I've driven and owned.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th April, 2002

1997 Skoda Felicia LXi Estate 1.3 MPi from UK and Ireland

Summary:

The best used car you can buy

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

I have now had 3 Skodas (2 Favorits and the Felicia) all of which have been 100% reliable. They are amazing value for money and the dealer backup is superb.

Insurance is cheap and the fuel consumption on mine is on average 39 mpg around town, and 48 on motorway runs.

Overall the cars are well built, cheap to buy, run and service, and with the estate the bonus of one cavernous boot.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd October, 2000

1997 Skoda Felicia SLXi 1.6 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A nice small car

Faults:

The seal on the sunroof went very quickly and the car ended up very wet.

The rear tyres were faulty and needed replacing.

General Comments:

The car is quick and seems fairly well put together, (apart from the above) the only moan being the slightly uncomfortable driving position.

The car is a little difficult to get into reverse but manoeuvres very well and is easy to park.

Low insurance group and it seems that less people are worried about having a Skoda now!

Watch out for dodgy dealerships though.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th September, 2000

15th Dec 2001, 15:10

I can echo the comments about leaking sunroofs and dodgy dealers... : (

26th Nov 2005, 14:29

I can echo sunroof problems and difficulty engaging reverse, other than that Brilliant.

1997 Skoda Felicia LX 1.3 OHV from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Excellent value for money

Faults:

No problems except a blown rear silencer replaced today under guarantee, at the end of the three year warranty (no quibbles whatsoever). This was obviously due to the very short journeys my wife and I take.

General Comments:

A good all round car although a bit heavy on the steering.

Pretty comfortable and roomy.

Needs to be kept for a long period because of poor trade-in values.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th May, 2000

1997 Skoda Felicia GLXi 1.6 petrol from North America

Faults:

Failure of throttle position sensor.

Failure of water temperature sensor.

General Comments:

Very good overall but needs better internal plastics.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st May, 1998