1997 Skoda Felicia GLXi review from UK and Ireland

New front offside shock absorber for last M.O.T.

Otherwise only consumables - tyres, exhaust etc.

I bought this car in September 2006 for the princely sum of 320 pounds. It had a years M.O.T. and 3 months left on the road tax.

It was bought as a second car mainly for use back and forward to work, so something "cheap and cheerful" was the order of the day.

This Felicia is a diamond silver 1.6 GLXi with alloy wheels. I don't know if the alloys came as original equipment on this model or if they were an optional extra. In any case they look good.

In the cabin there is a stereo radio / cassette and a front drivers airbag. The seats are finished in a patterned velour type cloth which blends well with the rest of the interior. The glove compartment is easy to open and of an adequate size. There are cup holders both front and rear and ample storage areas at the foot of the doors. The car does not have power steering, which is a pity.

I seldom drive this car fast, tending to drive it with economy more in mind. I have however seen indicated speeds of 95 m.p.h. on one or two occasions. The 1.6 engine does allow for reasonably brisk acceleration through the gears as well. It is a very economical car and regularly returns 40 m.p.g. if driven steadily. I think this is excellent for a ten year old 1600 with nearly 100,000 miles on the clock.

I am now in my fourteenth month of ownership and have covered approx. 10,000 miles in that time. Never once has the car let me down. It went through its M.O.T. last month for less than 200 pounds, and a new shock absorber and a ball joint for the suspension were the only parts required.

Considering the purchase price for the Felicia, the fact that it has never let me down, how economical it is and the minimal running costs, I doubt if I have owned a car that represented better value for money.