1999 Skoda Octavia SLXi 20v from UK and Ireland - Comments

Switch stalk on electric door mirror snapped - replaced under warranty.

Windscreen wiper motor replaced under warranty - garage also replaced windscreen wiper rack at same time because they noticed it was rusty.

Brake pads replaced all round - rears for second time because calipers started to jam. Caliper automatic adjustment is the wind-in type - terrible to reset. Persevere - new calipers cost a fortune!

Alloy wheels always stick on the hub - always needs a garage or the RAC to change a wheel.

Timing belt replaced twice - water pump was badly worn at 90000 and idler gear replaced at same time (stuck pulley).

Very reliable - always starts first time.

Comfortable on long runs.

Reasonably quick when needs to be.

I cruise on the motorway at 70 and still get 42 miles to the gallon (UK).

No major mechanical problems in over 100,000 miles.

Significantly cheaper than an Audi A4 or VW Passat, but the bits are the same.

Excellent review, I'm looking forward buying a 1999 SLXi 1.8, but I have this doubt, does all the 1.8 Octavias comes with turbo or its only from year 2000 to this days?.

I think from around year 2000 all 1.8 SLXi Skoda Octavias have the turbo. Good points and bad points. Good - car is a bit on the heavy side so the extra ooomph from the turbo helps especially when coming out of a roundabout or long bend where momentum has been lost - but we are talking seconds here. Bad - costs more both to buy and run. If you are looking seriously at a used Skoda the Tdi s are good value second hand. Incidentally in the last 6 months I've done another 15,000 miles and the only comment my garage made was, "Could probably do with some new front tyres... "

This is an update of the above. I still have the same 20 valve slxi - now done 161,000 miles. I had the timing belt replaced at 151,000 miles. It still starts first time, still returns 42 mpg, still got some oomph when I need it. I thought about changing it, but the garage I was going to buy a brand new car from turned their nose up at it offering a mere £700. Their laughter turned to tears when I turned around and drove off their forecourt. I suppose I'd better get it serviced again; had to have a broken brake hose replaced and that's all in another year's motoring. These cars are seriously good buys second hand - friend has just bought a 1998 for GBP1200. He reckons its the best second hand car he's ever had.