2002 Skoda Octavia Classic review from Dominican Republic

Nothing so far, regarding mechanics and general performance.

The quality of some interior plastic parts is average in the best of cases (they got scratched easily)

Brakes are effective, but noisy, specially on rainy days. According to the dealer, this is absolutely normal.

The engine performance is great, considering the fact that in no part of this country you can get more than 89 octanes RON gasoline (even at the highest level -Premium gas- the octane power is not above this later number) I always have to use additives or octane boosters to improve gas quality. The car requires at least 93 octanes gas, but it works well and smooth with the 89 Oct. gas, though with less power.

Plenty of space inside, however the rear room leg it's a bit cramped for the bigger ones (I'm 1,79cm -an average size)

Solid look & build, it's not Peugeot or Honda handling, but does the job quite well, above average. Acceleration it's a bit sluggish from 0 to 60 km/h, but after wards goes like a rocket. Engine delivers plenty of power and torque (approx. 80% of total available) in the midrange (2.000 to 4.000 rpm)

Executive look, person inside is very well represented, not a teenager-look car like the Polo, for instance looks like a family car, however you can add 16" alloy wheels and a rear spoiler and then the look "slightly" changes to one of a more "performance" car.

Replacements parts are generally a lot cheaper than the ones from VW or Audi, though 90% of the parts from this car got those symbols (VW, Audi) on them. Guess it's a matter of "image"...

Riding quality at high speeds is very good, though a bit noisy on rough roads (what do you expect, for 12.500 euros this is what you get, it's not a Mercedes) nothing out of ordinary.

Braking sensation from high speeds is fairly good, but when suddenly stopped brakes got a squeaking noise like some old rusty door. The noise seems to increase in damp days. The brake pads are made of some sort of metallic compound, not from asbest, and they got covered by a rusty cap when not in use (even in a single day). When used frequently, as well as when the brakes heat up, the noise seems to slightly fade away. I don't care, since I always drive with the air conditioner on and with music all over the way.

Seats quality is OK, but could be improved, specially what regards to side-attach and secure.

In a word, if you need a car for making the day-to-day job in difficult weather conditions (tropical weather, lot of corrosion) ), driving trough rough streets and continuously jammed traffic, the Skoda is a choice to consider. It worths a lot the money you invest on it.