Skoda Felicia Hatchback (1994 - 2001) 1.3 LXi 5d (2000/V) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I am a sensible person who just needs a reliable runabout and doesn't care what it looks like or what the badge is.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

That it's a shocking heap.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes, it has been cheap and reasonably reliable motoring. I would get one with a full service history though and tidier bodywork!

What are you likely to buy next?

I'd go back to another Octavia but get a more economical and sensible one, probably a diesel estate.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£800

When did you buy the car?

June 2011

Did you get a good deal and why?

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

It was offered to me cheap by a fellow Skoda Owners' Club member. I wanted to downgrade from a high mileage performance Octavia vRS to a cheap runabout.

What was the dealer like?

What's it like to drive?

With only 68bhp from its 1.3 engine it's never going to set the world on fire, and in fact overtaking is a no-no on most single track roads and hill climbing involves downchanges. Handling-wise it is very competent and you can see why these are popular cars for Clubman rally enthusiasts on a budget. It's most happy cruising at 65mph on the motorway and certainly isn't powerful enough to manage law-breaking speeds. The brakes are awful, you need to start braking at double the distance you would on a more modern car.

What's it like to park?

Very easy to park with its small, boxy shape and large windows giving a good view all around. My one was also retrofitted with parking sensors by the previous owner so is even easier to park!

Have you had any problems with the car?

Engine speed sensor and pre-cat lamda sensor both broke and had to be replaced. Auxiliary belt pulley shattered and had to be replaced along with the belt. It has a slight oil leak from the sump behind the aux belt pulley. It has a slight exhaust manifold leak when cold which means it judders after cold starts and doesn't like re-starting unless it's had a chance to warm up.

What's most practical about your car?

Like all Skodas it has a decent sized boot. It's economical at about 38-40mpg average.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Variable speed intermittent wiper control.