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

What does this car say about you?

I am sensible and care more about whether a car gets me from A to B and does its job than whether it looks pretty or what the badge says.

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

It's a heap!

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes, although I'd go for a better looked after one with a full service history. The engine, if looked after, can be pretty bulletproof.

What are you likely to buy next?

Probably another Octavia, as I had a Mk1 Octavia vRS before the Felicia. My next Octavia would be a diesel estate though as it's more economical and we can use it for foreign holidays.

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 friend and fellow member of a Skoda owners' club.

What was the dealer like?

What's it like to drive?

Pretty gutless but then what do you expect from a 68bhp 1.3 litre engine. It handles really well as you'd expect from a car that is very popular in clubman rallying, and comes with a front strut brace as standard. Overtaking on single carriageways is really a no-no and you do need to change down going uphill. It has a handy indicator on the rev counter to show when you are at optimum revs for fuel economy. Happy to cruise around 65 on the motorway, it certainly isn't capable of law-breaking speeds. The brakes are pretty awful, you will need to start braking at about double the distance you would on a more modern car.

What's it like to park?

Incredibly easy. It's like a box with big windows so nice and easy to see everything. As if that wasn't enough, the previous owner fitted dealer-option reversing sensors to mine.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Engine speed sensor and pre-cat lambda sensor broke and had to be replaced Auxiliary belt tensioner shattered and had to be replaced (along with belt). Judders a bit after starting from cold and doesn't like being stopped and started again unless it's had a good run. I think the exhaust manifold might be leaking slightly until warmed up.

What's most practical about your car?

Like all Skodas it has a big boot.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

I like the way you can adjust the intermittent wiper settings to any gap you want.