Skoda Octavia vRS (2001 - 2005) 1.8T vRS Hatchback 5d (2004/04) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

It says that I like performance cars that don't have outrageous looks, but are still happy to do the job and leave behind the spotty youths in their Fiestas that insist on revving their engines at you when they pull up next to you at traffic lights!

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

My partner lvoes the power of it, as do my family. Myself and my partner have never been able to fill that massive boot!

Would you buy this car again and why?

I wouldn't, but only because I`m one of these people that likes a different car every couple of years or so and have had this one for about that long now. This is by far the best car I have ever owned though.

What are you likely to buy next?

I`m really undecided.... A Mazda RX8 if the fuel consumption wasn't so poor, or maybe a Crossfire but the same reason again. I don't know, maybe I will stick with my baby after all

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£7,400

When did you buy the car?

March 2006

Did you get a good deal and why?

Purchased privately from someone I worked with who needed a quick sale. Paid £7,400 when the book was over £9,000 so grabbed a bargain!

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Bargain price for car with lots of performance!

What was the dealer like?

N/A

What's it like to drive?

It's fantastic to drive. It`s got performance by the bucket load (had mine re-mapped to 225 BHP for about £200) and keeps going and going. Handles very well and you have full confidence in pushing it on those windy corners on country lanes. The gears are very flexible and it will happy go along at 30 miles per hour in 5th gear around the city, and likewise will happily roar along at over 70 miles per hour in 3rd! Fuel consumption is reasonable too for the performance, I always get back over 30 miles per gallon from a normal drive (normally 30-34) and have got 40 miles per gallon when driving gently on rare occasions!!

What's it like to park?

It's fine to park. The visibility is as good as you get out of any car of a similar size. A good turning lock means you can manoeuvre into tight spaces without too many problems (unless you aren't very good generally at parking!)

Have you had any problems with the car?

Touch wood...nothing has gone wrong.

What's most practical about your car?

The boot - not that I need such a big one but a small family could live in there quite happily!!

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The air con is always nice on those rare warm English days!