Skoda Felicia Estate (1995 - 2001) 1.6 SLXi 5d (1998/S) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Who cares?

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

Who cares?

Would you buy this car again and why?

No...Skoda dealer parts are horrendously expensive and the car has several design flaws that make working on it yourself a challenge!

What are you likely to buy next?

Nissan Almera Tino/ Renault Scenic/ Citroen Xsara Picasso

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£650

When did you buy the car?

December 2008

Did you get a good deal and why?

Price was OK, but the car was hiding a lot of minor faults and a fair amount of rust/corrosion.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

My partner had one previously and likes them

What was the dealer like?

in a word: Appalling...

What's it like to drive?

The engine (a VW 1.6i from Golf/Polo) is an agricultural, asthmatic unit...slow, noisy and a bit thirsty, too (32mpg average)... However, it is reliable, plastic thermostat housing and expansion bottle issues apart. Gearbox has a reasonable feel and change and the ergonomics are fairly good. The driving position is a bit limited in adjustment and, although my partner finds it comfortable, I find the pedal to seat relationship not so great. Handling is only OK... It has terminal understeer, but at least it is predictable as it is always there... Braking from the moderate speeds acheivable is OK and the ABS on the SLXi is a wortwhile addition (our previous one was a GLXi without that feature).

What's it like to park?

Easy

Have you had any problems with the car?

Yes...all 4 strut towers rusted through at the lower spring pan. This is a very poor design with a thin, mild steel pan loosley fitted over the strut. Fortunately, although a real pain to replace, the parts are cheap enough. Other than that: ABS sensor, windscreen and sunroof leaks, central locking actuator, thermostat, window regulator, expansion bottle/cap/hoses...

What's most practical about your car?

Spacious inside for the class

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

There are very few gadgets...Favourite bit about the car is the space.