Skoda Felicia Hatchback (1994 - 2001) 1.3 LXi 5d (2000/V) Owner Review
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Summary
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.
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Buying experience
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?
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Driving it
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!
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Living with it
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.
