Skoda Octavia vRS (2001 - 2005) 1.8T vRS Hatchback 5d (2002/52) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

That I can't afford a Golf GTi!! In seriousness it's subtle and understated yet it's still does everything you want. Insurance is probably cheaper due to the badge, may Skoda stay unfashionable to the masses!

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

Some peers look down on the badge but most know it's just a Volkswagen underneath.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Not another mk1 vRS. Although I'd recommend them as long as you don't mind paying £250 a year for road tax and filling it up with Super Unleaded (it's slower with Regular).

What are you likely to buy next?

Would love the mk2 Octavia vRS or a Golf GTi if I had more money. More likely to be some sort of diesel hatch sadly. Maybe Fabia vRS.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£1,500

When did you buy the car?

September 2011

Did you get a good deal and why?

Car was a part exchange from a main Skoda dealer.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Old car was getting long in the tooth.

What was the dealer like?

Great!

What's it like to drive?

Doesn't set the world on fire with it's handling but it is sure footed and refined. Performance is never wanting, little point in chipping it like some as 180bhp is more than enough for modern (congested) roads.

What's it like to park?

Has a parking sensor but the car is enormous, only really notice the size when parking.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Needed a bit of work, like the turbo piping and air-conditioning. Expected as the car was well under list price.

What's most practical about your car?

Huge boot, can put almost anything in it.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Air conditioning! Don't buy a car without it!