Faults:

The battery was replaced under my used car warranty shortly after I bought the car.

The alternator was replaced under my used car warranty at approximately 50,000 miles.

General Comments:

The car has proved to be very reliable and cheap transport.

Apart from routine service items (brake pads, etc.) the only items to go wrong have been sorted out under warranty. Parts are generally cheap, and the simple nature of the car helps reduce maintenance costs. For example, for a recent MOT test I had to replace a cracked headlamp. On my previous Volkswagen, I had no choice, but to buy a complete headlamp unit at a cost of around £100. On the Skoda, I could just replace the front lens at a cost of £12.

Performance is "adequate" rather than rapid, and the car will struggle up hills when the (very large) boot is fully laden and all the family is on board.

Fuel economy has always been in the range of 40-45mpg.

Some have commented on the heavy unassisted steering, but I do not find it so. It all depends on what you are used to! My previous 1.8 litre Passat also had unassisted steering, and was much heavier.

In general, the car handles safely and predictable, although it is more prone to excessive understeer in the wet than would be ideal. The brakes are ultimately OK, but need a firm shove and thus do not always inspire confidence. The braking ability required is always there - you just need to press the pedal harder than in other cars I've driven and owned.

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

I have now had 3 Skodas (2 Favorits and the Felicia) all of which have been 100% reliable. They are amazing value for money and the dealer backup is superb.

Insurance is cheap and the fuel consumption on mine is on average 39 mpg around town, and 48 on motorway runs.

Overall the cars are well built, cheap to buy, run and service, and with the estate the bonus of one cavernous boot.

Faults:

The seal on the sunroof went very quickly and the car ended up very wet.

The rear tyres were faulty and needed replacing.

General Comments:

The car is quick and seems fairly well put together, (apart from the above) the only moan being the slightly uncomfortable driving position.

The car is a little difficult to get into reverse but manoeuvres very well and is easy to park.

Low insurance group and it seems that less people are worried about having a Skoda now!

Watch out for dodgy dealerships though.

Faults:

No problems except a blown rear silencer replaced today under guarantee, at the end of the three year warranty (no quibbles whatsoever). This was obviously due to the very short journeys my wife and I take.

General Comments:

A good all round car although a bit heavy on the steering.

Pretty comfortable and roomy.

Needs to be kept for a long period because of poor trade-in values.