Faults:

Climate Control letting dehumidified water into passenger compartment, went to main dealer to seek advice, the car was repaired there and then without booking it in for another day, repair took about 15 minutes.

General Comments:

This model is outstanding, the level of trim and specification are without equal in this range for the price.

The driving position is so adjustable this car would suit any person regardless of size.

The 110bhp diesel is very quick for quite a heavy car and still manages to return an average of 48 to 52 MPG depending on driver input.

Faults:

Indicators have been repair 4 times.

Wiper motor has been replaced.

Gearbox has been replaced.

Waiting for temperature sensor.

General Comments:

Considering the mileage and abuse the car has taken being used as a taxi it has proven very reliable.

I have been very please with the economy it is returning.

Servicing and various running costs are very competitive.

Faults:

Flat Battery at 5500 miles.

Puncture at 11500 miles.

Poor radio reception from new.

General Comments:

I bought the L & K because it has Cruise Control as standard and the insurance premium is £200 less than the equivalent Elegance model.

Over 13000 miles it has averaged 56mpg.

Over 600 miles on a tank full of diesel

Cruise control plus drivers arm rests mean non stop drives of 7 hours do not cause any discomfort.

Better quality radio and speakers and more leg room in the rear would make the car perfect.

Faults:

Absolutely nothing at all.

General Comments:

This is an update to a previous review that I posted on August the 28th 2002.

41000 miles, 11 months and 4 services later and this car still drives like new. The car is still used as a taxi and will be for another 2 years when I shall be trading it in for a new Skoda Superb... and I can't wait.

O.K. so most cars nowadays are built well, fair comment, but most people do not associate Skoda with this quality which is why they have to be praised.

If you are thinking about buying a Skoda then what are you waiting for... for goodness sake... it won't smack your bum! If you do take the plunge you shan't be regretting it!

Go for the diesel, you'll be getting around 50 mpg around town no problem. Even if you push it hard a return of 42 mpg is a certainty.

Take it on a long run at 56 mph you can expect around 68 mpg.

When you're out and about you just have a closer look at the taxis bombing around...you'll no doubt see a few Skodas out there and you know how much hammer taxis get yet all us taxi drivers cannot be wrong can we???

Faults:

Nothing as yet, however the hard plastics inside car are easily scratched.

General Comments:

Excellent build quality. having stepped out of a Mk4 Golf 1.6 SE, I am surprised at how little I miss the supposed luxury of the Golf. Obviously the Skoda is not as nice to the touch as the Golf, but at a £4000 saving I'm not complaining. Air con as opposed to fuel wasting Climate Control is fine by me. A 6CD changer in the boot as standard also makes up for the lack of badge - if that is a problem for anyone!

The TDi is only the 90bhp version, but seems no slower than the 1.6 petrol version, and is a lot better for overtaking and long motorway cruises as it has way better gearing and bags of torque. I'm also averaging 48mpg vs the 30 I got in the petrol Golf which is great for my wallet.

My wife says she feels it is very little different to the Golf in most respects.