Faults:

Not much, brakes and suspension part replacement have been the most costly, but expected wear and tear for the mileage.

General Comments:

A fairly basic car, but generally reliable and OK to drive. The Rapid is pretty much the epitome of average.

Sport model has nice alloy wheels and plenty of electric features. Not the most comfortable - firm suspension and the seats are comfortable but don't hold you very well in corners. Space isn't very good either, passenger elbows rub, and rear legroom is a joke.

That said, the boot space is massive, and it transports 2 adults with smaller kids and luggage just fine, but don't expect a super comfortable long journey in this car.

The 1.2 performance wise is not anything special, but for petrol it is very economical, I am getting around 48 mpg or more.

Exterior is smart looking, the Rapid looks like a small Octavia. As that is basically what it is.

In short, if you want basic transport check out the Rapid.

Faults:

Servicing + wear and tear. No major issues.

General Comments:

A sturdy little vehicle, the Rapid is a solid hatch/saloon from Skoda.

My metallic light blue car has done me well the past two years. Already ten years old when purchased, and still shows no signs of stopping yet. Keep up the oil and belt changes and these are good for higher mileage. Ask any taxi driver!

The car is pretty boring to drive, nothing special. Surprisingly uncomfortable at times also - there is only ever just enough space, the seats are too hard, and there is too much noise. Elegance model has plenty of electric features however. Very dull and grey inside.

But on the plus side, this car provides reliability and simplicity for a good price as a used buy. Boot is huge. Alloys look nice.

1.6 TDi is quick enough for me and does well over 50 mpg most of the time. Cheap tax and insurance.

Check them out if you just need a decent car to transport you about, and don't care too much about performance or a fun car to drive.

Faults:

Not much beyond servicing and consumables expected of mileage. No major faults or breakdowns.

General Comments:

"Spaceback" Rapid is just a hatch version of the saloon Rapid.

SE model is well equipped and has lots of electrical equipment. Nice seats, and a refined drive.

1.2 petrol TSi is the one to have, nice turn of speed and good economy as well.

It's like the ideal car really - spacious, comfortable and cheap to run.

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Good points about the Rapid are:

Reliable, economical, cheap to buy, decent to drive, good looking with the right color and wheels, plenty of equipment even on lower range models.

Bad points:

Ride is firm, not as spacious as an Octavia or Superb. That's about it really.

Actually it is popular enough as a private hire cab, though most taxi drivers opt for the Octavia or even a Seat Toledo, which is basically the same car.

Give the Rapid a try if you find a good one at a good price, they are a great little hatchback car.

Faults:

Springs at front, shocks needing done soon also. Brake pads and discs, basically wear and tear of the mileage. Rear wiper is stuck, very common fault. Interior is a little hard worn but nothing has broken. Keeps these cars serviced on time and you will have no problems.

General Comments:

The modern Skoda Rapid is basically a smaller Skoda Octavia, and very similar to a Seat Toledo, I believe these cars are built on the same platform.

The car looks like a saloon/sedan, but is actually a hatchback. Very large boot space for such a small car. Interior is spacious as well, amazing how they do it, getting good space into a smaller car. No wonder these are also fairly popular as a taxi. SE model is mid-range and has A/C, electric windows, etc.

Nothing exciting to drive, the 1.6 TDi is fast enough while doing around 60 mpg. Outside looks good with alloy wheels. A little noisy at higher speeds and has a firmer ride, so if you want total refinement, maybe look at a Skoda Superb.

Hard to say much more about it, but if you want a good modern car with cheap tax, insurance and repairs (if you find the right garage), small enough and easy to park, check out the Rapid.