Faults:

Have had the car nearly 5 years now, and the electric windows have failed yet again for the 3rd time. It is not the fuse (replaced) - so I have yet another trip to a garage to put it right.

Also the left rear brake light continually blows - at least once a year.

In the last 9 months when it rains, the car has a very strange "cheesy" smell - which is very unfortunate if I can't open the windows.

General Comments:

Apart from the windows, light & odd smell, the car is a good runner. I can carry dogs, bikes & kids with very little trouble.

It is economic to run and fairly comfortable.

Good leg space and good size boot.

Faults:

Nothing, but the brakes seem somewhat "wooden." I think the front pads might have been glazed when I bought the car, and need to be looked at.

I think dipped beam could be much better. I am experimenting with various bulbs at the moment.

General Comments:

I love it.

Even with the couple of niggles already mentioned, I am really pleased with it.

Economy is about 45-50 MPG around town in heavy-ish traffic. On the motorway I have averaged 65 MPG at 70mph.

I am amazed how much power it has for a 1.4 diesel, it is very impressive.

There is some cabin noise from the engine and road, but it's not really intrusive.

Everyone who sees it likes it, especially the amount of room inside.

Faults:

(1) Very bad knocking from front of car noticed when cold weather started: worse at low ambient temperature - steering rack replaced but problem persists; padding added to passenger airbag area - problem still persists - anti-roll bar bushes being replaced - I hope this works.

(2) Second steering rack failed due to bad internal oil seal - towed to dealer by Skoda Assist.

(3) Minor rattles/buzzing from interior trim (dashboard and front door panels) - these were also evident in the 4 Skoda Fabia courtesy cars I have had.

(4) Rear head rests started rattling (!) - this was due to a small plastic piece becoming detached inside the headrest.

(5) Clutch pipe became detached due to faulty clip.

(6) Exhaust/catalyst heat shield became detached, causing bad vibration on bodywork.

All of the above have occurred after only 2000 miles!

Problem (1) is the major issue and is still to be rectified - I have lost faith in the supplying dealer and have appointed another Skoda dealer to pursue the existing issues. I am considering formally rejecting the vehicle, should the first problem not be rectified.

I have asked for the Skoda Area Technical Manager to get involved.

General Comments:

Very poor build quality on this particular vehicle. Otherwise, it's a very good ergonomic design and quite economical.

Our new car enjoyment has been let down by the poor build quality. I cannot recommend the Skoda Roomster, and will never purchase another Skoda.