General Chat

Driving/owning a Skoda Fabia? Our golf needs replacing soon (My car). My OH insists that Skodas are not to be laughed at any more. We hired one in Lanzarote but I still keep hearing the old jokes (so no need to repeat them). I can't persuade myself that that is the way to go.

The golf has a reasonable boot but also the back seats go down almost flat, making it a good work horse. (this is an old 2002 Golf). And good for golf clubs/trolley. It has also been reliable until now, but We don't want a newer golf as they are quite expensive compared to other cars the age we would be looking at.

Any ideas??

Son in law,s last three cars have been Skoda's

the latest one is an all singing all dancing one with assisted parking etc etc

He is a long distance lorry driver so knows a lot about driving and he wouldnt have any other make now

Not personally, but with a Dealership nearby, a lot of people have them. Their engines are made by VW which has (had?) a good reputation.

A friend in another part of the country had owned one for a number of years. She's never moaned about mechanical faults or rust caused be sea air. Their other car's an MX5!

Thank you, that is very useful.

A VW all but the badge.

I looked at them as they look a budget golf, they are!
Some how the Golf "just felt right" the minute I sat in it the Skoda and Seat both felt a bit disappointing, I can't explain it just personal feeling the Mrs had just the same reaction.

My first VW Golf and it's brilliant!

As someone that owned a Yugo and also had a FSO as a loan car badges don't worry me, just how practical / nippy they are.

My wifes has a Fabia bought new in 2007. I've had various Skoda models for nearly 20 years. All have proved reliable and given good service. They are no better or worse than any other car brand at the same price.

Best website with plenty of advice/info and good/bad stories

www.briskoda.net

Andy

Current Skodas are a good drive, comfortable and amazing value for money - basically a more reliable Audi without rings and not-quite-so-keen styling. I have rented one now and then and was quite surprised.

Thanks again you have all been a tremendous help. It is not imminent but thinking ahead later this year probably. OH's car is an auto Merc but even he (78 this year, is beginning to think that it is maybe getting to be a bit too powerful for someone his age so we need to rethink what cars we own/drive. We do have one consideration, that is our daughter lives a 4 hour drive away up the M5/M6 A590, we are not used to doing that journey in a smaller car which is why we have a bigger car for distance travel and a smaller one for local travel. The merc is 2004 and, as I said the Golf is 2002 (low mileage).

The friend who owns one has driven from Cornwall to the SE. She hasn't complained about the comfort, but then everyone's body-shape is different

And age Det, my 75 year old bones never feel cramped or stiff from the Merc, not sure how I'd be in the golf that distance

Have you thought about hiring one for a few days? Try before you buy, as it were ;-)

We had a Fabia for three days in Lanzarote and it was fine, but of course it is difficult to go long distance on Lanzarote :-) OH was very impressed, I didn't drive it.

Until a few weeks ago I had a Fabia (an 02). Had it for 12 years and ran up 96500 miles. Before I changed it, it passed it's MOT without any problem.

Great little car.

Before that I had a Skoda Felicia and the new shape Fabia is almost the same shape as the Felicia.

2 x Felicia, then 2 x Fabia and now a Citigo. All from the same dealership.

Suggest you book a test drive. Take your golfing equipment with you - you may need the tad of extra room in the estate version.

Good idea about taking the golfing equipment. Our son insisted on seeing if their baby seat fitted when they were looking for a car. It's surprising how many 2nd hand vehicles were rejected on that basis.

Yes that is a good idea re the golf stuff, I will tell him.

I've only heard good reports on these cars

Yes it seems pretty general.

OH about 7 years ago looking to change his car (I drove the BMW3) and he researched - one evening he said I am finding Skoda should be looked at seriously.

We went and looked at the Fabia hatchback - golf clubs were on view but I spotted a Skoda Fabia Estate - perfect - g. clubs out of sight and plenty of room.

Friends who cruise twice a year OH drives them to the ship and the first time friend said he doubted OH would get 3 adults and luggage for two on a 2-week cruise.

He was surprised that there was more boot room than his BMW5 which he changes every 3 years. OH was reluctant to change his Skoda but bought a Ford with sliding door and higher seats to make it easier for me. (I haven't been in it yet)

Fabia was good - all extra goodies plus a hidden box for valuables in. Highly recommend it and do not forget look for the estate model if you wish to keep the boot contents hidden - especially the golf clubs. Both back seats go down singly.