USED Skoda Octavia Estate (98 - 04)

My car

Not the sharpest drive of the lot, but decent. Cramped rear space hampers use of children`s seats. The boot is well designed and easy to use. Engine is wonderful. Build quality seems to be good.

My car

I have owned the car for just under a year, and recently took it in for its first service, at 20,000 miles. I chose the vRS as a compromise between a desire for a performance car and the need to carry large loads, and as such it has been good rather than outstanding in both of these areas.

The engine is strong, pulls well throughout the rev range and delivers a solid 30mpg. Although the chassis is reasonably dynamic, there is noticeable body-roll when cornering hard. Road holding and grip are extremely strong, with only occasional understeer in the wet.

The loadspace is large, but folding the rear seats down is not an easy process, as the rear seat bases and headrests have to be removed before the backs will fold flat. The interior of the car is reasonably comfortable, but feels extremely plasticy and dated when compared to many of its rivals.

Reliability has been good, with the only annoying problems being squeaks and rattles from the cabin, which were all sorted out under warranty. Overall, the vRS feels a little low-rent when compared with my previous car, a VW Golf estate. On the other hand, the Golf's handling was distinctly inferior to the Skoda, and it was dogged by constant problems which the dealers were unable to resolve.

Overall I'm satisfied with the car, and still find driving it a pleasure, so it can't be bad.

My car

In March 2002 my car was due for renewal. I was then driving a Vectra SRi that served me well for 125,000 miles.

I couldn't find anything that I felt was both different and interesting and had originally ignored the Octavia RS as I assumed the ride would be harsh judging by it's 17" alloys and performance figures. However, in light of indecision over what to choose, I thought I'd try it.

What a fool I'd been, the ride was superb, the acceleration a belly tingling pleasure added to that the half leather, 6 disc CD and climate control, she had to be mine.

107,000 undisturbed miles later, I still love this car as much as the day I first drove it, no, more in fact. It still looks great and absolutely nothing can touch it for value for money.

If you're considering one, rest assured, you won't regret a single minute. Not had a problem with the Skoda garage either come service time.

My car

I have been driving this car for eight months and have covered 20,000 miles.

In every respect, it has exceeded my expectations. When I change in just over two years I have no doubt that I will go for the same. It does everything I require of a vehicle and is extremely comfortable and economical.