Skoda

Skoda

Skoda Fabia (2007-2014)

Richard Dredge ·

The original Skoda Fabia represented a turning point for Skoda as it was the first supermini from the VW subsidiary that couldn’t just take on desirable rivals – it could beat them at their own game. But while the Fabia Mk2 is both practical and comfortable, it’s never offered much to those who enjoy their driving. Used values can also be surprisingly high so make sure you’re not paying over the odds for a car that’s no class leader. The Fabia’s excellent reputation means some sellers are asking inflated prices for a car that’s still a great used buy, but not as far ahead of competitors as some think it is.

Key dates

5/07: The Fabia Mk2 debuts with 1.2, 1.4 or 1.6-litre petrol engines, along with 1.4 or 1.9-litre turbodiesels.

1/08: The high-spec Sport arrives, alongside a five-door estate. 

4/08: The ultra-economical 1.4 TDI Greenline arrives.

7/08: The Fabia Scout pseudo off-roader appears. 

3/10: A facelifted Fabia arrives with more efficient engines, a revised nose plus S, SE and Elegance trim levels in place of the previous 1, 2 and 3 trims. 

5/11: The high-spec SE Plus brings climate control, privacy glass, powered rear windows plus a multi-function steering wheel.

Checklist

  • Panel alignment isn’t always perfect, so if things don’t line up properly, don’t assume the car has been crashed.
  • Squeaks and rattles can crop up, particularly from things like the dashboard rubbing against the windscreen surround and the pedals needing lubricating.
  • Some engines come with a choice of low or high power outputs, so establish exactly what you’re getting.
  • From 2009 there was no spare wheel fitted as standard, although it is possible to buy and fit one.
  • The interior trim can be fragile as some of the plastics are cheap. Watch for trim coming apart and the electric window switches popping out of their sockets.
  • Oil consumption can be an issue, especially on some of the more stressed (small capacity, high output) engines – up to as much as 1000 miles per litre.
  • Many Fabia owners are disappointed with the standard headlights; swapping to Osram Nightbreaker or Phillips Xtreme bulbs is the preferred solution.

We like

  • Reliability
  • Spacious cabin
  • Decent boot
  • Strong engines

We don’t like

  • High used values
  • So-so dynamics
  • Uninspiring cabin

Richard Dredge

Skoda

Skoda Superb (2008-2014)

Richard Dredge ·

The original Skoda Superb pushed Skoda further upmarket than it had ever been before, and while it was a great car, buyers didn’t really latch onto its brilliance. So when the second take on the formula was launched in 2008, Skoda had to come up with something really special to be noticed – and that’s exactly what it did. This time round there was a novel tailgate arrangement, more space and equipment than before plus a great range of engines. You can now buy one of these brilliant cars for peanuts, making it one of the biggest – in every sense – bargains around. 

Key dates

9/08: The Skoda Superb Mk2 arrives with 1.4 TSI, 1.8 TSI or 3.6 V6 petrol engines, or 1.9 TDI (Greenline) and 2.0 TDI diesels, the latter in 140bhp or 170bhp guises. The 1.8 TSI, 2.0 TDI 170 and 3.6 V6 engines are offered with 4WD. 

2/10: A Superb estate appears, with the same engine options, and the 2.0 TDI 140 engine gets common rail fuel injection to make it smoother, more refined and more frugal than the previous PD unit. Later in the year the Greenline gets a 1.6 TDI engine.

5/11: The high-value SE Plus trim joins the range.

6/13: A facelifted Superb brings an overhauled interior, reduced emissions and a refreshed exterior.

2/14: The Superb Outdoor 2.0 TDi brings off-road styling and optional four-wheel drive.

Checklist

  • The badges can corrode and look tatty after just a year. Dealers have replaced many under warranty.
  • The leather trim can wear on the driver’s seat bolster. Again, dealers have fixed this under warranty.
  • If buying a Superb that’s been used for towing, check its suspension, clutch and brakes aren’t worn out.
  • Cars with the DSG transmission can suffer from jerky changes between first and second; software ‘fixes’ can make things worse.
  • Superbs with the ‘KESSY’ keyless entry system can suffer from the car refusing to acknowledge the proximity of the key, so it won’t start.
  • ABS sensors can fail, leading to the ESP, ABS and tyre pressure warning lights coming on. Fixes are cheap though.
  • All Superbs have alloy wheels which can corrode under the lacquer. Dealers have replaced many wheels under warranty.

We like

  • Reliability
  • Practicality
  • Comfort 
  • Low running costs
  • Spacious cabin
  • Affordability
  • Good engines
  • Refinement

We don’t like

  • Low-rent image
  • So-so dynamics
  • Awkward styling

 

Richard Dredge

 

Skoda

Skoda Octavia (2004-2013)

·

Some badge snobs still shun Skoda because of its past, but the last laugh is on them as they’re missing out on a truly great car in the Octavia. The smart family hatch and estate has proved to be one of the easiest and most satisfying family cars to own in recent years, and while Skodas are no longer the bargain-basement transport they used to be, they’re still great value, with Octavia owners generally happier than buyers of more expensive marques. No wonder owners, dealers and the press love the Octavia; it does pretty much everything you need a family car to do.

Key dates

7/04: The Octavia Mk2 hatch arrives.

1/05: The Octavia estate debuts.

3/05: A 4WD estate is now offered.

12/05: The sportiest Octavia ever arrives; the 2.0 TFSi vRS in hatch and estate forms.

8/06: The 2.0 TDi vRS reaches showrooms, alongside the jacked-up Octavia Scout 4x4.

1/09: A facelift brings an overhauled cabin, new lights and a 1.4 TSI engine (replacing the 1.6 and 2.0 FSi units)

5/09: The Scout and vRS are also facelifted.

6/09: The eco-friendly Greenline 1.6 TDi debuts.

1/10: A 1.2 TSI engine is introduced.

9/12: The SE Connect and vRS Blackline run-out special editions appear.

3/13: An all-new Octavia reaches showrooms.

 Checklist

  • The pipe for the rear screen washer can come adrift, leading to the spare wheel well getting waterlogged.
  • The windscreen can delaminate, usually in the corners, leading to the glass going milky.
  • The battery can go flat if the car is left for a few days, because the radio has managed to drain all the power.
  • Make sure the dual-zone climate control works properly; various issues can crop up, including failure of the compressor, which is costly to fix.
  • The door seals can fail, allowing water into the cabin. Cars built more recently can suffer from water getting into the doors.
  • The control unit for the anti-lock brakes can fail, leading to the ESP warning light being permanently lit on the dash. Repairs are expensive.

We like

  • Practicality
  • Reliability
  • Value
  • Spacious cabin
  • Build quality
  • Engine range
  • Loads to choose from

We don’t like

  • Basic entry-level models
  • Low-rent image

 

Richard Dredge

Skoda

Skoda Superb (2002-2007)

·

With so many people overlooking the Superb in the new car market, there aren't that many used examples around. However, there are enough to give you some choice and once you've tried one, you'll be wondering why they're so rare. With great reliability, acres of space inside, generous equipment levels and decent dynamics, the Superb really has got the lot.

Key Dates

4/02: Superb launched with 1.8T, 2.0, 2.8 V6 petrol powerplants or 1.9TDi and 2.5 V6 TDi engines.

7/03: 2.5 V6 TDi now has 160bhp (previously 155bhp).

1/04: Five-speed auto option arrives for 1.8T, 1.9TDi engines

1/06: 105bhp version of 1.9TDi powerplant now offered, plus 2.0TDi engine is now available in 140bhp guise.

7/06: Facelift brings restyled nose, fresh dash, new colours and tweaked tail light design.

Skoda Superb (2002-2007) Checklist

  • Make sure the water pump was replaced when the cam belt was renewed, or the engine may be wrecked when the pump shaft snaps.
  • Check leaves haven't collected at the base of the windscreen, blocking the air vent drains. If so, water gets into the interior, causing problems with the electrics and electronics.
  • Headlamp bulbs can blow with frustrating regularity; check that everything is working.
  • The air conditioning can play up, but it's often just a question of recharging the system.

We Like

  • Affordability
  • Reliability
  • Space
  • Equipment
  • Comfort
  • Diesel engines
  • Dealers

We Don't Like

  • Fixed rear seats
  • Dowdy image
  • No estate option