Austin76

Sorry RicardoM..I wasn't setting out to offend you..I was just thinking out loud. I can agree with some of your points above. The other thing I was thinking about is why the Czechs didn't export the Felicia to Africa..over there I think it would have made a great seller. And since the Japanese have taken over that market it would have been great to see a European company take some market share. And "fly the flag " as it was. I was thinking of the old Peugeots 404's 504's that are all over the place and Mercedes W123 But no cars like this are been built anymore.

Hi, I was thinking about which modern cars would be the modern day equivalent of the Felicia. My thoughts would be the Dacia Sandero. But I am not sure how much useless extras they give you. My other thoughts was possibly the Vauxhalll VIVA ..The new one just out..That car gives you lane assist and a phone multimedia stuff. ( why??? in such a small car ) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dacia_Sandero However my top choice would be this Toyota ( Toyota Probox )..Which seems to be just available in the JAPAN domestic market http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Probox Of course neither of these cars are pick ups , vans and estates in the same way the felicia was. The only other car that reminds me of the Felicia was these old Toyota Corollas http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Corolla_(E90) So Any other thoughts on this.

Would you have the left hand side rear light lens???

I wish I could up vote these comments. And to the Op..That's great service your car is giving you..And you are putting it to good use. Shame on me..I am a low mileage driver these last 4- 5 years. Last car I put 2,000 to 3,000 on a Renault Clio 1.6 automatic ( horrible Car )

Edited..

Update. Picked up my Felicia last Sunday. The seller was doing an MOT before sale..And they mentioned something about changing the tyres. The car is riding on 165's and the steering is absolutely fine.( it was better than when I test drove it ) Just left it in for a service..my mechanic spotted a water pump issue. This pump has an engine mount attached ( Model 1.3 L ) so it's a big job. Apart from that..The car is nice and the mechanic thinks I picked a good one. I have grown to like it..And I'm bonding with it Nice honest little car. I am fully confident that once the water pump is done I will have it worry free for at least a year.

Thank you John. Picked it up Last Sunday.. the 8Th..It's a nice "little" car. I have had my mechanic look it over..Just a small leak from the water pump. Getting that fixed as we speak... Big job apparently. But I have bonded with the car.. I like the rugged simplicity of her. No power steering, central locking or electric windows..,marvellous!!!!!!!!! Exactly what I need. I think of the Felicia in the same way as a Honda 50 motorcycle. You have to admire it for what itis.

Thank you Ken. You have raised some very good points/ideas. Thank you for your reply. Yes, You are right about the tyres on the example I have bought one of the front tyres is down to the legal minimum. Offside front. I will have to check the size...and I hope they have the bigger tyre which I can replace with the 155's And lastly..Thank you for the tip about getting closer to the wheel..I shall do that. My plan is to bring it to my local mechanic after I get it..And have the oil and filter changed..I'll get him to look underneath..check the C.V joints etc. Once I have owned the car for a week or two..and once I know it's a good one..I might put two new "boots" on the front.the 155 size that you recommend. Other good news is the council have just brought in residents parking..Am hoping I may use this to my advantage..i.e It should be easier to find a nice "big" spot to park in. AFAIk it seems there are less cars parked around here..since they brought it in...so fingers crossed. I paid 440 quid for a 1999 T Reg..and it really looks like a nice car..And I am dead happy with the lack of the electrics otherwise...This is part of the appeal of this car to me. The engine sounds real nice and it's got 55,000 miles..Engine bay is real clean...All the fluids looked real clean. And the bonnet felt as heavy as my entire first car ( Fiat Seicento ) So, thanks for taking the time out.to reply.

Hello Guys. I have just bought a 1999 Skoda 1.3 petrol with no power steering. I have driven many cars with power steering before..Ford Cortinas Mk 4 and a BMW 3 series E30. And managed these fine. However I test drove 2 Skoda Felicia 1.3 back to back and found the steering real heavy on both. The area where I live means I have to parallel park on quite a busy road. I want to bond with this car So am looking for suggestions is there any after market fix to make this steering lighter???? OFc..I have thought about over inflating the tyres...once I get off the motorway..I may do this. And other than moving house and getting a driveway [ I wish!!!! ] Or buying a felicia with power steering !!!! Is there a "fix" for this ???? Thanx for any tips. P.s the reason why I still went ahead and bought my car was because of my tight budget and Skodas repuation for reliability Plus I don't like modern cars with electric this and electric that. I don't need that in my life. Cheers Austin

Hello, everyone. I am Austin, new to this site and indeed Skoda Ownership. I have just agreed to buy a 1999 Skoda Felicia 1.3 petrol. A nice basic car. am due to pick it up this weekend. Previous cars have been 2x Fiats ( which I liked ) A Renault Clio and a Vauxhall Corsa. So, that's me...Hope to learn a bit about Skodas during my time on here. Best Regards Austin