I'm hoping to buy a secondhand Roomster in March... with the following spec:

Engine: either 1.4 or 1.9 TDi

Year: 2007 or 2008

Mileage: 50k or less

Trim: either 2 or 3

My budget is up to 6,000.

I have not owned a Skoda previously, so I would appreciate all advice. Both models have advertised MPGs of 50-55, and insurance online quotes so far haven't made much of a distinction between the two engines, so I'm open to buying either one. Is an approved used with 1 year warranty worthwhile, or is it better to buy private? If so, what are the Roomster weaknesses that I should be aware of? What questions do I need to ask the seller regarding maintenance and replaced parts? (ie: cambelts, fuel pump, suspensions, etc)

I am on a rather tight budget so can't really afford to buy a car and have it need major servicing after 6 months simply because I wasn't aware that such-and-such a part needs to be replaced after X miles etc.

I settled on a Roomster because with 2 kids I needed something suitable for them, but at the same time a car that is reliable and efficient, and this car seems to tick all the boxes.

I was surprised nobody responded to your post, so I'll give you the benefit of my Roomster experience. I bought my 2007 1.9 Roomster 3 from a Skoda dealer about 9 months ago with 30,00 miles on the clock, 1 owner and full service history. Although it has the old type diesel engine, I find it surprisingly quick, due to the very good torque from low revs. I have no experience of the 1.4. It has always done between 50-58mpg on longer runs, and has averaged 51mpg overall since I bought it.

I believe the cambelt has to be changed at 4 yrs or 40,000, this was done by the dealer before I bought it, also the 2 yearly brake fluid change, the cambelt on the basis of it's age rather than mileage, but is important and not cheap.

It has just had it's 40,000 mile major service, which included things like the fuel filter and air filter change.

I have heard that some Roomsters had a problem with the gearbox synchromesh going when changing from 1st to 2nd gear, causing a crunching noise, but mine is OK.

I can honestly say I have had no problems at all with it over the 10,000 miles I have had it, I find it really roomy and practical, and would certainly have another. Hope this is of some help.

This is my first Skoda Roomster with a 1.2TSI.

Before that, I owned a Skoda Octavia 1.9TDI PD 105bhp.

I really loved that engine. But after 6 years with no problems and 195.000 kms on the clock, service got to expensive for me.

The must important is the cambelt.

Do not have any experience with the 1.4TDI.

I have heard that some Roomsters had a problem with the gearbox synchromesh going when changing from 1st to 2nd gear, causing a crunching noise, but mine is OK.

Changing the gearbox oil will alleviate this.

My 1.4 was beginning to get a bit baulky on the 1st - 2nd gear shift (at around 40,000mls) but after replacing the oil the gearshift is now as good as it was when new.

I will be going to look at one this week.

07 Roomster 2, 1.9TDI, 50k miles, 1 owner, dealer service history up to 40k & then independent service history. Cambelt changed at 40k and new front tires.

Hopefully this will be the right one. I have heard these old diesels are noisy, but i'm more impressed with reliability.

Will be sure to check those gears then, as well as find out about last brake fluid, oil and filter changes.

Thank you both for your advice

Edited 26 February, 201214 yr by grafitti

Great choice of engine. I have a Roomster 1.9 TDI previously, and i am very impressed with the engine, especially in such a small and light car. It's a bit noisy, but if you haven't driven any of the new common-rails diesels you won't know the difference. And it has lots of torque from basically idling revs, and consumes very little diesel.

As others have said, go for the 1.9tdi over the 1.4. Fully laiden I can imagine the latter feeling somewhat underpowered.

The PD engine is pretty bullet proof TBH, my heavily tuned fabia vRS is nearing 150k.

Cambelt and water pump is 4yrs or 60k whichever is first.

My 2008 Roomster Scout is approaching 60k and the front end is getting a bit rattly, although only wear and tear on the bushes. The only thing that has been a real PITA is changing the headlight bulbs.

I have the 1.4TDI (2) 2008, bought it September just gone, had 9k on the clock.

I seem to be getting ~45mpg around the doors and ~60mpg motorway driving (although this seems to be rising up a little)

I have just recently come across a problem with mine, possibly fault on the starter motor (although 9k over the first 3 years of it's life, this may be down to a lot of small journeys previously being done - there's a discussion on-going in this forum about this problem, so no doubt if I am wrong with what I am saying someone will put me right)

Having said that, I do like the car, and for what I need it has enough power, although as of yet it has never been fully loaded so I cannot comment on the previous statements that it could be underpowered.

I'd agree with all the above, but there are a few other things to consider. On the test drive, does the steering seem remote or "wandery"? If so get the suspension bushes checked and changed.

If you can get one with Climate Control, get it serviced. There should be a record on the engine cover.

While I was about it, I'd check if the brake fluid had been changed at 36 months, if not it will need doing. Has the coolant been changed? It'll need doing if not. There should be a record on the cover of a service historied car.

On a 3 to 4 year old 1.9Tdi, these are not scheduled service items but will need doing if you're going to run happily and safely.

All in all my 56 plate 1.9 Roomster 3 has been a great buy and has been brilliant for the last 2 years. My only problem is whether to keep it or buy a younger example.

Thanks to all who offered me advice.

I've just bought the vehicle.

Steering is spot on, no climate control to worry about (standard aircon on roomster2).

I did notice the brake fluid has not been marked as changed on any of the services, as well as the coolant. So that was a useful bargaining piece.

Driving it home averaged @ 60mpg, so very happy with that. Brakes and all seemed ok though, but will have it changed anyways.

I haven't driven the new diesel engines, but I was pleasantly surprised at the low level of engine noise compared to what i was expecting.

Overall have no experience with the car other than 150 miles driving it home today, but I already love it.

I am sure you will love your roomy , skoda is a very good car maker , i have had including my new roomy 1.2 tsi se(105) , 5 skodas 3 with the 1.9 tdi ( happy motoring )

Post some pictures if you can

I am pleased with it overall. It's due for interim service in 1k miles, but will take it in early next week just to assure myself of no issues with it. It is standard Roomster 2 spec, and I don't think there are any factory fitted extras. I do wish it had roof rails, but can always install them at a later time. I believe I got a great deal on it, paid 4.2, but AM open to hearing from the experts as to whether I paid too much :/

Great color :-)

Congratulation with the Roomster.

hi aim on my 3rd skoda. black roomy if i had the money i would had the octavia estate in white but for can't beat the roomy pete

hi aim on my 3rd skoda. black roomy if i had the money i would had the octavia estate in white but for can't beat the roomy pete

Same here... If and when I can afford it, will pass this on to my wife and buy an Octavia VRS Estate in that gorgeous blue they come in. But the roomster is terrific value for money- can't believe now i was considering a doblo instead of this