went to get in the car this morning and the bloody door wont open. the handle wont work inside or out. think its just going to be a simple fix but problem is i cant get the door card off while the door is stuck closed. anyone know what to do? im out of ideas other than attacking it with a hammer/grinder

Had the same problem with my rear doors.

What happens when you unlock using the key? Does the central locking still work?

Try 'gently' giving the door a thump near the lock area. If this works, you may just need to lubricate the lock / mechanism but it could also be the mechanism's on the way out.

It may be possible to get the door card off. I've never done the front but i got the card off a locked rear door using needle nosed pliers holding a small length of allen key I had chopped up. Took a good hour but it was cheaper than the option Skoda gave me. Check the position of the screws on the passenger door to see if they are accessible when the door is shut.

You should be able to find posts on this problem that may be able to offer more help / alternatives.

How much is a new door card the only way may be to cut a panel out of it and work with the door closed?? Sounds like an odd one!

the central locking doesnt work on the drivers door (hasnt for ages just not got round to fixing). i did find a guide on how to remove the top section of the door card without opening the door: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_do_you_open_a_skoda_octavia_driver's_door_that_does_not_open_from_the_inside_or_outside but not sure if its mk1 ormk2 octavia. also, i am not known for my patience so may just buy a new door card ready, then chop it to bits.

thanks for the replies!