I have just this week agreed to part ex. my 2007 Roomster Scout for an ex. demo Rapid 1.2TSI (85) SE with most of the options list thrown at it.

I have really loved my Roomster, it's a brilliant car in almost all respects but it's knocking on a bit and I was thinking of changing it before October when the service and MOT were due. I was thinking of a Citigo Sport because I really like the look of them and it would save me a fair bit in running costs too...

I would certainly have considered a facelift Roomster but when I specced one up it was considerably more expensive than this Rapid even at DrivetheDeal prices. It's a great shame that dealers rarely spec up their demo cars nicely.

I know the Rapid has had a fair bit of abuse on Briskoda, and the initial dealer cars they put in the showrooms were ridiculously overpriced because they were loaded with options and most were TDIs. However this has been lucky for me as I happened to want most or all of the fitted options. They also gave me a reasonable part ex. price for my Roomster.

I'm looking forward to having a more modern engine in the Rapid, and the extra toys too but I will definitely miss my Roomster. It was certainly the best car I have owned overall. Hopefully I won't miss it too much!

Nothing wrong with the Rapid, underneath the hatchback body you have the same Fabia 2 (or if you want to dig deeper, Mk1 Octavia Sport suspension) front + Octavia 1 rear combination as in the current Roomster, no matter how many platform names the design went through

If you got a good deal on an ex-demo and the options fit what you want then by all means go for it.

Yesterday there was finally a reasonably priced early Rapid Elegance (or even 2) advertised on Briskoda, finally at a reasonably discounted price that was comparable with a new Roomster (albeit I would not take a car without Climate Control nor parking sensors, which these early Rapid Elegance models are missing). That one was £4000 (four thousand pounds) down on the list price.

I actually like the idea of the Rapid, a bit budget but simple to maintain, but at European prices (ie 20%-40% below UK levels). If they ever make one with 2.0CR engine (Rapid vRS?), I will be strongly looking into it.

But I'd never buy a Rapid on current UK list prices, even with £1500 off finance offers. It still works out 20% more expensive than the Roomster (and is of comparable quality/space). Plus when you price up the "full gadgets" version, you'll find that a similarly equipped Superb can be had for 15%-20% more... which tells you just to what extent SUK Rapid pricing is crazy.

I think the only honourable way out of the current Rapid situation would be for SUK to revise list price down by 20%, and then run 0%VAT for a while to get enough sales so that the Rapid is seen on the roads. They'd still be making 7% more money on each sale than the Czech dealerships....

I will be interested to explore the handling of the Rapid - it's not had great reviews in that respect which I find a little strange as I think the Roomster is brilliant fun to drive.

I fully agree that I would not pay anywhere close to list price for the Rapid, but if you can find one or negotiate the right price on one it can be a good car for the money.

Luckily the one I have gone for has climate, satnav, heated sports seats, parking sensors, 17in wheels and sunset - all of which are options I would have gone for so it ended up good for me that they specced up the early demos!

I paid just over £1k more than I would have for a Citigo Sport and for that price the extra spec, size and toys were a bit irresistable!

Sounds a good deal then - yes I agree that the Rapid has had some abuse on here and (at present) this seems quite justified, but could be down to Skoda's long term plans with the release of the new Octavia etc.

I'm sure we'll all want to hear your thoughts and views on the Rapid once you've got it etc.

I sat in a Rapid at the local dealer the other day and it felt very claustrophobic. Dark grey interior and a much lower roof line that the Roomster. Having the glass roof in the Roomy probably helps to keep it airy, too.

Nice enough car but not really 'special'. I think if I got one it would have to have the cream interior, though.