2007 Roomster Scout 1.6 Petrol after 100k miles & 12 yrs. Thought a long term report might be of interest! Owned car from new. Slightly wary purchase (I’m old enough to remember the jokes) but favourable careful research has been vindicated by our extended ownership. Would buy another if still in production but only if Skoda sorted the headlights (see later).

Dealer serviced until Warranty expired, then moved to local “oil in veins” independent known & trusted over 30 yrs. Had the following issues (normal wear and tear excluded).

 

Early years;

Handbrake cable operation “sticky” from new – replaced under warranty.

Occasional “flat spot” under acceleration – software update cured (warranty).

Leaky rear door seals replaced under warranty.

Rear suspension bump stops perished after 5 yrs/60k mls – replaced under extended warranty.

 

Other issues as follows;

Feeble headlights! I renew bulbs every 2 years for Phillips Extremes/Racing Visions but only marginal improvement & overall heads are still poor. Safety issue and only real problem with car. I think I have seen later Roomsters with reflector heads – wonder why ….

Intermittent failure of front power windows. Seemingly a common fault – ongoing!

Heater fan position 1 failed a few years back – not a problem.

Fuel filter developed leak at about 8 yrs/72k mls – replaced.

ECU bracket failed at c90k miles – replaced.

Original brakes audibly rough from new – supplying dealer considered normal but  aftermarket replacements have been fine.

Original Bridgestone tyres were noisy & harsh – replacement Dunlops and Klebers much quieter.

Front seats starting to sag a little now.

Intermittent rattle from passenger airbag – franchised dealer failed to fix. Minor irritation, liveable with.

Fascia top can reflect into windscreen under certain conditions.

A few minor but irritating interior trim creaks for first few years but nothing since.

Scuttle trim panel (includes wipers and cabin air intakes) bleaching now but periodic application of bumper/trim gel keeps presentable.

 

General; adequately brisk but outgunned by modern turbodiesels and could do with a bit more power in reserve for overtaking etc. but not difficult to accommodate by driving within car’s capabilities.

Nicely torquey at low to moderate revs – pulls well up hills.

Excellent gearshift.

Excellent handling. Involving drive on “proper” roads e.g. out in Wales ….

Very stable on snow/ice for 2wd vehicle.

Hugely space efficient and versatile. Large rear doors v useful.

5 star NCAP (unusual at time of purchase) impressed.

Some slightly plasticky trim but acceptable & trim generally wearing well.

Generally pretty quiet and smooth although low profile tyres can jar over rough roads and engine a bit harsh above 4k rpm although rarely go there. More road noise in back however.

Average 40 mpg–ish, can reach 45 mpg on long run.

Have never had to top-up oil between services even when clocking 12k p.a.

Never used supermarket fuel. Always hand wash using Mer shampoo. Always use VAG screenwash concentrate.

Original clutch.

Original battery lasted 10 yrs!

Still on original exhaust!!!

Unaware of any tin worm.

Local Skoda dealership is energetically avoided due to poor/dodgy advice in past.

Overall, a positive ownership experience with the car having improved over the years - it drives better now than early on (see above ref brakes, tyres etc.) Have considered replacement from time to time but the car looks good, is still going strong and remains ideal for current needs apart from poor headlights. Might do a separate post on this aspect. Drives v well, no real MOT issues so far so still Roomstering!     

 

40 minutes ago, Vroomster1 said:

Would buy another if still in production...

 

Me too.

 

Mine was a 2009 Scout TDI, which I owned from new.  Best car I've owned in 50 years of motoring.

I've always regretted selling it but I had to trade it in for an SE DSG due to a knee injury.

Sadly, I was too late to get another Scout.

Great to hear yours has given such good service.

 

Much as I love my Yeti, I'd swap it in a heartbeat for a new Roomster Scout DSG.

I've had mine for 7 years 1.6 petrol so more like 35mpg, not jealous lol. I keep saying its time to change it but still got it. Nice review, wish I'd had mine from new, would have given it more love than i have but it was picked up as short term work horse...