Hi

Spent many hours reading as much as I can on here about the Felicia as I am just about to join the ranks of Skoda owners. I've narrowed the choice down to an estate (need the space) and 1.3 mpi (cheaper tax). Contenders so far are a one owner, 1996 LXi with 62K, full skoda history with a trader, very clean but way overpriced at the moment. He may take my cash offer - I'll offer and leave my contact details.

Other is a 2000 Magic 58K at a very good price (private sale) with all the electric goodies, but this is where I'm worried. I need a simple, fixable car as I'm returning to Uni and funds are tight. I've plenty of practical experience as I've owned 2CVs and a land rover in the past, amongst other cars. The LXi is nice and basic, no electrical windows to fail etc, the magic is newer so maybe less likely to rust in the future.

The Magic has a couple of minor knocks but looks honest, the LXi is obviously dealer prepared and in better cosmetic condition. The car will be well used so mechanicals and reliability must come first.

Both estate, both 1.3 mpi, similar mileages, difficult choice :confused:

Hi welcome to briskoda

If they're similar prices and the 2000 one is 4 years newer my personal inclination would be to go for that one so long as it hasn't been neglected in terms of servicing. In terms of electrics failing I think most failures would be livable with without repair except perhaps windows in summer. Although all it is is a motor that winds the cable instead of a handle.

I think if you clean any mud from the back of the rear wheel arches and stick some grease or underbody seal behind it that will help stop those rusting. It's also probably a good idea to get some stuff on the inside of the wheel arch which is accessible through the access panel in the boot.

In terms of space, in the felicia the rear seats are removable, they simply unhinge and you can chuck them in the house for that little extra load space.

I'd say look at both cars.

Drive them and see.

I'd prob go for the 2000 car myself. cause its got the alloys etc.

Id say it depends on how good cosmetically the 96 car is compared to the newer one.

You've already decided you want a Skoda thats half the battle won

I'd say look at both cars.

Drive them and see.

I'd prob go for the 2000 car myself. cause its got the alloys etc.

Id say it depends on how good cosmetically the 96 car is compared to the newer one.

You've already decided you want a Skoda thats half the battle won

Deffo roadtest both cars, check the bottom spring cups, front and rear for severe rust, as these are prone to letting go. If you go with the one from the trader make sure it has a years test

Road test as everyone has said, thought the 2000 Magic sounds good - 4K less on the clock, 4 years younger, and if it has service history and has been well looked after then why not.

My car has electric windows and is two years older than the magic - and seems to have been ok (touch wood)

Both cars are really easy to work on, and are economical to run.

Many thanks for your thoughts, I've been through most of this site so I think that I have a fair idea of what to look for, in addition to all the usual stuff. These are the specific things I think I need to look out for

damper/spring mount corrosion

leaky windscreens - no sunroof on these two cars !

temp gauge slow to move / hot start problems - temp sensor / thermostat

alternator probs - airbag light on / overcharging

check drive shaft boots & no clonking at full lock

ignition barrel probs

guess I better check that the bonnet release is working OK too, after seeing the latest posts

Think that covers most of the things I've read, anything else specific that I should check to ensure that I don't buy a dud one.

guess I better check that the bonnet release is working OK too, after seeing the latest posts

When buying a car, always open the bonnet anyway. Check the oil level has been correctly maintained. I don't think the colour matters so much as it usually goes dark rather quickly after changing. Check the coolant level, you may need to remove the cap and look inside the rim using your finger to check level on the outside (at least that's my experience). Would also check the coolant for any evidence of oil contamination and oil cap is worth looking at the inside of - it only takes a few moments. It's probably worth getting on the ground and checking for evidence of any oil leaks if the car has been moved there for you to view, otherwise drips should be evident on the ground. Many leaks are sortable cheaply and easily, but some are a bit of a bugger to sort. I would imagine both these cars should have no leaks though given their ages and mileages.

Oh and check the spare wheel well for any signs of water, any leaks tend to collect there, and it's also an opportunity to check the presence and condition of the spare.

When looking at any car its worth checking that all of the panels, opening edges and gaps between panels look even. Run your finger along them to double check if your unsure. This way you can check that the car hasn't been involved in an accident.

I always try and get under neath the car, and check the sills, exhaust and the chasis is all a-ok. If not you could be buying something thats two cars welded together! Not the safest thing to drive then.

When looking at any car its worth checking that all of the panels, opening edges and gaps between panels look even. Run your finger along them to double check if your unsure. This way you can check that the car hasn't been involved in an accident.

I always try and get under neath the car, and check the sills, exhaust and the chasis is all a-ok. If not you could be buying something thats two cars welded together! Not the safest thing to drive then.

Remember it is a Skoda, and was made by people who were paid a pittence, if all the panel gaps are good and true its probably a cut and shut!!!!

ONLY JOKING!!

Remember it is a Skoda, and was made by people who were paid a pittence,

ONLY JOKING!!

People always used to compare Skodas to skips but have you seen how strong and well made skips are

joking aside, i'd go for the Magic, alloys, electric goodies, roof bars and a V reg looks better than an N or P