Buying a used Skoda 

One of the most established car manufacturing brands, Skoda has been creating all-around models for many years. A firm favourite amongst many families, the carmaker has been working hard to improve its reputation for quality and reliability in recent years, meaning there are plenty of great Skodas on the used market. Find out how to find the best one for you with SPOTiCAR

Why buy a used Skoda? 

Though they’ve now been in the car market for more than 125 years, the manufacturer originally started out creating bicycles. Inventors at heart, Vaclav Laurin and Valclav Klement set out to build a strong reputation in motorsport that still holds today before building their first four-wheeled vehicle in 1905. This company was then brought by founder Emil Skoda in 1925. 

During and after the Second World War, Skoda established itself as an innovative carmaker, whether it was building vehicles for everyday driving or heading out on the rally track. However, across the later 20th century, Skoda cars started to gain a reputation for being budget vehicles with questionable reliability. Now part of VW Group, Skoda’s innovation has focused on addressing this problem while still maintaining the affordable price line, making them a popular choice for many drivers.  

Which used Skoda should you buy? 

Skoda has one of the largest range of car models on the new and used market. From superminis to hatchbacks, estates to SUVs, there’s something for every type of driver or need within the Skoda range.The range is available in petrol or diesel with an increasing range available in full electric. 

Skoda car models 

Each Skoda car model has an individual name - reflecting the uniqueness of each vehicle. With a huge range to choose from, here are some of the models currently available on the used market: 

• Fabia - one of the most popular superminis on the road, the Fabia was originally launched in 1999 and has since been a much-loved option for new drivers or those looking for a surprisingly spacious city car.  

• Scala - practicality personified, this mid-range family hatchback has been well-reviewed thanks to its spaciousness, good looks and premium features.  

• Octavia - available as a hatchback and estate, the sleek looks and safety features make the Octavia a popular family car. Low running costs, comfortable interiors and practical design features are other reasons for its popularity.  

• Superb - for business travellers, the Superb offers a comfortable and luxurious executive car option. Slightly larger than the Octavia, its cool design and technological features made it stand out from the crowd and popular amongst a range of drivers.  

• Kamiq - a small crossover vehicle, the Kamiq encompasses all that’s best about Skodia’s range, namely practicality, comfort and good value. A great alternative to a hatchback, it’s great looking with stylish trims and helpful technological features.  

• Karoq - a mid-sized SUV, this model was Skoda’s first step into this vehicle range. The most popular after the Octavia, it comes with a range of petrol and diesel engines and a variety of safety features.  

• Kodiaq - the largest SUV that Skoda offers, the Kodiaq is a highly practical model. Alongside a lot of technology offered as standard, this SUV has also been praised for its driving performance and fuel economy.  

• Citigo - one of the smallest cars Skoda’s ever produced, this city vehicle is good value and smart in its design. With four-wheel drive as standard, both automatic and manual transmissions are available in this versatile supermini.  

• Rapid and Rapid Spaceback - a five-door hatchback, these models are practical, safe and great value for money. With plenty of boot space, leg room and interior comforts, the Spaceback also has a more dynamic driving style for drivers that want more performance on the road.  

• Roomster - as the name suggests, this model looks small on the outside and has plenty of space on the inside. A compact family car, the Roomster has great fuel efficiency, five seats and a driving style that’s more like a hatchback than a people carrier.  

• Yeti - an earlier version of the Karoq, this SUV has plenty of space and is designed for adventures over tougher terrain. All-wheel drive, it also has technologies such as hill descent control and extra features to make it off-road ready.  

Skoda trim levels 

Though there are specific trim levels to most Skoda models, there are a few that come as standard on the majority of the range: 

• S - this is the entry-level trim for every range.  

• SE - the mid-range trim, it usually has additional technology and interior features.  

• SE L - the top-of-the-range trim level for most models, this usually has the most comfortable and luxurious features.  

• SE Technology - this trim offers the most equipment and technology, whether it’s for comfort or safety.  

• Monte Carlo - a premium, sporty option, it offers sleek exterior trims and enhanced performance. 

• Laurin & Klement - named after the inventors who started it all, this is a premium trim level that offers more upmarket interior and exterior features.  

What should you look out for in a used Skoda? 

Though older Skoda models have a reputation for being less popular, the manufacturer has focused on improving reliability and quality since its takeover by VW Group. There are still a few issues you need to look out for when taking a Skoda for a test drive or reviewing its MOT and service history, including:  

• Issues with timing chains, particularly in TSI engines.  

• Octavia specific problems such as with the turbo, rear wheel alignment and driveshaft vibration.  

• Electrical issues such as sat navs and problems with the engine management system. 

• Water in the front passenger footwell, particularly in Octavias and Fabias.  

• DSG automatic gearbox faults such as strange noises or juddering.  

SPOTiCAR part-exchange programme 

Start your part exchange by entering the reg number of your Skoda or another vehicle into our free online vehicle valuation tool. This will give you an estimated cost which, if you’re happy with it, you can use to arrange a part exchange appointment at one of our retailers. Use our find a retailer tool to find the nearest to you and book today. Our retailers can also give you finance options for your Skoda.