Replacing old Skoda Felicia - what would you recommend?
We have a 1999 Felicia 1.3, bought one year old in 2000. It has been superb - very cheap and very reliable - doesn't owe us a penny and I am now a Skoda fan.
It will need replacing this year. It's on its last legs, and we need more space (4 and 6 year old kids now). Priorities in order are:
It has enough space (the Felicia is a bit of a squeeze on holidays now)
Very reliable - needs to last 7 years+
Cheap total cost of ownership
I am considering any of: Fabia Estate, Roomster, Rapid, with the 86hp TSI petrol (don't do enough mileage for diesel and most journeys are short), just waiting for the next round of 0%VAT and finance offers to come round.
Am I being too blinkered? Should I consider anything else?
Looked at Honda Jazz - too small. Ford has some nice models - too expensive, the TCO doesn't add up. Dacia? - too many unknowns, and some bad reviews.
It will need replacing this year. It's on its last legs, and we need more space (4 and 6 year old kids now). Priorities in order are:
It has enough space (the Felicia is a bit of a squeeze on holidays now)
Very reliable - needs to last 7 years+
Cheap total cost of ownership
I am considering any of: Fabia Estate, Roomster, Rapid, with the 86hp TSI petrol (don't do enough mileage for diesel and most journeys are short), just waiting for the next round of 0%VAT and finance offers to come round.
Am I being too blinkered? Should I consider anything else?
Looked at Honda Jazz - too small. Ford has some nice models - too expensive, the TCO doesn't add up. Dacia? - too many unknowns, and some bad reviews.
Asked on 9 January 2013 by trevorm391962

A Roomster is more practical and a better car than a Fabia, but both it and the Fabia are old models now and the Rapid is a new model.
Similar questions

I have a Peugeot 206 SW that offers wide, low loading access. Please can you suggest a similar vehicle that has a similar good rear access?

I am three quarters through finance agreement with MINI on a Countryman Cooper D All4, but need more boot space for four small dogs and preferably better than 50mpg. Looking at Skoda Yeti, Roomster, Fabia...

I have read some cracking reviews online of the 2013 Clio Estate, but understand that Renault won't ever sell it in the UK. Does HJ know if that is a final (albeit barmy) decision from Renault?
If so...
Related models
.jpg?width=115&height=75&rmode=crop)
Decently built and good value. Cheap to run. Greenline models are very economical with low CO2 emissions.
.jpg?width=115&height=75&rmode=crop)
Roomy boot and plenty of storage space. Decent handling and easy to drive with good visiblity. Well built and good value.
.jpg?width=115&height=75&rmode=crop)
Looks like a saloon, but is actually a hatch. Good value for money. Very practical and spacious.