Skoda Favorit (1989 - 1994)

Last updated 22 December 2015

Buying Guide

Good

• Gave a massive boost to Skoda's image in the early 1990s.
• Handles quite well.
• Decently engineered.
• A good, sound, practical low-budget car.
• Much better than a Lada Samara.
• Very cheap.

Bad

• Memories of Skoda image die hard.
• Build quality still 'pre-VW'.
• Fall-apart trim, grotty plastic, iffy electrics (particularly lights).
• Soft brake pedal (like old Polos).
• High seven-point death rate from accidents in this model.

Watch

• Getting old and rusty now.
• Penny-pinched home servicing using the cheapest oil.
• Duff cats on catalysed models.
• Does the owner impress you as someone who really knows how to look after a car?
• Engines start to smoke if oil not changed regularly and decent oil not used.
• Starter motors fail and can chew up the starter ring.
• The down pipe of the heating duct inside the car gets detached and it is very difficult to get back on.

Recalls

1994
(VIN P0670305-R0916381 and P5019665-R5043486): wheel bearing failure.