# Skoda Felicia — Used Car Buying Guide

AutoScout's analysis of the Skoda Felicia on the UK used-car market. Backed by 33 million DVSA MOT tests, current AutoTrader pricing, and depreciation curves derived from CAP/Glass's Guide data.

Live interactive report: https://autoscout.fyi/cars/skoda-felicia

## Verdict

- **Best value year**: 2000
- **Ideal trim**: 1.3 GLXi
- **Target mileage**: 80,000–120,000 miles
- **Max previous owners**: 5
- **Target price**: £1,200

## Why this model

The Skoda Felicia is a fantastic choice if you're looking for incredibly cheap, no-frills motoring. It's a simple, robust car that's easy to work on and parts are generally inexpensive. It won't win any races or turn heads, but it's a reliable little workhorse for getting from A to B, especially if you find a well-maintained example. It's truly at the bottom of its depreciation curve, so you won't lose much money on it.

## What you should pay

Prices for the Felicia are extremely low, often under £1,500. The key here isn't getting the absolute cheapest, but finding one that's been looked after. A slightly higher price for a car with good service history and minimal rust is a much better investment than a 'bargain' that needs immediate work. Condition is king for a car of this age.

## Which trim to buy

The 1.3 GLXi trim offers the best balance of basic features and reliability. The 1.3-litre engine is simple and robust, and the GLXi trim usually includes a few creature comforts like central locking and electric front windows, which are nice to have without adding complexity or cost. Avoid the very basic LXi if you want any amenities, and the 1.6-litre, while more powerful, can sometimes be harder to find parts for and isn't significantly more refined.

## What to check before you buy

- Rust on sills, wheel arches, and tailgate
- Electrical gremlins (windows, central locking)
- Suspension wear (bushes, shock absorbers)
- Head gasket issues (especially on 1.3 engines if neglected)
- Worn interior components (seats, plastics)

## Running costs

Running costs are very low. Fuel economy for the 1.3-litre engine is around 35-45 mpg, which at current petrol prices (approx. £1.45/litre or £6.59/gallon) works out to roughly 15-19 pence per mile. Road tax (VED) for cars of this age is typically fixed and low, often around £180-£200 per year. Insurance will likely be in the lowest groups, making it very affordable, especially for experienced drivers. Maintenance is cheap due to simple mechanics and readily available parts.

## Key stats

- **Fuel Type**: Petrol
- **Horsepower**: 54-75 hp
- **Mpg**: 35-45 mpg
- **Reliability Score**: Good for its age, but condition-dependent
- **Safety Rating**: Poor by modern standards (pre-Euro NCAP for many features)

## Trim comparison

| Trim | Price new | Price used | Key features |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1.3 LXi | £7,000 | £750 | Basic steel wheels; Manual windows; No central locking |
| 1.3 GLXi | £8,500 | £1,200 | Central locking; Electric front windows; Power steering (on some models) |
| 1.6 GLXi | £9,500 | £1,400 | Alloy wheels; Front fog lights; Electric mirrors |

## Depreciation forecast

| Year | Estimated value | Retention |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | £1,200 | 100% |
| 2027 | £1,150 | 95% |
| 2028 | £1,100 | 90% |
| 2029 | £1,050 | 85% |
| 2030 | £1,000 | 80% |

The Skoda Felicia is already well past its main depreciation phase. You're buying it at the absolute bottom of its value curve. Any further depreciation will be minimal, and a well-maintained example might even hold its value or slightly increase if it becomes a niche classic. The sweet spot is finding a good one now.

Total value lost since new: 98%.

## Alternatives to consider

- Ford Fiesta (Mk4/Mk5)
- Vauxhall Corsa (B/C)
- Volkswagen Polo (Mk3)

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Source: AutoScout (https://autoscout.fyi). Part of a review of the UK used-car market across 500+ models.