Skoda cars for sale

Overview

Skoda — properly Škoda, with the caron — sells Volkswagen Group engineering with more space and less money. The Octavia is the archetype: a Golf underneath, noticeably larger inside, and consistently cheaper. The brand’s "Simply Clever" details, like the umbrella in the door and the ice scraper in the fuel flap, are a genuine part of the appeal.

History

The company traces to Václav Laurin and Václav Klement’s bicycle business in Mladá Boleslav in the mid-1890s, moving to motorcycles by 1899 and cars by 1905. The much larger Škoda Works conglomerate acquired Laurin & Klement in 1925, and production continued under the Škoda name.

Nationalised in 1948, the company spent the Cold War building rear-engined cars like the Estelle, acquiring a cult following in Western Europe and, less helpfully, a reputation as a punchline. Volkswagen was selected as partner in December 1990 and began acquiring shares in April 1991. The transformation since has been complete — the Octavia and Superb now compete on merit rather than price alone.

Buying a used Skoda

A used Skoda is often the rational version of a used Volkswagen: the same engines, transmissions and platforms for less money, with a smaller badge premium to pay for.

The same maintenance rules apply. Look for a complete service history, confirm DSG transmission services have been done at the scheduled interval, and remember the dealer network here is smaller than VW’s — check what support exists in your area.