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Path: utzoo!linus!philabs!cmcl2!phri!fritz
From: fritz@phri.UUCP (Dave Fritzinger)
Newsgroups: net.auto
Subject: Re: Skoda cars.
Message-ID: <480@phri.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 30-Sep-85 09:41:15 EDT
Article-I.D.: phri.480
Posted: Mon Sep 30 09:41:15 1985
Date-Received: Wed, 2-Oct-85 20:25:08 EDT
References: <7546@watrose.UUCP>
Distribution: net
Organization: Public Health Research Inst. (NY, NY)
Lines: 26

> 
> I recently come across dealership ads selling Skoda cars
> for $5895 ("commuter" model (whatever that is) for $4995).
> I'm wondering why they are so cheap.  Has anyone had any 
> experience with them?  Are they inexpensive because of
> lack of features, workmanship, reliability, or are they just
> a good deal?
>                          Phil Trubey
>                          University of Waterloo

Skoda cars are cheap for a couple of reasons.  First, they are built in
Czechoslavokia, where labor is very cheap by Western standards.  Second,
they are rather nasty in design and workmanship.  The Skoda is a
rear-engined sedan (sort of like a Corvair), with swing axle rear
suspension.  This makes for some rather wild handling, with very sudden
oversteer at, or near, the limit.  "Car" magazine from England rated the
Skoda as possibly the worst new car in Britian up until about a year
ago.  They've improved the rating a bit since then, but it still isn't
rated as a decent car.  So, essentially, you get what you pay for.
-- 
Dave Fritzinger, Public Health Research Institute, NY,NY
{allegra!phri!fritz}

"I think. I think I am. Therefore, I am,...I think."

					Moody Blues