[Closed] Skoda roomster, yes / no / maybe

I could get two bikes with the back wheel on in the Fabia it's based on with no issues at all so you'll be fine with a Roomster. They're very dependable.

The best car I never bought...

Looked at one as a second car but despite it being surprisingly good to drive, it was only 6 inches shorter than our Octavia estate so we went with a Fabia (which will take a medium road bike with both wheels on)

Pretty sure the Roomster had an option to come with a set up to hold two bikes inside? Though I might be mixing it up with the Yeti.

A friend of mine has one. She's picked me up and put an XL Trek Slash and a small 29er XC bike in it no problem with front wheel off.

Was really surprised at how much you could get in it! She was originally going to get a Yeti, but was advised the Roomster was actually bigger/better shaped inside for bikes.

We had one - the only car I've ever had from new. Had it for ten years and got to 160k miles on the clock. Very nice to drive.

There is a "bike carrying" option, basically a bar rack and straps but it was more trouble than it was worth. Easy to get two MTBs with front wheels off in the back. Even got two fat bikes in there. Had three MTBs and three people inside on occasion.

Had a 1.6 petrol version for a while, only sold it due to losing my licence... A couple of gremlins with mine - the ultrasonic alarm sensor needed swapping (common issue) and a blown antenna amplifier, both quick jobs. Not great fuel economy but it's a boxy shape so to be expected i reckon. But the rear seats unclip for removal really easily so getting bikes in a cinch esp with that huge rear tailgate. I really liked it.

We have one with the 105bhp tsi engine. Nice and quick, easy to drive, designed by whoever did the tardis. Been pretty reliable barring the reversing sensor packing up. Smaller engined ones were a bit disappointing power wise but it depends on distance you are travelling and terrain. Back seats are quite raised too so kids can see out easily which was an unexpected bonus. Is so ugly you could leave it with the key in and it would still be there when you get back.

The boot is flat with the seats out and the tailgate is big enough to act as a 2 man shelter, particularly when combined with a tarp.

Interior is the same as a yeti but the vehicle is basically a fabia. Truly awesome bike lugger. Possibly look out for corrosion on the rear doors now: all other skods of that vintage suffer.

Cheers all, going to look at one tomorrow (1.6 petrol,auto) and will take a bike along. Hopefully it’ll all be good!

I bought my 64 plate Scout 1.2 TSI with pretty much the same thing in mind.

I have never taken the seats out.

As my bikes have gained in wheel circumference and slacker of head angle I have struggled (a little, they still fit!) to get them in the back with just the front wheel off (I have to ram the the passenger seat forwards). I lie it flat though, rear wheel to the back.

Except now I have an XL Berlingo van... a large slackish twentyniner just fits in flat with the wheels on... 😗

Wanna buy a Roomster? 🤪🤣

Just been looking at used prices on Auto trader, they are cracking cars for the money.

Do they come complete with cassock or do you have to buy one as an extra for the full John Paul II look? 🙂

But agreed they are ideal to load carrying as alternative to a berlingo. Better than my yeti.

If its auto, test drive it cold. Ideally left over night. Don't let the owner warm it up for you. My auto petrol Yeti had all sorts of problems that would almost go away when warm.

Also check the service history as the auto box and clutches (assuming the roomster was DSG) are very expensive.

Do they come complete with cassock or do you have to buy one as an extra for the full John Paul II look? 🙂

Don’t be ridiculous.

That’s only if you’re sitting in the back, like a pontiff. If you’re in the front, driving, just a smart dark suit as though you’re on your way to pick up the Pope, is all that’s needed. Or dress as a member of the Swiss Guard.
Dug out one of my bigger bikes and off to check one out at 11, wish me luck!

Also check the service history as the auto box and clutches (assuming the roomster was DSG) are very expensive.

Cheers, I think it’s ok as it’s 2009 which is the tiptronic box rather than the DSG, but will do as you advise.

We've got one, a '12 plate with the 1.2 TSI

It's like a cupboard on wheels, in a good way, swallows more things than it has any right to and the seating setup is very flexible in terms of having them in/out/tipped/half-in/half-out/half-tipped/forward/backwards etc.

Visibility is excellent, it's very easy to manoeuvre and does a great job of being big on the inside and small on the outside round town if you know what I mean. The extra height compared to a Fabia is very useful, and the extra boxyness is a bonus too in terms of fitting stuff in. Having a big flat tailgate rather than a sloped hatchback makes it usable as a shelter as well.

The 1.2 is not exactly swift but it's adequate and unless you're doing a lot of motorway miles will be more than OK.

What it is NOT is luxurious or well equipped gadget wise, but it is comfy and pleasant enough and if you want a utility car rather than an extension of your living room then it's perfect.

Thanks for all the advice all. So now I own a blue 1.6 16v roomster, 2009, low mileage - sub 40k but belts have never been done so that’ll need doing. Seems quite a nice drive.

Now to get the seats out and introduce it to a life of bike lugging. What matting for the back of it?

Mine was Chain so no cam belt - regular oil changes will see you right for many miles to come...

Yeah, double check the belt situation. Yours might be a bit before they started fitting them, but my Fabias have all had Continental lifetime belts which Skoda UK recommend replacing every 4-5 years, but the Skoda EU workshop manual says every 240,000km in low dust countries and 120,000km in dusty countries (i.e. not the UK) with no time limit. So it probably just needs a check by an independent specialist.

What matting for the back of it?

I use a roll of 5mm rubber garage flooring. Cut to size by myself with grooves running front to back means bikes slide in easily, and you can sweep it out with a broom