The Skoda Rapid is no longer produced by the Czech carmaker and hence it is now exclusively available in the second hand market. The Rapid has never commanded a high resale value due to its German roots and the complications associated with it, but that only means that the chances to get a good car at a bargain remain high. That means that a decently used older model, when the diesel was still in production can be had for as low as Rs 2.5 lakh and the really good ones will go up to Rs 5 lakh. The newer petrol-only versions can go up to 8 or 9 lakh, but they will be newer and have a longer shelf life with the restriction on the use of diesel beyond a certain number of years having become a perpetual axe on the head of diesel cars.
Pre-owned Skoda Rapid Generations
The Skoda Rapid had a solid 10 year run in the Indian automotive market, staying in production from 2011 to 2021. In all that time, Skoda only sold one model in the Indian market, although it was updated with new engine options and visual updates from time to time to keep it looking fresh. Skoda also gave the Rapid a facelift in 2017 that slightly bumped up the power of the diesel engine and gave the Rapid a new face, although the car underneath remained the same.
Generation 1: 2011 – 2021 Skoda Rapid
Skoda launched the Rapid in India on the back of the success enjoyed by the Volkswagen Vento, which was launched a year before it. Underneath, both these cars use the same platform, and even on the outside, a lot of the design remains the same. The Rapid became popular in India because of two reasons. First, it made the Skoda badge more accessible. With cars like the Octavia and Superb holding a cult status in the Indian market, the Rapid immediately appealed to Skoda aspirants. Second, the Rapid’s driving dynamics were the best in its segment (excluding the Vento which was the same). It was its ability to deliver a “German” driving experience that made it a hit with the enthusiasts.
What to Check on a Used Skoda Rapid Before Buying
1. Electricals
This one applies to all Skoda Rapids from 2011 to 2021. Skoda’s were never known to be highly reliable and one will often find electrical harnesses going bad. What’s more, because its spare parts are generally more expensive than others, owners rarely tend to get faulty wiring changed – which at best makes one system unusable, and at worst can damage other systems around it. Bulbs too often go bad because of this, and if an owner complains that one particular bulb keeps fusing all the time, there could be an underlying issue in the wiring.
2. Diesel Engine’s Turbo
This one only applies to the diesel engines which were phased out by 2020. The turbo on these diesel engines is known to conk out anywhere between 1 lakh and 1.5 lakh kilometres, so if you come across a diesel Rapid that has a high mileage reading on the odometer and hasn’t undergone a turbo replacement, make sure you get it tested by a certified Skoda engineer. It’s one of those issues that will end up cropping up sometime or the other. Therefore, it is wise to head into a purchase knowing the impending costs as this will also help you negotiate a better price for the vehicle.
3. DSG trouble
Skoda only ever offered the DSG gearbox on the Rapid with the diesel engine, so if you come across this combo, this particular model will not only have the problems associated with the diesel engine, but those of the DSG as well. Older DSG gearboxes, these are automatic dual clutch transmissions that offer a sporty driving experience, and were never really meant to work in Indian conditions. They were designed for Europe where they worked perfectly fine. India’s dusty and hot environment plays havoc with the delicate DSG gearboxes. There are many owners that can be found on online forums complaining of their DSG gearbox malfunctioning as low as 70,000kms! Ideally, go for a car that has been through a full DSG overhaul, but these units will attract a small premium.
4. Cooling system
The cooling system is another crucial system that needs to be replaced in the Rapid after about 1 lakh kilometres. Most owners complain that this eventually goes bad, and you don’t want your cooling system going bad away from a service station. Therefore, it is always advised to get the engine cooling system replaced at around 90,000 kilometres to avoid any serious damage to the engine. Skoda replaces the cooling pump among other parts that incur wear and tear.
5.Tuned cars
The Skoda Rapid also is also a very tuner-friendly car as it comes from the Volkswagen stable, and bolt-on parts to upgrade the mechanicals are readily available for it. This ups the performance quotient of the car. However, one must note that these upgrades increase the wear-and-tear of stock parts which then need to be replaced quicker. It also decreases the overall reliability of the car.
Summary
The Skoda Rapid is a popular car. A lot of people bought it for the safety it offered, some bought it for the driving dynamics while others enjoyed the glory of the Skoda badge. One thing you should always insist on before buying a Skoda Rapid is the service history. If an owner can’t provide you with an accurate service history to your satisfaction, you should think long and hard before putting your money down on such a car. You will find some really well maintained versions also but these will definitely go for a premium. Such owners are always reluctant to sell also, so it’s hard to get them to come around without matching their quote.
