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[horsecow]

As stated the wife is looking to change her car. Currently driving an 03 diesel avensis which is still going grand but she says it doesnt handle well in the frost/snow and she thinks it rather sore on fuel so looking something easy on fuel and good when slippy basically. Was thinking of going with skoda, have heard they are great motors, not sure how economical though. All advice much appreciated. TIA

[cem_devecioglu]

avensis is not a lightweight car.. needs good quality winter tyres and good geometry setup.. all will effect on frost/snow..
 
besides diesel torque doesnt help either..
 
however if changing is necessary   another japanese car (small ) will be a good choice imo.. all big/heavy cars on frost/snow requires experience..   

[OOMV6]

Skodas are good on fuel. My partner has a Fabia which did 55mpg. A mate has an Octavia which gets on average a little above 45mpg. Both easy to drive - Fabia gutless. Octavia - nice car and very long service intervals

[horsecow]

Just looking on ebay at skoda'a here, hard to get one with less than 100k but there are loads with upwards of 300 and 400k which surely is a good sign of reliability. Thinking fabia would be good but I'm wondering if any1 has experience in slippy conditions in one??

[doz]

I have the Seat version of the Fabia. The Ibiza. It's 60 plate 1.6 TDI Sport. Being a saint I've managed 76 MPG but realistically 55-60 is the norm. Great car very very sure footed and nippy enough to keep things interesting. Build quality is excellent. Oh and it's for sale 

[horsecow]

too much money for my mrs doz, way too fresh lol

[OOMV6]

Just looking on ebay at skoda'a here, hard to get one with less than 100k but there are loads with upwards of 300 and 400k which surely is a good sign of reliability. Thinking fabia would be good but I'm wondering if any1 has experience in slippy conditions in one??

Had winter tyres fitted on ours in the slippery seasons. No issues with it. It had ABS, ESP and was FWD. So, all was fine as could be in winter. TBH, the winter tyres make that extra difference, especially in snow.
Be aware the 1.4 diesel is gutless. Is fine as a second car, and my partner was ok with it, but certainly lacked power. Was very very reliable, functional car. Not exciting, but functional. Had ABS, ESP, cruise, elec front windows, not bad sound system. The only thing we had was it went through headlight bulbs at an alrming rate. But it is VW based, so kinda expected. You can pop a voltage regulator on anyway to combat that.

[TheBoy]

A driving course may be worthwhile. Nothing will stop any car from skidding on ice.

Winter tyres and 4wd help, but if she thinks its a solution, she'll quickly be parking it in a ditch

[horsecow]

Your probably right there mate but being a typical woman she knows everything and never heeds advice lol!!! I do fancy a skoda though as ''HER'' car!!

[Kevin Wood]

A driving course may be worthwhile. Nothing will stop any car from skidding on ice.

Winter tyres and 4wd help, but if she thinks its a solution, she'll quickly be parking it in a ditch

Indeed. Skid pan course been suggested in this household due to the RWD only policy. It didn't go well.

[2woody]

Indeed. Skid pan course been suggested in this household due to the RWD only policy. It didn't go well.

suggested for you or her ?

[Keith ABS]

   My eldest son has a Fiat Brava 1.6 diesel. around 50-55 mpg, built on the Astra Floorpan and £30 a year to tax it.
keith B

[Kevin Wood]

Indeed. Skid pan course been suggested in this household due to the RWD only policy. It didn't go well.

suggested for you or her ?

Her.   After she swapped ends of the MX5 in the snow. I have no problem with such training being mandated. Great fun.

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

I suggest a 1.3 litre  75 BHP limit for the ladies.

Also automatic transmission. New clutches every 5,000 miles don't come cheap.

[Webby the Bear]

fiat panda. small, cheap to run, some cool functions and skinny tyres to help in snow