owning a 120

road_rescue · 24-02-2008, 21:17

Hi all,
I'm looking to trade the Fav in for an estelle- there are a couple for the right cash floating about.
what should I expect?

I ask, as i'm in 2 minds whether to get rid of the favorit...

Richard Black · 24-02-2008, 22:16

I can't remember if any 120s were 5-speed - I think only a few, and if it's a 4 you can expect a significantly lower top speed than the Fav for a start! You're flogging it at 70mph already. Depending on the age, and therefore on whether it's a swing axle (older type - can't for the life of me remember when they changed - maybe around 1982?) or semi-trailing (later) you'll get some quite surprising handling compared with a Fav. The Swing axle was the more extreme; basically it was unbelievable on short sharp corners but would gradually lose the back end on longer, faster, curves and when that happens you've got to oppy-lock like no-one's business or it's 'game over player one'. They were famous for overheating, which was nothing to do with the rear engine as such as the radiator was in the front and enormous: rather, due to a combination of head gasket problems (less serious than the 130 engine but still rather common) and imperfectly sealed coolant system (check level weekly or else!), they would get airlocked and then start to boil rapidly. Creature comforts are kinda basic but I must say I found all of mine (I had four assorted Estelles over 8 or 10 years) perfectly bearable including on trips from London to Edinburgh. A bit noisy, but no drama. Mine used to get through throttle cables on a regular basis - it's a roadside repair if you carry a few four-inch lengths of bicycle brake cable and some small electrical connector block, and a small screwdriver, in the glove box. But everything on that car is a piece of cake to fix - there's enough room in the engine bay to get in and have a party and the only thing I can remember being a pain to get at is the back brakes on the older style of car, where you need a slide hammer or a humungous puller to get the drums off.

rigsby · 24-02-2008, 22:31

The 120 s did come with 5 speed on the 120L5 , and the swing axle set up, the semi-trailing susp IIRC only came on the rapid. As richard said you have to keep the cooling system in check. When buying always check for rot around sills and box sections neer rear suspension mounts

KenONeill · 25-02-2008, 12:46

I'm not sure that's quite right; I think the semi-trailing arms were on both Estelle 130s and Rapids.

A 105 or a 120 will definitely be a swing axle though. In which case the rule is "brake in a straight line, slow in, fast out, and don't even think about lifting off between putting the power on and getting straight, because this will result in an unplanned panoramic view of the surrounding area".

lewist123 · 25-02-2008, 16:46

Quote:

A 105 or a 120 will definitely be a swing axle though. In which case the rule is "brake in a straight line, slow in, fast out, and don't even think about lifting off between putting the power on and getting straight, because this will result in an unplanned panoramic view of the surrounding area".

sounds like fun!

Richard Black · 25-02-2008, 19:18

One other thing I forgot to mention about Estelles in general: you can get a surprising amount of stuff in them if you're not carrying passengers. Obviously big items simply won't go in, but there a luggage space behind the back seat and if you remove the back seat, including the rear cushion (three or four M6 bolts for each) you end up with quite a large storage area, despite the front luggage compartment being a big disappointing. I once had 450kg of tape recorder spare parts in my 120, and although the back wheels developed several degrees of neg camber it drove along happily enough!

skorob2007 · 26-02-2008, 23:27

Theres a 120LXE Estelle on ebay at the moment.Its the special edition model that celebrated Skoda G.B.'s 21 st anniversary in the UK.Its also very rare in the fact its one of only 1500 120LX and 120LXE models produced.Also, its the only 120 with the semi-trailing arm suspension as fitted to the 130/135 and 136 models.Top speed was 93mph, standard was a 5 speed box, sunroof and 'Skoda 21' decals on the front wings.Estelles are great cars allround, but the Favorit is obviously more modern, and getting into an Estelle from a Favorit is a definate step down in the refinement stakes.

road_rescue · 27-02-2008, 10:09

well I brought one...
Skoda 120L 120 L Estelle 5 Speed White 1989 G Reg. on eBay, also, Skoda, Cars, Cars, Parts Vehicles (end time 26-Feb-08 19:38:24 GMT)
I have managed to convice the Mrs to let me keep the Fav as well!!!!

going to pick it up at the weekend, so i will let you know how it goes

KenONeill · 27-02-2008, 10:22

Try reverse-flushing the engine and radiator, remembering to include the front to rear pipes, to clean out the cooling system.

And take the comments about the handling as a warning that it's not necessarily the most benign car you'll ever drive.

gcr31463 · 27-02-2008, 13:27

excellent work fella ...
have fun with it

i'm sure rigsby & daverapid (amongst others)
will offer any techie advice you might need

lewist123 · 27-02-2008, 13:44

Check the heated rear relay (the ebay ad said that the heated rear window doesn't work). Had the same problem on mine, and although the relay was moving, for some reason it wasn't fully engaging, so i just bent the contact a fraction and now the window works fine!

rigsby · 27-02-2008, 17:32

It says on the add that the coolant gets merky, this could be a sign that the head gasket is starting to go. But dont worry its an easy repair

daverapid · 27-02-2008, 21:59

Best advise of all is enjoy it!

Let us know how it goes and we're here for advise if needed.

surprising_skod · 01-03-2008, 22:10

all you need to know about cooling is that you run a 50/50 mix and it's supposed to run pretty hot!

all you need to know about handling is a 120 doesn't have the power to "drift", and with decent tyres will be too planted to slide unless in greasy/snowy weather.

and don't get rid of the favorit. every time I try another car it disappoints me and I get another Fav. potentially the best car ever

road_rescue · 02-03-2008, 19:26

Got it home 200+ miles!
36000 genuine miles.
taty.

Dead happy though!

westyRS · 02-03-2008, 21:26

Just snapped up the other one that was on Ebay.
Beige 120.
Not a cheap as you got yours for.
Another Skoda to add to my growing collection.
Octavia vRS, Fabia SDI, Fabia WRC Build and now Estelle 120.
Cant wait! wanted one for a while now. Cool cars.

rigsby · 02-03-2008, 22:09

Come on westy, post no good without pictures
YOU KNOW THE SCORE

daverapid · 02-03-2008, 23:23

Two more saved! Excellent news.

road_rescue · 03-03-2008, 15:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by rigsby

Come on westy, post no good without pictures
YOU KNOW THE SCORE

When it stops snowing!

road_rescue · 03-03-2008, 16:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by westyRS

Just snapped up the other one that was on Ebay.
Beige 120.
Not a cheap as you got yours for.
Another Skoda to add to my growing collection.
Octavia vRS, Fabia SDI, Fabia WRC Build and now Estelle 120.
Cant wait! wanted one for a while now. Cool cars.

glad it went to another enthusiast!

24-02-2008, 21:17	#1
road_rescue New to Posting Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Somewhere in the home counties Posts: 14 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	owning a 120 Hi all, I'm looking to trade the Fav in for an estelle- there are a couple for the right cash floating about. what should I expect? I ask, as i'm in 2 minds whether to get rid of the favorit... __________________ Apply enough thrust, and pigs fly just fine.

24-02-2008, 22:16	#2
Richard Black Briskodian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: SE London Posts: 185 Thanks: 1 Thanked 24 Times in 22 Posts	Re: owning a 120 I can't remember if any 120s were 5-speed - I think only a few, and if it's a 4 you can expect a significantly lower top speed than the Fav for a start! You're flogging it at 70mph already. Depending on the age, and therefore on whether it's a swing axle (older type - can't for the life of me remember when they changed - maybe around 1982?) or semi-trailing (later) you'll get some quite surprising handling compared with a Fav. The Swing axle was the more extreme; basically it was unbelievable on short sharp corners but would gradually lose the back end on longer, faster, curves and when that happens you've got to oppy-lock like no-one's business or it's 'game over player one'. They were famous for overheating, which was nothing to do with the rear engine as such as the radiator was in the front and enormous: rather, due to a combination of head gasket problems (less serious than the 130 engine but still rather common) and imperfectly sealed coolant system (check level weekly or else!), they would get airlocked and then start to boil rapidly. Creature comforts are kinda basic but I must say I found all of mine (I had four assorted Estelles over 8 or 10 years) perfectly bearable including on trips from London to Edinburgh. A bit noisy, but no drama. Mine used to get through throttle cables on a regular basis - it's a roadside repair if you carry a few four-inch lengths of bicycle brake cable and some small electrical connector block, and a small screwdriver, in the glove box. But everything on that car is a piece of cake to fix - there's enough room in the engine bay to get in and have a party and the only thing I can remember being a pain to get at is the back brakes on the older style of car, where you need a slide hammer or a humungous puller to get the drums off.

24-02-2008, 22:31	#3
rigsby Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: DONCASTER Posts: 1,007 Thanks: 16 Thanked 104 Times in 101 Posts	Re: owning a 120 The 120 s did come with 5 speed on the 120L5 , and the swing axle set up, the semi-trailing susp IIRC only came on the rapid. As richard said you have to keep the cooling system in check. When buying always check for rot around sills and box sections neer rear suspension mounts __________________ I DONT WANT TO DIE A GROWN UP!!!

25-02-2008, 12:46	#4
KenONeill Briskodian Join Date: May 2006 Location: Normally somewhere in Scotland! Posts: 9,621 Thanks: 46 Thanked 446 Times in 439 Posts	Re: owning a 120 I'm not sure that's quite right; I think the semi-trailing arms were on both Estelle 130s and Rapids. A 105 or a 120 will definitely be a swing axle though. In which case the rule is "brake in a straight line, slow in, fast out, and don't even think about lifting off between putting the power on and getting straight, because this will result in an unplanned panoramic view of the surrounding area".

25-02-2008, 19:18	#6
Richard Black Briskodian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: SE London Posts: 185 Thanks: 1 Thanked 24 Times in 22 Posts	Re: owning a 120 One other thing I forgot to mention about Estelles in general: you can get a surprising amount of stuff in them if you're not carrying passengers. Obviously big items simply won't go in, but there a luggage space behind the back seat and if you remove the back seat, including the rear cushion (three or four M6 bolts for each) you end up with quite a large storage area, despite the front luggage compartment being a big disappointing. I once had 450kg of tape recorder spare parts in my 120, and although the back wheels developed several degrees of neg camber it drove along happily enough!

26-02-2008, 23:27	#7
skorob2007 Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Peterborough Posts: 426 Thanks: 22 Thanked 51 Times in 38 Posts	Re: owning a 120 Theres a 120LXE Estelle on ebay at the moment.Its the special edition model that celebrated Skoda G.B.'s 21 st anniversary in the UK.Its also very rare in the fact its one of only 1500 120LX and 120LXE models produced.Also, its the only 120 with the semi-trailing arm suspension as fitted to the 130/135 and 136 models.Top speed was 93mph, standard was a 5 speed box, sunroof and 'Skoda 21' decals on the front wings.Estelles are great cars allround, but the Favorit is obviously more modern, and getting into an Estelle from a Favorit is a definate step down in the refinement stakes.

27-02-2008, 10:09	#8
road_rescue New to Posting Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Somewhere in the home counties Posts: 14 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: owning a 120 well I brought one... Skoda 120L 120 L Estelle 5 Speed White 1989 G Reg. on eBay, also, Skoda, Cars, Cars, Parts Vehicles (end time 26-Feb-08 19:38:24 GMT) I have managed to convice the Mrs to let me keep the Fav as well!!!! going to pick it up at the weekend, so i will let you know how it goes __________________ Apply enough thrust, and pigs fly just fine.

27-02-2008, 10:22	#9
KenONeill Briskodian Join Date: May 2006 Location: Normally somewhere in Scotland! Posts: 9,621 Thanks: 46 Thanked 446 Times in 439 Posts	Re: owning a 120 Try reverse-flushing the engine and radiator, remembering to include the front to rear pipes, to clean out the cooling system. And take the comments about the handling as a warning that it's not necessarily the most benign car you'll ever drive.

27-02-2008, 13:27	#10
gcr31463 Briskodian Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 620 Thanks: 18 Thanked 22 Times in 21 Posts	Re: owning a 120 excellent work fella ... have fun with it i'm sure rigsby & daverapid (amongst others) will offer any techie advice you might need __________________ ... owner of a "rare" TDI Sport (and also a couple of common as muck old RWD Octavias)

27-02-2008, 13:44	#11
lewist123 Briskodian Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 120 Thanks: 1 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	Re: owning a 120 Check the heated rear relay (the ebay ad said that the heated rear window doesn't work). Had the same problem on mine, and although the relay was moving, for some reason it wasn't fully engaging, so i just bent the contact a fraction and now the window works fine!

27-02-2008, 17:32	#12
rigsby Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: DONCASTER Posts: 1,007 Thanks: 16 Thanked 104 Times in 101 Posts	Re: owning a 120 It says on the add that the coolant gets merky, this could be a sign that the head gasket is starting to go. But dont worry its an easy repair __________________ I DONT WANT TO DIE A GROWN UP!!!

27-02-2008, 21:59	#13
daverapid Briskodian Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Sawston, Cambridgeshire Posts: 768 Thanks: 19 Thanked 81 Times in 74 Posts	Re: owning a 120 Best advise of all is enjoy it! Let us know how it goes and we're here for advise if needed. __________________ David McKinney TREASURER OF SKODA OWNERS CLUB GREAT BRITAIN www.skoda-owners-club.org.uk

01-03-2008, 22:10	#14
surprising_skod Briskodian Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: N.I. Posts: 237 Thanks: 2 Thanked 38 Times in 34 Posts	Re: owning a 120 all you need to know about cooling is that you run a 50/50 mix and it's supposed to run pretty hot! all you need to know about handling is a 120 doesn't have the power to "drift", and with decent tyres will be too planted to slide unless in greasy/snowy weather. and don't get rid of the favorit. every time I try another car it disappoints me and I get another Fav. potentially the best car ever

02-03-2008, 19:26	#15
road_rescue New to Posting Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Somewhere in the home counties Posts: 14 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: owning a 120 Got it home 200+ miles! 36000 genuine miles. taty. Dead happy though! __________________ Apply enough thrust, and pigs fly just fine.

02-03-2008, 21:26	#16
westyRS Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Derbyshire Posts: 261 Thanks: 0 Thanked 9 Times in 9 Posts	Re: owning a 120 Just snapped up the other one that was on Ebay. Beige 120. Not a cheap as you got yours for. Another Skoda to add to my growing collection. Octavia vRS, Fabia SDI, Fabia WRC Build and now Estelle 120. Cant wait! wanted one for a while now. Cool cars. __________________

02-03-2008, 22:09	#17
rigsby Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: DONCASTER Posts: 1,007 Thanks: 16 Thanked 104 Times in 101 Posts	Re: owning a 120 Come on westy, post no good without pictures YOU KNOW THE SCORE __________________ I DONT WANT TO DIE A GROWN UP!!!

02-03-2008, 23:23	#18
daverapid Briskodian Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Sawston, Cambridgeshire Posts: 768 Thanks: 19 Thanked 81 Times in 74 Posts	Re: owning a 120 Two more saved! Excellent news. __________________ David McKinney TREASURER OF SKODA OWNERS CLUB GREAT BRITAIN www.skoda-owners-club.org.uk

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode