What's people opinion on Skoda Fabia?

ArsenalFC

Hi everyone, I have a budget of upto £1500 to spend.....preferbably I want to spend £1k or less. I have been looking for a small car with air condition, with this it can narrow down the choice. Japanese cars would be my 1st option but I dont mind a ford fiesta (I know fiesta are fine cars) or a skoda as along as its reliable and low maintenance.

I know skoda are made by vw..... its a vw polo really, I have read mixed reviews by car owners, parkers and whatcar. Some owner really praised it while others have electrical problems. I have been monitoring ebay for various cars and this would be my most likely method of buying as I had good success having bought 2 cars off there previously for a good price. I also know a little about cars so I am not afraid to go that route.


Ok thanks, I'll await your inputs

BillScarab

I'd happily have a Fabia if that was the sort of car I was in the market for, but then I drive an Octavia and can't fault it. From memory all of the reviews I've seen of Fabias have been pretty positive.

hewhoisnotintheknow

Lots of people talk about how good they are, my own experiance of skodas has been pretty bad, allthough i think you get good and bad cars whatever the make. That said generally you only hear good reports!

AdrianHi

My sister in law has had a '51 plate Fabia 1.4 Classic from new, now on about 55,000 miles. My mother in law has an '02 plate Fabia 1.4 16v Classic automatic.
The automatic went wrong with an electrical problem at one point which was fixed with no great expense. Apart from that they have been faultless.
Slightly below average on mpg compared to similar cars, I find the gear stick is in the wrong place when I have the seat right for me but the two owners like the driving position. It's a bit dull on styling, the interior's a little plasticky and plain, but there are no rattles or squeaks and I am always impressed by the refinement and ride comfort for the size and price it is.
For the money you are talking about I would have on my shortlist:
Skoda Fabia
Nissan Micra
Toyota Yaris (is that in budget?)
I couldn't do the Fabia myself due to the driving / gear stick position issue but it's my only objection.

goldspanners

wheres anewman? if anyone can convince you to go for the skoda it will be him.
i prefer the old shape to the current shape and again have only heard good stories.

fatbelly

I've had a y reg fabia estate - with the 1.9 tdi engine - for four years now. Best car I've ever had. Nippy, economical, practical and no faults.

Best of luck in finding a good 'un for under £1500

rev_henry

I'd agree with previous posts, a micra or a fiesta, or possibly a corsa. Don't know anything about the fabia so I couldn't comment. I doubt you would be able to get a good yaris for under £1500 though. They're good cars and everyone knows it so they're not cheap!

ArsenalFC

Thanks everyone for the replies, so some good and bad comments just like what I've read on the reviews. For my money I dont want the micra as I previously had one although reliable, its feels lightweight. I would have like a yaris but I know my budget may not able to get one. I'm also looking at honda civic 3drs, fiesta and corsa, I guess I'll may have to make do without air con and get one below £1000, which is what I prefer to spend on a run around.

rev_henry

Going back to your comment about air con, fiestas are known to include air con on very basic models so I'd head in that direction if your really after it. Plus you will definately be able to get a good fiesta in your budget, and they're good cars.
One thing I would say about the fiesta is that the 1.25 engine is best, avoid the 1.3 if possible, the 1.4 is ok and the diesels are mediocre.