USED Skoda Fabia Hatchback (00 - 07)

My car

I bought a 2004 Vrs at 2 1/2 years old.It is remapped by Star Performance from knew and is running about 175 bhp. Car had 22k on the clock when I got it and from about 34k I have noticed the clutch slips a little at low revs if the foot is down. If remapping, an uprated clutch is advised but costs from circa £750 fitted. I do not drive the car hard but at 40k on pulling away casually at lights my turbo blew. Skoda quoted me £1400 fitted for a new (standard) one! (Car was 9 months out of warranty). An uprated turbo actully came in cheaper than a standard one from Skoda and got a stage 2 Turbo Dynamics turbo fitted by Star Performance. Audi TT discs and calipers fit straight on for increased stopping power. Circa £250 fitted.

This turbo will take upto 300 bhp in theory. Obviously this would not be possible to put through the front wheels and I know of a few cars running 260 bhp. Anything near 200 bhp needs a bigger intercooler to keep the temp down.

Had the car over a year and a half and a day does not go by where I do not love driving it. Still get 45 to 50+ mpg when driven conservatively. £220 insurance too is great.

Agree that the cabin isn't the most exciting but combine VW reliability, fuel economy, insurance and even standard performance, this is a fantastic car. Light grey seats are difficult to keep clean as seem to pick up stains easily. I am less than £150 for a service at my Skoda garage too.

I would only change it for a newer Ltd Edition blue one.

My car

Just an update on my previous review.Managed to get most of the faults sorted under warranty(seat belt tensioner,gear knob loose and fuel cap release u/s) The brakes or something behind the wheel are making alot of noise and i have took the car back to the garage 5 times now.Dont get me wrong,the dealer is friendly and polite about the situation,but they are baffled to what it could be.They have replaced the brakes and discs to try and rectify the problem,but it has came back. Its really bugging me as the car itself drives immaculatly and pulls like a train tn any gear whilst still returning 55-65mpg and i have frequently seen 75mpg average on my trip computer on a very quiet 60mile trip from carlisle to holrook near sellafield driving on a feather throttle at 50-55mph...and that road aint exactly straight and hill free! Engine is noisy on a cold start,but doesnt take long to warm through and unless you are booting it,you soon forget you are driving a diesel powered rocket.

My car

Having owned this car for a year I still love it. It was remapped to about 180bhp which gives the car awsome midrange power.If driven carefully mpg amazing 40-62.I would recommend xeonon lamps very good in winter. Buy one soon you will love it!!

My car

I purchased a used 14,000 mile Fabia based on reviews and some motor industry back ground which allowed me to dismiss Skoda jokes. I was dreading driving it as my last car was a new Vauxhall Vectra Elite. I need not have worried as this is a small car with a bigger car feel. It drives well and the seats are comfortable. On the down side fuel consumption is at best average. At idle the 1.4 8v is dreadfull, otherwise fine. The rear doors leaked badly until I sealed them. If the temp falls below -7c then the cars will not start, no problems with battery or starter motor. The Fabia has a portfolio of known problems (check the web)which spoil an otherwise excellent car. I get the impression that Skodas attitude is problem what problem. I like the car but the longer I have it the more I think I will try something else.