USED Skoda Fabia Hatchback (00 - 07)

My car

I bought this car four years ago. I am on the whole satisfied with its performance but I regret buying it because, since I bought it, I have spent a small fortune on it.

After a year I had to change the radiator, then after six months I had to change all the shock absorbers and now I have to change the gas kit and water reservoir again.

In the past four years it has cost me around 1200 Euros to keep it running.

My car

The Fabia in 1.4 16v form is a solid understated driving tool. It's not there for enjoyment, for track days or off-road adventure, it's a car, plain and simple but it's very very good at the job it does.

Some notes you may not be aware of:

This car shares a lot of mechanical components with the Polo and the Ibiza, except it costs thousands less and the dealers are considerably more friendly. However despite buyers of these 'sister' cars paying a lot more, they lose out on performance. The 'equivalent' Ibiza or Polo 1.4 16v engine develops 75bhp compared to this cars 100bhp. To get 100bhp in a Polo you need to spend £12,000 for the 1.4 sport model. Interesting considering the VAG group policy at the moment is to pitch Seat as the sporty brand.

The only problems to note for my car is a slow and inconsistent throttle response, which makes pulling away a bit of a hit-and-miss affair.

My car

For the price, equipment and performance levels, I believe this is a hard act to follow. Having owned numerous and driven many varying types of vehicles, this one has to be the most fun.

Averaging 50+ mpg on a run and 48mpg around town you don't have to save up to drive it!

So far in seven months and 7000 miles, it has needed no dealer attention whatsoever. Internally there was enough room for the four of us to venture on holiday in comfort, and even take our luggage!!

We downsized from a larger vehicle when we bought the VRs and to date have sacrificed nothing. Having made the move if you can overcome the badge mentality then I would strongly suggest you give one a go!

My car

I Have the 14v Silverline Hatchback Fabia, it's just come up to its 10,000-mile service and I am completely satisfied.

I looked around for a while before I found a car that met all my requirements, one of them being comfort. This is because I am 6ft 7in and in many other cars I tried I felt like Hightower from the Police Academy films.

Even though this is only a 12v car it is very nippy and holds its own well against many other 14v and 16v cars.

I know some people have criticised the interior as very spartan, but I disagree. Yes, I know what you're thinking: “You would say that anyway because who would like to admit that they have a boring car!” But really, I think it's stylish and minimal, some car dashboards are far too flashy at the expense of being less functional.

When I need to get a new car, I won’t be getting anything else except a newer Fabia!