Used Skoda Fabia Hatchback 2000 - 2007 review

Some buyers still won't touch a Skoda because of a perceived downmarket reputation. It's the buyer's loss, though, because Skoda no longer builds cheaply made, ramshackle cars, and hasn't for some time.

Even the earliest Fabias were constructed after the company's rebirth as part of the VW Group empire, so anyone who buys one is getting a quality product. Mechanically, it's pretty much the same as the Volkswagen Polo of the same era, and yet the Fabia is more reliable, just as classy and better to drive.

The Fabia gives an outstanding balance between ride and handling. It may not be as much fun as a Ford Fiesta, but it's agile enough. The ride is great and refinement is excellent, making the Fabia very relaxing. Interior space is impressive, with enough room for five adults, while the cabin is classy and solid, if a bit drab. Build quality is top-drawer and, best of all, the car's cheap to buy and run.