Item: Used Skoda Fabia Hatchback 2000 - 2007
Author: What Car? Team

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One of the greatest success stories in the car world of recent decades is Skoda’s rise to become a hugely credible mainstream maker of good-value, good-sense cars.

Central to that success has been its place within the VW Group, alongside the Volkswagen brand itself, plus the likes of Seat and Audi. That has given it access to exactly the same underpinnings for its cars as the other brands, and it has complemented this by adding its own developments, from the way the cars drive and ride through to the features they have and the pricing.

The result is a range that extends from a city car to a large executive saloon, with family and large seven-seat SUVs too. There’s a wide variety of petrol and diesel engines, all of which are competitive for the class.

As a result, Skoda has a range of cars that is almost entirely class-leading or among the class leaders, and it has enjoyed long-time success at the What Car? Awards as a result.

SKODA

FABIA

The Fabia is a brilliant, grown-up supermini that's unfairly overlooked by badge snobs

Used Skoda Fabia Hatchback 2000 - 2007

The Fabia was great value for money when it was new and, because Skodas don't hold their value as well as other Volkswagen Group cars, it makes an even better prospect as a used buy than some of its sister cars.

The majority of the engines give very strong fuel economy, so running costs won't be huge, either, especially as insurance costs are a big plus point. Our favourite 1.2 petrol engine sits in group 1, so premiums are rock bottom. Most of the range varies between groups 2 and 6, while the vRS will cost the most to cover, but even that's only in group 9.

Servicing costs will be similar to what you'll pay for a VW Polo or a Seat Ibiza, but the Skoda will be a tiny bit cheaper to maintain. You may pay a bit more than Corsa or Fiesta owners, though.

The Fabia is a brilliant, grown-up supermini that's unfairly overlooked by badge snobs

There are plenty of versions to choose from, but we'd avoid the gutless 1.0-litre petrol. Two 1.2 petrols are available, one with 54bhp and one with 64bhp, while there are also two 1.4s, with either 75 or 100bhp. There's also a 2.0 petrol. All are good all-rounders, but the less powerful 1.2 is our favourite. It's far from quick, but performance is just about adequate, while it's cheap to buy and you get 47.1mpg.

There are plenty of diesels, too. The 1.4 TDI comes with outputs of either 70, 75 or 80bhp, and all give good economy and reasonable performance. We'd leave the sluggish 1.9 SDI alone, but the 100bhp 1.9 TDI is much better. It's pricier, but it returns 56.5mpg. The range-topping vRS uses a 130bhp diesel, so even the hot version gives 55.4mpg.

Choose basic Classic trim. It'll give you air-con and a CD player, while keeping things as cheap as possible.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Spacious enough for four adults to sit comfortably</li> <li>Logically laid-out interior that doesn’t</li> <li>feel too cheap</li> <li>Mature driving manners </li> <li>Decent-sized boot</li> <li>Competitive buying and running costs</li></ul>

Small cars, or superminis as they’re also known, used to be bought by single people or couples with no children – but the likes of the Ford Fiesta, Seat Ibiza and Volkswagen&nbsp;Polo have grown to the point where they can be considered all-round family transport, albeit with the odd compromise.

The Fiesta remains a star of the class, thanks to its strong Ecoboost petrol engines and suspension settings that are beautifully judged for British roads. However, the latest Volkswagen offers even more practicality, decent performance and a classy interior that has the edge on the Ford’s for quality.

Any of these models will be a competent commuter car – especially if fitted with one of the increasingly popular small turbocharged petrol engines – but just remember that while you’ll be able to carry two adults and two children, it might still be a struggle to get all of their luggage into the boot.

Small

Skodas are now the least problematic European cars you can buy. What's more, if your car does go wrong, repairs are fairly cheap because parts aren't expensive and Skoda mechanics usually do a reasonably quick job at a fair price.

However, there are a few things to look for and, in particular, check the footwells for damp, as water can drip in through the air vent intakes when they get blocked. It's easy enough to fix, though, as clearing the blockage and ensuring the filter is properly sealed should cure it.

Keep an eye on coolant levels, too, because one of the hoses has a habit of dislodging and leaking. This can ultimately cause engine damage if the coolant levels are allowed to get too low.

If you go for the 1.4 petrol, check the timing belt tensioner, because it can break early. There have also been some head gasket failures on the 75bhp 1.4, so check the coolant for oil, and for water under the oil filler cap - both signs of trouble.

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.

Used Skoda Fabia Hatchback 2000 - 2007 review

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