Skoda Fabia - yay or nay?

[GummyBear81]

I've just passed my driving test!

I'm looking for a practical, safe, cheap to run and insure car that will have room for my son's crap in the boot. I've seen a Skoda Fabia 1.0 2016 around the corner from me for sale. It looks like it fits the bill but I've (obviously) never driven one.

Does anyone have any Fabia experiences to share? This is for the hatchback not estate which I can neither afford to buy nor run.

We have the 1.0 litre one and I was worried about it being underpowered (we live in quite hilly rural area) but it's been fine. There is a good skoda chat room which is a great source of info.

I test drove the basic S model today and I don't think I can actually compromise on aircon 😬 So looking at a 55k mile 2015 TSI SE model which has more bells and whistles but slightly higher insurance. Any experience of these?

I’ve never had a Skoda as new as a 2015 model, but have been driving Fabias for the last 14 years. My first was a second hand 4-door saloon and was fab. When I bought it (and discarded the ancient Fiat Uno which was rusty as hell) my local mechanic said he wouldn’t be seeing much of me now I that I’d bought a

My second one is a 1.4 petrol estate and I love it. It drives so smoothly, is solid, feels really safe and has loads of room in the boot for the many trips I seem to make to Ikea and seats three adults reasonably comfortably in the back. We will only trade it in when the repairs become too costly. Oh, and it’s an 08 registration. Go for it, OP!

Bought a ... Fabia!

Would getting the higher spec 2015 SE model with 55k miles be a bad idea?

I've had lots of Skodas and they've ll be great cars.

No, if you like it and can afford it get it!

It has no MOT so can't Think I'll have to stick with the most basic one.

Very short sighted of them to be selling a car of that age with no MOT, there shouldn't really be anything wrong with it either.

A 2015 car should have already had an MOT, so I'd look online to see if there were any issues with the last one.

Do they give any explanation as to why there's no MOT? I'm wondering if there is something wrong with it because a new MOT costs £50 and makes a car much easier to sell and probably adds a little to the value.

It was a hire car and is SORN.

I have a 2000 Skoda Fabia - I'm only just thinking about replacing it.

If you really like it ask them to put a mot on it. It's been standard with every new (to me 😂) car that I've bought.

I can't afford an SE, so my choices are

2017 S model (basic one), 40k miles
2016 S model, 32k miles.

Both FSH, new brakepads on second but tyres on way out. Neither have Mot (no need, in NI it's 4 years). 40k 2017 one is £200 cheaper.

Which to go for?

Had a 1.4 diesel
LOVED it
Still miss it.
Don't think it does great in the safety crash test thingy scores though

Out of those two what would you pick? I know nothing!

Are both engine sizes the same? I’ve got a 1L and it’s a pain in the arse on hills/overtaking on motorways. If you only do local trips, it should be fine.

Yep, both wee 1l. It's my first car, can't really afford any better!

I've been given the base model as a courtesy car. Lovely little thing, sure footed and very frugal.

Yes, great car for the money.

hi guys does any one no if 225 55 16 will fit on my skoda fabia 1.4 diesel witch has 205 45 16 on

when the Honda packs up.
But Hondas NEVER pack up!!! They are SO reliable - I just finally agreed to sell my old CR-V with 130K on the clock and my local mechanic said it was only just run in and would last forever.

I wouldn't go for a very basic model without aircon.
If you look on autotrader etc you will find the next model up which has aircon and electric windows at front and better audio system, probably for the same money or literally a couple of hundred more. By the time you're looking at cars of 5 years old plus, the model often doesn't make much difference to price.

I'm on my 3rd Fabia and like them a lot. Solid, big enough for a small family going camping if you have the estate version and no trouble. If you get one from around 2015 it will probably have zero tax too. Just don't get one without aircon.

My best friend has a 2011 Fabia and it is fantastic. Very economical and hasn't cost her much in terms of repairs for the length of time she's driven it.

The thing I'm most jealous about is the boot space though. It's unbelievably roomy for the size of the car. We take her car if we are going anywhere with luggage and to Ikea/Costco trips.

I’m on my second - I’ve had S both times but this one is a turbo and I’m in love. Think I might try a SE next time though. Sturdy and dependable :) happy motoring!

We had a Fabia on lease for 3 years some time ago. I loved driving it. It was the best car I have ever driven. When it came time to give it back I was really upset. Never found a car I preferred since.