Thank god Briskoda is back up! I've been dying to ask all day since I test drove a 2001 1.4 Comfort.

What is the Fabia like for fuel consumption? Reliability etc? I understand the 1.4 is the last incarnation of the original Skoda engine?

What do people like and dislike about their Fabia's etc?

Just for your info I am downgrading from an Octavia, as I want something slightly smaller and more economical.

TIA

Craig

Being a comfort it could be an 8v or a 16v, 16v can have piston ring problems, 8v is pretty solid but not very quick. I had one (8v) for 2 years and 45,000 miles quite liked it. Biggest problem with older Fabias are suspension problems.

I /think/ it was an 8v, as I saw no place under the engine cover that the cambelt could be (which I am assuming the 16v has?).

Plus I don't need anything quick, after all I own a 1.6 75BHP Octavia, and quick, that ain't!

If it is an 8v (Mpi badge on the back)) then IMHO it is the better option. But I can't see it being better on fuel than your Octy. I got around 350 - 380 to a tank with my Fabia.

If it is an 8v (Mpi badge on the back)) then IMHO it is the better option. But I can't see it being better on fuel than your Octy. I got around 350 - 380 to a tank with my Fabia.

You think? The Octy gets on average 34mpg, I'd expect more from a 1.4 to be honest.

Your making me thing now! lol

IIRC my Fabia averaged 40 mpg. Have you thought about a Fabia SDi? No turbo but similar power and fantastic MPG.

IIRC my Fabia averaged 40 mpg. Have you thought about a Fabia SDi? No turbo but similar power and fantastic MPG.

Doubt I'd get an SDI in my price range, only have £2500 maximum!

The Mpi is not the most frugal of engines. But it is very reliable and doesn't require a timing belt (it has a chain which lasts forever and a day).

My 1.4 Mpi (8V) has only ever suffered from juddery starts and occationally not starting, both of these problems were solved by fitting a new temp sensor, apart from that, yes it's slow but honestly, it'll get into instant licence loss territory easily (done on a track of course) and i average about 40MPG... a good little car all round.

-Duggie.

Doubt I'd get an SDI in my price range, only have £2500 maximum!

Had a look on Autotrader? 30 nationwide for up to £3K.

Hmmm, if I can find one cheap enough I may consider an SDI.

However the 1.4MPI really looks good to me, as theres no cambelt to worry about. Something I always replace on any car I buy!!