Hi there. After first delving into the world of Skodas three weeks ago from a long relationship with VW Golfs, when I bouhgt an Octavia, SWMBO now wants to change from her ancient VW Polo to a Fabia.

Our budget is pretty limited £1.9-2.3k and so we are looking at 2001 Fabias. Found an estate version which looks pretty handy (two growing kids 4.5 and 2 years old so getting bigger quickly!) - the only worrying thing is the mileage - 144k miles. This seems a lot but I guess these will be easy m-way miles. Any ideas what things to look for apart from a stamped service history showing regular oil changes.

What wears/break on these cars? Suspension? Bushes? Engine components? Electrics?

Any help or pointers would be most welcome. Need advice ASAP as we are off tomorrow morning to have a look (70 miles from us so quite a trek)

TIA

Nick....

I've jus picked up a 170k tdi estate, and it still drives like a new car. Couldn't believe it. Excellent car, will go on and on as long as the history is there. Look out for wear on steering wheel, clunking suspension and drivers door wear. All easily fixed, but gonna cost more.

Altogether a good car but would need to be a high spec at that money.

There is an 04 1.9 Tdi Elegance, with all extras on Autotrader at £2995, so would probably get that for £2600/2700.

a quick question, I have seen it used a few times on this site and assume it means wife, but what does swmbo mean???

a quick question, I have seen it used a few times on this site and assume it means wife, but what does swmbo mean???

If you hovver the mouse pointer over the acronym it will tell you....

....Otherwise it means "She Who Must Be Obeyed"

Hi Nick

I ran a Y reg SDi for a few years: I sold it a year ago at 80k miles.

Main things that went were power steering motor/pump,front suspension drop link, sensors for air con and power steering. failed seals on rear doors

Hope that helps

Martyn

Might be worth looking at a 306 hdi, you'll get more car for your money

Might be worth looking at a 306 hdi, you'll get more car for your money

But surely thou doth speake of the Son of Satan whenst thou metionf the symbol of HDi....

I willst never against own a car of origin of our counterparts across the narrow divide of the Channel...:thumbdwn:

I had a Renault once........and then I found the God Volkswagen

But surely thou doth speake of the Son of Satan whenst thou metionf the symbol of HDi....

I willst never against own a car of origin of our counterparts across the narrow divide of the Channel...:thumbdwn:

I had a Renault once........and then I found the God Volkswagen

Good cars mate

the 306 was actually better than the self combusting behemoth that replaced it..

...hrrrrrrumphhh....Now that would be what I'd describe as a "polished turd" What a complete waste of time! 200 mile round trip to see a Fabia that was not as it was described. A 85-90% service history turned out to be NO service history. Two cam belt changes turned out to be no paper evidence of this. The engine smoked so bad at first when we got to the first set of traffic lights I though there was a bonfire nearby - it was the car. The engine had no "go" at all for a 1.9SDi - good job too as the brakes were very poor - handbrake was nearing the roof lining as well. Car had 5 brand new tyres - almost too new - maybe covering up some dodgy tyre wear? Felt solid enough in a straight line though with no bangs or knocks etc.

I'm mad at the lying used car salesman for misleading me. WHAT A WASTE OF TIME!!! Grrr...The rest of the cars in his lot were minging too. And overpriced. Glenavon - never again.....

Yay!!! Found and bought a love 2001 X plate 1.9SDi with 2 previous owners and 89K on the clock. Service history was a bit sketchy but the overall condition was excellent and no, it was not a tarted up dealer "bargain", it was a private sale and still used as a daily driver.

Knocked them down in price as the clutch biting point was a little high up and they had no owners manual/handbook/service book.

Any ideas where we can get an owners manual/handbook for a 2001 SDi from? Dealers still have them?

Fine car but rather low power but she can live with that.

Glad you've got one. I've had a 1.4tdi from new in 04, but SWMBO wanted her own so we got a one owner 1.9SDI at Christmas. Paid 2750 which seemed high, but IMHO better to go on condition with cars and this was 75K (low but not too low) and immaculate. No problems since then. Does about 70mpg and SWMBO loves it - it is so forgiving and always responds safely. Clutch bites high, but then so does mine (has done all through its 100K) and never any problems. Changed cam belt which was un-necessary as it had clearly been changed at 60K when seen. Later handbooks seem to cover all models, but, we have a handbook / service book for the SDI and could photocopy any bits if you're stuck. Feel free to contact.

Have fun

Hello lads, newcomer here.

Can I please have a link to the workshop manual (if there is any) for a 2000 Fabia 1.9SDi ?

Failing that where is the oil filter?? :P. I know its a paper based one and had a quick look round the engine yesterday but was unsucessful to find it

Cheers

George

BTW I'm getting 60mpg out from the Fabia

Hi,

As above, I'll copy (or scan if possible) if anyone wants. Not worth doing all pages of course, but let me know. Haynes is quite good for some things, but awful photos. Lots of good photos on this site. Tech data also on this site.

Oil filter is right in front of engine high up (very civilized)- black plastic - with large nut shaped top.

Have fun.

Golf-Fiend you have PM.

Golf fiend look on ebay if you want an owners handbook.

Oh and glad you like the SDI, any piccies to come?