I'm driving a 2000 Fabia 1.4 16v, with 44000 miles.

It's been into the garage and they've come back with several points, most I can do myself, brake pads and discs, they've also pointed out that both my front console bushes need replacing? Not sure where they are and what's involved??

I did ask them to investigate a small problem with the coolant temp.

I do mostly motorway miles and when driving along with cruise control on, my coolant temp rises to 1/2 way, then decreases to 1/4 mark, and stays there constantly. When I first got the car it would sit at 1/2 way.

Is this a simple case of replacing the sensor?:confused:

Another problem that's bugging me is, sometimes when starting the car, it turns over and tries to start, but doesn't. Battery is ok, and it will eventually start, but the rev's are low, and it judders. Sometimes when stopped at lights the revs will fluctuate, and rise and fall as if I was tapping the accelerator.

I'm not sure if this an EGR issue???

The garage did an engine flush, as they believed my piston ring's were sticking they flushed my engine and took it for a hard road test, and it still remained the same, so they concluded it is not the piston rings.

Whilst plugged into the VAGCOM they got an error that there was 0mbar in the manifold (inlet I think), it should be about 50mbar pressure. They said just to live with it as finding and fixing the fault would cost more than the cars worth!

Most of the above I can do myself I am hoping, I've worked on motorbikes for years, just new to the car thing. I'm hoping my car isn't shagged.

Coolant issue sounds like a broken thermostat. A faulty sensor won't show ANY movement on the gauge IME. The console bushes are pretty involved, but ISTR there's a guide on here somewhere. Even though your battery is 'OK', it's worth getting it checked out. It could be the battery's on its way out, or it could be that the exciter wire's knackered, which causes charging issues. Don't know about the piston rings other than that they're supposedly a weak spot on the 1.4 16v, and as for the manifold pressure, your guess is as good as mine!

Thanks for the quick reply.

Makes sense it been a Thermostat, seems simple enough to replace.

I'll get the battery checked out properly.