I just thought some of you may be interested in my first Skoda ownership experience now that we have had our car for a year. We bought it new. I am not normally excited by cars...you'll notice I own and ride motorcycles, biggish ones too. I'm an ex car tech, so that's a bit strange I guess...that I'm not more enthusiastic about 4 wheelers. However, I've got to say the Fabia estate level '2' trim with that superb 1422cc 3 cylinder diesel is just amazing. Yes...I do get a enthusiastic about driving this car! Am I biased? You bet I am, but my comments are honest.

Firstly, as you would expect, the car has been totally reliable. No squeaks, rattles, badly fitting doors or panels, paint is good etc etc. But it is that engine that has impressed me the most. It almost seems to think it's a 2ltr petrol engine in the way in goes. The performance is uncanny. I love the noise it makes...and yes, it isn't necessarily the quietest or most refined diesel engine but it's quieter than some I assure you. At any speed you can have a normal conversation and most passengers, especially when sitting in the back don't even know it's a diesel. The engines are bullet proof according to my research.

Fuel consumption has been the biggest suprise. My wife uses the car during the week almost exclusively in town and for shorter trips around our locality. It averages 52mpg. Take it near an 'A' road or dual carriageway and that figure rises considerably. Cruising at 70mph, 59mpg is the norm on a trip of 60-70 miles. Bring the speed down to 65mph and that goes up to 65mpg. The best I have achieved is 70.9mpg on a run of some length. I don't worry too much about the fuel consumption, prefering instead to cruise at a very relaxed 75mph indicated and I just enjoy the power and ride comfort. Interestingly, the car will race to 90mph in 5th gear with great ease and is never short of power. Aircon doesn't seem to affect fuel consumption that much I notice. Our last car...a Fiat 1300 punto managed 36mpg in town and 47 at best on a run. And that's a small car not a proper size one like the Fabia estate. I'm pleased.

Of all the cars I've had over the years, and when we had our business we bought two new ones each year, it has been the ONLY ONE that has never had to go back to the dealer for any sort of major problem to be sorted. The total sum of it's problems has be the loss of an 'A' pillar trim, replaced quickly by the dealer while I waited. This is in contrast to the new Fords and Fiats we have had, that have needed new engines, gearboxes, resprays, new electrics, flooded with water in the footwells etc etc etc. Again, I'm pleased.

It's going into my dealer for it's 10,000 service in a week or two, Underwoods of Colchester. We've been quoted eighty five pounds for this. Pretty good I reckon.

Drive safe everyone... (Below is an attachment relating to the JD Power survey of manufacturers...take a look!)

Edited 12 August, 200916 yr by Estate Man

I have had my Fabia for about 14 months and would agree with everything you say except about the air con fuel consumption. I tend not to use the air con to often because of the difference in the consumption. In town driving it uses at least 20% more fuel.

Will be having a second birthday on Monday and have to agree it has been a great car. At 37500 miles have spent £3522 in fuel so about 0.09p a mile as an average.

Also manged to get insurance for £195 for the next year which is a lot better than the £450 quote I was sent!

I've had my estate for 14 months and have covered just over 14,000 miles since new. I had an injector fail without warning when the car was 4 months old, but apart from that, the only glitch has been a temporary loss of communication between the radio and the Maxidot. We are very pleased with the car - it's cavernous, comfortable and my 1.4 16v petrol version manages about 44 mpg on my daily commute and on longer motorway trips, that increases to 50mpg. Not bad at all for a petrol car.

It's my first Skoda after 17 years of driving Vauxhalls and there's no doubt that it's a good car that we both enjoy driving. The handling and performance is great. The climate control is fabulous and only in the hottest weather did fuel consumption suffer noticeably. I'd rather use a bit more fuel and be safe and comfortable. It certainly made the recent heatwave easier to bear and climate control is much nicer than air conditioning.

good to hear mines due to arrive in 5-8 weeks.

Jo, if I were buying a 'petrol' Fabia estate, I too would go for the 1.4. It's a good engine and in my opinion nicer than the 1.6 petrol, and although I wouldn't swap my diesel, it is quieter than my 1.4TDI PD engine. You can have a nice sleep while you drive!! :rotz:

PS. I accept no responsibitly for the consequences of anyone taking a 'nice sleep' whilst driving...since this could affect ones health, amongst other things!

Edited 12 July, 200916 yr by Estate Man

Estate Man says his 1.4 TDI feels more like a 2.0 petrol. I would say most 2.0 petrol cars are down on pulling power compared to a 1.4TDI. The previous generation 2.0 litre Fabia generated 164NM of torque - significantly down on the 1.4 TDI's 195NM. A comparison with a 2.3 litre car would be more appropriate.

Adrianh1, thanks for your comment.

Yes indeed...I quite agree with your thinking. In fact I toned down my admiring comments for the 1.4TDI engines pulling power because I didn't think anyone would believe me (unless you own one of course). I notice that even VW's own 2.0ltr 4 cylinder petrol engine in 115ps format only produces 175nm of torque at 3,800rpm! That would explain why when I drove a Golf 2.0ltr petrol 115ps it felt so flat and gutless and of course...not very econimical unless on the motorway at a steady 56mph! Well said!

Just a quick report back for anyone that is interested. My Fabia Estate 1.4TDI has just had it's first service at Underwoods of Colchester. Although quoted 85 quid for the service originally, this actually came out at 79 pounds. Dealer said no problems and running fine. They did spot the rear boot badge was going a bit icky...(meaning some moisture had got under the clear plastic) and was turning slighty blotchy! They ordered a new badge and said to just pop in anytime for replacement while I wait.

This is rather good and I feel vindicated in buying a new Skoda. It's the first time a new car I have purchased in the last 30 years hasn't needed any proper work doing on it under warranty. The last new Toyota I bought needed new cylinder head gasket, new wiring loom, and countless water leaks fixing, followed by a new clutch all within the first 6 months!

Safe motoring everyone!:thumbup: