Tomorrow the wife and I are off to look at a March '09 Fabia 3 1.4 TDI PD (80 BHP) which has 5000 miles on the clock from a Skoda dealership is there anything that I should look out for? Any issues such as water ingress, any electrical problems which I should check for? Anything?

Mrs alkip currently has an '08 Renault Grande Modus 1.5 dCi which is an nice car but we've had a few issues with the dealership around warranty work and I've decided that enough is enough. I've done some research which has led me to Skoda because I've come to the conclusion that the cars are good and the dealerships treat customers like prize possessions rather than annoyances, is my research right?

Alkip, you are going in the right direction in my view! My experience has been a great one with Skoda. I have the Fabia Mk2 Estate level 2 with the 1.4TDI PD engine. In short...I had a great buying experince from my dealer, and good service since. I've owned the car for a year and a bit now.

The car itself has been brilliant! It's the only car I've bought that hasn't had any real issues from new. But, an 'A' pillar seal did drop out between the front wing and the bottom of the A pillar (replaced straight away by dealer), and my tailgate Skoda badge developed a blotchy appearance and was also replaced under warranty at the first service. Very minor stuff! All cosmetic. This is in direct contrast to virtually every other car I've bought new (and I've had plenty...all makes!). The sort of problems I've had in the past are engine rebuilds or complete replacements usually within 3-4 months, clutch and gearbox problems, electrical problems, water leaks, paint and corrosion problems, again all during the first few months...oh, and a failed diff after 6 months on a new Toyota. Add to that very poor dealer service from especially Ford, Fiat and Toyota. It has truly been a breath of fresh air to deal with Skoda and drive around in a proper car that's built properly.

You will find most people on this site have had positive experiences with their cars. I bought a Skoda with a certain amount of skeptisism with regard to just how good they were. But it has been the best buy ever. The Mk2 Fabia doesn't really have any real flaws to my knowledge. Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Thanks Estate man.

I'm really pleased to read all the positive reviews about Simpsons of Colne up here in the Northwest as that's where the car is that we're going to look at. An added bonus is that I know Neil Simpson, when we were teenagers we had a mutual friend and we're all very into our rallying, so I hope that counts for something although it sounds that everyone that goes there is treated as customers should be which unfortunately is a luxury rater than the norm these days.

As you'll see I drive a Subaru myself, I'm on my 3rd now and the reliability, dealership and service network is superb which is what has kept me with them, it's just that there isn't really a Subaru which is suitable for my wife so, Skoda here she comes, so long as she likes it when she drives it of course, but I have little doubt that she will

Take some ear plugs. It will be a noisy test drive at low speeds. But these engines get considerably quieter and smoother after 10k, so don't be put off. The aural attack may be a shocker if you're migrating from petrol.

Cheers Adrianh1, wifey is migrating from an oil burner but, with the Fabia being a 3 cylinder it was a bit more noisy on set off. The one we wanted to look at wasn't in but we drove the exact same model and I was blown away by how much torque it has, I expected it to suffer with only being a 3 cyl and whilst it probably does to some extent I was delighted with it.

We've bought the 09 plate, subject to seeing and test driving it and they've promised that it'll be there for Wednesday so we're over there on Wednesday evening.

I'm off to get her a plate that I've seen on DVLA

Agree, the torque is considerable and reassuring. The engine is also very characterful. Glad you liked it.