So my search for a fabia continues, one has just popped up on Gumtree in my area but has a number of issues and the lady is selling it for £695. I know nothing about cars so asking those on this forum in the know to advice me whether it would be worth purchasing or nay? It's for the old man who hasn't driven in years and wants a cheapo car to build up his no claims. All opinions welcomed. Thanks.

"I have for sale here my black Skoda Fabia Comfort 1.4cc, 16v, Y Reg (2001), 5 door hatchback, petrol, manual, taxed until December 2010 and MOT until July 22nd 2010. It has 99k miles (average for a car that’s 9 years old). Genuine mileage, all previous MOT certificates provided. Including myself (a lady owner), it has had only three previous owners – the one before me had it for a few years and was also a lady owner.

The car drives well; the only issue is that the engine oil seems to be mixing with the coolant water and vice versa, I think it may also be overheating slightly. I am not sure of the problem as have not had time to get it diagnosed by a mechanic, hence the low price so grab yourself a bargain! Please note that the car still starts and drives well and I have used it for the last five months for work, with no problems.

One other thing: when driving over speed humps, it makes a squeaky sound (i think it is rubber underneath or something) but I believe this isn't a major issue, again I've just not had time to get it sorted.

This would suit someone who is looking for a decent, economical car who may have a bit of time to get the problem fixed. It is very cheap to insure and has given me great mileage (approximately 38 miles per gallon). I am being provided with a company car for the rest of my contract, after which I am going travelling, for which I need some cash! So here are the details:

Interior:

Very clean and tidy. Front electric windows (the passenger side doesn’t work), two manual windows at the back, four headrests, two front airbags, JVC 12-disc face off CD Changer WITH radio/cassette player, central locking (the button on the key doesn’t work but all doors lock together when the keyhole is used) one key provided. Five seatbelts, tilt steering wheel, air conditioning, immobiliser, multi-function computer with digital clock, mileage information, etc. The brake light switch stopped working recently, causing the EPC light to come on and after replacing the switch I didn’t get round to getting someone to turn the light off.

Exterior/other details:

Usual cosmetic marks and a few scratches for a car of its age, minor damage on the rear bumper by the driver’s side, please see picture. The tyres are in very good condition. Body-colour bumpers. A new battery and alternator were fitted recently (December 2009) and I have receipts to show for this. The battery also comes with a two-year warranty. Power Assisted Steering and ABS, front and rear foglights, electrically heated and operated wing mirrors.

I can’t think of anything else, so please feel free to ask me any questions you have about the car. I have listed everything here to the best of my knowledge.

Please bear in mind that the road tax alone is worth about £120, I am leaving the 12-disc CD changer (ready to go and wired up) in the boot, a quarter tank of fuel (worth about £15) ready to drive away and some spare engine oil in the boot. I would be happy to get a refund for the road tax and sell the car without it.

Cash on collection. If paying by cheque, I will hand over the key once it has cleared, thanks. All inspections are welcome.

£695 ONO, sensible offers considered.

Thanks for looking"

http://www.gumtree.com/london/91/58660791.html

Many thanks

I'd be preparing to swap the engine out I think. Being a 1.4 16v I imagine the piston rings have gone.

Edited 15 May, 201016 yr by anewman

Hmm could end up pricey, might be an head gasket issue as well?

That car is on ebay too with identical description.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2001-SKODA-FABIA-COMFORT-16V-BLACK-1-4-5-dr-Hatchback-/300426127546

A bit of condensation on the filler cap is fairly common if the car isn't used much, but this sounds like head gasket failure as they said "mixing" and "vice versa" and "overheating".

The squeak is standard on these.

I expect the cost to repair a head gasket (and to do some other items along the way) is likely to be in the region of:

Gasket and head bolt set £100

Cambelt kit £120

Waterpump £50

Labour £200-300

lmao they are factoring in the quarter tank of fuel into the deal - tight or what!

Edited 15 May, 201016 yr by bnjyn

Hah well spotted cheers for the breakdown, will go and check it out tomorrow.

Edited 15 May, 201016 yr by nikzGfx

So my search for a fabia continues, one has just popped up on Gumtree in my area but has a number of issues and the lady is selling it for £695. I know nothing about cars so asking those on this forum in the know to advice me whether it would be worth purchasing or nay? It's for the old man who hasn't driven in years and wants a cheapo car to build up his no claims. All opinions welcomed. Thanks.

"I have for sale here my black Skoda Fabia Comfort 1.4cc, 16v, Y Reg (2001), 5 door hatchback, petrol, manual, taxed until December 2010 and MOT until July 22nd 2010. It has 99k miles (average for a car that’s 9 years old). Genuine mileage, all previous MOT certificates provided. Including myself (a lady owner), it has had only three previous owners – the one before me had it for a few years and was also a lady owner.

The car drives well; the only issue is that the engine oil seems to be mixing with the coolant water and vice versa, I think it may also be overheating slightly. I am not sure of the problem as have not had time to get it diagnosed by a mechanic, hence the low price so grab yourself a bargain! Please note that the car still starts and drives well and I have used it for the last five months for work, with no problems.

One other thing: when driving over speed humps, it makes a squeaky sound (i think it is rubber underneath or something) but I believe this isn't a major issue, again I've just not had time to get it sorted.

This would suit someone who is looking for a decent, economical car who may have a bit of time to get the problem fixed. It is very cheap to insure and has given me great mileage (approximately 38 miles per gallon). I am being provided with a company car for the rest of my contract, after which I am going travelling, for which I need some cash! So here are the details:

Interior:

Very clean and tidy. Front electric windows (the passenger side doesn’t work), two manual windows at the back, four headrests, two front airbags, JVC 12-disc face off CD Changer WITH radio/cassette player, central locking (the button on the key doesn’t work but all doors lock together when the keyhole is used) one key provided. Five seatbelts, tilt steering wheel, air conditioning, immobiliser, multi-function computer with digital clock, mileage information, etc. The brake light switch stopped working recently, causing the EPC light to come on and after replacing the switch I didn’t get round to getting someone to turn the light off.

Exterior/other details:

Usual cosmetic marks and a few scratches for a car of its age, minor damage on the rear bumper by the driver’s side, please see picture. The tyres are in very good condition. Body-colour bumpers. A new battery and alternator were fitted recently (December 2009) and I have receipts to show for this. The battery also comes with a two-year warranty. Power Assisted Steering and ABS, front and rear foglights, electrically heated and operated wing mirrors.

I can’t think of anything else, so please feel free to ask me any questions you have about the car. I have listed everything here to the best of my knowledge.

Please bear in mind that the road tax alone is worth about £120, I am leaving the 12-disc CD changer (ready to go and wired up) in the boot, a quarter tank of fuel (worth about £15) ready to drive away and some spare engine oil in the boot. I would be happy to get a refund for the road tax and sell the car without it.

Cash on collection. If paying by cheque, I will hand over the key once it has cleared, thanks. All inspections are welcome.

£695 ONO, sensible offers considered.

Thanks for looking"

http://www.gumtree.c...1/58660791.html

Many thanks

That is NOT old lady seller speak is it, and are old ladies adept at ebay selling and adverts?

It is scam dealer speak to get rid before it packs up IMHO

The mayonaise part alone is a warning to beware unless you know what you are doing

Just an old once bitten twice shy old fart

National

surely this is a better car..... gumtree london area :

fabia 2006 £1000 ??? 1.9d ???

surely this is a better car..... gumtree london area :

fabia 2006 £1000 ??? 1.9d ???

£1000 looks way too cheap for that one though. Either the price is wrong or something's wrong with it.

£1000 looks way too cheap for that one though. Either the price is wrong or something's wrong with it.

I was thinking that myself.... but them sometimes people dont have a clue what they are selling lol... Id say price is wrong thou....

Looks very very dodgy to me. Notice how the front wheel trims seem to appear and vanish depending upon the ebay photo. At that age, it'd definitely be an AUB engine code so any problems with overheating, coolant/oil mixing would indicate all sorts of problems with head gaskets/piston rings etc. so I'd reckon on £1000+ to fix or an engine swap straight off. Noisy suspension could indicate worn console bushes etc. so another few £100.

Cheers all will deffo avoid! That one for £1000 no contact details! Only way finding out if legit would be to do a HPI on it wonder if it's been damage repaired.