Hi,

I'm new to the forum and just looking for a bit of guidance really - I'm looking at buying a 2001 Fabia but there's a problem with the gearchange. It's very difficult to select first.

I'm no stranger to fixing cars, but I don't want to buy something that will need a new 'box fitting. Is there a known problem with the linkage or selector? The guy selling it seems to think it's a simple job and all it needs is a new linkage. But then he would say that, wouldn't he?

When the gear lever is in '1st' the car is in '3rd'. The lever positions for 2nd and 4th are fine though.

So that's it really. If anyone has anyone experience of this problem and how to fix it, I'd really appreciate your input.

Thanks,

Steve

Edited 29 September, 201015 yr by veedweeb

I'd be wary. If 2nd is selectable, I'd expect 1st to be as well if it was a linkage issue. Also, if it's that easy a fix, why hasn't he done it before selling?

I'd be wary. If 2nd is selectable, I'd expect 1st to be as well if it was a linkage issue. Also, if it's that easy a fix, why hasn't he done it before selling?

Thanks for the reply.

It's being sold by a guy who just buys from the auction and then sells them on as a side line. I know what he paid and what he's asking for it is reasonable, I reckon.

I've spoken to the car's previous owner - their details were in the service history - and he confirmed that it developed this problem after he'd placed an order for a new car so he didn't bother getting it fixed. He traded the car in at a dealer who auctioned it off and that's how it finished up with the guy that's selling it now.

It 'feels' like a linkage problem. There's no horrible noise from the 'box or anything.

It 'feels' like a linkage problem. There's no horrible noise from the 'box or anything.

Could be a selector fork maybe. If the price is good enough to allow for a s/h box in case it may be worth a go?

Personally I wouldn't buy a vehicle unless I was 100% happy with everything at the time of purchase.

He obviously wants to maximise his profits by not doing the work and passing any problems on. If it was me I would work out a deal with him and get him to fix it first as at the moment the vehicle is his responsibility and it could become a very expensive mistake for you. As your buying 2nd hand I would also get him to put it through another MOT (regardless of months remaining) so that you know it is legally roadworthy when you drive it off as you never know what your buying when it comes from an auction.

So for example if you are happy with the asking price, write a little note whereby you agree on paying the asking price if he fixes x, y and z prior to the purchase and give him a small refundable deposit so he knows your serious. Also ask him to keep receipts of any labour/parts so that you know it has not been bodged in some way.

If he declines I would walk away because he probably knows something serious (and expensive) is wrong, hence why it hasn't been fixed. Also if he pulls out of the agreement and decides it's too expensive to rectify then he needs to return your deposit and you lose nothing. But if everything goes to plan and he fixes it satisfactorily, then you drive away a happy new owner...

Remember it's a buyers market and there are plenty more cars around that are with FSH and in immaculate condition, so don't feel pressured into buying the first thing you see especially if it is substandard in anyway.

Edited 1 October, 201015 yr by SkodaFabiaOwner

Lots of good advice

Hi again and thanks for the replies.

Just to bring this to a close, we took a punt on the car as it was cheap enough and I'm no stranger to working on cars, and particularly VAG stuff - I have an A4, a VW T4 camper and '72 VW Squareback. I've restored several older VWs so a bit of work doesn't worry me.

Anyway, we took the car straight for an MOT and it failed on one tyre being worn which we knew about. I got the MOT guy to diagnose the gearbox issue and it turned out to be a worn knuckle/lever thing on top of the box... he quoted £75 to fix it and for that price it wasn't worth me getting the tools out!

On replacement, it now selects every gear but was very, very difficult to get into 1st, 3rd and 5th - the lever was extremely hard to move forward. "Needs new cables, mate. It'll be £350"

New cables my backside!! I just spent an hour cleaning, greasing and adjusting them, and in particular lubing the cables themselves and it's now perfect.

So we're realy happy with it - it drives great, steering's nice and light and the gearchange is now spot on.

Gonna change the timing chain and sort out the creaking dashboard next...

If you're doing the timing chain take care to make sure it is installed properly, there are some posts on here saying the kits made by Skoda have the marks in the wrong place (I am assuming the 1.4 mpi is the only model with a chain).

If you're doing the timing chain take care to make sure it is installed properly, there are some posts on here saying the kits made by Skoda have the marks in the wrong place (I am assuming the 1.4 mpi is the only model with a chain).

Yeah, I saw those posts. Thanks for the warning though.

If you're doing the timing chain take care to make sure it is installed properly, there are some posts on here saying the kits made by Skoda have the marks in the wrong place (I am assuming the 1.4 mpi is the only model with a chain).

does the 1.2 6v not have a chain also?