Dear Forum,

Firstly, Seasons Greetings to everyone!

As a Junior member, I find myself in need of Forum assistance as I look to purchase the following vehicle. I would be extremely interested to hear how people have gotten on with the automatic gearbox coupled to the 1.6 petrol engine. In particular, is this gearbox a 6 speed 'DSG' box or a more traditional 5 speed 'slush-matic?

2007(57) Skoda Fabia '3' 1.6 (16v) automatic (petrol). Car has had one private owner from new, covered a genuine 30K miles and comes with full Skoda Main Dealer History.

Any constructive comments welcome, especially around the spec. of a '3' (IE: is it worth it over say a '2'?) and if it is possible to retrofit a Skoda SatNav device - as it is in the Polo 9N. If you post up links, then I am prepared to do some reading too!

Many thanks.

Edited 26 December, 201015 yr by ihpj

its a six speed jobbie non dsg in the 1.6, my dad had exactly the same in his roomster, tbh it was quite nice to drive, the manual mode was okay too, i still think manual would be a better option though as it used to only get around 40mpg pootling around

ihpj,

They are a fine motor. But don't buy one if you want good fuel economy and low road tax...you won't get it comparerd to the 1.2TSI engines or the diesels, all of which produce more power too. Ignore the bhp figure for the 1.6 petrol, it has very little torque and when coupled to the auto box is completely gutless I found...but still a good runabout. In fact, the 1422cc TDI (now not sold new) has more power in real terms (195nm of torque at 2200rpm) than the 1.6 petrol and is capable of more than double the miles per gallon. You could probably get a good bargain on one if you shopped around...unless that is you really don't want a diesel. The 1.6 engine although quite robust is unremarkable in terms of performance and economy and was the runt of the VW litter of engines. The 3 spec is very good, but it depends on what you want. Mine is level 2 and has everything many drivers need or want. Build quality though, like all Skoda's is brilliant. You won't go wrong with the 1.6 petrol, but there are many better choices in the Skoda range, and many giving you very low road tax compared to the 1.6 petrol.

Edited 27 December, 201015 yr by Estate Man

Well, thanks muchly for the responses, exactly what I wanted to get me started.

I would love to get hold of a 1.2 TSI, but it is out of my £5.5K budget. Manual is not an option and diesel...well I'm not convinced by the reliability of VAG diesel units. Plus the type of driving we'll be doing (third car pootling around town mostly with the odd 'long run') - petrol seems the safer option (IE: less to go wrong as it doesn't have a fancy turbo, high pressure fuel pump(s), fancy injectors and the almighty DPF).

We do like toys in our cars, and as there doesn't appear to be a huge differnetial between the #2 and #3 (#1 is too poverty spec.) so its the #3.

I am hoping to add the SatNav unit - I guess this is a simple plug'n'play option (with coding in VCDS)?

Don't get me wrong, I'm not expecting miracles from this little car - but for aorund £5K - its got to be worth a punt over say a an Aygo.

ihpj, yes I see where you are coming from. If you have £5.5k though, as you say, you won't be able to get the TSI or the latest diesels. So no DPF and no CR engine....only the earlier PD diesel range, or petrol range of 1.2, 1.4 or 1.6. The only auto is the 1.6 so find one and take it out for that drive. See what you think. It is not a bad car...but it's just the other engines in the range are so far ahead of it. But it's what you think that matters. Keep in touch if you can to let us all know what you decide.

My other half has a '3' spec Roomster 1.6 Auto which I've driven a number of times so although not an exact comparison it's pretty close!

MPG is low-30s around town, 40-45 on a run depending on how fast you go and how lead footed you are.

The '3' is a nice specification - some say expensive when new but this isn't a problem with what you're thinking of.

The 1.6 and Auto box combination won't set your heart racing and lacks torque but is an utter doddle to drive.

My advice - go for it!

We have an 08 model bought new, not quite done 10,000 miles yet.

As has been said it's a 6 speed conventional auto, six gear is effectively an overdrive, only seen it engage on the motorway.

Our experience is that it's a fine car and quite fast enough for our needs,

From your description of your requirements I'm sure it will suit you fine.

As ever, very appreciative of the input of the community; very helpful contributions.

I hope to know more tomorrow and will share my thoughts further.

Edited 28 December, 201015 yr by ihpj

Well I do very much appreciate the input from y'all; unfortunately I had my budget and the Dealer had his bottom line, the difference was insurmountable.

However, during my [further] research, I have found that cars from 2008/57 have chain driven engines - which is interesting as I'd rather look for a later car (and pay a tad more) to avoid a belt.