I just wanted to make a title like that. The answer to that question is 'yes!' Let me explain wtf i'm on about:

So, I own a Skoda Fabia Classic 1.4MPi 2001 Reg (Red).

Bad points:

> PAS broken checkthis thread

> Coolant slowly leaking out somewhere (VERY slowly, needs topping up every 3 months or so)

> Both rear and front windscreen washers not working (not the motor as I can hear it working away)

> Balance on speakers shift when I turn the wheel for the first 30mins of journey then no probs

Good points:

> Body work in perfect condition, bit of polish and it's like new

> Starts first time, everytime even in the recent cold weather

So, Should I sell it as is, or should I try and fix some of the faults myself? Which are the easiest, bear in mind that I don't want to pay the mechanic as the car isn't worth doing expensive repairs (right?)?

If it was all working I'd try selling it for £1-£1.5k in March.

Any advice?

Also, any advice on what car I should buy next? (budget <£5k)

steering could be the pump or an angle sensor? Is there an eml on? Coolant could be head gasket, leaking radiator or perished pipes.

Washers sound like a dodgy stalk on the column to me and the speakers sound like a wiring issue.

Well theres 2 ways of looking at it in my opinion

1.) Sell it as it is but reflect this in the price and get less interest due to only a hadful of people wanting to buy a "project" so to speak

(Anyone who knows there way around a car would soon pick up on these faults if not)

2.) Repair it yourself over the next few weeks/months and enjoy it a little longer before selling it for a good price or keeping it

Coolant could be head gasket, leaking radiator or perished pipes.

Not the rad, that was replaced a couple months ago, it's so slow that there is nothing on the floor, no visible wetness :(

More than likely the head gasket then, very common but also very easy to do. Have a look down the right hand front of the cylinder head, you can see the gasket inbetween the head and the block, see if it has a T or Temac writtn on it, if it doesnt it dont have the modified gasket on it.

Where abouts do you live?

Not the rad, that was replaced a couple months ago, it's so slow that there is nothing on the floor, no visible wetness :(

could be leaking from a pipe then. Best way to find it is get the cooling system pressure tested

are there any visible signs of white crystal like deposits aroung the join of the block and head? Could possibly be the water jacket has been leaking through a hairline crack of the h/g?

Edited 1 January, 201115 yr by mattievrs

I'm just north of Barnet - Hertfordshire

However I go to Warwick uni so will be there in a week

Edited 1 January, 201115 yr by Vinjy

Just to update this, I have tried to top up the fluid level for the washers this morning and I pourned in a cup of water and it poured out the front left side. This sounds like a ruptured washer tank? or maybe disconnected lines? Maybe in the winter it froze up and cracked?

I would say shop around for Fabia 2007 plate get the sport version looks lovely and drives great! Also great MPG learnt to drive in that car

Just to update this, I have tried to top up the fluid level for the washers this morning and I pourned in a cup of water and it poured out the front left side. This sounds like a ruptured washer tank? or maybe disconnected lines? Maybe in the winter it froze up and cracked?

Maybe...