In a previous thread I told of how I'd wrecked the engine of my 19.TDi Ambiente Estate.

The insurance will be paying out (once we've agreed a non-stupid price) so I needed another car. Had to be an diesel estate, and a manual one at that. I considered something bigger, such as an Octy, possibly a Mazda 6 Estate, maybe a Mondeo. I ignored anything French on the advice of my good mate The Mechanic.

Then I considered similar sized but not a Fabia, such as a Focus, or something like an i20/i30, Astra, etc. but there was always an 'issue' such as expensive tax, poor fuel economy, reliability, resale value or whatever.

My budget was up to £6k, and I looked at the new Fabia too. A diesel estate was tough to find at that money and any that I found just didn't float my boat. Reviews for the new version and owner opinions don't seem to be as universally good as the MK1.

I trawled eBay and Autotrader, but just about everything was silly money or silly miles (or both). Getting frustrated I went to Skoda themselves and I found a '55 plate 70k 1.9TDi Elegance Estate at the dealer in Plymouth. Two owners, full history, year's MOT, year's warranty and a service. Price, just £4k.

I'm very pleased about this, and it's been an interesting exercise to try and find something better than I already had and to discover that I'd already got as good a car as I could.

This one won't be going into any deep water, and I'd like to think that it'll reach 150k with no problem.

Happy Days.

Wow well done, sounds like a good car. Mine has now done 159'000. so i am sure you will get at least 150'000. and over 200'000. if it is looked after.

Happy New Year to you !

Thats great

( If you'd have seen mine advertised recently you could almost have had that for about the same ! 56 plate, vrs, 98k miles )

Change my mind now though so just as well !

Sounds like a result

Got the missus's fab from the dealers in Plymouth too! Thought we got a great price on it as well, so well done for that! Was it Earl that sold it to you by any chance?? I took it in for a couple of small issues within the warranty period too, and they were good as gold tbh. Even gave us a courtesy car in the form of a brand new fab tdi monte carlo edition which was actually very nice! All the best with your purchase!

I dealt with a chap called Darren and he was very helpful. I imagine they like a customer who just knows what he wants and offers a price there and then. I wouldn't have bought without viewing from anyone other than a main dealer, and as I've had an identical car for 6 years I know what I'm buying.

Must say I love the look of Flamenco red and the extra toys of the Ambiente are going to be very welcome.

Might even buy a number plate for it too. My initials are SPO and I can have SPO5 FAB for £250.

Also, there's a full tank of diesel in my wrecked car so that will find a new home too:-)

I'd love one of these! My mate at the dealership offered me one a while back (wish i'd taken it in hindsight) 07 plate elegance with one owner, 72k with FSH at £3500. God I'm a tw*t!!! lmao.

Pity about the lack of veg. Perhaps I should buy one and put an SDI lump in it.