I already own a vRS so the advice I need isn't for me but for a friend. he wants to buy a 1.2 or 1.4ltr Fabia and has seen (not physically seen it yet..just the advert from a dealer) a 2005 1.2 12v sport model which has done 80k and had two owners.has FSH. I don't know that much except about my vRS but can anyone tell me if this 1.2 Sport 12v 5dr Fabia sounds OK for £2500? when would the cambelt need doing?

was this particular model reliable or should he be looking at something else?

he;s a first time buyer (but over 35 years old) although is looking for something sensible and reliable and cheap to insure.

I appreciate your help.

Oooo a Fabia Sport.

My mother in law has one, a 2005 (55). Very capable car, likes to rev and will sit at 70 on the motorway all day long.

Very sought after interior as it has the same seats (bolstered) as the vRS but in a much more sensible colour. I would say that's a reasonable price TBH.

Cam chain, not belt on the 1.2. Early cars (pre 2004, roughly, I think) had reliability issues with chain tensioner and a too-short guide rail which lead to some chain slippages. Revised tensioner and longer guide rail solved this, I believe, for later cars. Ours is on 107K, on original chain, no issues. Good for life, allegedly.

Price sounds OK if condition is tidyish and nothing obvious like console bushes need doing.

Thanks but should he be concerned if these 1.2s are 3 cylinders? does that affect reliability at all?

Thanks but should he be concerned if these 1.2s are 3 cylinders? does that affect reliability at all?

I wouldn't be personally. Father-in-law has the same 1.2 3pot in his Roomster 57 plate and it's a tidy little engine.