Starting a new job soon with an 18k annual commute, I wanted a Fabia VRS years ago but could not afford one. I'm after something with good mpg, good in gear performance for overtaking and reliable, I have around 5k to spend maybe a bit more. Would one of these be suitable? I've seen Mk5 Golfs and Octavias for similar money with the 2.0 tdi 140bhp engine but heard the 8v 1.9TDI is more reliable, also seen the 1.6tdi 110bhp Focus Mk2 but I think these have a DFP.

I've had a look around and I can't believe how well the fabia vrs have held up, wish I'd bought one from new now, have seen a 06 plate with, 65k on it for just over 5k, cambelt + water pump done and I'm tempted.

i do about 15k a year in mine, 33 mile each way to work and wouldnt swap it for anything else. had it 18 months and it makes me smile every time i drive it, cheap to run, proved reliable, cheaper tax than my previous car (1.9tdi polo) cheap insurance and decent of power.

My 04 does 41 miles each way to work and is currently on 187k miles - perfect mile muncher

do 27k to 30k each year.

Hybrid has now done 30k now since fitting last year in Feb

Engine currently on 149,982 miles.

Mine is on 77,000 miles. Its had the usual cam belt and water pump before I bought it. It hasn't been trouble free but overall, considering it delivers some weekend fun as well a 35 mile round trip into South East London every day its pretty good. They do hold their money very well. Last week in Autotrader there was a 2007 07 with 97,000 miles on it. It was one or two owner, I can't quite remember that bit but it looked clean enough (I know photos can make a turd look like a flower) in the photos. It was for sale for £2900. I had to stop myself going and buying it just to sell on for more money. It was in North London, I live in Surrey and im extremely lazy. Other wise I would probably have two of them sitting outside.

I do ~17k a year, engine running really good. Currently on 174k, been remapped since 140k

Thanks for replies

Hows the ride, comfort and road noise on the motorway?

My brother reckons I should get something bigger like the 2.0 TDI PD (140) Octavia or even a Toyota Avensis 2.0 D (lot of car for the money), or a hatch like the mk5 Golf or Auris. I'd prefer a non-DPF diesel if I can and the older 1.9tdi 130 supposed to be very reliable, don't know much about the Toyota diesels nor does my mechanic friend who works on mainly VAG engines.

Road noise is very low. Although my doors and boot are fully sound proofed so I can't recall what standard is like.

I'm impartial for ride comfort also due to having coilovers.

Fabias are fantastic cars, and built for your exact needs.

The stock ride height is a joke though, personally if I was purchasing a car to keep stock I'd be looking at something else purely on that.

Audi are great for stock height. A3 sport tdi would be a fair shout.

Depends on what you're looking for though. If its a car to add personal touches, go with a fabia as its great value for money and cheaper/less to lose with tinkering about.

If you looking for a good runner to keep stock, I'd look at A3/Octavia/Leon.

Personally, id rule out a golf. I'd only buy one if I was going for top spec (GTi/edition 30/GTD).

Just my thoughts.

Don't buy a Leon, while the Octavia is almost identical to a Golf internally and externally, the Leon isn't.

It's badly compromised by comparison in terms of space, design and material usage with some frankly appalling cost cutting in area's that are just stupid such as the felt battery cover, no engine cover, stupid seat sports material selection, thinner paint etc. it looks nice but is a poor choice to live with compared to the other VAG alternatives.