Okay thanks. That would be nice if they have one in stock and can get it to me quickly. By the way, what's the difference between the S and SE versions of Fabias? I see the SE is more expensive but can't find any difference engine wise. I'm not even sure what they stand for.

S and SE are trim levels. SE has more kit. I think S is the base model - standard radio, less kit.

I bought new, didn't really think about an estate, because I didn't need it, but my Dad has a 1.2 TSI SE Estate, with DSG.

You will lose an amount from a new car in depreciation and the VAT free deal offsets this to an extent. Another thing to consider is that in my experience (when I ended up with the Monte), people hang on to their Fabias, which tends to keep the used value fairly high.

As pointed out, if you can get a new Monte for £12k (I did), then you should be able get an SE for about £11k. It's worth asking the dealer what they have (they will also check ALL Skoda dealers to see what is on the forecourt - Used and New).

Hope you find what you want - I really don't think you'll have any problem with any of the engines, but if you're planning on hauling REALLY heavy loads, then the 1.2 TDI Greenline might feel out of puff before the others.

S and SE are trim levels. SE has more kit. I think S is the base model - standard radio, less kit.

Yes s is the base model but all Fabia's have the same headunits. There are no rear speakers in the S trim but they can easily be fitted cheap.

Edited 10 April, 201313 yr by fabia55

Look at both cars and take your kit with you and try for size!

You might want to also consider the Roomster. It's more spacious load area than both fabia and octavia estate, and more practical due to able to remove all rear seats. It's available in greenline trim too as well as the 1.2tsi and 1.6 diesel engines.

That's a cool idea. I might check out the Roomster. Thanks.

One more question? Is it advisable to go for a higher trim than the S model Fabia. I know they cost more and are slightly higher insurance wise but does this mean they hold their value better and would make it easier to sell the car later on?

Would it just mean more to go wrong, so more coat in repairs?

You might want to also consider the Roomster. It's more spacious load area than both fabia and octavia estate, and more practical due to able to remove all rear seats. It's available in greenline trim too as well as the 1.2tsi and 1.6 diesel engines.

This. The extra height of the Roomie's load carrying area will be a huge advantage when loading larger bits of kit such as the bass drum and amps/speaker cabs.

Nobodies mentioned a Ford Transit! Thats totally "Rock n Roll"! Only joking! :giggle:

Just to add my views, I have owned a Fabia Greenline II Estate that was used as the only car in the family and ran a lot of the time with two adults, two teenage size children and at times including a boot full of luggage and dog. My sister dose the same thing in her Seat with the same engine.

Due to two bad VW engines I now run a 1.6TDI my sister has had no problems.

The difference between the 1.2 nd 1.6 is in passing other cars you just have to plan it a bit with the 1.2, the GL2 comes with a better suspension set-up than a standard Fabia and quite good spec - excluding Monte and VRS.

If you only plan to keep the car for three years then it will probably be cheaper to run a petrol than the diesel, if you plan to run the car for as long as possible then the diesel. You could use which's which petrol or diesel web page to help you decide and ultimately drive the different car and engine types.

Hey guys! Thanks for all the advice. It was much appreciated. I considered and looked into all the suggestions made but today, I made my decision and purchased a brand new Skoda Fabia II Greenline Estate, Pacific Blue. (Blue being my favourite colour). They had it 'at port' as they say which is awesome so it should be with me in 2 weeks time. Does anyone know if this is accurate or whether it's at all likely it'll be with me quicker than that? I literally can't wait!!!

Sounds about right - 2 weeks or so. Going nearly new or new is a fine trade with the VAT free deals, and if on finance, then you (normally - exclusions apply) get 3 years servicing thrown in, recovery etc which all needs to be taken into consideration. Add in the lower finance rate and it starts to look better value (plus you having that new car vibe).

Its surprising what you can get into a Fabia Estate - boot is bigger than a BMW 3 series and I've fitted more in mine than in my 5-door Jeep Cherokee..

I just hope you've not done your calculations based on the book mpg figures of the Greenline as it takes a good run to make the 70-odd mpg that's quoted - if at all. On the sort of journeys you're talking I'd be expecting into the 60's though?

If youre set on a Skoda the Octavia really is the way to go. A Fabia estate is more comodious than it has a right to be, the load space is massive for a supermini estate car but it is inherrently very narrow.

The Octavias boot is a bit deeper still but due to being based on a Golf inherrets the Golfs additional load width which is very useful particularly for the loads you intend to carry.

Also.....if youre loading the thing up considerably the 1.6 diesel will be OK but expect its performance to suffer as a consequence; a 2.0 140 would be the better bet as its alot torquier.

Also the standard suspension has alot of travel in it (does not have any self levelling functionality) so if you do stick alot of weight over the back end it will drive around like the back end is dragging along the ground.

The vRS is an altogether different animal; it has a much lower stiffer set up with less travel; ive loaded mine up quite a bit and cant say ive noticed any such problem; my old Fabia vRS estate used to sink terribly at the back end and ground its exhaust tips on my driveway even with just a weekly shop on the boot, the vRSs height doesnt even seem to alter.

All i would say and not to confuse matters but dont write of a nearly new 2.0 CR vRS estate as its a great load lugger and actually quite affordable; 14/15k would buy a nearly new standardish spec car (spec it pretty generous anyway) offers great performance that isnt remotely affected by the load on board and still returns late 40's early 50s on a good long run.

Edited 18 April, 201313 yr by pipsyp

...oh sorry seen youve already bought a Fabia. Great little cars and im sure youll get all your gear in it without too much trouble, v cheap to run too.

As an owner of a Fabia Scout Estate, if space is any kind of an issue, buy the Octavia. BUT Don't discount a Roomster, a few years ago, I got enough gear in my Roomster scout for a Family of 4 to do 2 weeks touring around Europe and did not have to put anything in the main cabin, it all went in the boot. The Roomster is often overlooked in such cases, but is actually a fantastic car, and enjoyable to drive.

Yea I looked into the Roomster and Octavia. The Roomster seems great and I'd no doubt get everything in but I'd permanently have to have the seats removed and stored at my mum's house (no space at mine) which is an inconvenience. With the Fabia estate I can get everything in with the seats down and then pop them up when I unload and I'm ready to drive 4 extra passengers that night or even the next day. I'm also not a fan of the design although this purchase was primarily based on utility rather than aesthetics. I can't deny looks is a factor though.

The Octavias are great but seem to cost more initially. They also have a higher insurance band. I think, but can't quite remember whether the basic trim includes all the nice features the Greenline does. It has quite a high trim which is nearly as good as the Elegance series (but not quite).

I think I'll be quite happy with it and yes, I'm not expecting to get the quoted MPG but I'll keep people posted on how I'm doing!