Hi all,

 

I test drove a Skoda Fabia 1.2 (70 BHP) SE 5-Dr Hatchback this weekend - was quite impressed. It was registered April 2013 and is going for £7000 - sold at a Skoda retailer. My only gripe with it was its mileage: 17'242. I know that it's not much when you take into account the entire lifetime of a vehicle. But over 17K in as many months... I suppose my concern is that 1000 miles per month during it's early life may not have been good for it? It sounded and felt okay. Know I'm probably just worrying about nothing. No money has traded hands yet. Maybe I should test drive another to see what it sounds and feels like. Just a litte concerned it may have been burnt out in the early stages of its life. Obviously, with any 2nd hand car you never know how a car has truly been treated.

 

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

Kind regards -

GreyBear

Hi and Welcome!

If it was me, I'd be happy at the 1k a month. I'd have hoped its had a service mind you! The higher miles at the start of its life suggest to me that its done a few motorway miles a long journeys, which is much better for running in than slow, small, stop/start journeys where the car doesn't get chance to stretch its legs.
It's always a good idea to try at least 2 of the same car before buying, otherwise you'll never have anything to compare to. When looking for a 2-3 year old Superb for the Father-in-law, the first thing we did was went a tried a brand new one at the showroom, gives a good benchmark.

So go back, try another of same engine/spec. Try your choice again, and go from there.

Hi and Welcome!

If it was me, I'd be happy at the 1k a month. I'd have hoped its had a service mind you! The higher miles at the start of its life suggest to me that its done a few motorway miles a long journeys, which is much better for running in than slow, small, stop/start journeys where the car doesn't get chance to stretch its legs.

It's always a good idea to try at least 2 of the same car before buying, otherwise you'll never have anything to compare to. When looking for a 2-3 year old Superb for the Father-in-law, the first thing we did was went a tried a brand new one at the showroom, gives a good benchmark.

So go back, try another of same engine/spec. Try your choice again, and go from there.

 

Good advice, robt100. Thank you for taking the time to reply.

It might be worth looking at a new one of these if you can stretch to it, not sure how you are planning to finance it, but currently you get 3 free services on the special edition if you use Skoda Finance.

17K is average and normal mileage for a car of that age, it really is nothing to worry about.

If your after a car with below average mileage, I can sell you a 1.4PD 80BHP Greenline 2009 with just 34K on the clock, currently in the cars for sale section on here.

Hi and Welcome!

If it was me, I'd be happy at the 1k a month. I'd have hoped its had a service mind you! The higher miles at the start of its life suggest to me that its done a few motorway miles a long journeys, which is much better for running in than slow, small, stop/start journeys where the car doesn't get chance to stretch its legs.

It's always a good idea to try at least 2 of the same car before buying, otherwise you'll never have anything to compare to. When looking for a 2-3 year old Superb for the Father-in-law, the first thing we did was went a tried a brand new one at the showroom, gives a good benchmark.

So go back, try another of same engine/spec. Try your choice again, and go from there.

 

I spoke to Skoda this morning. They confirmed that the car hadn't been serviced, but this was because it wasn't due for a service until either 2 years from registration or 20K miles (whichever came first). Though they did say it would be serviced once purchased which would mean it wouldn't need another service (strictly speaking) for another 2 years according Skoda (though some choose to service every year.

So the car is on variable servicing, various sensors monitor the oil quality and driving style. The maximum distance for a variable service is about 18K miles or 2 years.

I don't know. I just start to settle down - all ready to jump in and make that purchase... then something else pops up to concern me, lol.

 

I'm interested in:

http://www.skoda.net.r66.co.uk/carview.aspx?id=604617004

 

But this car is very similar - mileage, age, model etc. But it's a grand cheaper:

http://www.skoda.net.r66.co.uk/carview.aspx?id=604587107

 

Could there be something wrong with the cheaper one? From the specs they appear identical :(

If anything the cheaper one looks higher spec, mudflaps, leather gear knob possibly? (hard to tell in the photos) Could be down to location, cars get cheaper as you go north generally. OR there could be dents/scratches/interior marks etc that cant be seen in the photos that might be lowering the price. That and the cheaper one is "bland grey" and the other is "nice interesting blue".

If condition is very similar then its a no-brainer, get the grey one! (In my opinion of course!)

Or just to throw a curve ball into the mix...  http://www.skoda.net.r66.co.uk/carview.aspx?id=604557541#  at the same dealers. Yes its a bit older, but 10k and higher spec (apart from less speakers, if thats your kinda thing).

If anything the cheaper one looks higher spec, mudflaps, leather gear knob possibly? (hard to tell in the photos) Could be down to location, cars get cheaper as you go north generally. OR there could be dents/scratches/interior marks etc that cant be seen in the photos that might be lowering the price. That and the cheaper one is "bland grey" and the other is "nice interesting blue".

If condition is very similar then its a no-brainer, get the grey one! (In my opinion of course!)

Or just to throw a curve ball into the mix...  http://www.skoda.net.r66.co.uk/carview.aspx?id=604557541#  at the same dealers. Yes its a bit older, but 10k and higher spec (apart from less speakers, if thats your kinda thing).

 

Listed as a PLUS. Mmmm? Have you any idea what the higher spec entails?

From what i can see on the list:

Folding mirrors
Auto dimming rear view mirror
ESP
Leather steering wheel.

Any result on this one??