I may be buying this car tomorrow. I checked it out today at a dealership, although it was a short check as I didn't have enough time. I will check it more thoroughly tomorrow. Only thing I can say about the car is that shifter feels quite rigid when shifting the car into various gears which is a good sign I think and the external looks good. HPI report states it is all good. They also have an inspection report which states everything is in working order. Only problem I can find is that there's a disparity regarding to number of owners as the service booklet mentioned third owner while V5C and HPI stated it had 2 owners but I think this can be ignored.

 

I'm still quite confused about insurance/tax/V5C thing. Someone told me that to legally drive off from the lot, I should get V5C slip (signed by me and the dealer and dealer has to send the rest off to DVLA), tax it at a post office then insure it.

 

Now, the original question - Are these cars any good when compared to hatchbacks or estates are essentially lengthened version of a hatchback with no changes?

 

Edit: This car is classic 1.2 litre petrol version.

Edited 11 October, 201411 yr by JoeBloggs

The V5 will state previous owners, so on the V5 2 previous owners means the current owner is no3. Where as the HPI check may state 3 owners which includes its current owner.

 

The car is identical apart from the body shell and a few bits to accommodate its new stature. 

Thanks, I'm a newbie when it comes to cars.

Edited 11 October, 201411 yr by JoeBloggs

Same length as hatch , just longer roofline . Ah Fabia estate saw headline and thougt Octavia

hi estate fabia is approx 10 inches or so longer than the hatch, as you may know the 'classic; is an entry level car with fairly basic spec, that said it does do what it's designed for reasonably well, as an estate this engine may feel underpowered more so if using the extra load space ! my understanding is that it is no longer legal to transfer any remaining car tax when a car is sold on, so a buyer would be required to insure and tax a car before driving away, so to speak, to remain 'legal'

If I remember correctly from my last thread, this car should have a timing chain. This means that engine won't be damaged when timing chain snaps or is it true for only on non-interference engines regardless whether timing chain or belt is used?

If a timing chain snaps you're up **** creak just like a belt. However chains are more robust and have a much longer working life than belts.

 

IIRC the 1.2 has a 'for life' chain, however they can stretch and rattle slightly. Some people change them because of that but its going to cost about the same as getting a belt changed.

I test drove one of these a couple of years ago (think it was about an 05 plate about half way around the clock)

 

I thought it felt badly underpowered even unladen, so much so I discounted the idea as I thought it must be maddening to drive when fully loaded.

 

The area around the dealer was quite hilly too, and I'm glad as it showed what it would be like when not just on the flat.

 

So went for a 1.2 hatch instead (which for my requirements is fine)

 

Possible the one I drove was knackered and / or in need of a good service and tlc etc

 

Probably still 'good value' though.  not many other 'small estates' like that around

I have a 1.4 mpi hatch which has 5hp more I believe, and that isn't exactly a fast car. If you do buy it, don't expect to get anywhere in a hurry, especially with a lot of stuff in it.

I love mine. It's an 03, and a 1.4. Never feels slow with just me in it, and is nice to drive. 

I had a 1.4 tdi which I loved and it went nicely. It may feel a little under powered if full of a heavy load. My wife had a 1.2 saloon which was fine for local runs or 2 up but not brill for carrying loads up hill. TBH the load area is fine but the hatch tapers so you won't get square loads in.  

Irt depends what you want to use it for.