im in need of a wee bit advice. after many many happy years of vw ownership ive been offered a 2002 fabia 19,tdi estate. 140000 miles full service history. is there anything on these cars i should look out for know issues. ive no issue with repairing cars but i would rather just not buy a lemon in the first place although if the seller wont allow me to plug vagcom in i will be walking away thanks in advance for any advice you can offer me.

A quick google search brings up this thread which should answer your questions...

 

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/218458-fabia-vrs-common-faults/

 

As with any old high mileage car check everything over and then check it again to be sure. Go through the history in detail to make sure there are no discrepancies. 

So you're moving from VW to VW then...

 

It's a Polo 9N in a Czech built bodyshell, it's fine to be nervous; even Japanese cars are badly made these days.

Yeah, it's just a VW still, I'm selling my polo and going to a Fabia again, just they same car, like the interior of the polo better but that's just a matter of opinion really.

thanks for the replys did do a quick search during my lunch break but came up with a few older posts. suppose its a old car now. never owned a seat or skoda before always stayed at the vw audi end of vag. and were a passat and a4 are the same platform etc etc they suffer there own quirks just wondered if the fabia was the same the cars for my daughter and the equivalent vw is twice the price hence my skepticism 

 the cars for my daughter and the equivalent vw is twice the price hence my skepticism 

 

That's simply because of the badge. There are still plonkers who turn their nose up at a Skoda badge.

After owning 3 VWs, Skodas are identical.

Comparable to Pepsi vs Coca-Cola.

polo chassis golf engine what more do you want!

I have the same year, engine and body.

I bought at 98,000, and gearbox went at 103,000. Spent 1300 quid to get a refurb box, new clutch and timing belt. Which is about what I bought it for.

Since then I have replaced ARB drop links, sealed rear door leaks, and currently struggling with a dodgy central locking getting stuck. None of these are particularly difficult or expensive fixes.

All that said, the car is a decent, cheap to run commuter. I can get good Michelin for 60 quid a corner. I get 65 MPG across a tank, servicing is easily done and interior is reasonable and ride comfortable.

I personally rate skoda above vw. Vw seem to live on their reputation where skoda had to make theirs. The fabia was on the polo chassis before the polo!

My polo and Fabia, both on 84,000 drive very different, still like them both but two different cars still.

My polo and Fabia, both on 84,000 drive very different, still like them both but two different cars still.

 

Interesting. Which would you say drives the best or are they both good but just different?

Yeah you've said it, both good, just different.

The differences I've noticed end is...

Clutch pedals feel different, both the same engine and gearbox, Fabia is lighter.

The gear leaver feels different, especially going into reverse!

Steering is lighter on the Fabia, but feels more floaty.

The polo is noisier inside, not just road noise but the dash and door cards seem to echo more noise, the polo is 3 door so has bigger heavier doors.