Hi to all,

Not really a "Hello", but I've not been on the forum for a while - been campervanning since 2012 in a VW T4 Westfalia, so...

Ten years after owning my first Mk 1, followed by a Mk 11, I'm looking at buying an '09 reg Mk 111, 1.6 ltr automatic. Tried it out - goes well, has all the extras and is below average mileage. Any advice before I get the cheque book out?

My other option is a 1600 TDi on an '07 plate. Which way should I jump?

Looking forward to a few answers.

Welcome to the forum.

 

I take it you are looking at a MK2 Fabia 3 & not a Mk3 Fabia.

 

Which suits your needs best the 1.6 petrol Auto or the diesel?

Only you know really.

 

george

Hi to all,

Not really a "Hello", but I've not been on the forum for a while - been campervanning since 2012 in a VW T4 Westfalia, so...

Ten years after owning my first Mk 1, followed by a Mk 11, I'm looking at buying an '09 reg Mk 111, 1.6 ltr automatic. Tried it out - goes well, has all the extras and is below average mileage. Any advice before I get the cheque book out?

My other option is a 1600 TDi on an '07 plate. Which way should I jump?

Looking forward to a few answers.

Without knowing your mileage and type of driving (City traffic or open roads) very difficult to guess.

No-one can really assess quality of a 7-9 year old car based on an email, one might have been better looked after than the other.

As a general guide a fully loaded one has more potential parts to break down. eg might need to fix an electric window, but do you know anyone who needed to replace mechanism in a wind up window? The older the car, the more it costs to keep all the complicated parts fully functioning. You might be able to live without some working, but others are an MOT failure

This thread probably needs to be moved to mk2 Fabia section.

Edited 5 May, 201610 yr by SurreyJohn

The Mk II Fabia was from on sale from 2007-2014 and face-lifted in 2010. The 1.6 automatic had good reviews and should be smooth and refined - like a shrink-wrapped Golf but surprisingly roomy for a smaller car. Automatics are relaxing to drive and the Aisin auto is reliable and has 'tiptronic' control. A 1.6 auto is not the most economical but, for its type, should offer good performance/economy. The diesel will offer greater economy if you do a high mileage but it is noisier and some worry about problems with particulate filters clogging on these newer diesels if used predominantly for short trips in town and some have found the economy of the 1.6 tdi to be more influenced by driving style than the older 1.9 diesels. Facelift models have a 1.2 tsi turbo and DSG 'auto' instead of the 1.6 automatic; these cars offer better emissions and economy (and cheaper car tax, like the diesel) but there are possible bills with turbos and issues with the timing chain on 1.2 tsi turbos. Either should serve you well. Good luck.

Sorry about the confusion over the exact model. The car's on a late 59 plate, which makes it an early Fabia 3 (I think). No doubt someone will correct me if I'm wrong. Any road up…

I bought it today - the TDi was good, but 2 years older and much higher mileage (the one I bought only has 40,000 on it, with all service history). Dead chuffed with the auto-box and tiptronic on first impressions. Time will tell!

 The "3" is just a trim, they did the 1, 2, 3 and Greenline trim levels around that time so it will be a Fabia 2 pre-facelift in trim level 3.

Thanks to all. The 105 just gets better, especially as I've found out just how all the 'extras' work!

I'm lovin' it.

What did you pay just out of interest?

What did you pay just out of interest?

Look on ebay or autotrader to get an idea of what such cars sell for.

What he paid is between him and the seller .

Remember that is not what they sell for, just someone dream and a wish for what they will get for them.

 

Good thread revival,  i like it.