My son is looking to buy a 2007 Mk 1 Fabia.

What are some of the most common problems to look out for when inspecting. It's done 80,000 miles with a full, mot.

which model exactly? 

 

1 hour ago, JWvrs25 said:

which model exactly? 

 

Sorry,should have said. It's a 1.2 HTP Classic.

Leaky door regulators.

Common problem, but easy enough to fix for less than £20 and a bit of your time.

 

Mine has a problematic pre-cat o2 sensor that I should get around to replacing.

Edited 30 September, 20187 yr by bspman

Check all footwells for water/damp (press carpet down hard with fingers and see if there is water). Indicates leaking door carrier as mentioned earlier. Can do a quick fix with silicone sealant but often  temporary. To fix properly requires removing the door carriers which in 2007 are riveted so need drilling out. A pain. Carrier removed old seal removed, new seal applied (silicone sealant) and re riveted. Labour intensive, takes time. If you cant do it yourself you're looking at paying a garage maybe an hour or more labour per door.

 

Painful noises from electric windows indicates winding wires broken. Requires carrier removing, see above, and window regulator changing.

 

Listen for rattling camchain when starting or running. If it does, then walk away.

 

Check its had regular oil/filter changes all its life 10k/1 yr max intervals. Ask for proof, eg invoices.

 

Parking brake sticking not releasing, only shows up after parked overnight or longer and its been wet/raining. Needs rear brakes stripping, servicing.

 

Check front disc brakes/pads are in good condition, check when last brake fluid change (max 2 years).

 

Check coolant in header tank is pink and not rusty colour.

 

Check tyres and spare of course, check the toolkit is complete, jack, wheel spanner, if it has alloy wheels check for the locking nut key and cap removal tool is there too.

 

Check no warning lights are on.

 

Engine Management Light might indicate EGR valve fault

 

Rear washer may not work due to disconnected water supply pipe, but easy fix.

 

Rough running, misfiring, juddering under acceleration etc might be simply ignition (coilpaks £30 each, or sparkplugs £4 ea) or could be worn valve stems/seats due to lack of regular oil changes which is a head refurb job, so probably walk away and don't risk.

 

Loud drone that starts up from about 30-40 mph, usually wheel bearings particularly the front, about £250 ea to replace at dealer. Don't confuse this drone with engine noise, to check, dip the clutch and coast, if its wheel bearings the drone will still be there.

 

Check for oil leaks underneath, esp from gearbox driveshafts, a little is ok, lots is not ok.

 

 

HTP Engine is inherently noisy, the balancer whines loudly, usually noisiest around 2000 rpm, that's perfectly normal.

 

Drive over some rough roads / speed bumps (not too fast though), bangs and other unexpected noise from suspension often the "console" bushes are shot and need changing, but that's usually an MOT fail, sometimes they get passed if not yet completely gone or the tester a bit blind.

 

2007 battery will be on its last legs if never been changed. You'll find out in the winter.

 

Hope that helps.

 

Edited 30 September, 20187 yr by xman

Thanks for the great answers !