Hi were looking to buy a used skoda fabia 1.2 se plus tis 85 (2012) wondered if we should be looking to make any particular checks , or anything we should be aware of , common faults etc.  before we consider buying please , any help / advice would be appreciated , many thanks skoda folks .☺

As no-one has replied, some cars had common faults but I am unfamiliar with this version so trawl the site or keep the thread current as it will get forgotten. Simple faults are electrical, such as wiring in the door bellows snap and cause mirrors, windows, central locking, to fail. Easy to fix if used to working on cars. (Repair loom or replace, at around £80 each door). Takes a while but do-able. If you KNOW its this issue, knock off enough from the price as if one door is going, so will the other, most likely. (Usually the fronts).  Most likely Hour and half labour from dealer.

The main battery will almost certainly be getting weak, if not already replaced, so budget another £100 or so, depending on where you buy. 

Carparts4less and/or eurocarparts tend to be good for spares and prices. Check online, using the best code deal you can find, each and every time you spend. They do fluctuate. Both do free delivery if you can spare a few days for the part you need. 

 

Some versions had cam chain issues so check yours is not one or has been sorted. If it IS and it HAS NOT, again, barter enough to get it sorted and DO get it sorted as otherwise, it will fail and cost a fortune! Better not to buy then buy and hope it will be ok. Again, check as the replacement was modified, you may get a good deal at the main dealer. It may well not be this model, though. 

 

Do the checks/research and in all, most owners are happy of their purchase. Be aware, it will be around 7 years old, so don't expect a new car but often, common issues get sorted and it could well be more reliable now, then when newer! 

If it is a cam belt version, find out as and when it is needed as they are not pennies to change, unless you can do it yourself and the water pump is usually recommended to be changed at the same time. (Mostly, the same job apart from the cost of the pump). 

 

Many owners complain of lighting. Upgraded headlight bulbs help.

Hi mrgf ,

 

            That info is so useful to know & may I say very much appreciated , we took it out for a test drive this morning & it drove like a dream , we've put a deposit down but  I will query those points you've raised with the dealer before we hand over the full amount especially the cam shaft & mirror issues ...you are a gem THANK U 😊