Hey! 

Having decided that I need an economical petrol estate with enough room for two dogs and a child, something capable of driving to Italy in comfort for around £8.5k - the obvious choice is the Fabia estate.  I've been carefully researching but would like some opinions on what to prioritise when I finally go and take some for a test drive. 

 

My current criteria is: 

Under 50k miles, 

'16 plate or newer,

SE L trim, 

Not white,

Solid service history

 

There's a few that fit that criteria nicely, but they bring more questions that need answering around age and mileage! The two in question are: 

1. 17' plate, 45k miles, 110bph, 

2. 17' plate, 20k miles, 90bhp. 

 

I feel I would really like those extra 20bhp and sixth gear - but the mileage is reasonably high for the age. On the other hand the second option seems perfect - however would I regret not getting the extra power? 

 

Which would you lean towards (assuming the general condition and spec are similar)? Would I be foolish to pick something up with 25k more miles on it?

 

Appreciate it! 

 

Hi

I was in a very similar position to yourself, I wanted a decent family sized car which was efficient. I pick up my Fabia Estate Monte Carlo next week, and with 9k on clock for a dec 18 plate cost £2.5k less than same car 6 months newer with 5k less miles.

 

In terms of the BHP the video reviews they all seem to rec the 90 version as the best pick but avoid the 75. I had a 2012 Diesel green line estate years ago and for reliability and all round enjoyment was the best car I have had.  It was however pretty basic in terms of look and kit and was why I ended up changing, reason I say this is SEL seems a great option to try and achieve that aim, ideally the trim I was looking for as really wanted the pano roof that you can get but price wise couldn’t beat my Monte Carlo.

Mileage isn't everything. It's also how those miles have been done. Lot's of short journeys without mechanical sympathy could mean the car is in a worse condition than a higher mileage one. If you can get to look at the cars, have a look to see if you can tell whther they have been well looked after, or have telltales like scuffed alloys, dings and scratches. 

 

Regarding the engine, we have the 110 and it's lovely. Never driven the 90 to compare. Solo there's probably no difference but with a car full (how big are the dogs and child?) it might be noticeable.

Thanks for the advice. I am spoke further with the dealer and he said it really has been well looked after and it's had three services at the proper intervals. 

 

Good to hear about your view on the 110bhp, definitely think it'll be worth it. Think I'm sold having slept on it, will put the (refundable) deposit down and go and see it in a couple of weeks as it's not that close!

8 hours ago, PonteSkoda said:

Hi

I was in a very similar position to yourself, I wanted a decent family sized car which was efficient. I pick up my Fabia Estate Monte Carlo next week, and with 9k on clock for a dec 18 plate cost £2.5k less than same car 6 months newer with 5k less miles.

 

In terms of the BHP the video reviews they all seem to rec the 90 version as the best pick but avoid the 75. I had a 2012 Diesel green line estate years ago and for reliability and all round enjoyment was the best car I have had.  It was however pretty basic in terms of look and kit and was why I ended up changing, reason I say this is SEL seems a great option to try and achieve that aim, ideally the trim I was looking for as really wanted the pano roof that you can get but price wise couldn’t beat my Monte Carlo.

 

Glad you agree with my opinion on the trim, feel it's worth the extra to have a few extra comforts - cruise control being a key one!

SEL is well specced, glad we went for it. DSG was important for us too, and estate, so we also had to travel (Stafford to Lincoln). When we collected we then had to take the old TDi hatch to Worcester (from Lincoln), along with the new car, so we could pass it on to my SiL who bought it from us, then back home to Stafford. That was a long day.

 

We were a bit concerned about the sportier seats and suspension in a Monte, hence sticking to the SEL.

@mbcb

Welcome to the forum.

 

Check with the dealer what these 3 services were and what was done.

?

When is the next service due?

 

I take it they were not Fixed Service Interval service,  as that would be 

First Service @ 9,400 miles, (or 10,000)

2nd Service @ 18,800 mile  (or 20,000)

3rd Service @ 28,200 miles (or 30,000) 

 

So there must have been a variable service in there out of the 3 services.    Or maybe 2 services on a Flexible / Variable Service Interval.

 

?

Check if at 40,000 miles or since  the spark plugs were changed. Air filter as well at one of the services.

Thanks a lot @Roottootemblowinootsoot, they're the exact questions I will ask. He mumbled through the services when I had him on the phone so will email him. I do know a service has been done recently, so will check the spark plugs and air filter. 

 

@lowedb that does sound like a long day! I have a "sporty" Peugeot 308 at the moment and my partner hates the firm ride, to be fair you can feel every bump. So yes, Monte is out of contention however good it looks

 

 

@mbcb

I would want pictures of the wheels to see damage free and also what tyres are on the car. Are all 4 matching or at least 2 pairs matching.

The other thing to watch for is that the windscreen is perfect and no tiny chips.

?

Then has the car had it's MOT and are there any advisories?

On 31/05/2020 at 06:56, Roottootemblowinootsoot said:

@mbcb

I would want pictures of the wheels to see damage free and also what tyres are on the car. Are all 4 matching or at least 2 pairs matching.

The other thing to watch for is that the windscreen is perfect and no tiny chips.

?

Then has the car had it's MOT and are there any advisories?

 

So I thought I would leave it over the weekend and talk to them today to ask the questions about servicing and what was done. I missed a call from him this morning with a voicemail which seemed like a good sign - however I have tried to call back but no luck three times since. 

 

I got hold of the reg on Saturday and found it has had one MOT with no advisories. However I can see that they have had the car since mid December '19 (which was when the MOT was done) and listed it then at £600 more than it's on for now. It's been reduced twice since. Makes me wonder why... 

 

Anyway, will update when I finally get hold of him

Well it is reduced because 2019 became 2020 at the end December, then there was New Reg cars out in March.

It is time they get it shifted before we are into the 4th quarter of 2020.

 

That is good for you if you can get them to take less cash / money to get a sale.

I wouldn’t read too much into how long they have had it, prob reduced because of need to turnover stock and you could discount last few months due to the pandemic.

If it’s Skoda Approved Used you also have the comfort of the warranty that comes with it for 12 months.

The Book price which 'they' so much like has dropped by more than they have reduced their asking price.

That is depreciation, it is a 'used car', not an appreciating classic.

 

Check what the best price is from WBAC for it and see if it is within £2,000 of the 'Asking price' at the Dealership.

Really appreciate the advice. Just got off the phone with him (they were incredibly busy since yesterday apparently, now they're fully open again).

 

Turns out it has been on a variable service since it was registered on 19/05/17 - think they come out of the factory like that.

Then three major services:

02/06/18 - 14896m
15/12/18 - 23607m
09/12/19 - 42046m

 

Spark plugs and air filter changed at each. 

 

I checked WBAC and it's within £1800 @Roottootemblowinootsoot. 

It is a Skoda dealer @PonteSkoda so will take peace of mind that it will have the 12 month warranty. 

 

Ended up paying the deposit by the end of the call and will go to see it and pick it up in a couple of weeks. The deposit is refundable so will go in mind to walk away if anything makes me see fit - or negotiate the price a bit.

The ad's here: https://www.motors.co.uk/car-56579088/?i=0&m=srf  

I was going to sign up for a fixed monthly cost Skoda service plan too, I think I'll ask them to put it on a fixed service interval too

@mbcb

Major Services. & parts replaced as per schedule, maybe not even looked at.

& yes the cars leave the factory on Variable / Flexible Services.

(Dealers staff change some to fixed at the PDI.)

 

I really doubt new Spark Plugs and Air Filters went in at the 1st or 2nd service.   They were not due until the 2nd Major Service if that was at around the 40,000 miles.

He did sound relatively ambiguous about that, thinking back on it he may have been trying to say that all that should have been changed was changed at the time. Hmmm, will make sure I check they've been done when I visit. 

 

20k miles in a year too, seems a lot 

It does not matter with the 1st and 2nd service.

All that happened was someone was charged like £279 to get what was no more than 'Interim / minor Services' in the first 2 years.

 

What matters is they are on the Invoice for the 3rd service.

& the Brake Fluid change schedule is at 3 years and then each 2 years.   At the very least the H20 content should be checked at 3 years.

 

That is a lot of miles between 1st Service and the 2nd one. 

 

It is a higher mileage car, but if you are going to do lower annual mileages and keep it then not an issue.

You just do not want to be going and buying tyres soon, or any other costly bits and pieces.

Edited 2 June, 20206 yr by Roottootemblowinootsoot

Check not only the Service Record but any Warranty work that was done if there was any and which should be on the system.

Will check about the brake fluid too. And yes, I reckon I will do about 8k miles a year - maybe 10k and want to keep it for at least 5 years