Good afternoon , straight forward question , i am aware of the pitfalls of buying any used vehicle minus the history , but here goes "well priced" fabia 2007 estate HTP engine , 2 owners , immaculate inside and out 110,000 on the clock last 3 years only 500 miles per year (lived on a golf course) used as a means to get around course i can only assume. (boot full of balls and clubs). M.O.T history shows a 100% clean record never any advisories other than 2019 headlights misted, so i am assuming, it has been cared for at some point, its travelled to its current owner/seller via a local Skoda garage/dealership , i know chain driven engines need regular oil changes with correct oil , i am informed that it is running really well, not viewed the car as yet and it is quite a journey to view. I would appreciate and input regarding this dilemma i find myself in! Also whats in the back of mind is in the past i have had quite a few motors that have never had any service history and enjoyed years of cheap motoring... Feel free, and thankyou in advance

regards Richard

As with any car this age/mileage a thorough inspection and a test drive by someone who knows what to look out for is essential. If you can't get someone with experience/knowledge then you should understand the risk. If its a private sale you have no comeback once you buy it. And beware, people selling privately do lie, and don't divulge problems even when asked a direct question.

 

It could be a good car, a gem even, on the other hand it could easily  be a world of grief. IME no problems with the cam chain drive if it has had regular annual oil changes and a sympathetic lifestyle. By that I mean properly run up to temperature and taken on regular longer runs. So just driving occasionally half a mile between holes on a golf course or to the local shop only would be probabably classedin my book as harsh useage more likely to lead to engine problems.

 

For reference I have/had two 1.2htp fabias, one did 130k before sale, only problems with the engines/gearboxes were ignition coils (exceedingly common) and a duff egr at 110k, the other we still have at 95k only ignition coils needed changing. No chain, valve problems, none used any oil. BUT they both had lots of long distance useage.

 

So I couldn't comment without a good look at it and in any case it would have to be a very attractive price, probably under £1000, in case its a turd.

 

Brakes are ime a big issue on these Fabias (as indeed on most Skodas) so inspect and budget if in doubt for new discs, pads, and rear shoes. Also the rear shocks may have demolished the bump stops by now, so compromising the dust protection covers. Someone who knows would know how to check. Front wheel bearings are known to fail, need a special tool so a bit more expensive to change than you would expect (around £250), we recently had a broken front spring too.

 

Lack of any recent service history, even when it had its last couple of oil/filter changes would be something to be wary of, reduce your offer accordingly.

Excellent advice Xman , very concise. The last sentence means the most , i do not have a big budget and i am not in a position to lose money on any deal its price is 1100 and one detail that i did not include accurately perhaps is that it does have a fresh 12 month m.o.t . how much of a reassurance that is i don not know, thankyou..