Hello

I'm looking at getting a 2nd hand Fabia hatchback.

However (depending on how much money comes through an inheritance) my budget might only be 3-5k, so it would probably be a fairly early model.

Anything in particular I should look out for, engines to avoid?

In general would this be a good use for my money or would I be better advised to hang on for a few months and up the budget (currently driving a 1.6 Felicia, which I was very happy with until 3 weeks ago, but had to spend a lot on the MOT and had a fairly expensive breakdown (fuel pump failure).)

Did a quick search on the Skoda web site. My Grandad has a 12v 1.2 and he loves it - these should be available in main dealers for 4-5k. His is a Silverline - they are fairly basic but have alloys and a leather wheel. Of course you pay top dollar at a main dealer so you may get more for your money elsewhere. Don't know too much about the differences between the various 1.4 models you can get - I know they don't all have the same engine. I really like TDis but these are pricey. I'm sure you'll get plenty more advice here anyway!

If you are on a budget then I'd probably go for the 1200 12V engine , on something like a Comfort or Ambiente spec , not too basic , but not top dollar prices like the TDi elegance and the vRS. Ive got the 1.4 MPI and I think its fine but if you have up to £5K to spend you would be able to get a newer model than mine (mine is a 2000 model year car) Have you done a search on the autotrader website? Just decide whether you want to buy private or trade , how far you are willing to travel and how much you want to spend , and the website will do the rest , you should find plenty of cars within 60 or so miles that might suit your needs.

Look out for leaking doors (especially rears) , clunking suspension (worn bushes normally) , power steering problems , head gasket failures on the 1.4 MPi , piston ring failures on the 1.4 16V (burning oil). Try and get a car with a good warranty , as you may get a few niggles with an older car , unless the previous owner has sorted them all out!

I got my 1.4 8v for 1,900. Auto trader is awash with them, check it out.

AFAIK its all down to how much power you want, and the insurance group stuff.

the 8v 1.4 is group 4 whilst the 16v is group 6

I got my 2004 1.4 16V (100 BHP) Comfort (with a few extras such as alloys etc) with 40K on the clock for £5000. It was advertised for £5500, but I knocked it down a touch.

The 1.4 16V is the best of the petrol engines I think, but it is worth checking the service history to see if it has had a cam belt change, as they are needed at 40K and cost a couple of hundred quid if it hasn't been done. I got lucky!