Hi there

new to the forum, so please bear with me if I ask stupid questions.

I'm keen to by a used Fabia - haven't owned one before but really quite taken with them. Got about £4-4.5k. Initially was considering a small 1.2 but I'm going to be doing some commuting in it - so I was thinking about a diesel.

First off - is it realistic to get a decent one for this money? And I saw a 2002 1.9 TDi with 59k on the clock for around £4k. Does this sound a decent deal? And what should I look out for when looking at it?

Thanks in advance for any help!

Keith

Sounds ok to me...

HPi Checked

Check for leaky door seals (carpets will show signs of having been wet)

Front Anti-Roll Bars Can make a knocking sound (worn bushes usually)

Steering Warning Lights, and Heavy Steering.

Has the Cambelt been done? Will need one soon.

Take it on a long test-drive and check the coolant levels before and after. Could be a leaky rad' and or other associated pipework etc.

Hope that helps, no doube others will jump in with a few other pointers for you

Also look Here... And read it all, as it will help you also.

Thanks for the reply - I'll have a check of the Honest John review - although I always think that long list of potential faults is scary!

The dealer selling it also offers a year's parts and labour warranty. I'm not sure what all this covers (my wife got caught out on this once before). Do these warranties tend to stand for much - or are all the common/expensive faults generally not included?

Keith

Are you going to cover the miles to make the diesel value for money? If your buying from a Skoda dealer you would get a 'Skoda' warranty of 3 months or 1 year depending on the age or mileage. Look for full service history, has the cam belt been changed? Sticking turbo vanes can be a problem.

mpi 1.4 diesals? 60 MPG?? would be a nice little run around. and welcome

My cousin just bought one. The 1.4 16v Comfort 03 plate for £4k

HPI check it fromthe RAC site for £5

Check the MOT history

Test drive the car and make sure everything works.

I've driven the 1.2 in the Ibiza and Polo and its a sweet little unit.

I commute around 16 miles a day in mine which is 1.2 and doesn't cost a fortune to run even with rising fuel prices, if your commute distance is longer then consider the diesel option. Plenty of used 1.2s around at the dealers - if your commute distance isnt far and not heavy footed on the accelerator then the 1.2 is ideal.

As Captain Sisko above make sure you have a good test drive, not only see if any problems with the car but also that you actually like driving one. If your not really mechcanical minded at all - get someone who is to inspect the car with you.