Used car tests

Used Skoda Fabia (Mk2 2007 - 2014) buyer’s guide

Name: Skoda Fabia
Brand: Skoda

The Skoda Fabia MkII can make a great supermini - it's smart, affordable and a fun car

By:Auto Express team

20 Nov 2013

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When Skoda launched the Fabia in 2000, it proved it could make a great supermini. Here was a smart, affordable, small car that was fun, reliable and comfortable. So when an all-new Fabia was unveiled in 2007, Skoda aimed to carry over all the best bits of the original, but with improvements in key areas such as safety, refinement and performance. That second take on the Fabia is now six years old, and it’s the oldest model in Skoda’s line-up – so should you buy a used one?

• Skoda Fabia in-depth review

History

The Fabia MkII debuted in May 2007. With 1.2, 1.4 or 1.6-litre petrol engines, along with 1.4 or 1.9-litre diesels, this newcomer proved as popular as the MkI. The high-spec Sport appeared in January 2008, a month before the estate reached showrooms. The ultra-economical Fabia 1.4 TDI GreenLine arrived in April 2008, with the off-road-style Fabia Scout following three months later. A facelifted model debuted in March 2010, with a range of more efficient engines (including a 1.6 TDI diesel), a revised nose and the option of a brilliant dual-clutch transmission.

Alternatives

The post-2008 SEAT Ibiza is closely related to the second-generation Fabia, so it comes with a similar engine line-up, but it’s a bit more fun to drive – it’s also more distinctively styled. If you want genuine behind-the-wheel fun, the Ford Fiesta is the car for you, especially as it’s plentiful and cheap to buy. The Vauxhall Corsa is also easy to find, good value and practical. Buyers prioritising reliability should check out the Toyota Yaris. Not only is it dependable, it’s also safe, plus well built and equipped. It’s just not much fun

Running costs

Model	Insurance group	Fuel economy	CO2 emissions	Annual road tax
1.2 70	3-4	47mpg	140g/km	125
1.2 TSI 105	9-15	53mpg	124g/km	105
1.4	8-9	43mpg	155g/km	175
1.6	10-13	40mpg	165g/km	175
1.4 TDI 80	10-11	55mpg	135g/km	125
1.6 TDI CR 90	11-12	67mpg	109g/km	20
1.9 TDI	15	57mpg	129g/km	105

What to look for

All Fabias need a service every 10,000 miles or 12 months, regardless of the engine. Services alternate between minor and major, and if your local franchise has signed up to the Skoda pricing scheme (they don’t have to), it will charge £130 and £250 respectively. The coolant needs to be checked every year (replacing it costs £45), while every two years the brake fluid should be renewed (at £45) and the air-con recharged (£69). The 1.4-litre petrol and 1.4 and 1.9 diesels need a new cambelt every four years or 75,000 miles (at around £300). This extends to 93,000 miles for cars with a DPF.

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2023 Skoda

Fabia

98,647 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £9,062

View Fabia

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2017 Skoda

Fabia

27,964 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £8,495

View Fabia

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2021 Skoda

Fabia

31,000 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £9,095

View Fabia

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2023 Skoda

Fabia

20,930 milesAutomaticPetrol1.0L

Cash £13,995

View Fabia

There are hatchbacks or estates to choose from, all with five doors; Skoda didn’t offer a three-door. Of the petrol engines, the 1.2 TSI provides the best blend of pace and economy; the regular 1.2 is weak, while the 1.4 is okay for motorway work. Diesel buyers will find the 1.6 TDI the best option – the 1.9 TDI is muscular but peaky. And while the six-speed Tiptronic auto is good, the seven-speed DSG dual-clutch from 2010 is better. Entry-level cars (originally 1, then later rebadged S) are basic, so go for mid-range (2 or SE) or range-topping (3 or SE Plus and Elegance) for extra kit like air-con, alloys and remote central locking.

Recalls

The earliest cars are now over six years old, but there has been just one recall for the second-generation Fabia. This was issued in July 2007 and affected the first two months of production – models made up to the end of May 2007. Some cars’ curtain airbags were wired incorrectly, so when a sensor detected an impact, the airbag on the opposite side of the car would inflate. Skoda recalled the affected Fabias and modified the wiring where necessary.

Driver Power

Our view

The Fabia’s age is starting to show; this year it tumbled to 64th place in our Driver Power survey. Owners were critical of the brakes, ride and handling, as well as reliability and quality. The only bright spot for the car was its low running costs.

Your view

Brian Borton from Manchester owns a Fabia 1.4. He says: “It’s unexciting, but reliable, very economical and the dealer is excellent. It’s comfortable, too, although the 15-inch rims give a smoother ride than the 16-inch alternatives.”