Used car tests

Skoda Fabia: Used buyer’s guide

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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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.

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.”