2000 Skoda Fabia Comfort 1.4 16v
Summary:
Fairly unreliable, lacks character
Faults:
The ABS light flashes occasionally for no reason.
The car seems to get through oil at an alarming rate - I check the oil level regularly and it often seems to be dangerously low, despite the fact that the oil warning light never comes on.
Sometimes there is a strange squeaking noise from behind the dashboard, it seems to come from just behind the stereo. We have taken it back to the dealer three or four times to fix this problem, but it keeps coming back.
There has also been some damage to the suspension and other parts on the underside of the car, but I live on an unsurfaced road, and these faults are probably due to the fact that the car has to endure many speed humps and potholes.
General Comments:
The car handles very well, the suspension is good and the steering excellent, but it is not a particularly satisfying car to drive.
The throttle response is very slow and somewhat unreliable, which means that I often lack confidence when overtaking or pulling out of a junction.
Having said that, the Fabia is much more comfortable on long journeys than many small cars. It is comfortable and reliable on the motorway, if a little noisy, and very economical. I took it to the south of France last summer, and had very few complaints.
The Fabia has a very poor turning circle for a small car, so parking it in a tight space in a multi-storey car park can sometimes take a lot of shuffling around.
I would not buy another Skoda - at first glance they seem like reliable, good-value cars, but I have far too many problems with this car for its age and mileage. I also feel that anyone who is passionate about driving would be a lot happier with something with a little more 'oomph' and character.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 9th June, 2004
16th May 2008, 09:18
I had a Fabia Comfort 1.4 also and would never buy one again. Spent £2000 on repairs in the 1st year and broke down on New Year's Eve would you believe. Had to replace alternator and timing belt at same time.
The footwells leaked when it rained hard, mine also consumed a bucket load of oil, and the engine management light drove me insane. I took it to a Skoda garage to get diagnosed and even they couldn't tell me what was wrong with that heap.
I would suggest steering (excuse the pun) clear of this.
My old '94 Favorit was unbeatable.
27th May 2008, 14:57
Has anyone ever heard of a catalytic converter packing up in a Skoda Fabia which has just 19000 km. on the clock? This has just happened to my car. Seemingly it is so rare that a replacement can't be priced in Dublin at the moment. The mileage is extremely low but the car was 3 years old in April and so, because it is (barely) over 3 years old, Skoda will only consider a goodwill of 50% towards the part and none of the labour. I understand that the part is very expensive and don't see why I should have to pay for a new part after just 19,000 km. This is my 4th skoda car over 15 years but, I'm afraid it will be my last. I never had to put Skoda's customer service to the test before and I can only say that I am thoroughly disappointed. My advice would be to "steer clear" of Skoda.
10th Jun 2004, 06:40
I used to drive a fabia 1.4 16V (75hp) and found it to be quite reliable.
My car also had an annoying squeaking noise behind the center of the dash, but my dealer found a way to get rid of this (apparently not uncommon) problem for good.
I must agree that the delay in the throttle response (due to "drive-by-wire" system) is very annoying indeed.