Faults:

The seats in the Fabia are extremely uncomfortable, resulting in bad backs even on short journey's.

The temperature gauge constantly alters its reading. Sometimes it works, sometimes not. And when it doesn't work - the car doesn't seem to warm up at all. Been back to the garage, replaced once, worked for a short while, but now is playing up again.

When using the locking facility from inside, rear door re opens itself so you have to manually push the the button down from inside - not serious, but just annoying.

General Comments:

The 8V 1.4 petrol very sluggish and not very economical - would definitely recommend a diesel - and will be going back to a diesel next time around!

The 1.4 8v also has narrow tires, which limits its handling capabilities - can feel a little like a bowl of jelly around corners! - yet the 1.4 16v has better wider tires - is there really that much difference between the two engines to warrant putting different tires on them!?

Faults:

'Check engine' light comes on intermittently. Was lit when the car was purchased - previous owner took it back to the supplying dealership and a temperature sensor was fitted. Light is reset and then stays off for a couple of thousand miles before reappearing. Will get the lambda sensor checked at the next service.

Passenger door mirror unclipped at top edge.

General Comments:

I bought this Fabia to replace a 1994 Golf 1.4CL. I drove that Golf 90,000 miles in seven years and, at 141,000 miles, was beginning to get a little tired. I am a mobile hairdresser and drive around 2,000 miles per month, so I need something reliable and comfortable.

Having looked at Mk4 Golfs and recoiled over the prices and stories of unreliability, I decided to investigate a Fabia - being a Polo underneath. After more than 10,000 miles in 3 months, I am very impressed.

For starters, although only a mid-range supermini, the specification is very good - air conditioning, electric front windows and mirrors, trip computer, remote central locking, twin airbags, fog lamps and ABS.

The Skoda drives like a much bigger car, with little wind noise and good suspension, although the steering is rather heavily assisted. Plenty of room in the front and rear seats, too. The dashboard doesn't rattle and the trim looks and feels like it is well-made.

The 1.4 16V engine gets going well at high revs, although there isn't a lot low down, and it is noticeably perkier on super unleaded. It also sounds like a diesel when started from cold. However, economy is excellent - I'm averaging 46 to the gallon.

The gearbox is superb - so easy to change gear cleanly and quickly.

I've heard some horror stories about Fabias - damp rear door panels, broken rear wipers, dashboard rattles and steering problems - but, touch wood, my car has not suffered from these.

Dealer servicing is reportedly quite expensive, but I use a local specialist. My only worry is over the timing belt - I understand that a number have failed, and that they should now be changed every 40,000 miles. I get my boyfriend to change the oil and filter every 5,000 miles.

I hope to keep my car for another 4 or 5 years, by which time it should have covered 150,000 miles. Fingers crossed...!