Faults:

Brakes faded at 50000 miles.

N/S/F wheel bearing failed at 65000 miles.

N/S/F wheel bearing failed (again) at 77000 miles.

N/S/F ball joint worn at 78000 miles.

General Comments:

This is my second Fabia, the diesels are great.

The Fabia is comfortable, but an SDI can't be rushed, and a TDi can.

The power steering warning light works!!! It never goes out, neither does the service warning light, radio never comes on, headlights flicker, gets through bulbs and fuses.

I love its tractor-like ruggedness, and that it doesn't have a VW badge on it (a sort of inverse snobbery, almost exclusiveness!!).

Mine is a 4 door saloon, a bit of a pointless design when there is a great hatch and estate available, but it's rare!!

Faults:

Front suspension bush failed @ 70,000 miles.

Gearbox failed @ 86,000 miles.

Some electrical glitches creeping in: Heater control erratic, indicator 'ticking' no longer 'ticks' & lights on warning buzzer no longer works.

General Comments:

Most economical car I have driven or seen - average 65mpg with a max of 85mpg on my regular 30 mile commute.

But it is a slug - don't expect to get anywhere fast.

Shame about the gear box - managed to get a second hand one for £250 and have covered 20,000 miles with no problems, otherwise has been very reliable.

Boot is huge for the size of car.

Not the most comfortable for longer journeys, but adequate.

Faults:

My Fabia Estate 1.9 SDI makes a creaky noise like a haunted house when going along bumpy roads or over speed humps. Had it into the mechanics a couple of times, and was told all bushes /suspension/ wish bone/ anti roll bar show no sign of wear, and so the mechanics are unwilling to undertake any work (in case they do so and it still creaks).

It's always worse in wet weather, so the snow has meant nearly a month of creaking now! Apart from this, it has been a reliable car (with the usual able to live with niggles already highlighted on forums!)

What should I try in your opinion? I've heard that Powerflex bushes may be the answer to the creaks? Anyone solved this problem by using these? Ps it's not the dashboard creak / rattle regularly highlighted by owners!

General Comments:

The car is economical to run, and in these times it's a big plus that has meant I've stuck with the small niggles encountered so far.

Faults:

Front wipers' fuse was too small and blew - corrected by dealer.

Rear wiper squirter pipe corroded - never fixed as requires replacing whole rear wiper assembly.

Heated wing mirrors needed replacing after 5 years.

8 year old original battery struggling this winter.

Suspension or engine mounting getting squeaky.

8 year old exhaust starting to corrode.

General Comments:

The 1.9 diesel engine is wonderfully efficient, and the car has been great for commuting.

For long distances it could be more comfortable.

Petrol heads should look to the turbo or vRS for more power.

Faults:

6 x new tyres in 40000 miles (but I did buy cheap ones).

2 x headlight bulbs.

2 x tail light bulbs.

1 x brake pads all round.

1 x new battery.

Crack in vacuum tube for brakes.

At time of sale needed new anti-roll bar, suspension arm bushes split, very slight leak in radiator, new timing belt.

Except when battery failed (went very quickly from working to failed - but easily bump started to get to garage) started every morning without any fuss.

General Comments:

Very economical to own (55-65 mpg) middling service costs. I suspect that the suspension problems may be due to a crash before I got the car.

Surprising amount of space in the car, though don't expect luxurious accommodation/an exceptional driving experience. Still a better choice than VW Polo/SEAT Ibiza.

If buying 2nd hand, an Octavia TDi offers better performance/handling/space for the same mpg in a more solid package.