Faults:

Getting a car that had 70000 miles on the clock you'd expect to have a few issues, but it hasn't been too bad.

I had an electronic engine management problem, which wouldn't allow me to rev over 3000 rpm, which was a bloody nuisance (although was easily fixed) and had to change the alternator. That apart, it's been very reliable, and still feels well put together.

General Comments:

Despite being a 1.4 diesel, the car has relatively good acceleration; I've been in worse Golfs.

The handling is pretty good; a lot sharper than other cars that I've driven in higher price ranges with sporting pretensions.

The car's economy is a real strength, it's the cheapest thing that I've driven without being totally dull to drive.

Generally well put together with good build quality.

Faults:

Rear doors leaked, but rectified by the dealer.

General Comments:

This has been my driving school car for the last year. My last school car was a Fiat Stilo JTD, and the Fabia wins over the pure fact I can change all the bulbs around the car in less than 5 minutes, whereas the Stilo had to go back to the dealer each time a headlight bulb blew (which was quite often), as the access was shocking to the back of the headlight unit.

The Fabia is great on diesel, smooth on the motorway, and the pupils get on with it great.

The model I have gives heated seats, which I never thought I would have a use for, but I was proven wrong this winter. The parking sensors have proved useful, and I regularly use the cruise control for myself on the motorway.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy another Skoda, and the only problem I have had was leaking back doors, but this was sorted by Skoda, even though the car was out of warranty.

Faults:

I have had 3 Fabias:

First one, a 2000 1.9 SDI had power steering problems, washer pipe came off 3 times, other problems; got sick of taking it back.

Didn't think much of the dealers; always trying to fob you off, thinking you are as thick as they are.

Part exchanged it for a 2001 1.9 SDI estate, which was brilliant; had it 12 months, brilliant, but decided to have a change.

I decided to buy another Fabia again; always get 60+ mpg, the build quality is excellent; faultless.

Faults:

The catalytic converter has gone.

This is so rare that a replacement part cannot be priced in Dublin at the moment.

General Comments:

I now consider the car to be unreliable as everyone in the motor trade that I've spoken to (including Skoda personnel) have told me that this shouldn't happen with such low mileage.

Faults:

Fuel flap opening cable faulty at 2000 miles, easily fixed by dealer under warranty.

Air conditioning empty after 5000 miles, re-gassed but empty again at 7000 miles. Dealer examined problem very efficiently found that a stone had damaged the condenser. Repair cost to me £500.

Rear o/s passenger door leaking at 7000 miles, dealer said it was a known fault and had the door resealed under warranty.

Rear n/s passenger door leaking at 10500 miles, still under warranty so I will be taking it back to the dealers for resealing.

General Comments:

This is the most fun car I have ever driven and feels so safe in cornering and on the flat, it accelerates much faster than the brochure gives it credit for and I have not found many cars which can out accelerate off the lights.

I think the interior is comfortable on even the longest of journeys and it is simple but pleasing to the eye. Load space is very good for a car of this size and my son gets all his fishing gear in no problems.

The standard of equipment on this car is excellent lots of it are employed just to keep the power on the ground in slippy conditions. I have never felt unsafe.

A wolf in sheep's clothing, you can see the surprise on peoples faces when that boring Skoda comes up in their rear view mirror.

The only disappointments have been the water leaks on the rear doors which I have been told are a known problem!