2001 Skoda Fabia 1.4 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Disappointing

Faults:

Most recent problem has been the failure of the power steering, which seems to be a very common fault according to the garage, who have quoted £500 for a replacement part.

The radiator has also had problems, water leaking into head gasket.

The dash board rattles, as does the suspension.

The rear door seals fail after heavy rain, which is rather concerning for any passengers that may not want to get wet!

Overall a disappointing car, won't be buying another!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 15th December, 2009

12th Feb 2010, 06:36

I used to own a Y reg Fabia. My power steering failed at 80,000 miles and the rear doors seals also failed. Both faults seem very common on Fabias. Pity, because in other ways it is a good car.

2001 Skoda Fabia Comfort Estate 1.4 16v from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Wonderful to drive, I just wish it didn't break down every 5 minutes

Faults:

You name it, it's gone wrong. In the first year of ownership it went back to the dealer 14 times.

Three coolant leaks, each from a different temperature sensor or switch.

Engine management light is permanently on. As most people are aware, I've recently discovered that this is due to a common problem on piston ring wear on the 1.4 16v engine, but looking back at the paperwork, the car has had the problem since 27000 miles when it was 3 years old.

Because of the above problem, the car uses 1 litre of oil every 300 or so miles. This has lead to needing a replacement EGR valve, a couple of exhaust gas sensors, and a replacement throttle housing.

The rear doors now leak (also a known fault) and the windscreen washer bottle has cracked for no obvious reason.

The air conditioning has a mind of its own, but only seems to work on cold days when I don't really need it.

Bits of interior trim have worked their way loose, but then the car is now 8 years old, so that's not entirely surprising.

General Comments:

Despite all of the problems, it is one of the best cars I've ever driven. It's responsive, incredibly comfortable and the suspension swallows road bumps without also wallowing in bends.

The interior colour scheme is pretty horrific, but a set of seat covers dealt with that and, being an estate, the car is incredibly versatile. Every time I use the full boot space, it saddens me to think how much I wish the car were more reliable.

I shall be quite sad to say goodbye to it when I replace it today.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 12th February, 2009

25th Jan 2011, 14:37

Sorry.. but I must disagree... I have a 2001 Fabia Elegance Estate... she runs like clockwork.. a little beauty.. I call her 'Clockwork Orange'. I am a retired motor mechanic, and I think some of the problems people keep complaining about are NOT as bad as they appear, and are easily fixed, although to-date I have only replaced an O/S/F fog lamp, smashed by a stone thrown up from a passing car... Hope my 'luck' holds out.

2001 Skoda Fabia Comfort 1.9 SDi diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Superb

Faults:

No major problems.

General Comments:

Car was bought to commute to work on 60 mile trip 5 days a week.

Has never failed to start in all conditions or broken down in 4 years.

Consistently returns 65+ MPG, and is comfortable to drive. Service cost are minimal.

It can take 5 adults at a squeeze when required.

Not the fastest car in the world, but handles reasonably.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th June, 2008

10th Oct 2008, 06:42

This is the 2nd best car I have had; the 1st was a Audi A3 1.9 TD. This Fabia is an Audi in sheep's clothing.

Superb fuel consumption, at a steady 65 I get 70+ mpg. I do 90 miles per day to work and back and it has never let me down.

I bought the car 12 months ago with 70k on the clock, and this week it has 105k on the clock. A brilliant car.