Skoda Fabia Estate (2001 - 2007) 1.9 SDI Comfort 5d (2001/51) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
That I am saving thousands on fuel
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Very little I should imagine, if you need approval from your neighbours marry a supermodel. My dad thinks I've finally bought a practical car.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Yes, it is a cracking little car, easy to work on good support network online, cheap bits and great fuel economy.
What are you likely to buy next?
Something equally cheap to run, maybe another one of these, but I'm hoping this keeps going for a while.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Didn't buy from a dealer
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£2,800
When did you buy the car?
July 2011
Did you get a good deal and why?
It was towards the top end but had relatively low mileage and I got a cambelt change and full MOT included, which saved a few quid.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
For economy.
What was the dealer like?
Independent dealer, I had a problem with the sump plug and they rectified that.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
It is no rocketship but that isn't what I bought it for, it cruises nicely along the motorway, is great in traffic, the diesel engine pulls away nicely, the 1,800 miles trip to France and back was excellent and was able to cruise at 80mph on the French motorways. It's a nice comfy, very economical car.
What's it like to park?
Considering the room on the inside it's really small on the outside, so finding a spot is easy.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Had a rear spring crack, water pump failure, it has had rear console bush issues but these parts are cheap and easy to replace. Air conditioning is crap but really unnecessary, went to France in the height of summer but the windows open so I was fine. I service it myself and it has sailed through the MOT.
What's most practical about your car?
The estate version is not massive but it lugs enough stuff. Excellent fuel economy, I'm averaging around 60mpg according to fuelly.com. 35 litres of diesel will give me at least 500-mile range, can also use veg oil :).It is easy and cheap to do your own servicing too.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Apart from the stellar fuel economy, fitted a DAB radio for the commute to work, 6 music and 4 extra are a must.
