Skoda Fabia Estate (2008 - 2014) 1.4 TDI PD 1 (80bhp) 5d (2009/09) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

That i'm fed up of paying over £240 for car tax, and now only have to pay £30 per year.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

I really don't care as my car returns 50 - 60mph and I can still take two medium size dogs in the boot, and at 6ft 7in I can drive the car in comfort.

Would you buy this car again and why?

I would, but am interested in the vRS so that I can have a little bit of fun too.

What are you likely to buy next?

Skoda Fabia Estate, vRS 10 on.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£8,150

When did you buy the car?

September 2010

Did you get a good deal and why?

Got a good price for the vehicle, oh, and free mats.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

For the excellent fuel economy.

What was the dealer like?

Utterly useless in my opinion. I bought the car from Palmers Skoda in Watford. At first, I though I was getting a good service and a good car. Unfortunately, they firstly didn't tell me that it was an Ex Hire car and always got off the subject when I asked who had owned it previously by saying it was a Skoda Lease Vehicle, and secondly they didn't check the car properly before they let me drive it away, and I later found that the car had major faults. The pads and discs were dangerously low and they fobbed me off saying that it was just a build up on the discs as it had been sitting. They eventually changed them. The rear tyre had two massive bulges on the inner and outer of the tyre that could've blown at any time.

What's it like to drive?

Basic, but does what I need it to. Very economic but fine on the motorway, and good around town. Not an exciting drive, but very practical.

What's it like to park?

Good all round vision and very good mirrors fitted for such a small car.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Now that the garage has done the work they should've done before I drove it away, it has been hassle free. Starts first time, and in the recent snow, it started / run well, and got through some pretty slippery conditions without too much worry or hassle.

What's most practical about your car?

The small economic engine which will still let you cruise on the motorway at 70mph+, the excellent boot space, and the superb drivers headroom. I am 6ft 7in and have more room in this than most cars i've driven / owned.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Get air conditioning fitted. The Option 1 doesn't have it as standard, but luckily mine had it fitted before I bought it. Doesn't really have any gadgets, so can't comment. MP3 connection (next to handbrake) is a very good idea for such a basic car.