Skoda Fabia Hatchback (2000 - 2007) 1.9 TDI Elegance 5d (AC) (2002/02) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Probably that I'm tight! Seriously, I would say that it shows a savvy buyer, someone who isn't so shallow that they go purely for cosmetics, ostentation or displays of over-compensatory male bravado, a person who appreciates solid German/Czech engineering, and has a certain amount of subtlety and refinement in their taste. Don't forget the modesty too.

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

The old stigma attached to the Skoda name is long gone - that goes without saying now. I think they're impressed with its quality - better than you'd expect for a car so reasonably priced. The low insurance group made my Dad's eyes water.

Would you buy this car again and why?

I would judging on previous experience - cheap to run, no fuss, every bit as good as an Audi for reliability; the only reason I wouldn't is that the Geminian in me may demand a change for change's sake!

What are you likely to buy next?

Possibly a BMW 1-Series 118/120 diesel - mainly for the 2007 engine revisions that allow it to hit 60MPG on official figures.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£5,150

When did you buy the car?

March 2006

Did you get a good deal and why?

Yes - I haggled for an excellent cash price

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Top drawer fuel economy, understated yet well-built and good value for money - the others on my shortlist included a pre-06 Honda Civic and a Fabia vRS.

What was the dealer like?

Helpful and good-natured.

What's it like to drive?

Enjoyable; feels solid and well-made. The linear layout and quality of the interior are very VW-like, as you'd expect, and there is a definite turbo kick around the 70mph mark. It's good for all types of road, and I do a lot of motorway driving; there's plenty of head room too.

What's it like to park?

Rear sensors would be nice (note to self for next car purchase), but I've never known anything other than adopting the usual amount of head turning and dimensional instinct.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Not at all. Only consumables have needed replacing. I look after it, treat it with respect, and it seems to reciprocate.

What's most practical about your car?

Trip computer, heated seats and natural allergy to fuel stations! Plus, it's worth noting that recently I hit 70mpg for a motorway journey, and that was averaging around 65-70mph.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Mpg display on the trip computer - it's a great game to see how frugally you can drive it. Someone please explain why people drive full pelt to a roundabout then slam the brakes on - it's neither big nor clever. Also, I upgraded the basic stereo to a sexy Blaupunkt for a touch of class and the wheels to official Skoda 16" alloys - far more stylish than the cheaper, non-car-brand, chavvy types.