It's a VW Polo.... only different (Skoda Fabia in general)

Member Name: TwistedPsycho

Product:	Skoda Fabia in general
Date:	08/12/08 (334 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: 400 miles between petrol stops, easy and okay to drive

Disadvantages: Not for boy racers, salesman in a hurry or criminals on the run

Three years ago, I took the plunge and bought my first brand new, off the forecourt car.... albeit on a budget. The Skoda Fabia drove well and considering the market available in March 2005, I opted for the base model 1.2 with 54 (or 56)bhp and none of the extras.

I am still enjoying driving it today and although I got what I paid for, I suspect I would have done the same again. Compared to my previous cars, a Renault Clio, a Ford Escort, etc I like the Skoda. I find that it handles remarkably well and to me, responds like a car should, I do not need it to do more than the speed limit, grip the road while cornering at 70 in a built-up estate or out pace the unmarked police car (which funnily enough around here are also Skodas!).

I have only one concern though which has come from my service last year. Being still in warranty I got the car serviced at my local Skoda dealer who advised my that my rubber "boot gater" (if thats how you spell it - something to do with the axle joints?) was starting to wear. Now that concerns me as the service centre receptionist said "You could get it done here, but the part is cheap and with our labour charges you would be looking at £270, I would say ask your local mechanic."

I like honesty, but surely it should not NEED replacing after 3 years... should it? and surely a Skoda dealer should be pushing dealer-servicing... shouldn't it?

Overall I still love my Skoda. It does what I want it to do and I actually like driving it, unlike my other halfs Daewoo Matiz!

Ouuuu I nearly forgot. MPG for you figure loving economists out there! I average about 40-45mpg driving 7miles each way to work on a 75/25 mix of motorway and town driving. Driving Portsmouth to Great Yarmouth recently I averaged 60mpg predominantly on motorway.

Summary: Top car if you are buying new on a budget. Don't know what its work now though!

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