If you\'re considering a Fabia, you might like to look at the Silverline or Blueline (see tinyurl.com/jgqc ). This is the latest version of a special edition that seems to appear once or twice a year. It includes a few nice extras for little more than the price of the basic Classic. Unlike the previous incarnations, the current one has the the more powerful of Skoda\'s 1.2 litre engines and a CD player.
I\'ve had a Fabia for a few months and am pleased with it so far. As the What Car review says, it feels bigger than it is. My main reason for choosing it was that it was more comfortable than the similar cars I\'d tried: not many cars of this size have a steering wheel that adjusts both ways. Also the driver\'s seat supports the lower back a lot better than in many cars. I found this to be a particular weakness in the current Fiesta.
I bought new rather than second hand because I found there to be little difference between the price of new through a broker (see the links on this site) and nearly new directly from a main dealer.
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I will look into these models but has to be second hand as my budget is not quite there - however Im glad youve had a good experience - you dont see many around do you? also it is (or looks) longer than your average supermini or is this the illusion you were talking about? T
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I will look into these models but has to be second hand as my budget is not quite there - however Im glad youve had a good experience - you dont see many around do you? also it is (or looks) longer than your average supermini or is this the illusion you were talking about? T
I see plenty of Fabias around but this is a subjective thing: as soon as you start to consider a particular car, or get one yourself, you start to notice them. As someone who's old enough to remember the days of the dreadful rear engined (pre-VW takeover) cars, when owners used to give each other supportive waves, I quite like the reverse snobbery of owning a Skoda. People who aren't badge snobs (or don't spot the badge) just see a nice looking little car.
The Fabia is one of the biggest cars in its class but isn't hugely bigger than its obvious competitors (13 cm longer than a Jazz, 12.5 cm longer than a Punto, 4.3 cm longer than a Fiesta, 6.3 cm longer than a Polo*). Again, it's subjective but I'd say the illusion is caused by the shape of the car.
I found that in this sector of the market there are few used bargains to be had which is why I bought new. If you were looking at cars a size bigger there are more nearly new bargains around but that takes you into a higher price range anyway. The diesel one you mentioned doesn't sound a bad buy. I'm no expert but I believe diesel engines last longer so 41,000 miles isn't massive. On the other hand you'd (just) lose out on the original warranty, by buying one that's three years old.
*Source: a What Car? test from last year comparing these and a few other cars in which the Fabia (16v 1.4 petrol Comfort) came out as the favourite.
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Oh dear - you see I originally wanted to new micra cause it looks so lovely but I keep being practical! also #7,000 is the cheapest you can get a 5 door with no air con T
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At £5,500, you're getting a very good price for a diesel Fabia. I assume it's the 1.9 non turbo lump, which isn't massively fast, but at this money, I'd say you've got yourself a good deal.
For quality, space and comfort I'd say the Fabia is the best three year old supermini there is - with a Yaris close behind, but it'll cost more and won't be a diesel. Although the petrols are very economical (more so than the Fabia) this will be about as cheap to run as you can get.
Low mileage is less important than how the car's been cared for, and if it's had the chance to get up to decent temperature to give it a good clean out. If you found one with 15k, it would almost certainly be ~£1k more expensive and there's no reason for it to be any better or last any longer.
Just to make sure you are getting a good deal, how old is your RAV4, what spec, what mileage, and are there any major faults? How much are you being offered for it? Even if it's an M-reg with £100k, you should be getting in the mid £2k range as a part-ex. £5500 plus your RAV4 would NOT be a good deal!
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I can't see anywhere if you've mentioned your typical usage. If you have and I've missed it then, sorry, I'll get my coat.
If your annual mileage is fairly low and therefore lots of short trips and, for some reason, you end up deciding to go with a petrol; be seriously wary of the 16v engines. Also if its a 2nd hand 16v with prev low mileage owner.
They (16v) really do NOT like this sort of treatment, the old 8v engine copes with it much better. As will a diesel. That's info straight from the dealer network.
The question you have to consider is; will the extra cost of getting a diesel engined version be paid back in any reasonable time frame?
Needs thinking about IMO.
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BTW forgot to mention Mrs FiF loves her Fab Fabia, 15 months old, nothing wrong on delivery, nor since.
For a base model car I'm surprised how good it is every time I can manage to prise the keys from her handbag.
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If your annual mileage is fairly low and therefore lots of short trips and, for some reason, you end up deciding to go with a petrol; be seriously wary of the 16v engines. Also if its a 2nd hand 16v with prev low mileage owner. They (16v) really do NOT like this sort of treatment, the old 8v engine copes with it much better. As will a diesel. That's info straight from the dealer network.
Oh excellent... looks as if I made the right choice after all. I really couldn't justify the extra cost of one of the more expensive engines.
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Actually, the car I mentioned with 41,000 on the clock is not a diesel I didnt explain properly. I would like a diesel ideally subject to price - sorry - by the Toyota garage I was offered #4,800 for the Rav - it has 44,000 on the clock, GDX version no faults had major service 2 months ago. Thanks for the advice everyone - So Im still can't decide - its Skoda versus Nissan .....help .......does anyone know if the storage space (I am going to a dealers for both these makes) is bigger in the Fabia than the Micra?
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So your budget is £1700 plus trade in? Or more? What year is the RAV4? And was that price for a straight sale or a trade in against another car?
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Tracey, the Fabia is roomy, refined, comfortable and well made. The Micra might be all of these things too - but oh dear, what on earth does it look like?
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Nothing on earth, as far as I can tell, except maybe a south American tree frog. Still, she loves the looks.
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