What to look for when buying a Skoda Fabia VRS

[BeatMaster]

I've spotted a 2004 (54) Skoda Fabia VRS with 73,000 miles on in black, just standard equipment but I was wondering what to look for and what should have been done. I know the timing belt should be done every 4 years or 60,000 miles.

I'm currently in 2 minds whether to pass this one up or not as with it doing 73k compared to 40k or so which others have done at a similar age. Although this is about a £1000 cheaper - £5695.

Thoughts about the car itself and pointers on what to look for?

Thanks in advance.

 

[BeatMaster]

Look for a clattery diesel engine with not much power. Look for a Skoda Fabia interior. Look for an owners forum who thinks its the next best thing to a Porsche 911 Turbo. Then look elsewhere.

Although 5695 sounds like a good deal.

You strangely remind me of Jeremy Clarkson

if it's in good condition, then it probably matters how many miles you are going to put on it and how long you intend to keep it..

I do average mileage but prefer the way diesel drives compare to petrol, all the torque Probably be keeping it at least for 2 years+

Looks like I may enquire further into it. I heard that VAG's use oil...I mean how much are they likely to go through exactly?

 

[BeatMaster]

Just an update regarding the car:

Went to have a look at it but sadly a few things let it down. I know they need to be well looked after and all was well and good up until 30,000 miles @ Dec '06 where it had 3 stamps in the service book. Then after that there was only receipts for tyres, 2 discs and pads throughout 2007. Then it had an MOT at Oct '07 and this was recorded at 68,000 miles - 38,000 miles in 9-10 months!! Something very strange and a mis here. There was about 5 random fuses inside the little box infront of the gearstick Other than that, the car drove well and the performance...well, impressive to say the least! I know it was cheap and the salesman offered to get everything sorted that needed doing such as the cracked grill, broken trim on the mirror, the worn front tyres which were bald on the inside

My heart said buy it, buy it, buy it but my brain said leave it and a better one will come along which has a full service history and nothing to hide.

Thanks again for all the comments, help and advice. After driving this, I'm 100% decided that I'd like one and will be now keeping an eye out for one coming up that ticks all the boxes, even it brings a slightly higher premium it'll give better peace of mind.

 

[BeatMaster]

No service history = avoid. The VAG PDs use special oil (referred to as 505.01 spec) so if some backstreet garage has been sticking generic crap in for 40k then it's bad news.

That was my fear and for that there was simply nothing that could correct that. He even had the cheek to say "Not been funny or anything but they'll be other people who are interested in the car who won't be as picky with the service history" ...at that point I was like what the ****!! Well if thats the case, I'll be off then... Pathetic attitude really but still managed to have a good poke around one with my mate who's a mechanic and also got an unaccompanied test drive So not a complete loss at the end of the day. The search continues...