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Looks like this could be a decent first car for OTS junior. Obvs it's going to be a £2k car when all is said and done, but anything to look out for in terms of known issues or maintenance considerations?
Probably looking in the 2009-2013 age range and hoping for sub 100k mileage, of which there appear to be quite a few around.
Thoughts and/or alternatives to consider?
For reference I sold an 1.2 07 polo in vgc and 74k for 2.5k, no haggling
If it's the same engine and I think it is, it was faultless it's entire life(family car from new). Only expensive mechanical was a steering pump at circa 70k. No timing belt on that engine. Other sundries such as boot struts but that's all. No sign of rust which would be a concern on older cars, in fact the paint was pretty impressive generally
I still regret selling it but circumstances changed.
Nice little car IMO. CV boots always used to be a thing on fwd VW's and it's an easy check with the windows down and turn in tight circles.
I have one, a 2013 1.2 SE that's on 185k and still going strong. Would make a great first car for anyone as they're not too fast, have benign handling and very practical. Cheap on the insurance too.
Things to consider:
Get an SE spec or higher, basically if it has A/C. The lower spec models have very poor headlights, no top glove box and a lower power engine (55PS). The higher spec models get a bump up to 70PS and it makes them a lot better.
The steering wheels show signs of wear very easily if it's the standard one, I've been lucky but it's not unknown for them to start wearing through the top layer in under 60k if used for urban journeys a lot.
The rear drums can stick after wet use or if left for a while, a standard VW issue that affects all of their small cars.
Any signs of rust will most likely be due to accident damage as the body is galvanized and known to last ages, mine has zero rust despite being in use in all weathers and high mileage.
Some engines develop a rattle from the timing chain tensioner on cold start-up, it's due to the tensioner no longer holding pressure for more than a few hours. Not a problem in itself, mine has done it since 40k but can be a bargaining tool. About £500 to fix if you want to do it. If it does have it then don't press the throttle on starting until it's gone otherwise you can risk the chain jumping a tooth. Disappears in a second or two unless there are bigger issues!
The front top strut mounts and the drop links are a weakness, top mounts just squeak and the drop links clunk at low speed when you have lock on. Newer drop links are available that are much better for around £30.
Other than that they are brilliant but boring cars, perfect for new drivers. If you can get a run-out model for the shape, 2013 SE in silver or blue. Came with a proper spare wheel and some had lighter plastics round the lower dash.
If you have any ownership questions fire away, love mine and hope to keep it for a long time!
Fabias are fantastic, well built and steady in rain and snow if that makes a difference
Dash is a bit dated and road noise in the cabin are the only gripe my wife had the 5 door is roomy for a small car I loved my wife's
We had it 9 years
Is it the 105PS 1.2 Tsi engine? They are quite playful - had one in a Fabia and you had to be very gentle pulling out of junctions. Also driven the same engine in Golfs and a Beetle, quite up to the bigger load.
Mechanically it was sound after 12 years and 100k with an annual service.
Get an insurance quote though.
Fwiw, we got my lad an 85PS 1.0 Fabia. Slow, doesn’t overtake much on the motorway, but way cheaper to insure than his mates similar powered Corsas etc. He also now has 3 years no claims, unlike most of his mates.
ive a focus 1.6diesel 2010, 160k, manual estate, ideal first car, aircon,£1250,mot due dec
its not a skoda, but its 60mpg,fsh and.....had it 6 months, northants, and not very fast. can even connect to your phone and play your music
Yes.
My Mrs has a 1.2Tsi, 63 plate estate classic model with the mid boost engine. It's been great for 7 years so far and no plans to dispose of it until it does. It drives in a sensible, pleasant enough way and being a Skoda, handles just fine.
Room for two bikes inside, too.
Thanks all. Sounds like it’s a decent option.
Do check out what power and insurance it is. Some 1.2tsi are quite sporting, older simple o
1.2 not so much. Insurance cost is very much related.
We've an Ibiza estate - it was cheaper than an Ibiza or Fabia hatch. Ours is 1.4 16v, not TSI, and has been both cheap to run and insure for three learners and just passed test.
Ours is 2012, 119k and apart from a slightly blowing exhaust this last month is great. It's cost nothing but consumable/standard service and things wearing - so a couple of shocks and a new alternator & battery.
Just to add, as others have said they quite roomy inside, and have good visibility for drivers. The fact that not many young new drivers have/crash them obviously influences the insurance compared to more popular Corsas etc
Check the electric windows work, known issue for Skodas.