2008 Skoda Fabia Estate 1.9 turbo diesel

Summary:

A winning combination

Faults:

None so far.

General Comments:

I've only had the car for two weeks, but am very happy with the performance.

Seating position is good, high up with reasonable support.

Very nippy around town with light and accurate steering.

On the motorway, plenty of available torque, good visibility.

Only gripe is with soundproofing of the engine. I think Skoda should have improved it a bit more as engine noise is a little unrefined and occasionally obtrusive. One gets used to it.

Air con dials though are cheap looking, and a bit difficult to read from a driver's angle.

Fuel consumption so far for urban/motorway is 18.5 Km/Ltr.

All in all, a pleasure to drive, great handling, very practical and spacious and very economical on fuel.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd November, 2008

30th Nov 2008, 03:19

UPDATE AFTER 5000 KM - My major gripe with this car is the overly hard suspension. You really feel every bump even on the smoothest of roads. I understand that Skoda may have wanted to improve handling, body-roll, cornering, excess loads, but certainly at the expense of driver comfort. The ride is certainly jarring, doesn't forgive even the slightest bump. A shame they marred such a great all-rounder.

2004 Skoda Fabia Combi Wagon 1.4 benzine

Summary:

Worst piece of garbage ever put on 4 wheels

Faults:

Within days of taking delivery, Power Steering problems.

Within 6 months, Belt Snapped--Head had to be replaced.

Warning lights come on MONTHLY for: ECU, EGR, PS, Service Engine, Etc.

Returned to the dealer 12 times within a 24 month warranty; including to have oil replenished several times.

Towed to the dealer 4 times within a 24 month warranty.

Towed to the dealer 3 times since out of warranty.

Replaced 3 Window Motors within 65,000 KM.

Alarm key fobs have gone out 3 times costing over $30 each time to have the frequency re-set.

ABS brake system has gone out.

Fuel Pump went out twice.

Clutch plate broke by 60,000 KM.

Alternator went out by 55,000 KM.

Parts left off of car after service work.

General Comments:

This car has such serious engine problems, that it cannot climb a hill with the A/C on and only the driver in the car. Even without the A/C on, the car cannot climb a hill from a dead stop with 2 adults and 2 teenagers in the car. The 1.4 engine is clearly underpowered for the weight of the vehicle. The monthly illumination of various warning lights (costing the owner around $185-$250 each time) along with the numerous tows due to roadside breakdowns makes this the least reliable car we have ever owned. Unfortunately, there is hardly one system on the car that has not been defective.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 10th February, 2008