2000 Skoda Fabia Classic review from UK and Ireland

CPU fault during the test drive which made the temp gauge read (falsely) into the red. That was repaired free of charge and was because the car had been standing in the dealership for 4 months.

Broken rear windscreen wiper pump (haven't got round to replacing it yet).

Occasionally a small panel will detach on the passenger door. Doesn't bother me, but I do get stick for it...

I wouldn't say the car is perfect, but well worth buying. It would be cheap to insure if I weren't a) 18 and b) had a no claims discount...

Fuel consumption; Around town at off peak time 35-40MPG, doing 60MPH on the motorway gives 50-55MPG while cruising at 70MPH gives 40MPG.

I have found the car reliable and enjoyable to drive. It crusises comfortably at 70 (3200 RPM in 5th gear) even though getting there may take a short while.

Fun, but not scary to drive fast, grips fairly well in the corners.

I have driven from London to Edinburgh in a single day and got out feeling ache-free and fairly cheery, so the car is suitable for that sort of journey. The previous owner used it mainly for motorway commuting and found it fine.

Problems?

It does feel a bit cheap, but these are in minor things such as the plastic of the interior. On the other hand, the pedals are all fine and responsive and feel well and truly connected to the car, the engine and the road.

I have found the local skoda dealership to be rather rude, unhelpful and patronising (yes, that is how to spell it:-)), but then they need not be involved.

Not much of a looker... VRS version is though.