Underneath the Fabia is the VW Polo. VW own Skoda and most cars in the group have the same underpinnings with different bodies and interiors.

The 3 cylinder HTP engines (1.2 litre petrol) are reliable simple engines, PROVIDED the oil is changed regularly. Low mileage users, who also usually indulge in short journeys, assume that 10,000 mile/1 year service intervals means either it doesnt apply to them or they can go 10,000 - 15,000 miles irrespective of time. WRONG! Low mileage/short journey users subject their engines to the worst conditions, which include non optimal temperatures and severe petrol contamination of the oil. Also not maintaining the correct level of oil is hazardous as too low a level in these engines can lead to temporary loss of oil pressure going round corners, that has all manner of nasty consequences.

THe Fabia 1.2 engine is identical to the Polo 1.2 engine. Early versions prior to about 2004 had some design weaknesses but they have undergone several revisions over the years and particularly post 2010 when they had a major redesign.

All should be reliable, but require clean good quality oil regularly changed. If you only do a few thousand miles a year, change the oil at LEAST once a year, if you only do 2-3000 miles a year that consists of lots of short runs (5 miles or less) you should change it much more often, say at least every 6-9 months. Note quick fit type places will do an oil and filter change for around £35 so cost isnt really an excuse.

This advice applies to all cars and engines regardless of marques. Ignore it if you will, you may not see a problem for 2 or 3 years, but some poor sod will suffer later on.

You may decide that you dont want the same (or rather similar) engine, but one thing in their favour is they are dead simple to work on, and dirt cheap to maintain. A DIY delight.

On the downside engines in 2007-2009 models have poor fuel economy, much worse thatn the combined figure suggests. 2010 onwards are much better and also quieter.

There is simply no engine that can survive a "no maintence" regime.

The fabia estate is an immensly practical and roomy car, but not to everyone's taste.

Edited by brum on 13/02/2015 at 13:05