2002 with 11k miles? Was is supposed to be 110k?

Thank you for taking the time to reply. Much appreciated. Your advice makes good sense.

Hi

I have a 2002 1.9 SDi, so the one without a turbo. Obviously slower but probably one of the most reliable engines any money can buy and also one of the cheapest cars to run. I get 57mpg if I drive as I want and over 60mpg if I take it easy. At 115 000 miles I recon it's run in now. If you're not bothered about the extra power do consider the SDi. Fantastic little work horse. The only criticism is you can spend a little on drive shafts and the rear doors can leak if it rains a lot. I had to spend on the shafts at around 100k. If some of this has already been done on the older car then it will be the better buy I think as you will have to spend it on the younger car. Otherwise a highly reccomendable little car and I am confident I can get quite a few more years out of it. The body will fall apart long before the mechanics give any troubles. So I would save the £1000 if it will make a big difference to your budget and if the older car was well looked after (you will spend less than £1000 even if you do both drive shafts at Skoda). (If you go for the SDi you will save even more as a similar age car will cost £2000 and less).

Good luck

Edited by 5cylinderdiesel on 18/05/2012 at 22:57

A 2005 1.9 Fabia will be a PD diesel - from the best period. I'm not sure what engine was fitted to this vehicle in '02 but even if it's a PD it will be less good - and the rest of the vehicle certainly will be. Wheel bearings and front suspension components don't wear well on this chassis so get the newest one you can.

If you have ever driven a PD and an SDi back to back in similar weight vehicles you would never ever want to drive the SDi again. The 1.9 PD gives you the choice of economy or a really good "shove" of torque - as dictated by your right foot. It's also a reliable unit when properly maintained.

If an '05 PD is on your radar and the other vehicle parameters are right for your job, snap it up - at the best possible price of course. In my view, this engine is the best small diesel produced and is devoid of energy and reliability sapping appendages such as DPFs.

Get an competent Independent to change the cambelt using a full kit and, most importantly, replace the water pump at the same time.

659.

Edited by 659FBE on 19/05/2012 at 16:25