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2007 Fabia 1.4TDi - Good choice? - M.M
Next car to come onto our radar is a 2007 Fabia (newer shape) 1.4TDi 5dr. I wonder if anyone has experience of these? All I've really found on a site search is someone who found the ride was so hard they traded it back in... that might be an issue for us if true.
2007 Fabia 1.4TDi - Good choice? - mr.freezer
I had one as courtesy car and did about 90 miles in it over a day mainly on the M8 from Edinburgh to Glasgow and back.

It felt quite perky in town and OK on the motorway but overtaking on an A road may be a bit perilous.

A couple of things irked me. The seat would not go low enough and if memory serves me you could not get medium wave on the radio.

As big as a Mk IV Golf inside and apart from the seat height, comfy too.
2007 Fabia 1.4TDi - Good choice? - M.M
I guess the seat height was an issue if you are tall?

Everything in the small family hatch we are looking at has a similar performance and it really depends what you are comparing to. As I've said in a thread on the 1.3 Astra diesel we're also considering we travel mostly on country Fen roads when visibility is usually about one mile or more along a constant series of straights. The snatched A-road overtake just isn't a requirement round here. Other than that it would be on local motorways or town where, as you seem to say, it would be fine.
2007 Fabia 1.4TDi - Good choice? - andyfr
We bought a new one a few weeks ago and as it's only done just over 1,000 miles is still a bit tight. We find the ride fine on Highland roads and it's got plenty of power when required. The 3 cylinder engine is a bit noisy at first but quietens down at normal speed. It's not as economical as we were expecting but apparently these engines do improve after a few thousand miles. Overall I would recommend one.
2007 Fabia 1.4TDi - Good choice? - Bill Payer
It'll presumeably have the usual VAG problem of all the suspension bushes requiring regular (and quite expensive) replacement?
2007 Fabia 1.4TDi - Good choice? - b308
I had the 1.4TDi 80 in the old shape Fabia Estate and ran it for 15000 miles without any issues, it did 57mpg, was quick enough all round, though as with any sub 2.0l car you have to plan overtaking on A roads, but thats not an issue and the wqay you should overtake anyhow (planned!)... Bit noisier than the 1.9, but thats mainly down to it being a 3 cylinder, I know someone else who's had the 75hp version for ages and no problems...

As for the "usual VAG problem of suspension bushes", I've never heard of it before relating to Skodas, I'm on my third one, with over 120,000 miles total over the past 8 years and never had that problem... urban myth perhaps?
2007 Fabia 1.4TDi - Good choice? - brum
It'll presumeably have the usual VAG problem of all the suspension bushes requiring
regular (and quite expensive) replacement?


Predictable drivel in the backroom again.

Presumably Bill Payer recommends that the OP should buy a Mondeo or Peugeot instead.

2007 Fabia 1.4TDi - Good choice? - Bill Payer
Presumably Bill Payer recommends that the OP should buy a Mondeo or Peugeot instead.

For a supermini at that price point - old shape Honda Jazz. Astonishing car.
2007 Fabia 1.4TDi - Good choice? - Avant
I'd have one of these in preference to an Astra any day. If you don't eo enough mileage to need a diesel, the 1.4 petrol is a better alternative to the 1.2 which struggles a bit.
2007 Fabia 1.4TDi - Good choice? - nb857
Mum and dad have been running Skodas since 1980. An S110 started the ball rolling. Then 120LS, 120LE, 130L, 136LX Favorit, 136LS, another 136LS, 1.6 Felica and a 1.6GLXi Felica, and 2 pickups.

They currently have an N reg Foreman Pickup and an 08 1.9TDi 105PS Fabia 2 bought new in July 08. They are well pleased with it. No problems at all. It might stand a chance of getting maintained as it shouts at them (well blinks) when it needs a service. I'm not sure how many miles it's done now, but it does get used, I'm thinking Over 20k, may be nearer 30 now.

It started life at about 60 mpg and dad tells me he's seen over 74 on a run. They tell me it's rather lively too.

2007 Fabia 1.4TDi - Good choice? - M.M
Sadly now off the list.

First it turned out to have the 70bhp 1.4 engine which was down on fuel consumption and performance over the 80hp... then found out it is in the £120 VED class unlike the 80bhp which is £35.

Even if these aspects were considered ok the good lady put her foot down over the chunky looks (roof/headlamps/grille) and she still had reservations over Skoda as a mainstream brand at a mainstream price.

Oh well that's another to take out of the Autotrader search list. Shame as I'd become quite keen.

Edited by M.M on 27/11/2009 at 07:53

2007 Fabia 1.4TDi - Good choice? - b308
>>she still had reservations over Skoda as a mainstream brand
at a mainstream price.


I'm constantly amazed by people like that, I thought only horses wore blinkers these days... her loss I suppose...

Agree with you regarding the 70bhp one, though, too weak an engine, rather like the basic 1.2 petrol they do as well...

Edited by b308 on 27/11/2009 at 08:58

2007 Fabia 1.4TDi - Good choice? - M.M
>>>her loss I suppose

Well Skoda's loss actually.
2007 Fabia 1.4TDi - Good choice? - b308
If she decides not to buy them because of an outdated and incorrect perception of them its more her loss as she's the one that missing out on the possibility of getting a well built and reliable car! ;-)
2007 Fabia 1.4TDi - Good choice? - M.M
No can't agree. Skoda have lost a new customer buying through their used car scheme, they've also lost the service work and any repairs over several years.

SWMBO in turn will end up chosing a better car for her needs.

Do appreciate I was pitching quite hard for the Skoda in terms of build quality and reliability but there is no point in anyone having a car for the next 3yrs where they have the slightest reservations.

For example a Fiesta around 2006 is on our list. Seems weirdly many have a blue top to the whole facia. Even if one was otherwise the best in the country I would never have our money going towards a car with a blue facia.
2007 Fabia 1.4TDi - Good choice? - maz64
SWMBO in turn will end up chosing a better car for her needs.


MM - my wife is the same, or was last time we were purchasing a car. I like to think that if I managed to persuade her to sit in or drive one she might revise her opinion, but I don't know for sure.
2007 Fabia 1.4TDi - Good choice? - b308
SWMBO in turn will end up chosing a better car for her needs.


If one of her "wishes" includes outdated perceptions of certain makes then no she won't... There's more to a car than its badge, and which are far more important than the badge, such as reliability, running costs, interior comfort and space, etc... Slowly people are starting to realise that - just out of interest how many other makes has she discounted simply because of her outmoded views and what are they?

2007 Fabia 1.4TDi - Good choice? - maz64
If one of her "wishes" includes outdated perceptions of certain makes then no she won't...


b308 - you are making valid points, but unfortunately they appear to be based on logic :-)
2007 Fabia 1.4TDi - Good choice? - M.M
Focus. It's fair to a point about logic but that has taken us to the position where we know we need 5drs, a diesel, don't want to spend over £12K (nearer £6k better), want min 50mpg, ABS, aircon, 3 proper rear seat belts and so on. Once you find there are a dozen capable cars that meet the spec then personal choice can come into play.
2007 Fabia 1.4TDi - Good choice? - maz64
Focus. It's fair to a point about logic


MM - just to clarify, my logic comment was primarily in defense of my wife, and only yours if applicable if that makes sense. Good luck with the car hunt.

Edited by Focus {P} on 27/11/2009 at 15:56

2007 Fabia 1.4TDi - Good choice? - M.M
When the Backroom is good it's very good.... however it is very wearing and counter productive when folks try and bully others towards their opinion (and that's all it ever is) of what car they should buy.

To try and apply negatives to the good lady when you know nothing of her is straying way too far into personal areas.

I like Skodas, you like Skodas but she doesn't... end of. You will never beat a Motorhead fan over the head to make them like Girls Aloud songs... just don't happen.

Anyway we're off tomorrow to look at a few prospects and be as quirky as we want to get the best car for her.
2007 Fabia 1.4TDi - Good choice? - Statistical outlier
MM, couldn't agree more.

I personally really like the Octavia, but I don't like the Fabia. I don't doubt it's a good car, it just doesn't do it for me. I don't see any reason why anyone should be obliged to either disagree or agree with me, each to their own.

One suggestion, it's a fraction smaller, but my significant other is really pleased with her Mazda 2. Nice to drive, roomier than I expected, and good choice of engines.
2007 Fabia 1.4TDi - Good choice? - M.M
Funnily enough Gordon a Mazda 2 came up on her shortlist from last nights search on Autotrader. Local Mazda dealer is not one I want to visit a lot but I'll have a look round for info on that car.
2007 Fabia 1.4TDi - Good choice? - WorkshopTech
No can't agree. Skoda have lost a new customer buying through their used car scheme
they've also lost the service work and any repairs over several years.


Skoda wont have any problem finding customers for used fabia Mk2, demand well outstrips supply.
2007 Fabia 1.4TDi - Good choice? - WorkshopTech
Fabias are great little cars, my favourite small car in fact. I think it was justifiably best small car in the 2009 JDPower. We have very few problems with the Mk1s. We havent really seen any Mk 2's yet (they are still in warranty) but Skoda seem to have addresssed two of the most common failure points from the Mk1. That's a change to the rear bush on the front wishbone and a simplification of the heater controls.
We see fewer problems with the Fabias than with other small cars, such as the Puegeots, Citroens, fords and vauxs. They are a strong little car.
The 1.4TDI is OK (its 3/4 of the 1.9 engine), but the 1.9TDI is best. It can be remapped to 140bhp for £200 and add a Whiteline rear ARB for £130 and you've got a nice stealth almost-hot-hatch that gives over 50mpg
2007 Fabia 1.4TDi - Good choice? - ForumNeedsModerating
It seems to me that this buying decision is becoming a bit capricious . Firstly, it's a slightly old fashioned view, if i might be so bold in saying, of brand values & secondly, a dismissal of a car because of a minor styling quirk.

I'm rather reminded of someone not buying a house because they didn't like the some wallpaper or colour of the bathroom suite.

FWIW, I was rather impressed driving a new shape Fabia (80bhp) a while ago & found the looks charming.

None of my business of course, but since you posted...

Edited by woodbines on 27/11/2009 at 13:30

2007 Fabia 1.4TDi - Good choice? - M.M
No problem woodbines. We would buy a car and resolve an item such as changing the stereo or tyres if they were the wrong wallpaper or suite for us. The lights, grille and roofline are however somewhat fixed and if you don't like them then you dont. The roof of a 2007 Fabia does look a bit like one from an old Discovery that has been grafted on.... but of course I always liked the Discovery myself.

A capricious approach is a good part of the buying process for many folks. You need something to narrow down the choice or a dozen or so models we have to think about.

I did offer the left field option of a smart yellow modern Beetle but that one got turned down as "they're the car with that stupid flower in the dash". What can you do?
2007 Fabia 1.4TDi - Good choice? - WellKnownSid
We picked up a new Fabia for less than 8,000 euros under the scrappage scheme in Spain in July. It's the 1.2 petrol, and does 80km a day ferrying kids to and from school. Despite the school being 1,000 feet higher than the house, and the house being 1,500 feet ASL, the engine is an absolute hoot up the mountains.

The Fabia is probably the best equipped 'cheap' car here at the moment - the Tata and Dacia are cheaper, but very flimsy - whilst none of the nearest competitors e.g. Clio include things like a radio as standard so you can forget air-con!

To get semi-automatic climate control, front fog lights, auto up/down windows, six speaker radio with mp3 + aux input AND to have five doors - the Fabia was a no-brainer.

Oh, and at night it's got the best lights and main beam of any car I've ever owned, including Mercs with xenons!
2007 Fabia 1.4TDi - Good choice? - b308
I don't know if that earlier comment was directed at me, but, for the record, I wasn't trying to "bully" anyone, MM, just passing comment that to get the "best car" compromises sometimes have to be made and deep held prejudices sometimes have to be challenged... sorry if it came across different... as Focus said perhaps I was being a bit too logical!

Edited by b308 on 27/11/2009 at 19:23

2007 Fabia 1.4TDi - Good choice? - Avant
Interesting, as coincidentally I drove a mark 2 Fabia for the first time today - a loan car, a 1.2 petrol, while the Octavia was in for its first service (those of you who know Skodas won't be surprised to know that there were no extra problems at all).

I'm not one of those who makes a fuss about what size of loan car I'm given - I'm happy to take what's there. But I did wonder if the 3-cylinder 1.2 engine would be a litle sluggish in the Fabia, which is bigger than most other superminis.

Far from it - very lively stepping off from rest and there was even something still in reserve at 70 mph. Comfortable - seats and steering wheel could be adjusted to suita anyone - and the compromose between ride and handling (a little biased towards a comfortable ride) was fine for the sort of car it is and the use it'll be put to.

Worth putting on anyone's shortlist unless, like Mrs MM, you just don't like the look of it (which is of course fair enough - thank the Lord we live in a free country).

Well done Jewsons of Oxford - a very pleasant experience today, not least as the vRS is on free servicing for 3 years / 30,000 miles!

Edited by Avant on 27/11/2009 at 23:43