Hello and please help.

[sam1973]

Hi,

I wonder if anyone out there could offer me some advice please? I've just being looking at a 2000 (w) fabia 1.4 8v at the local Skoda dealership. It's been part ex'd back to to the dealer and I've seen it before it has been through the process of preparing for resale - so basically warts and all. However it has some issues othere than needing minor paint work and a good valet. Such as:

The clutch stuck down mid test drive - I had to stop the car and pull it back up!
The passenger foot well was very wet ,as were the interior of the front and back windows. (The rear driver side footwell was damp too).
The coolant light continually flashed throughout the test drive.
The steering pulled to the left
I couldn't see the 'traditional' engine management light at ignition ( do they have one?)

My question is whether these faults now noted, could be rectified by the dealer or whether the leaks etc are too big an issue? I realise the clucth could be fixed etc. Incidentally, I think there was white creamy residue on the inside of the oil cap - a sign of head gasket issues if I am not mistaken?

I would really appreciate some informed advice. thanks for your time

Sam

[JaneC]

Hi and welcome to Briskoda

I don't have any informed advice for you except to say that there must be loads of Fabias around in better condition than the one you are looking at so personally I would pass on it and look for a better example. It doesn't sound as if the previous owner took much care of it.

[sam1973]

Hi Jane,

Thanks for your advice. Had been thinking much the same. Only thing is, if I'd seen this car after its 'make-over', none of the issues would have been there, or at least visible to me. This therefore puts me in much the same position seeking out other examples at dealerships which are post make-over. I'm wondering whether seeing this cars faults before they were rectified (or hidden!) empowers me by enabling me to ensure said problems are fixed before I part with the cash?

By the by, its up at £3195 - 47K on the clock.

[Basil]

creamy residue in the oil cap? plus coolant light? signs that there's something majorly wrong. Emulsion = Oil and coolant mixing = likely blown head gasket. Even fixed up, something else major's probably gonna let go later on...

See CubeOwner Forums -> The Joys .....

Sounds like a bad deal to me - the previous owner probably looked at the cost of repair and traded it in. If the garage repaired it properly and gave you a reasonable warranty in writing, it would still be a risk. Problems, car in garage repeatedly. Better pass it up.....

My humble opinion, I'm neither a mechanic nor a car expert mind...

HTH
Bas

[mluton]

Welcome to Briskoda

[VRStu]

Give it a miss and get yourself a good one.

Welcome.