Help me choose which one of these car to buy!!

[wahi20681]

Hi all,
I test drove a SKoda Fabia 1.4 16V Comfort - 2002 model yesterda & really really loved the shape, style & sound of it. Although I don't see many of these on the road in comparison with Peugots & VWs; I'm still quite interested in buying one.

As I need to relocate in exactly 1 year and will have to sell the car then; I cannot make up my mind which one of the last 2 in the following list I should buy.




*multi-photos 2001 51 Reg SKODA Fabia 1.4 Classic Clapham Car Sales 5 Doors, Manual, Hatchback, Petrol, 28,000 miles, cayenne met, MOT-03-2007, 1 Owner. Adjustable seats, Adjustable steering column/wheel, Driver airbag, Head restraints, Folding rear seats, Immobiliser, . . . . (trade)
£ 2,995



*multi-photos 2002 SKODA FABIA 1.4 Comfort 5dr Hatchback, 21,000 miles, Grey. ABS, Body coloured bumpers, Drivers airbag, Electric door mirrors, Folding rear seats, Front electric windows. Good Condition, One owner, full service history, very recently serviced . . . . (private)
£ 3,000



Can you care to choose which one ? This link can be found on
http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/www...ch_full=SEARCH

Please note: The scratched 2002 model; will still be under the "below 5-year" tag; & I'll approximately add 20,000 miles to it.

Thanks,

A very confused buyer.

Wahi

[TaviaRS]

Go for the 3k one of the two, oh and welcome to the site.

[andy2407]

Welcome to the site.
The list of problems (multiple scratches, dents, broken wing mirrors) on the second one makes me think it is owned by someone that really does not give a damn about their car, and would put me off.
Of course, it could be down to vandalism, or possibly that it is owned by some rather clumsy old dear, in which case it might be OK. However, its newer, a better spec and lower miles. I would investigate further but be wary.
With the first one you might be able to push for some warranty from the dealer - does that appeal to you?
Good luck - and take your time searching - I'm sure the right car will come along.

[wahi20681]

Thanks guys for your input.

I would like the 3-month guarantee from the dealer. The 3K owner is a 30 yr old guy, he claims the door panel scratch is because of a some one breaking into the car; the mirror was broken and replaced. Rest scratched were because of him skidding on ice just once and getting a line of scratches.

Few things I need to clarify:

1) Does the gearbox always feel a bit hard -- difficult to change gears in comparison to a Ford Ka which has very soft gears.

2) What intervals of mileage does the Skoda Fabia require service. From when it is bought; the 3K guy got his servicing done 6 weeks ago.

3) Why are there not so many Skoda vehicles available to buy ?

4) Are there any good Skoda dealers from whom I could buy 2nd hand cars around High Wycombe ?

Thanks guys for your help!

Wahi

[andy2407]

1. Not driven a Fabia myself, but maybe someone will be along to help.
2. I think Fabia's are on FIXED servicing of 10/12,000 miles or 12 months. My Octy is VARIABLE servicing, where it tells you when it needs doing.
3. Because they are so good, current owners like to hang on to them! But seriously I guess they don't sell in the volumes that some other small cars do, and there are still people out there who haven't got over the badge snobbery thing yet!
4. Have a look in the Reviews Section - clicky here

[wahi20681]

Thanks Andy for your help!

[cheezemonkhai]

Skidded on ice and got scratches?

What did he hit to just get scratches, sounds quite a bit of a bad buy to me on that info as it would affect your sell on value.

[ScoobyChris]

I personally wouldn't buy either of them Spec-wise, I'd hold out for a Comfort as it's a bit less basic and will be easier to sell on if you decide to...

1. Should feel reasonably slick gear change, although can be a bit notchy at times (especially when cold)
2. 10k miles or annually whichever is sooner
3. Compared to the bigger manufacturers they don't sell a whole lot and most (non-sporty) are bought by elderly people who just keep them forever.
4. I'm not sure I'd bother buying from a Skoda dealer if I was in your situation - if warranty is important, you could always take out a WarrantyDirect warranty or similar

Oh, and welcome to the site

Chris

[KenONeill]

If you've got cash available, see if you can get the dealer to chip the price a bit further for cash "cos you're seeing a lower milage Comfort for the same money as their Classic".

[wahi20681]

Thanks guys for your advice. Will check out the dealers this weekend.
This community should really have a "Car Sale" thread aswell!!