Buying MK1 Fabia VRS SE advice needed

[zmuzzy]

Hi I'm new to the Skoda world having come from the vw world with MK2 Golfs and my current car being a very up. 

 

I've been keeping my eye out for a vrs special edition for a while now and finally one came up locally (I'm Southampton based).

So I went and viewed the Fabia VRS SE today and I really liked it. It was listed at £3500 which I thought was slightly high but not outrageous. 

 

It drives really well and has all the service history etc. The car mechanically seems solid. The only thing that lets the car down is the paint really.

 

Its got a fairly deep scuff on the door handle, a small scuff in the rear arch, a tiny ding on one door and a shallow scratch down the whole passenger side. The tiny ding was mentioned in the ad but the others weren't. 

 

The last one he said wasn't there till today which I believe and he has said he will get it polished out. I did try to talk him down on price given the bits that weren't in the advert but he was firm on the price of £3500 which I think is at the higher end of what these go for.

 

The thing is he is willing to hold onto her whilst I sell my VW up which really makes things easier. I've found another one for £2850 which is same miles etc but apparently better paint condition except the spoiler has lacquer peel however they want cash straight away so it's not really an option. 

 

The other thing I noticed on the test drive was the turbo whistling, I think only when accelerating is that normal? 

 

Not sure if I should go for it?

 

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[zmuzzy]

I should have mentioned that it's on 101k miles, has 11 months MOT, fully stamped service book with some dealer stamps and some independent. It's had cambelt done at 88k. Hope that helps give a better idea. 

[KenONeill]

Well, at that age I'd be more interested in mechanical condition than cosmetic, but it is in one of the colours that really makes them "pop".

[sepulchrave]

The price is RIDICULOUS with all that paint damage.

If you're willing to pay that then no wonder he's happy to wait.

[totoro]

Repair as soon as possible (minor defects):

• Nearside Front Outer Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot severely deteriorated (6.1.7 (g) (i))

doesn't signify a well looked after car to me.

[sepulchrave]

4 minutes ago, totoro said:

Repair as soon as possible (minor defects):

• Nearside Front Outer Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot severely deteriorated (6.1.7 (g) (i))

doesn't signify a well looked after car to me.

 

The car is so old now that all the rubber parts under the car will be knackered unless they're replaced.

[zmuzzy]

The CV boot is being replaced today. He said that the MOT tester said it was just starting to go hence advisory. 

[zmuzzy]

I agree on price being too much. I've messaged to ask him to give pictures of the paint issues so I can get a quote and see how much less it needs to be. 

 

Thanks everyone for the input it's very helpful