Skoda Fabia 2. Generation facelift 1.6 TDI, 75 PS, 5-speed manual (2010–2014)

Research for this car

• Generation guide Skoda Fabia II (2007-2014): known problems and buying guide

  Prefer a manual or 6-speed automatic; avoid a DQ200 gearbox without repair records, and check the timing chain.

• Engine guide VW 1.6 and 2.0 TDI (EA189) diesel engines: problems, costs and what to check

  Recall work, EGR and DPF faults and injector repairs are common. Buy with recall proof, a belt invoice and a clean fault memory.

Known issues for this car

Before you buy this car

From the generation guide

1. 1.6 TDI EGR and injectors. Scan for fault codes. Bad result: rough idle, stalling, or stored codes.
2. Airbag recall. Ask a Skoda dealer with the VIN whether the driver airbag recall is done. Bad result: work not done.
3. Sills and wheel arches. Press the sill and wheel-arch edges. Bad result: soft or holed metal.

From the engine guide

1. Recall paperwork (no scanner). Ask the dealer for a record of the software update, and of the flow straightener on a 1.6. Bad: no record.
2. Fault memory (needs a scanner). Bad: EGR codes P0401 or P0402, turbo codes P2563 or P2564, or DPF codes such as P2002.
3. Test drive. Bad: judder, lost power or limp mode.
4. Injectors (no scanner). Ask whether the injectors were replaced or revised. Bad: rough running with no injector work on record.
5. DPF (no scanner). Ask how the car was driven and whether the filter was cleaned. Bad: a DPF warning lamp, or short trips only.
6. Coolant (engine cold). Check the level and look for an exhaust smell in the cabin. Bad: any coolant loss. The EGR cooler is a common cause.
7. Timing belt invoice. Bad: no dated invoice for the belt, tensioner and water pump, or past 210,000 km or 5 years with no change.
8. Turbo (needs a scanner). On a 2.0 TDI past about 150,000 km. Bad: boost codes or oil leaks at the turbo.
9. Flywheel (manual only). Drive in 2nd gear at about 1,400 rpm. Bad: a rattle.

Running costs

ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months

ADAC versions