Mat Watson: This practical small car is one of my favourites, and it’s a second-hand bargain

I love a Skoda. There’s something refreshing about the honest simplicity they offer, giving you a spacious cabin, efficient engines and loads of kit for an affordable price.

The Fabia is the smallest Skoda you can buy. It may be very similar under the skin to the Volkswagen Polo and SEAT Ibiza, but it blows both of those cars out of the water in terms of practicality.

It’s cheaper to buy than a Polo as well, with prices starting from just under £21,000. You can also save an average of around £1,500 on a new Fabia through Carwow at the time of writing, or you could save even more by checking out used examples.

Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

Used Skoda Fabia deals

Through Carwow, I managed to find a 2023 Skoda Fabia SE Comfort with just 8,300 miles on the clock for £14,100. That’s over £4,000 less than it cost when new.

This is a mid-spec example, which is the sweet spot in the range because it has all the kit you need. You get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats, LED headlights and a digital driver’s display.

Under the bonnet is a 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine with a modest 80hp. It’s nippy enough around town, and it copes pretty well on the motorway as well. Overtaking manoeuvres do need to be well-planned though, and for regular long-distance driving you may be better off looking for the more powerful 116hp engine.

Why should you buy a used Skoda Fabia?

The Skoda Fabia is an ideal car for those who want a small car with the interior space of something bigger. Rear legroom is really generous for a car of this size, easily beating the Toyota Yaris and MG3, and you get a generous 380-litre boot as well.

Out on the road the Fabia is comfortable and easy to drive. It might not be as fun as a Ford Puma or SEAT Ibiza, but it’s much more refined than those two cars on long journeys.

This might not be a car to set your pulse racing, but as a practical, economical and well-equipped small car the Skoda Fabia is a great choice.

Used Skoda Fabia alternatives

Not convinced by the Skoda Fabia? Here are three used alternatives you could buy for similar money.

Toyota Yaris

The Yaris is packed with tech and it has a very economical hybrid system, but tight rear seats and a small boot mean it’s not as practical as the Fabia.

Ford Fiesta

For smiles per mile, the Fiesta is hard to beat. It’s great fun on a twisty road, but it’s also not quite as comfortable as the Skoda.

Kia Rio

For around £15,000 you could buy a 2022 Kia Rio with four years of manufacturer warranty remaining. It’s got a well-made interior as well, although the vague steering does spoil the driving experience.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

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