No Budget Reviews: 2006 Skoda Fabia 1.2 HTP Classic - Lloyd Vehicle Consulting

[@alansimpson835]

I used to sell these brand new in 2006. At the time (2005-2007) Skoda were doing "Big on Value Pricing" so this very car was £6995 on the road (about £500 off normal price) and despite not coming with standard central locking or electric front windows, (you needed to pay £400 to get the plus pack on a Classic for that) the air con and the trip computer - mpg, outside temp, tank range etc - came standard on these facelifted classics. You even got an air conditioned glovebox and cubby beside the driver's right knee (just big enough for a box of maltesers). The engine cover was removed around 2006 (possibly a money saving thing) and only the 54bhp Classic got the tape player. Every other classic got the CD player instead. The colour, Dynamic Blue, was probably the most popular colour we sold Fabia Classics in and at £6995 we couldn't get enough of them. The way to tell which HTP engine you have is actually the HTP badge. If the P is red it's the 64bhp version (the 12v) and if it's not, it's the 54bhp version (the 6v). If this car came up for sale I would be tempted. It takes me back to happy days of zooming around Dundee and beyond in them and I actually owned a 2006 Classic for 5 years (but we can't discuss it here).

[@alansimpson835]

The facelift got you different bumpers, different wheeltrims, the front foglights, where fitted, were round not rectangular and the interior fabrics, dials and steering wheel were all changed

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Oh sir, the car did feel a bit slow, so I am not surprised that it ended up being the 55 bhp version after all. I definitely needed a bit of a power upgrade.... The facelift is one of the most subtle I have seen, you probably need to be an expert to spot it. Never seen so many obvious signs that Skoda wanted you to upgrade to the higher specifications or pay for the option pack! Less than £7,000 sounds like an incredibly good value car, bearing in mind that the Sandero was only a £1,000 more in Access trim when that came out in 2013, and this feels like a much more modern and better finished car with more equipment (such as air conditioning, colour coded bumpers and a standard cassette deck), albeit lacking about 20 bhp.

[@mattw8332]

I really liked these at their launch. I didn't like the mark 2 very much so I wasn't surprised to learn that it had a worse interior. The current Fabia is a vast improvement imo. Impressed that this also has a rev counter in addition to air conditioning as well as soft touch plastics.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Yes, the Mark II may have a slightly more modern interior, but that doesn't mean it is necessary a better one. The Fabia Mark IV lovely interior too. You are right, air conditioning and a rev counter!

[@seancooke7332]

Thank you Sir for featuring a basic model of one of the best Skodas ever built which is fast becoming a retro vehicle that can be used reliably as an everyday car. It's not diesel, it has minimal electronic options to go wrong. It is more roomy, drives as well as and looks far better than the Polo. Yet another hidden gem and practically unused. I remember well that coolant reservoir from the year 2000 Volkswagen LT35 Van that I used to drive.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

I don't like the looks of the original 9N (Mark IV) Polo, although the facelifted one is a bit better. This would be a perfect car for everyday use, even if I have now realised, thanks to Mr Simpson, that this is the 55 bhp version, which is why it felt so incredibly slow... The coolant reservoir dates back at least to 1996, if not a lot earlier!

[@ciaranwebb6871]

@@lloydvehicleconsulting Yes, the 12 valve version is so much better for reliability and performance. I think it's a fairly long stroke engine so surprising torque and grunt for what it is, a small capacity NA engine.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

@@ciaranwebb6871 , the 6v really is a bit slow...

[@ruddytje]

"Look at those blanc switches". I love this remark. I always thought I was the only one noticing this right away in cars 🙂

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Oh yes, I most certainly do notice blanking switches, even in No Budget Reviews!

[@nextbest]

I have exact same 2006 Skoda but in red same trim level.It only had one owner before me and apart from small dent in wing it suits me.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Wonderful, if you can find one in decent shape, these are probably a good option.

[@David_H-73]

Good to see a mk1 Fabia, they were well made and almost over engineered for small car of its era. Mk2 base model didn't even have a glovebox lid although it was a £50 option! Seemed crazy to offer a 2.0 litre, it was much more expensive and didn't offer much more in the way of performance over the 1.416v. Quite liked the Fabia sport it even had red seatbelts but like the 2.0 litre its incredibly rare. The facelift was very mild and basically amounted to tweaked bumpers and grille, seat fabric and instruments.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

That's right, the 2.0 only had 15 bhp more than the 100 bhp 1.4 16V, but probably about 15 times worse fuel economy. I have never seen a Fabia Sport myself. The Mark II has one of the drabest interiors I have ever seen on any car, even if it is a bit more modern. The facelift is incredible subtle, as I have driven a pre-facelift before, and I simply couldn't spot the difference! They must have thought they got it right the first time.

[@DavidJohnston58]

Lovely car in lovely colour. Had a new gen 1 in 2004 a black Elegance PDI 1.9, really great teaching car, no speed but eight billion miles to the gallon!🤥 You missed out the cooled drink can holder compartment at drivers right knee, great in summer.👍 Then bought daughter a red 2002 classic 1.2 L as starter car when she was learning. Well enough finished for a base, though hers had no Aircon.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Well sir, I am afraid that we don't talk about diesels on this channel... We can discuss other engines, however, and we do like the Elegance trim levels. I gather that air conditioning was standard on all post-facelift cars from Mr Simpson, who actually used to sell these back in the day. Lots and lots of people absolutely loved these, I think!

[@focusrssteve]

Good evening Mr Lloyd hope you've been keeping well? I've got to admit I've never owned one, but I've always liked the look of this generation of skoda, and if I ever had to own a diesel (sorry for mentioning Mr Lloyd) this is one I could've contemplated having. Anyway nice review as always sir keep up the great work.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Well sir, we shall have to avoid sailing close to the wind in terms of discussing the forbidden fuel, but quite a lot of people do like the look of this original Fabia even now. More No Budget Reviews coming up soon!

[@rawry100]

I had a 1.4 MPI and it was such a lovely car 03 plate classic trim level and mine didn't have air conditioning I did drive it to Belgium and back on one tank of fuel 👍

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Interesting how the 39 year old Skoda OHV engine was still relevant as late as 2003, isn't it? That seems to be some impressive fuel economy.

[@rawry100]

@@lloydvehicleconsulting the MPI had 69 bhp and 39 mile to a gallon

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

@@rawry100 , you clearly got more than 39 mpg, then.

[@rawry100]

@@lloydvehicleconsulting I must of I don't know

[@colinhicks4174]

Oh sir! We can mention the engine in the other one you tested. My neighbour still loves it, up to 60mpg. Unfortunately the rest of the car has many issues. Doors not opening, or windows. I suspect water is in a central control board somewhere. I thought the 2L was the venerable engine from the mk3 & 4 Golfs. And early Octavias. I’m not aware that it got any real updates before it was dropped due to emissions I believe. I do t think I have ever seen a 2L Fabia in the UK market.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Yes, you are right about the 2.0 engine, I think, an 8v unit in this case. Probably dropped due to emissions, eventually... I have never seen a 2.0 Fabia either, but they are out there somewhere. We may need to still avoid talking about the previous one, sir, I am afraid!

[@davidbennett906]

A nice review Joseph. There's something appealing about a basic car that just does what it's supposed to without all the gimmicks, and that little Skoda ticks a lot of boxes for me. I've done all the big car medium size car thing over many years of owning (and I have honestly lost track and count of all the cars I've owned after nearly 60 years driving). But cars like the Skoda that just do what it says on the tin, should be a great buy for many people on a budget. I think your reviews are great, and I'd be especialy interested if you'd comment on how you find the noise levels in various cars. Things like interior trim rattles for instance can really spoil the owning experience, and they can be a devil of a thing to sort out. Keep up the excellent work sir!

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

It was very slow, sir, and had an awful lot of blanking plates, but if you are of a certain persuasion, normally characterised by a certain Welsh-based channel of which we are very fond, then this is exactly the sort of thing that you like... This turned out to be the 54 bhp version after all, and it was very slow! I think if a certain car is noisy, as there is no separate microphone used in No Budget Reviews, you would certainly hear me trying to shout about the noise...

[@JustinGeorge-x9q]

Hello Sir , we had a 2002 ( 52 ) 1.4 petrol MT one in a funny burnt orange colour , the Road TAX was a bit high for a 1.4 , we also had before a 1.4 polo 1999 and the TAX was lower on that . We liked it very much .

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Yes, the pre-2001 cars are on a completely different tax system, which explains the difference, I think. My first car was a 1998 Polo 1.4 CL.

[@alaricbragg7843]

Thank you for this video! This car certainly would be a sensible buy! It does recall the days when great European cars followed the 'more is less' philosophy!

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

It's extremely sensible, sir! This is the days when Skoda absolutely specialised in things like this, and less most certainly was more.

[@alaricbragg7843]

@@lloydvehicleconsulting The petrol 3 Cylinder was interesting too, considering the time! Very much a sign of things to come!

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

@@alaricbragg7843 , indeed, sir, although the Ford Zetec-SE engine is definitely better from a driver's point of view.

[@dimashevchenkoua]

This car drives really really well, not the fastest but handles nicely, smooth gearchanges, responsive steering.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Yes, I found out it was the 54 bhp version subsequently, which is why it seemed quite slow. You are right, however, steering has a good amount of feel to it, gearbox is typical Volkswagen of the period, so easy to use, if a little clunky, and generally a pretty good little car.

[@kenbakie4590]

My eldest son had one of these as his first car a few years ago. It had a slightly better spec with electric windows and it had the 65hp engine. It was fairly nippy round town and it had plenty space for a small car. Something like this has to be a far more sensible choice for youngsters than going into an expensive PCP deal on some shiny new car that costs a fortune every month.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

I mean, if a new driver wants to get a brand new car, then they are most welcome to do so, but my personal advice is to try something really sensible like this first and then, once they are used to car ownership for a while, they can go for a fancier model. I would need a better specification and more powerful engine than this one if I were to own a Mark I Fabia, however!

[@karl1677x]

I live in Ireland and spending 2-3 months per year in Slovakia. Up until recently, it was ok to hire a car. Not anymore tho. Esp. when I get there around holiday season. So I decided to buy a car instead. And yes! I boutgh one of these beauties! Since I do a very little mileage, there was no point for me, buying a fancy car, so I got myself a 2004, 1.2 Fabia. She only had 65k km, garaged since new, one owner. No rust. Some wear and tear, but that's ok. I'm really happy for what I bought. I was considering something "bigger and better", but why? I need to get from point A to point B, and this was the perfect choice.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

I think these days, regardless of where you are in Europe, cars like this little Mark I Fabia are in much more demand than they used to be. These tended to be quite dependable back in the day, and they don't tend to cost much to run, so I am not surprised that your 65,000 km example suits your needs to well!

[@andriysenyk5911]

Facelift model appears to have split 3-part lower grill of the front bumper vs continuous one, and different pattern of rear lights, with connected transparent parts vs separate strips Nice example here, with this low mileage it has plenty of life left in it, might be a great first car for many kids.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

That's right, the mileage is stupidly low on this, and although very slow, it certainly wouldn't be a bad car to use for local journeys in these days of high fuel prices and Ultra Low Emission Zones. Thank you for the detail about the pre-facelift versus post-facelift cars!

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

Ah Mr Lloyd another excellent review as always, do love my little Skoda's, and thanks for the mention, I do think these and the Mark 3 have a much better interior quality wise over the Mark 2, I never quite geled with the Mark 2 Fabia.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

No problem at all, sir! I think that the exterior styling of the Mark II is rather handsome, but the interior is just so unbelievably drab, even in comparison with this base model Mark I. I agree, the Mark III and IV are much better in terms of interior quality too.

[@adamtoms2726]

Another excellent review sir. I do like the Mk1 it's a great wee car. I think the Mk2 whilst also good in terms of reliability just feels incredibly cheap and nasty inside where as even the basic spec Mk1s were a bit plusher.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

The Mark II interior is just a bit dull... I sourced one for a client recently, and that must be one of the drabest interiors I have ever seen, even if the car itself is actually quite good. This is still understated, but just feels better quality.

[@xxrs2009]

Here in Holland every Fabia got cruise control after 2001, even the classic. Still, I like the Ibizi better from that era.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Yes, the Ibiza and Polo were very similar to this as well. Funny how the Dutch market cars all had cruise control...

[@alaricbragg7843]

PS: Seriously that's a big dashboard compartment, especially considering the size of the vehicle. Bigger than my Honda's one. Never seen a lighted dashboard before!

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Oh, lots of cars have lights for the glovebox, sir! It does have an air conditioned glovebox, though...

[@ST-ur7oh]

Still a great looking little car - front particularly.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

It's a surprisingly modern looking car for 1999, I think.

[@michaelconnell8896]

Excellent reviews very helpful and entertaining many thanks

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

No problem at all, Michael, thank you for watching and commenting! I think we have over 100 videos on the No Budget Reviews playlist now if you want to watch some more...

[@ST-ur7oh]

Who remembers the fabia saloon? Rare as.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

A friend of mine used to have one!

[@mattw8332]

I used to see a silver saloon where I currently live. They looked quite good.

[@paulie-Gualtieri.]

Yes indeed also a friend of mine has the estate PD 1.9..... useful little thing he loves it.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

@@paulie-Gualtieri. , we shall have to refrain from discussing it though, sir...

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

Sister in law used to have one

[@NigelMott]

Had a 1.2 and a 1.9 tdi both superb cars

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Thank you very much indeed for watching and commenting!

[@paulie-Gualtieri.]

Always liked the design of these very practical and well made. Did they do an L&K spec?

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Sadly not, sir, but I do like a nice Elegance...

[@jdnrotterdam2150]

I liked the combi of this version. It was more car than the polo and ibiza. A combi for little money. Question what do you think about the Dacia Jogger than coming out this year? The cheapest 7 seater mpv/suv it’s big! And cheaper than a VW Up!

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Yes, there were both estate and saloon versions of the Mark I Fabia. Not sure about the Jogger, as I have never seen one, but they do look like good value for money.

[@richardhowlett9424]

Thanks Joseph. Great cars, better than its Polo cousin . Most people buy the badge not the car , snobs !

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

I have driven a 9N Polo that shares a lot of this car's components, and I prefer this one, even if it was a little bit on the slow side.

[@sasa-qq9em]

I see that this car 2006 is my latest car which was manufactured in 2008, my car does not have electric control for the mirrors and also the window is manual. Something strange, what is the explanation for that?

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

The "Classic" specification varied depending on the specific country and also the model year of the car.

[@sasa-qq9em]

@@lloydvehicleconsulting Thank you for your interest.

[@leeallen7585]

Must admit if i am ever in the need for a smaller car i would consider a fabia

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Yes, if you can find a decent one, they really aren't bad, actually!

[@jozsefovari1658]

Joci ❤

[@andypeet6791]

It's a 1.2 6valve 54bhp the 64bhp 12 valve engine has an air filter in the engine cover the 6 valve engine has the airbox.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Thank you, yes, that is absolutely correct! Hope you enjoyed the video.

[@henrycreed1]

I've literally bought this exact car, same colour and all... I'm assuming this car has central locking... Mine does not, I have to lock and unlock each door individually. I've checked the fuse box and there's no fuse for central locking.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

The later cars (like this one) after the facelift came with a few more features, such as central locking, and you could fit some options if you really wanted....

[@henrycreed1]

​@@lloydvehicleconsultingI wonder why mine isn't working... Must be a wiring problem

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

@@henrycreed1 , is yours an older one?

[@henrycreed1]

@@lloydvehicleconsulting 2006 1.2... like I say literally the same one as yours in the video

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Not sure what has happened, I am afraid...

[@Andy-eo3mq]

How does this compare to the Grande Punto 1.2 Active you drove a few weeks ago? 🙂

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

It sort of depends what you want. After having discussions with Mr Simpson who used to sell these, turns out that this was the 55 bhp version, which is why it was so slow. The Punto had more equipment and power than this, and was a little bit nicer to drive, but the Fabia is probably a bit better made.

[@Andy-eo3mq]

@@lloydvehicleconsulting I see! I must admit, I do like the styling of the 2nd shape fabia that you mentioned, but I wouldn't buy 1. You also mentioned a 1L engine: would that be same engine that Seat used in the mk2 Ibiza, and Arosa; and what vw used in the mid-1990s polo, out of interest?

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

@@Andy-eo3mq , it depends. From what I understand, the Lupo used both the 1.0 Skoda derived OHV engine (997cc) and the entirely different one from the later Mark III Polo (999cc). The Arosa only used the Polo engine from what I gather. I think the Fabia 1.0 was the OHV engine too. The Ibiza and Polo of the time initially had the old 1050 engine from the Mark II Polo, but got the 1.0 engine in 1996.

[@jampam-jf8mt]

Facelift versions have a different design and deeper front bumper

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

It's still very difficult to spot the differences between the earlier and later cars.

[@Luke-PlanesTrainsDogsnCars]

Every time I used that one switch in that bank of blanking plates I would feel poor and deprived.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

They really want to buy the next trim level up, don't they?

[@Luke-PlanesTrainsDogsnCars]

@@lloydvehicleconsulting Yep ..we sometimes forget the idea is to make a profit on every item.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

@@Luke-PlanesTrainsDogsnCars , that's the facts of life, unfortunately!

[@jampam-jf8mt]

It's the 1.2 htp 54bhp and 64bhp

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

It's actually the 54 bhp version, as I found out later. No wonder it was so slow.

[@idonotknowwhyyoutubeletsyo5893]

1.2 HTP is the most unreliable engine variant. 1.4MPI is way better.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

I don't always get much of a choice in terms of exact specification as to what I get offered for review, I am afraid.