GlacierNR

Yes, its a bit more expensive than the others, but here in Colombia not by much. Maybe $4000 more than a loaded Fabia 2 Combi. Also, diesel is out of the question here because it is extremely poor quality - so much so that you can only get diesels in pickup trucks and in VW jettas. Anyway, thank you! Cheers, Nate

Well, this is a little out of left field considering my previous options... I bought a Metallic (?) White Zafira 2.0 petrol with climate control, power everything and a few other goodies. I take possession this next week. I test drove one and was pleased. It feels well put together like the Jetta and Fabia, but a lot quieter inside. The seats are more comfortable as well. It also comes stock with a better stereo. Nate

That makes more sense! Bother then about the ARB when you take the car in. Cheers!

Vandango, the car in your avatar appears to be a Mk 1 Fabia (2004 TDI)? If this is the case, then it would not be uncommon to have front end issues - specifically with the Antiroll Bar (ARB). Nate

This sounds like the infamous ARB issue in Mk 1 Fabias. I hope you can get your car fixed properly. Nate

I test drove a New Fabia Combi Full (between a 1 and 2) without ABS - disk/drum. I wasn't driving in the rain or on any slippery surfaces, but it felt very firm and direct. I would have no problems driving on of these cars here in Colombia. In fact, it might be better without ABS because with so many rough roads here, the ABS always wants to kick in too soon.

Well, it is now narrowed down to a Fabia Combi Special Line1.6: with maxidot, sunroof, small leather package, dance radio, 4 power windows, climatronic, etc.... and the Jetta Europe - new Mk 4 Jetta. The Skoda has more room inside, feels just as well put together, has a better weight vs power spec (here the 1.6 has 108hp) and the brakes feel more direct, speed sensitive steering as well feels better than in the Jetta or in the last gen Fabia (I thought it was the same unit?). The Jetta feels tight inside and has a little less headroom with the seat all the way down (in 6'3"), has 4 wheel disks, an aluminum trim package, nicer gauges, handles slightly better and has a few better plastic parts on the doors. Anyway, we'll see....

BTW, does this happen at speed or only while stationary. I had a 2004 Honda accord and while stationary it always hit near the top of the windshield. It hit "dead on" while driving at speed. Nate

,,,safety and decent power are also a concern, but I haven't driven the 1.6 combi.

If I test drive one, I will let you know. Thanks!

Hi, this might sound off the wall, but I am looking for some help in choosing a new car. I am interested in the New Fabia Combi and currently have a 2006 Elegance Combi. I live in Colombia, so the options I have narrowed down may not be familiar to all... They are: New Fabia "Special Line" 1.6 (2?) Honda Fit 1.5 (City) VW Gol 1.6 (the new one, not Golf) VW Jetta 2.0 (new Mk4 - Mexican) Hyundai Elantra 2.0 Nissan Versa 1.8 Toyota Corolla 1.8 What would you choose and why? Thanks, Nate

I am looking at replacing my 2006 Combi Elegance with a new combi "Special Line" - think its a 2, comes with a 1.6 and manual trans (Its the higest spec in Colombia right now). Apparently, the car does not have ABS. Does anyone here have a New Fabia without ABS, and (if so) what is braking like without ABS in it? Thanks, Nate

The petrol is supposed to come on when you have 60kms left, however, mine is irregular. Sometimes it comes on at 80 or 70 or 60. Seems to be dependent on the ambient temperature. Do diesels still have to be primed if they run out of fuel?

@radfordln - I have to agree, 24k in 11 months, no problems. You're keeping up the pace. Glad its been problem free.

Yah... all that bhp is just astounding. So much for so little money. No wonder Skoda stopped production.

Lol, and the nice engine note.

Yes, its the same motor. No such luck on helping to get rid of the slow throttle response then.

does this work on a petrol?

Mine was about 4 months old when kids keyed it in an apartment parking lot. Sorry to hear about it.

Antennas are fixed lengths depending on the bandwidths they are meant to receive and the receiver specs. You will need to get a new aerial. Even the stubby aerials have the same length of wire inside them as much larger aerials. Someone will come along soon to tell you where to find a replacement...

Have you tried the switch in the opposite position, just to see if it does anything? If not, it could be a faulty microswitch in teh door. Nate

Hello all, I did some searching and am not sure the answers I found are the right ones. Today was really hot and then the weather changed suddenly. I started my car when the temperature changed and it was running fine. I turned on the AC for about 2 minutes, then turned it off, then the car started running like it had three cylinders - coughing and sputtering and acting as though it was in limp mode. There were no dashboard lights. I am just coming up to my 20,000k service. I got it home, but it was obviously lacking power. I turned it off at home and then restarted it about 5 minutes later. No problem whatsoever. I drove it another 15kms today and nothing. What could this be? Thanks in advance. Nate

Thanks for the update. Glad to hear its all good.

Ancient Chinese philosopher say: "Use search function to avoid looking like fool on VRs speculation." :-)

That sounds like a complete gong show. Did they say how the timing chain may have jumped? Do you have any mechanic friends who can verify that what they are saying is correct? Maybe the are just taking you for a ride. I would get a second opinion. I think that motor has an interference head, so if the timing chain slipped the valves could make contact with the pistons, which means you would have heard something pretty major when you tried to start it - or if they didn't make contact, they are jsut opening and closing off kilter. Unless someone more knowledgeable comes on here, I woudl suggest a second opinion - preferably someone you trust and who will not insult you again.