[Would you recommend Skoda Fabia VRS (from 2010 onwards)?]

Bump, I decided to continue my search on vRS and found a car in a good condition for a good price. It does not appear to have the infamous engine issue after I carried out certain checks. I admit it's not a very good indicator but it's better than nothing.

 

Anyway, I contacted Skoda to find out whatever information they have on this car, they said this car was only serviced once despite the seller having multiple Skoda stamps on the servicing handbook.

 

Is this something I should worry about? Do some dealers not record this stuff into some sort of national database?

[1.2 HTP (54) - which brake discs and pads do I need?]

Sorry for taking a while to report back but it's fixed. It is 239 mm after all.

 

Thanks everyone for helping.

[1.2 HTP (54) - which brake discs and pads do I need?]

Yep! Mine looks like that one.

 

I'll order and report back on Wed or so when it gets repaired.

 

Thanks guys!

[1.2 HTP (54) - which brake discs and pads do I need?]

3 hours ago, Lyminton said:

Pls check PR codes on the sticker in boot (next to spare wheel)

1LM or 1LB - 239

1LQ or 1LR 256

1LN or 9U1 288

 

I can't find these codes on the sticker.

 

For reference:

 

https://imgur.com/a/zxBZy

 

3 hours ago, clarendon462 said:

239 as i said is most likely on the base spec

Thanks, I'll order this one tomorrow or on Monday.

[1.2 HTP (54) - which brake discs and pads do I need?]

Right, I've checked. The brake calipers are incredibly difficult to read but all I saw was 'FR' and 'BB6'. I might've misread those but it's all I've got to go by since I couldn't even remove the tyre because wheel nuts are locked down tight.

 

To clarify, the 54 term refers to bhp, not its reg plate. The reg plate is 55.

 

I guess it's worth buying one of the two sizes on a coin flip chance I've got it right.

 

Any ideas as to which one is likely? 239 or 256?

[Would you recommend Skoda Fabia VRS (from 2010 onwards)?]

31 minutes ago, Headinawayoffski said:

Skoda Warranty well worth buying, 

if they sell one, and if the car has the Service Record to the Skoda Schedule & not a Modified Engine.

If you buy one at a Dealers you have the consumer right to hand it back if it is gubbed and you discover that quick enough.

Not accept offers of repairs / rebuilds etc because if gubbed a new engine is what it needs.

 

Are there none for sale currently in the Briskoda For Sales, 

or has anyone traded a good one in recently and can recommend it???????   ANYONE.

 

Plenty advertised on Autotrader just now, some at dealers for not high asking prices and with RAC 82 Point Check and 6 month RAC Warranty, 

no idea if that is any good though.

 

Thanks!

 

To clarify, those reliability issues are only limited to early engines? Will newer engines still have the same issues?

 

I plan to buy it from a dealer - too much risk buying from a private seller.

[Would you recommend Skoda Fabia VRS (from 2010 onwards)?]

Thanks guys.

 

That's unfortunate thing to hear :( I just wanted a car that's quick off the mark and is yet still young and affordable.

 

Would those reliability issues soon become evident after buying? I'm asking because it might be worth it to buy Skoda warranty to iron out any issues within a year.

[1.2 HTP (54) - which brake discs and pads do I need?]

It's difficult to search since most posts are about VRS or 1.4 MPI/TDI.

 

I'm not sure if brake discs and pads from those cars are suitable for my car.

 

Anyway, what I've found so far:

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-MINTEX-FRONT-BRAKE-DISCS-AND-PAD-SET-BRAKE-BOX-MDK0152-/362022507556?fits=Car+Make%3ASkoda|Model%3AFabia|Cars+Year%3A2005|Plat_Gen%3A6Y2&epid=1405404624&hash=item544a391424:g:7TkAAOSwPXdZd6Lt

 

and

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Castrol-Response-DOT4-Synthetic-CAS-1773-7238-2/dp/B009QYBXAW

 

Are those two links suitable for my car? Can anyone suggest better? I'm going to take these to a local garage to fit them.

[Would you recommend Skoda Fabia VRS (from 2010 onwards)?]

I may buy another Skoda as I've had good experiences with my current skoda (1.2, mk1 classic).

 

My search for a used car narrowed down to Skoda Fabia VRS, Honda Civic, and Alfa Romeo. I'm trying to limit the age of the car to 7 years old.

 

My priority is speed and features at low cost which Skoda obviously provides however I'm worried about reliability issues.

 

Is this true? Or is it overblown issue?

[I can't unlock the car by key any more - is this a fixable problem?]

1 hour ago, Tech1e said:

How do you mean another way?

 

They are the only two options I can think of. A door lock from Skoda is about £80 iirc. 

 

I meant if there was cheaper way to do this, getting one directly from Skoda isn't cheap.

 

Although I'll bite the bullet this time. Thanks!

[I can't unlock the car by key any more - is this a fixable problem?]

30 minutes ago, Tech1e said:

Those would work with the car but you will have a different ignition key. 

 

If you order a door lock to key number from Skoda you will retain one key. 

 

:( Sounds expensive - is there another way to do this?

[I can't unlock the car by key any more - is this a fixable problem?]

On 31/07/2016 at 06:53, Tech1e said:

The above is true. However the door lock barrels have been changed so a repair kit may not be possible. You can order a complete lock barrel from Skoda to key number. Simple to fit, instructions are on here in a door handle removal guide.

 

After a long absence due to personal reasons, I've decided it's time to fix this now. I went to a mechanic and they said I'd have to order a part myself. They also warned me that I'd have to carry two keys, one for the door, and another for the ignition.

 

I'm not too expert in this area but I think it's easier to replace key barrels on both doors instead and get a set of new keys. Would something like this

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SKODA-FABIA-MK1-99-07-COMPLETE-DOOR-LOCK-SET-2-KEYS-FRONT-RIGHT-and-LEFT-/221782645709?fits=Model%3AFabia&hash=item33a3469bcd:g:xD4AAOSwv0tVYxOS

 

work?

 

Is there a way to make the new key to work with ignition? I don't like carrying two keys at once.

 

I've read guides, and I got confused with the information about programming a key to the car. Are those guides for cars with central/remote locking system which I don't have?

[I can't unlock the car by key any more - is this a fixable problem?]

No one knows unless you strip it down and see which part has broken. since its a manual system its probably going to be fixable.

 

Thanks, that's disappointing. I was hoping that it was well-known issue so I could find some instructions to fix it myself.

[I can't unlock the car by key any more - is this a fixable problem?]

This car doesn't have central locking system, so I have to unlock doors individually, but one of the doors doesn't unlock any more. When I insert key and turn, it allows me to turn either anti-clockwise and clockwise all way around clicking. However, unlocking from inside does work.

 

Is this a fixable problem or do I have to replace the key mechanism?

[Overheating when in slow-moving traffic problem]

When searching for Fabia Info on Briskoda - Use this Google search first by inserting what you are after between the * here*, copy & paste to try for future reference - site:briskoda.net *Fabia VRS Fuse Layout* 

 

Here you go for the Fabia Fuse Layout.http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/294383-the-mki-fabia-fuse-layout-post-updated-with-bulb-types/

 

DB.

 

Thanks for that. I'll be sure to use search function every time an issue comes up.

[Overheating when in slow-moving traffic problem]

Check the relevant fuse before testing (as above) whether the fans are working or not.

DB

 

Which fuse should I buy for this? I assume it's cheap enough to replace without needing to check whether it's working or not.

[Overheating when in slow-moving traffic problem]

Thermostat perhaps ?

When parked up rev the car and see if the fans come on when it gets hot

also test fuses I'd say for the fan

It's process of elimination or trip to a mechanic

Does coolant level drop ?

 

Thanks for the thermostat suggestion.

 

I'll check whether the fan comes on if the car is revved up. What does it mean if it does/doesn't come on?

 

Coolant level didn't drop.

[Overheating when in slow-moving traffic problem]

Recently, my car (55 plate Skoda Fabia classic) has been overheating in traffic.

 

Upon googling, it appears that the problem is with radiator fan not doing its job or there's a blockage in the pipe. Is that all? Is there any other potential casues I should be checking out?

 

And how much should I expect pay to fix this problem? Is this problem DIY-able?

[Socket sizes for 55 plate 1.2?]

Thanks

[Socket sizes for 55 plate 1.2?]

Bump. I'm getting ready to do the oil/filter change job tomorrow.

[Socket sizes for 55 plate 1.2?]

Thanks! Mine's 36 mm, I measured it with using a measure tape from next door neighbour.

 

I checked the boot, there's a spare tyre in it but no tools. So, I put a jack (seems to be a tight fit), axles and wrench with 17 mm socket for wheel replacement. It's looking pretty full.

 

Edit: What's oil capacity for this car?

[Socket sizes for 55 plate 1.2?]

If it has steel wheels from the factory they it wont have locking wheel nuts unless fitted by a previous owner.

 

as for the plastic caps, you generally get a U shape tool in the tool kit that pulls them off, i dont think you have them though.

 

Thanks. I don't think I have them though. I bought the car second hand.

 

I can forcefully remove the caps if it's not that important.

[Socket sizes for 55 plate 1.2?]

Once you have removed the plastic cap cover

 

With what?

 

A basic tape measure can check the oil filter cap, im not sure off the top of my head.

 

The wheel nuts will be 17mm

 

if you have alloy wheels, you should have a lockin wheel nut, it should be in the tool kit in the boot under the carpet.

 

I don't think it has ever had alloy wheels on it. Just a normal wheel with hub caps. I probably won't need to worry about that then.

[Socket sizes for 55 plate 1.2?]

I don't have suitable tools to measure the oil filter cap socket size at moment. From what I've seen, it could be either 32 mm or 36 mm. Can anyone advise?

 

What about wheel nuts? Is torque wrench usable? If so, what size socket do I need? Apparently, some models (all?) come with a bit that locks the wheel nut. How do I know if I have one and which one do I need?

[General maintenance tools - which wrench? Car jack? Any other tools I need?]

IIRC the Lidl torqe wrench is a rebranded CK tools wrench.

 

I can't speak for the jack though but the extra £2.99 postage would sway me towards the Lidl one. Every student appreciates that an extra £2.99 = another pint

 

I did a quick check on Amazon for CK tools wrench, they cost ~£80 assuming this is the same model we're talking about. So, yeah that's quite expensive. I'll take a quick look at Lidl's nearby if they have got one on display.

 

Thanks!