mark&lisa

Mines doing it too. I notice the rattle when driving slowly with the windows open in 1st or 2nd. Sometimes I get the rattle on uneven ground too, like those horrible small (but violent) speed humps. It's still in warranty so I'm gonna book mine in to get it checked.

I bought a '12 plate CAVE 4 weeks ago with 400 miles on it. Just turned 1800 miles and oil hasn't moved on the dip stick yet. Fingers crossed it won't either! I have been gentle with it but I'm gradually stretching its legs more often now. I can't believe how quick these are as standard!

My steering wheel is the same. The tracking is fine so the steering wheel needs centering but I will double check at my local tyre shop first. With regard to slowing I don't knock mine into neutral until the car comes to a stop otherwise I suffer same issue as you. I have noticed the DSG boxes in the cars I drive at work try to constantly pull away when in drive but stopped with the brakes on, you can hear the engine stressing, but my fabia doesn't do this. The work cars do get abused so this could be why. I also know what you mean with inverted shifting, BMW do this and it feels more natural. I think over time I'll get used to the box. I do love the face I don't notice the up and down shifting when it's in drive, it's silky smooth!

Thanks guys, the dealership would only give me the usual 12 month used warranty with it but the salesman said I can extend it by contacting Skoda which I will do for piece of mind. Negotiating was like getting blood out of a stone!

I bought this car! I too was concerned about the mileage, CAVE issues etc. I'm not far from Sway Skoda so went and took a look. The main reason for doing so was I had to try and park ex a '56 plate 1.9 Cdti Astra with no end of issues such as failing gear box, clutch for the second time and air con pump. It was only on 92000 miles! I had to get rid. The fabia was owned by Skoda Uk as a display car in their HQ. I also wanted a car to last me. I'm not one for chopping one in every couple of years, so the mileage on this one attracted me. I bought a '51 Octy Vrs in 2007 with 20000 miles on the clock. It's still going strong and has not had any issues what so ever. Its on 87000 miles now. I hoping this Fabia will go on in the same way...... I have had it two weeks now and absolutely love it! It's got every option bar heated seats. It's just got to 1000 miles now and running like a rocket! I took out gap insurance with Frank Pickles as advertise on here just in case. 10000 of cover for car replacement cost £102 which was much less expensive than any other online quote. Skoda finance wanted 320 quid! I tried to sell the Astra before buying a car but it wouldn't sell because of its issues, I was given 1300 quid so I bit the bullet and went for it. I'm braced for being shot down in flames after reading this thread! Mark.

Mine split like that. I bought one of these; http://www.creationsmotorsport.com/product-detail.php?pid=11 My car was running rough when cold, it's stopped now this new hose has been fitted.

Mine averages 32 at the moment. I get 38 on a run from Bournemouth to Heathrow if I sit at 70 on the motorway.

Yeap, The first set of Conti Sport Contact tyres lasted 35,000 on the front too! I'm well impressed because I do give it some stick every now and then. To be fair the front discs are now very worn, I don't think they will pass the next MOT.

I am looking to replace the discs and pads all round on my MK1 Octy VRS. Its had the original discs and pads from new which have now seen 48,000 miles. I have been looking at the various options available on E-bay. The drilled and grooved discs with Green Stuff/Red Stuff pads have caught my eye. Can any one reccommend what I sould get. I feel the that places like GSF and Euro car parts are very expensive for what is on offer! Cheers, Mark.

Those rims look amazing! I want some!

I had this problem with my Astra. The fault was the wiper motor. I replaced it which sorted the problem. I would recommend trying a scrap dealer for a decent 2nd hand one.

Normally I can't hear the injectors unless I open the bonnet and pput my ear close the the block. I can hear this click with the bonnet closed and sat in the car! Its coming from the middle of the engine I think. When its had a diagnostic I will post what it was.

The other half came home from work on Saturday and said the engine managment light had come on during the drive home. I've just started it because she did not notice any problems with the car (no power loss etc). All I can notice is a loud clicking from the engine, sounds like a very loud injector. Before I take it to a garage for a check has any one else had this issue? Could an injector be broken?

Ab Tech, Houndsdown Industrial Estate, Totton. I called for a quote for cam belt replacement on my VRS this week. They quoted £260 all in with the water pump. They are a good VAG specialist and have a lot to live up to being next to the Westover Ferrari workshop! My local Skoda dealer Westover's are cheepest for me cos they know i'm a copper.

Isle of Man?

Thanks to everyone who has posted a reply. Your input is very valuable and shows just how helpful forum sites are. The verdict is I'm sold! I love my Octavia VRS and cannot wait to but a Fabia VRS, I will shed a tear when the Astra goes though, a fantastic work horse.

My 2.0dti Astra is now on its last legs so I am thinking about buying a new car. I already have a mk1 Octy VRS and love it, it is a bit heavy on fuel to drive to work each day though. As I am very impressed with my Skoda experience owning the Octy I am thinking about getting a Fabia VRS as it looks very good and the engine is cracking. The reason for this thread is to find out what to look for when buying a used Fabia VRS, hints and tips things to avoid etc. Also comments on day to day driving/performance of a Fabia VRS will be helpful. Cheers, Mark.

Its probably just a cold belt, both my VRS and Astra diesel do it for about 30 secs in the winter, summer its fine. The rubber is harder when really cold.

They are a thing of beauty, like the whole car really!

Very nice!

That sounds like an engine mount problem. I had the same symptoms on my old XR2i and my 2.0 diesel astra. It noise is from the CV joints. When a transverse engine accelerates it will tilt towards the bulk head of the car. The rubber mounts slowly wear and the engine 'twists'more than normal causing the CV joints to work under xtra pressure causing the noise. I mechanic will be able to see which one is worn. Its usually the gear box mount. Accelerate from lowish revs in second gear so the engine is working quite hard, then harshly lift your foot of the accelerater, if there is a harsh bang then it is almost certainly an engine mount of some sort. The bang is the engine dropping into place on a worn mount.

Good choice. I've got them on my Octy VRS. Grip well in wet and dry, they are quiet and they are a great price too!

What a good idea!

I,ve recently put Kumho KU31's on my Octy VRS - 225/45. They seem to grip better at higher speeds. They are also very quiet. I had to drop anchor from 70 quite hard last week for a deer on the A31 near Ringwood, I was kissing the windscreen, but the grip is so great the car stopped quickly with no ABS help. Fantastic tyres.

I normally use Tesco 95, but at the moment in Bournemouth Tesco 99 is 3 pence per litre more expensive, so I've been treating the engine to the more pure fuel. I find there is not really much difference until the rev's get up to 4000rpm plus. Also when I pull away and the rev's drop too low (poor clutch control) I find 99 fuel makes the valves rattle slightly.