takksi

My Mk2 is still on the way, and I sold my Mk1 3 years ago... but from the test drive on the Mk2 and what I remember of the Mk1, I think the Mk2 has a softer clutch (less tiring when driving in traffic).

hold on a sec guys... the problems we're talking about here - are they related to the 1.4 8-valve or the 1.4 16-valve? or do both of these cars have the same gearbox? cos i know that for sure there's a difference of around 15 or 20bhp between the two engines.

It's normal guy, but it's true, there's no harm in cleaning the thing...

lol that's the spirit

The aircon module is defective... mine was screwed up big time... it's apparently around £120 if I'm not mistaken to buy a new module (the buttons things on the dashboard I mean)

Erm... the idle revs are what they are, when idling, it stutters a teeny bit every number of seconds... I had that problem with mine and when I went to the dealer they said that it's the same on all Fabia's with that engine and that basically I had to learn to live with it.

Really? the one I had was in the family for 4 or 5 years and never had any trouble with the gearbox, and here in Malta, driving is 98% urban, which puts more strain on the gearbox. It was the 1.4mpi 8-valve model. However, given the short distances here in Malta, I didn't have a high mileage on the car. IIRC it was between 20,000 and 30,000km. The only real trouble I had was with the air-conditioning switch console (the a/c used to switch on by itself and the re-circulation function used to switch off by itself). I asked later at the Skoda dealer and they told me that apparently that particular model had a defective a/c console. The other trouble was that occasionally, when I close the passenger door, the central lock used to start opening/closing by itself - but I have a feeling that that was happening because of a crappy job the electrician had done when fixing my after-market alarm. The problem with the car was the high fuel consumption.

lol @ "obsiously she didnt like to put the clutch down when changing gear" unfortunately that's the risk that comes part and parcel with getting a used car mate :confused: how do you find the 1.4mpi engine? I assume it's the 8-valve version (63bhp I think)? I had one with that engine between 2004 and 2006... (now I'm waiting for my Fabia II Ambiente to come)

i agree with wear and tear and middle-age, and also the fact that you're lucky to get most of the repairs under warranty... but guy, what's with the damaged gearbox? did the previous owner owner go off-roading or the camel safari with it?!?

Is it possible to fit an alarm module on the Fabia? Is it as simple as buying a module and plugging it in somewhere or is it more practical to buy an aftermarket alarm and fit it?

LoLoL @ soft ride.... I hope I will enjoy the motor, although I'm getting the 1.2HTP. Before I had the 1.4Mpi 8v which was slow like a granny and consumed petrol like a %@#@^&& :P

I've just checked on Wikipedia... there's actually a slight difference of 1cm (basically nothing), so yes you're right... The width of the MkI is 1650mm and the MkII is 1640mm. I guess that as you said, the greater length and height of the MkII give that optical illusion The softer ride... well... you have to drive in Malta to know how to appreciate it...:eek:

I owned a MkI Fabia for 2 or 3 years, and the build quality was superb. Malta's full of potholes and there were little or no rattles at all in it. Even the ride was steady and strong, no noise whatsoever from the inside, not even the roar of the tires over the road surface. (I had sold it due to very poor fuel consumption). My Fabia MkII is on the way, but from the little test drive I had given it and from what I've seen when looking at it at the dealer's, I noticed that first of all, the MkI had a better ride quality. Also, the MkI, although a bit too plain, had a more solid interior, and was roomier. Some might argue that the MkII is larger. Yes it is, from length and height, but the MkI was wider, and gives the driver more space to sit in side-wise. The dash on the MkI was made of softer material, which also contributes to less noises and creaks. I'll have to see how my new MkII reacts eventually after I've had it for a few months.

@irfant - do you have any idea if we can get those for RHD cars like the UK and Malta? Are the changes that need to be done simply plug'n'play or is there any soldering, wire cutting, etc involved (since this will obviously void the warranty)? thanks mate

cheers guys

do you know where i can buy a set of projector lamps at this point to replace the conventional headlamps of my forthcoming Fabia? It has conventional (non-projector) headlamps but I would like to replace them with projector ones (not the curve). Any guidance please? (Also, I'd preferable need the items shipped to Malta). We drive on the left like UK here. Thanks

In Malta we don't get Level 1, 2 and 3 specs, but we get Ambiente and Sports versions. The main differences between the two are leather interior and steering, foglamps, and 4 extra speakers. So I ordered the Ambiente version. However I've noticed that the Ambiente comes with normal headlamps whereas the sports version comes with projector headlamps. My question is, if someone can help me, is it possible for me to fit projector headlamps on the car or are they not compatible once the car is manufactured with non-projector lamps? Thanks

LOL that's encouraging - my Fabia 1.2 70bhp is on the way... waiting for it like a baby waiting for milk. I had an old 1.4mpi 8v Fabia once... and that guzzled petrol like hell though I must say

guys i'm not sure about this... but i think the difference between the two engines is the number of valves... i think the lower powered one is a 3-cyl 6-valve and the higher powered one is a 3-cyl 12-valve. might be wrong in this but i think that's the difference.

BTW, both the basic and sports versions come with drums at the rear... that's why I'm asking if the ESP upgrade will also upgrade my rear brakes to discs...

These are the specs/prices for the Maltese market... http://www.skoda-auto.com.mt/fabiaspec.pdf. Seems the option is available on both basic and sports models. I don't think we get the VRS here though :rotz: Anyhow, I think the best model for this country is either the 1.2 HTP or the 1.4 TDI - and given the current fuel prices where diesel is as expensive as petrol or more... I'll go for the 1.2

yeah it's true i suppose so... seems to be the only explanation that might make sense

From what I can understand, ASR is Traction Control. ESP is Electronic Stability Control. Here in Malta, we get two versions of the Fabia: (1) Ambiente (basic) version - comes with ABS only. (2) Sports version - comes with ABS and ASR. However, you can get the ESP as an option on any of the above. If I opt for the basic version and get ESP on it, will that include ASR? Also, I saw somewhere (not sure if it was on this forum) that with the ESP upgrade you also get rear disc brakes? Is this true? Thanks

It is actually taller (and narrower), but should that attribute towards a harder and less comfortable ride?

I had an old Fabia, and the ride was fabulous. (I sold it due to very bad MPG). I drove the new Fabia, and it seems the ride is not as good as the old Fabia. Am I right or am I just imagining it? The suspensions seemed not as soft as those in the old Fabia. The ride seems less comfortable and smooth now.