tallsteve

Hi All, Other half has a PCP 65 Plate Fabia, which unfortunately has accumulated quite a few scrapes, dings and now has "acquired" a bumper scuff and a cracked headlight lens (right on the lower corner, where it meets the bumper). Two questions really: 1. Where (other than a dealer) could I get a replacement lens or headlight unit? Any ideas of cost? 2. Any suggestions for a decent / reasonably priced body shop or chipsaway type service that could tidy up the various scrapes? Ideally somewhere around Gatwick / Reigate or SE London... Many thanks Steven

HAd the same happen here with the window wash motor - changed fuse 46 (as per manual) and diddly squat happened. Took my partners car back to Allams and they said it was a blown fuse on position 22 (7.5A). All working fine now...

Happy to report another case of good sales and service from Allams. Partner got a good deal on PX for her old Nissan Pixo, and after a couple of test drives got a good deal on the 0% PCP offer. Really happy with the 1.2TSi Many thanks to Linda for the smooth process and keeping us informed of delivery etc Come the frost the windscreen wash decided to stop working. Dropped the car back to Allams (without booking) and they were able to take a quick look, diagnose a blown fuse and fix it all in a day - Sam was great and we didn't get charged which was a pleasant surprise. A big thumbs up from me!!

Yes, I think I was getting a bit confused by the different names - had a read through the long mirrorlink thread so assumed that it was the main problem area, and that it was this tech which "allowed" the use of smartphone satnav. How are you using google maps on your phone then - surely if you're using bluetooth then all you're getting through the radio are the instructions (as opposed to the map being displayed)?

Supplying dealer says it's a MY16 - now have that in writing (email!). Will now check with Skoda UK Cust Services. Thanks for the advice! Is the general consensus that the mirrorlink stuff on MY16's is OK? I'm really only worried about the satnav aspect rather than other apps...

Hi All, Partner has just put an order in (current Fabia stock) for a 1.2 TSI SE (90). It's already built and should be arriving in the next couple of weeks (it's in Germany at the moment?). Is there any way to check for sure? Looking through the forum, I'm just a bit worried that the Mirrorlink issues might crop up if it isn't a MY16 car. I assume that the latest versions of the car / mirrorlink aren't beset by the same glitches?? On the plus side, I was very impressed with the new Fabia, especially the level of refinement (over the last model) and the punch of the 1.2TSI -even in the lower output variant. Quite a classy looking car now too Thanks, Steven

Had a search around the other postings on the forum and it was inconclusive too - I think all the Black (current special ed) versions have DAB on them, will check on the car itself...

Looking at a nearly new one of these from a (fairly) local Skoda dealer. On the description (autotrader) it says the car has DAB, but speaking to the sales guy last weekend he said it didn't have it... Given that sometimes the sales staff know next to nothing about their products, what say you guys?? Aside from that, the Monte seemed a pretty good drive, decent amount of poke from the 105 1.2 - better than I was anticipating, seemed quite solid too in terms of build quality - compared to the Suzuki Swift Sport I also had a go in...

Hi, Took a lowish (40 odd K) miles VRS SE out for a drive today. Have driven them before (albeit briefly) and this example seemed to have a a "loose" gearchange feel going into first. It didn't miss any gearchanges, didn't seem to be any noises or anything, just didn't feel as crisp as moving the stick right of neutral. Also the steering seemed to want to pull to the left, although it didn't actually do it - just wondered if this was a "characteristic" or maybe it was torque steer or maybe even the road camber Service history was from the local skoda dealer, but not details of the work done. It's an 07 so I'm guessing it would have had the cambelt service? It had a couple of advisories on it's 2nd last MOT, suspension bushes wearing I think - Don't know if these would have been addressed. Otherwise it was in good condition. leather was clean and no rips or wear. No stonechips on the bonnet, a few minor-ish scuffs on the annoys but nothing too serious.... Checked for damp carpets in the rear too - seemed dry (for now!). It's up for a good price, would have a 6 month RAC warranty - I just had some concerns about the things mentioned... How much would the cambelt service / suspension checks changes be (ballpark figure?).

Hmmm, my car currently is a KA. It's fun to chuck about with relative abandon, it's an 08 plate (so new-ish) and has air and and Aux in (which is nice!) - but it hasn't got any guts, no push, no zip. The VRS has all of this and more, but I don't know if I can justify the (admittedly excellent!) price. 11K or so isn't to be sniffed at!

Hi, Took a couple out for a test drive. Very competent, engine had a decent amount of shove, no hesitation on DSG when pulling away (unlike my brother's Leon FR) and seemed neutral / very sure footed in the corners. BUT... A little too clinical? I didn't seem THAT involved in the drive... Is it just me? It's probably been mentioned before, but the interior door handles seem SOOOOOO flimsy, I'm no man mountain but thought they were going to snap off. Seems harsh to criticise on such a small point though! Prices - VAT is at 20% right? I think they've got the numbers wrong in the brochure. What should the price be (basic, without any options but with delivery charges / road tax)? Colours - Do like the look of the Monte Carlo colour scheme. I'm torn between the Red and Silver / Black Roof / Dark Chrome / Black pack with Red interior.

Hi All, Tempted by the early MK2 petrol vRS 'Tavia and have found a few 55 / 06 plate cars with between 40-60K on the clock. Other than the usual checks (FSH, cambelt / water pump changes after 4 yrs) how do these cars deal with middle age? For example, I've driven my brother's 08 Leon FR with the same petrol engine and DSG, so know the engine is strong and pulls well from low down - but after 50K miles or so? Suspension / interior build quality - anything else to be aware of or factor in for the next few services? Thanks Steven

Hi all, Took a late-ish plate VRS out for a test drive today, good condition, pulled VERY Well - but has a slight rattle from the dash. Couldn't really tell exactly - but sounded like it was coming from the driver's side. Tricky though with the trade plates sitting on the dash too! Any thoughts as to if it's an easy fix / easily identified thing - or even a common VRS trait. Still a little undecided about getting it - nice car, OK price but if I'm picking up on rattles now what will I be like in 6 months with several thousand miles under the belt!

Dave, what dealer was it in Surrey? Might be worth a visit if they have any VRS candidates and are up for some haggling! What did you get them down from?

You're right about London prices - I guess with the well publicised used car increase the dealers are trying to get away with it... I'll probably still take a look, but at least go in with my eyes open - and maybe try a bit of haggling!

Standard I think, not sure of what additional goodies it could have (other than sunroof / cruise). It's on 16's, single CD, air con, alarm / immobiliser...

From a dealer - 8.5K on a 56 plate, low-ish miles... Saw it today, nice and clean but it had been raining so will check again when I go back for a test drive... Anything to check for other than the obvious (all electrics, rear door seal - see I have read some posts!, all gears + reverse)? Also, any problems selling on a yellow car (if and when the time comes)??

Took a 2006 '56 plate VRS out for a test drive this week, and it really impressed me - seemed very well built, no squeaks or rattles. Pulled like a train in the powerband and ride quality was excellent... True, it did understeer a bit on roundabouts, but it wasn't too bad. Came back and then checked up here and was horrified by the amount of problems and niggles with these cars. Given Skoda's good reputation on the JD Power surveys etc I thought it would be a good, reliable little car. Just HOW common are the more "serious" problems (engine / turbo, suspension, water leaks etc) and are the Euro IV cars more likely to suffer than the Euro III cars? I do realise that looking at a forum eccentuates any problems with a particular make or model, but I didn't expect the catalogue of problems! Didn't want to be put off but I'm a cautious chap! Can you re-assure me or should I steer clear if I want a bulletproof reliable car (like my current MX5!)...

Dutch4x4, nope the Legacy Turbo is a '93 L with just under 80 thou on the clock. No mods aside for 16" rims and a MDLP headunit!! Not ragged either, I warm it up and cool it down without fail after a "spirited drive".... Was looking for something with looow servicing costs and similar performance and a bit easier on juice. Only thing now is to work out if I can justify the expenditure! Will give TaviaRS a mail if/when I need to check out the performance - should be fun!

Still debating the purchase of a vRS or 4x4 on the 0% finance route. Pointed this way by TaviaRS and Flat4x4 on the Scoobynet board! My current transport is a Subaru Legacy Turbo (Standard) and have been informed that a chipped vRS or 4x4 would keep up with or exceed it's performance. A few questions: Chipping: Which ones do NOT invalidate the skoda warrenty? 220bhp: Torque Steer on the FWD vRS??? I'd have thought the 4x4 would be more suited to this kind of power. Anyone want to give me a demo of these chipped beasties? Cheers Steven