alltorque

DAB on my Bolero is fine. All the usual suspects, plus "Absolute 80s"...which is my default...and some Christian stations. Doesn't vary in this, supposed, backwater or Yorkshire, Northumberland, West Midlands or the lumpy bits of Derbyshire...so no reason to expect it to be any different anywhere.

Yes indeed, it is Australia, but that is still a long way. Had the OP lived in Perth in the Kingdom of Queen Nicola then the dealer would have been in central Morocco, or somewhere equally far away. Yes, I know - but it's Pedantry Friday.

Recently booked mine in for first service on "Fixed" schedule, circa 9000 miles/1 year. Price quoted is £89 and coppers, including video of the work. I was assured that it wasn't just an oil/filter change and kick the tyres, (”No sir, we kick the tyres twice, just to make sure"), so I'm a happy bunny. That sort of response is why I enjoy dealing with my local dealer. Will report back after the event.

....but equally probably not. I can happily handle all the Apple devices in the house; iMacs, MacBook Pro, iPads and SWMBO's smartphone but I neither want, nor need, a smartphone of my own. My Nokia does everything I require of a 'phone. Require and 'phone being the operative words. I am certainly not alone in this respect. You need to understand that a lot of people choosing not to own a smartphone is no reflection on their ability to use the technology...or your experience is of a very narrow band of people. Just thought you'd like to know. Or perhaps not.

Apologies...picked up on the '07 Octavia by mistake.

Presume the last line is purely in jest...and that you're not a 'Project Fear' merchant.

You could always use your local Skoda dealer. Yes, I know, crazy idea.

"Dealer is 3500km away". Can understand your reluctance to just 'pop back'. That's like me driving from home to southern Morocco for a service! Just crazy. Rather brings home just how vast is Australia...and how, relatively, small the UK is. Staggered.

Ah, you have a Fabia II, not III.

I have found that they do fold but it takes quite a lot of force, at least the first time. If in doubt, call into a dealer and ask for a demo.

My Fabia III doesn't have a roof aerial....or any visible aerial, come to that.

Apart from the opinion re VW filters I'd got all of that. Was wondering if I'd missed anything marque-specific. Seems not, but thank you.

So what would be the downside, if any, of it being set at "Variable" as per factory info?

Apologies for being a bit late to this particular party. My Fabia III 1.2TSI/110/DSG will be a year old in early September, when it will have circa 9200 miles on it. Service indicator is telling me that an oil change is due in 17 days and Dealer told me, at hand-over, that it was on "Fixed" servicing, (”they all are”), so everything tallies. However, just had a look at the sticker that came with the car ... now in front of the "Service Schedule" booklet ... And that clearly shows service level as QL6, "Variable". Should I suspect that the service indicator gubbins has been reset, by the Dealer, from Variable to Fixed for, er, some reason?

Sorry, bit late to this party. My Fabia III 1.2TSI/110/DSG will be a year old early September, when it will have circa 9200 miles on it. Service indicator is telling me that an oil change is due in 17 days and Dealer told me, at hand-over, that it was on "Fixed" servicing, so everything tallies. However, just had a look at the sticker that came with the car ... now in front of the "Service Schedule" booklet ... And that clearly shows service level as QL6, "Variable". Should I suspect that the service indicator gubbins has been reset, by the Dealer, from Variable to Fixed for, er, some reason?

Indeed, Fabia is verybdifferent to an air-cooled Porsche Turbo...the ride on that made the phrase 'upholstered rollerskate' a huge understatement, although probably wonderful on-track. I sincerely hope your new Fabia fills you with joy.

Sounds like a recipe for looking "cool" and having back problems...which is not cool. Some years ago a good friend was told by a specialist doctor that he either got rid of his Porsche Turbo...proper air-cooled one...or put a down-payment on a wheelchair. His beloved Turbo went. Not suggesting the Fabia will be that bad but you'll need great tolerance to love it long-term. There again, I'm an old duffer so can be safely ignored.

Well, many years ago an Austin 7 did, apparently.

You are correct, Sir. Fabia III SE L, 1.2TSI/110 + DSG is a very nice bit of kit. Panoramic roof just gilds it nicely.

Climate control is excellent. Set a temperature, set unit to 'Auto' and forget it. Good temp control and no misting...and condensation from overnight is cleared very quickly. I have cruise control...not sure ir it's 'Adaptive' but haven't used it on the Fabia yet. Used to use it on the previous Volvo but not gor 'tound to it on the baby yet. Speed Limiter is good for carefree 30mph etc driving.

Dressed like that I Can understand how no-one noticed you. Probably thought you were a MC.

Good post.

I would think quite a lot of money. Compressor, drive, ducting, controls, labour. I know a replacement Volvo A/C compressor was circa £750 + fitting about 4 years ago. Think you'd need to speak to a specialist outfit rather than a Skoda dealer. Although what it would do to your warranty I have no idea.

".....popped into the local VW dealer.....". Made me laugh. Pop into our local VW dealer and youncould be forgiven for thinking that sentient life had departed the planet. I guess younhave to plead with them to buy a car. SWMBO has removed the Up! From hrt list of potentials. Local Skoda, on the other hand,..you get a genuine greeting and some proper craic. Sorry, I digress.

Coroded rear discs were a problem on my previous volvo. Local...much trusted....local spanner man told me I was "Another b****y IAM guy who plans ahead and never gets to use the rear brakes. Once a week, or so, get to somewhere quiet, build up some speed and really stand on the brakes. Repeat a couple times. Will keep the brakes healthy". Good advice when you think about it. These things are designed to work, not sit idle forever. Same for handbrake systems.