doggebreth

I have now done over 10,000 miles in a 1.6 Tdi Octavia. I previously owned the 1.9 Tdi. The refinement of the newer engine is unquestionably better. After 10,000 miles the expected improvement in performance and mpg is also now evident. I still don't think it quite matches the power of the 1.9 in real life and it is no more economical though this has now improved to match the older engine. I am very happy with the choice I made - the road tax difference still provides a running cost benefit overall in comparison to the older car - but more importantly it is very enjoyable to drive. As another reviewer suggested its characteristics seem more akin to a petrol engine.

I've ordered a 1.6tdi cr Octavia (via Drive the Deal - local Skoda dealers hopeless) - delivery curently 12-14 weeks. If you want to beat the VAT increase you will need to order soon.

Thanks for this. Almost worth a visit for the name alone but not very near to me so I plan first to try the Exeter independent as the car also needs servicing. I expect you are right but perhaps also a competent mechanic with the assistance of the diagnostic equipment - who actually cares enough to bother - can do the job. I hope you won't mind if I PM you when experience once more triumphs over my forlorn hope. The abysmal lack of any concern or interest shown by Skoda themselves has persuaded me to get rid of the car as soon as possible but I can't sell it until the fault is fixed.

I have had help from this forum before. The car unlocks and sets off the alarm. I understand this is caused by corrosion somewhere in the electronics - but because the problem is intermittent (though I hear the mechanism repeatedly operating itself every day) the Skoda garage has been unable to fix it (since March 2006). I live a hour away so casual visits are impossible.

Thanks vm - some hope offered - I've been looking for an independent specialist.

Thanks for your reply - not the easiest location for me to reach - but I am prepared to travel if no-one can help more locally!

I would appreciate recommendations for a Skoda garage (or independent) with helpful and competent staff - preferably within 200 miles of Devon, though this is not essential. (I know that it is ridiculous to think this might exist). I have lost all hope of getting a solution to my three year old problem. I bought the car new from Mid Cornwall motors but they seem unable to help.

I have had a problem with my Fabia Estate unlocking randomly since it was 6 months old. As it is now out of guarantee I do not want to spend money letting the useless service agent replace parts without curing the problem - as has happened up until now. I've previously had advice from this forum that has at least allowed me to speak with more authority to the garage but not resulted in a successful resolution. Does anyone know whether I will be able to lock and unlock the car doors and tailgate manually if I remove the fuse? I'm planning on using a decent independent to service the car in future and hope that they will ultimately solve the problem but until then it is unusable except to and from destinations where secure parking is available. The mechanism now operates itself so frequently that I fear the battery will be flattened unless I do something.

Thanks for this - very useful...

Thanks for all of your helpful replies - finally managed to get a resolution - which would not have been achieved if I hadn't been able to suggest that checks needed to be made on the door senders and the convenience unit. Replacement parts ordered and fitted under warranty. Car has not shown any homicidal tendencies so far...

Thanks for your replies - much appreciated. Sound system is standard - as is the rest of the car. The problem can (and has) occurred when I am miles away from the car so I don't believe it is a rogue key. Sometimes I can hear the unlocking mechanism operating repeatedly even if the car is already unlocked. A brief contact with Skoda made it clear that there is no hope of any assistance from them. I have considered pursuing action for redress but an intermittent fault is problematical in this area as well! I've read elsewhere that there have been wiring loom problems with this model that dealers are very reluctant to address under warranty.

I'm reached the stage where I intend to sell my 55 reg Fabia 1.9td estate before the warranty expires. It has had an intermittent fault for the past two years where the unlocking mechanism operates by itself. As the alarm is not unset this then operates to invite would-be thieves etc... I've taken it in three times for attention but the service centre can find no fault (I think this means they have plugged in the diagnostic computer and nothing registers). The car is unusable for most purposes in this condition so I am hoping that the supplying garage will buy it. Has anyone else encountered and successfully solved this problem?

I am sure that this info has been posted before but I have trawled the previous threads without success. I'm fitting a Blaupunkt mp3 radio with navigational functionality into a recent Skoda Fabia 1.9 diesel. I've been looking at the interfaces on the Nexxia and bluespot sites. Does anyone know whether either of these - or any alternative - provides speed pulse information without further intervention? Tech support from their own people does not inspire confidence! I would appreciate any constructive advice from others who have gone before. Mindless abuse also always welcome of course...

Thanks - nice to have independent verification. I've ordered one.

The incidence of caravans on our roads is increasing as Spring brings sunshine and longer days. Official government guidance from the Ministry of the Environment explains how to deal with this menace and stay within the law. “It is important that these people destroy themselves. Firebombing or other direct action is ultimately unrewarding for those initiating it because the caravanner is not himself responsible for the eradication of the offending abomination”, said a spokesman, who also claimed that calls for an amnesty that would allow owners to push their caravans off of Selsey Bill were unjustified: “it is illegal for anyone to travel inside a moving caravan and we wouldn’t want the owner not to participate!” A leaflet (FCKCVNRS1), available via the departmental internet site, explains the correct procedure for motorists to assist owners to dispose of their caravans. “In essence the process is very simple”, explained the spokesman: “just engage the offending caravan with the front of your own vehicle at a slight angle, coming from the offside position and taking care not to incur any damage. Gradually increase the pressure until you can smell the fear of the driver in front and the caravan wheels begin to skip. Now brake smartly. The caravan driver will invariably overcorrect in an attempt to keep the caravan under control and it will yaw satisfyingly from side to side increasingly wildly until it turns over.” Next time you see a caravan on its side by the motorway remember to welcome the owners back to the human race with a cheery wave. They may owe their good fortune to a philanthropic motorist acting within the Environmental Ministry guidelines. But don’t just leave it to others – topple one today!