hi. as you guys probably know i do own a fabia vrs and love it. Its on a 05 plate.

My friend is also looking to buy one but due to budget etc...the most affordable one she's found is on a 53 plate(I assume this is 2003?). its done narly 60k miles. so timing belt may need changing soon. Also i suggested if she views it to check for knocking sounds.

Whats the difference between the 03 plate and 05 plate? mines ASZ i think....

i'm sure i read somewhere that 03 had a different engine code? is it the same spec?

thanks...appreciating your help as always

53 plates ran from September 2003 to the end of Feb 2004.

The gear box is different, still 6 speeds but the 53 will have longer ratios, especially at the top.

Other things are small i think.. like 3 point rear belt vs. a lap belt and the rear lights. and REALLY small things like the 53 car might bleep when you don't have your belt on.

60k is nothing on these cars and is actually not far off average on a 2003/04 car. Thought you were going to say 80k+ or something

ASZ was the first vRS engine, around 2005 they changed it to the BLT, on your car you may have either. The BLT is a near identical engine but with more strict emmisions control and normally slightly more power.

Edited 2 September, 200916 yr by reflex88

The timing belt change intervals are 60k/4yrs, check service history (if any) and find out if it has been done, if not get the price down so your friend can get it done asap.

It won't have one touch indicators, a 'textured' dash top and a few other minor things... main difference being the longer ratio gearbox.

As said before, cambelt change is crucial!

mines a 53 plate and mine has a textured dash top, it also has what i presume your calling one touch indicators

Mines a 2004 53 plate and to be honest - I prefer most of the pre face lift bits (The dash and rear lights to name two).

The third full seat belt, no rear door pins are a nice touch on the face lift - But you can upgrade to those (i have)!

Infact, the only thing i hear of that id prefer are the one touch indicators! They'd be nice. :(

well im not sure i have them, but when i flick mine briefly they flash 3 times, its very very useful !

presume this is the feature mentioned ?

Sounds like it mate . . . Id bloody like them too! :(

All the above points and----The year of the car is immaterial, far more important is the service history, its condition and the guy thats selling, does he look like the kind off guy that looks after his car.

Agreed:thumbup:

Mine is a 2003/53 and it had 82k on it when purchased with full history:)

Has been a good car till the central locking escapade yesterday Which turned out to be a dry lock DOH!

Don't think mine has one touch indicator's though :(

one touch indicators can be turned on through vag com i believe as can many other warnings etc....

Can anyone confirm one touch via VAG COM? Would be awesome if so!

Yeh, and what else can you enable?!