Morning all,

I'm intending to go into my local dealer this afternoon to have a look at the 'stock list' that qualifies for the 0% 0% 3 years servicing deal.

I do about 20k a year, but can claim business mileage at varying rates (then the difference to 40p per mile through my tax return). In theory, I could run eithet the 105 tsi/cr or the Vrs on 40p per mile (but the difference to 40p per mile is only once a year via tax return)

If I went for either of the 105 options I'd try and get a Monte Carlo, but the CR Monte is not much less than an Vrs.

I'd like my motoring to be as cheap as possible (within reason) and I'd be keeping the car for at least 3 to 4 years. On that basis I guess the CR makes most sense, but is it poor to drive compared to the other two (the dealer don't have a CR for me to try)

Anyone got any thoughts?

Confused of Bristol :S

VRS can be pretty economical if you can stay off the gas and if it's under warranty you shouldn't be killed with any unexpected charges. Servicing and fuel are really the only things. I've got a VRS, planning on keeping it for 3 years then p/x it for another new one, or possibly upgrade depending on financials.... Anyways, I've done about 8.5k since the start of June and she's been great. Fuels a little more pricey due to me filling up with Super Unleaded but it's not a lot more, maybe £3-4 a fill up?

Can't really say much about the other 2 but I have noticed a lot of people being stunned by the amount of poke from the 1.2 TSI and how good it is to drive.

I have the Monte 1.6cr 105, it does remind me of the 2004 Vrs Fabia I had some years back , handling is sporty but performance although nippy is noticeably down on the Fabia 1 Vrs. But its a great drive and I am loving it If your seriously considering one then its worth a drive to a dealer who have one to test drive, oxford have one in silver. I would love a mk2 Vrs but I needed to cut my fuel bills.

Good luck with what ever you choose, they are all great cars.

Thanks for that guys, it's probably worth adding that I spend a lot of those 20k miles at around 80mph on the motorway (weather and traffic conditions permitting), So I need something that's not going to drink at those kind of speeds.

Any comments on MPG at 70 to 80 would be great

I thought the speed limit was 70?????/?

Confused of Lincoln :(

Mileage you are doing if I was thinking with my head i'd probably suggest the 1.6 CR 105. It really does rather depend on whether you are willing to accept the higher fuel costs that will come with a 1.2/1.4 TSi.

It has to be said the 1.2 TSi is probably the best compromise. Driven sensibly its considerably more frugal than the vRS yet its definitely quicker and more lively to drive than the diesel.

Edited 23 September, 201114 yr by pipsyp

I thought the speed limit was 70?????/?

Confused of Lincoln :(

Most uk police forces will not stop you for doing 80mph on the motorway in appropriate conditions,.... have you taken a trip on one of our fine motorways recently?

Luckily the 'Fashion Police' are a myth and don't yet patrol our roads

Talking of the police, you do realise stalking is a criminal offence ??

Generally I get 43mpg at 70mph, 39mpg at 80 mph

From a vrs with 10k on the clock

Generally I get 43mpg at 70mph, 39mpg at 80 mph

From a vrs with 10k on the clock

But are you trully enjoying the car's power? Don't get me wrong I don't condemn easy driving, but to get your values at my own car, I had to be always on auto and no hard accelerations at all... Surely some people have always driven like this and it may sound easy, but then what is the point of buying such a powerfull car? They could be better off with the 1.2 TSI or some diesel version.

My point is, as this thread is about the different fabia's motors comparison that If you drive calmly, a smaller engine is a better choice as it would be more economical under all circumstances, and to be honest, at 70 or 80 or even 100 mph, they can perform pretty decently so why spending money on greater power which will very rarely be used?

From how you've described your needs, I reckon you could save some good amount of money with say the 1.2 TSI, while still enjoying your car.

In the mornings I usually doubt that I needed that much power myself, at a cost of higher fuel consumption, less comfortable suspension etc. etc. But I forget all about it when I return in the afternoon hitting 100mph at a glimpse of an eye... :p

I'll check tomorrow, got a 70 mile round trip on A/B roads and town.

Thanks for the input, much appreciated.

went into the local dealer and there wasn't a sales person available. Waited about 20 mins but my 6 month old was getting restless so I left my contact details and was promised a call back by the end of the day with details of what's on the stock list.

Personally, I reckon a secondhand Fabia vRS SE fits your bill perfectly, but then I am biased.

Personally, I reckon a secondhand Fabia vRS SE fits your bill perfectly, but then I am biased.

Oh, the irony

Oh, the irony

Well it is quite ironic as;

A) the dealer still hasn't called me back :no:

and,

I agreed to buy a certain Vrs SE (at a mutually agreeable price) about 35 mins ago :yes:

Will be sorting deposit, collection etc out later as running my daughter to her grandparents now

Well it is quite ironic as;

A) the dealer still hasn't called me back :no:

and,

I agreed to buy a certain Vrs SE (at a mutually agreeable price) about 35 mins ago :yes:

Will be sorting deposit, collection etc out later as running my daughter to her grandparents now

It must be fate! Excellent choice. You won't be disappointed.

Congratulations on the VRS SE (with a proper VRS engine ).

That for sale thread was rather amusing.

Congratulations on the VRS SE (with a proper VRS engine ).

That for sale thread was rather amusing.

Have another look at it

In all seriousness, I could have easily gone either way today.

But I am amazed that, in these generaly hard times, a dealer doesn't ever bother to call back a potential buyer of a brand new car which must be delivered within a week!! :(

There is something seriously wrong with some main dealers

That for sale thread was rather amusing.

with the amount of mileage u do id go for the monte carlo tdi 105

with the amount of mileage u do id go for the monte carlo tdi 105

Bit late for that Adam - he's bought a Mk1 SE

Bit late for that Adam - he's bought a Mk1 SE

sorry did not read that bit

sorry did not read that bit

Thanks for the advice anyway.

I would probably have happily bought a CRD Monte yesterday, but the dealer still hasn't phoned me back

Anyhow, sure I'll be delighted with the SE, looks like a very nice example from the photo's. I'm fairly sure the EGR needs a De-coke, and one of the front brake calipers 'may' need a rebuild (but probably not), but appart from that if it looks like it does in the pic's 'in the metal' I'll be very happy

Collecting it on thursday

Not that it matters now but here's a sample of what mpg you can get when driving like a tool and a saint during journeys

hmm, issues with photobucket...

Not that it matters now but here's a sample of what mpg you can get when driving like a tool and a saint during journeys

hmm, issues with photobucket...

I hope that's petrol and not diesel - even for petrol it's pretty poor if driven easily :(