Hi folks,

New here - excellent forum.

I'm about to order a Fabia Estate Greenline II.

But before I do, I'm a little concerned about the low profile of the greenline, and whether the car can easily go over the London humps (about 5 million of them at last count!!).

Has anyone had any problems with this?

A second, less important question.

Is it worth upgrading to the maxidot computer, rather than the standard one?

Thanks in advance, Dave

Never had a problem with speed humps

I'd recomend Maxi dot because it looks much smarter

as for speed humps, the fabia seems to soak them up nicely

It's fine, just exercise caution with some of the nastier bumps. TBH you're not likely to be rocketing around speed-bumped areas in a Greenline or any small diesel anyway.

I drive round Clerkenwell where there are some shocking potholes and speed humps in my Greenline II hatch-back and have had no problems -you're probably more likely to suffer a concussion from your head hitting the side windows than scraping the car. The Maxidot does look much smarter -I have the standard fit computer and aside from not looking as good, still gives a lot of information and is very practical.

Thanks guys. Most helpful. Now I just have to wait 6 months!

Good choice.

Humps are not a problem.

The Greenline II has small alloys and big tyres.

Just 15" alloys compared to the 17" rims of the VRS, so it has a nice soft ride with all that flexible tyre sidewall.

Despite the suspension being lowered about 2cm, it's fine.

In terms of other options the maxi-dot is good.

But I also rate the Climatronic as the standard air-con dials look much, much cheaper than the rather nice digital display you get with the climate control. Lets the interior down with those cheap dials IMO.

The six month wait sucks, I managed to find my car after a lot of chasing -it was already built and in the UK but not assigned to any order -presumably someone had ordered it and then canceled, meaning that I could take advantage of the 0% APR and no VAT offer. It might be worth looking out for anything that might come up under the same circumstances as these offers are due to withdrawn soon (unless they are extended). It also makes it easier ordering -I had a choice of 1 car! so couldn't get carried away with the options list.

I'd have liked Climatronic, Maxidot, metalic paint and a leather steering wheel as the standard one is a bit cheap and nasty. However I'm really pleased with the car overall and have no real complaints.

I'd have liked Climatronic, Maxidot, metalic paint and a leather steering wheel as the standard one is a bit cheap and nasty. However I'm really pleased with the car overall and have no real complaints.

Good point, the plastic wheel is a bit nasty. You can have it changed by the dealer. I did a week after I got the car.

Good point, the plastic wheel is a bit nasty. You can have it changed by the dealer. I did a week after I got the car.

Agreed, the leather-covered wheel is great, well worth having.

Thanks again for the comments.

Went into the dealers today to order my Fabia Estate Greenline II.

They agreed a price only a little higher than the on-line broker, and I'm happy to pay a little more to support the local network.

Sat down and chose colour, extras, etc.

Waiting list 6 months plus!!

Dealer says "I'll just check Skoda stock to see if they have one in stock - very unlikely on this model".

He comes back 5 mins later.

"You're very lucky. There's one at the port, and it'll be here in 2 weeks. Arctic Green with maxidot. Do you want it?"

I bit his hand off. Had to pay extra for the metallic paint, but hey?

After all the trouble everyone else has had getting theirs, I almost feel guilty.

Should be here by 21st.

Thanks again for your help.

Dave

Which dealer in the London area out of interest?

My local is Preston Motors.

Hi Bossfox.

The dealer is Elmside Garage in Elmers End, SE London.

The salesman was Mark Hitchcock - a really nice guy, no bull**** or pressure.

I've used Preston Motors many years ago - my wife had a 2nd hand skoda from him.

I worked in Stratford at the time (but no longer).

He was a very nice guy as well. I suppose you had to be back when Skoda wasn't taken seriously.

Regards, Dave

Congratulations! In my opinion metallic paint is well worth the money, as I think the extra paint layers serve to better protect the car -didn't get it on mine as no choice so mine's Pacific Blue but I'd have liked Cappuccino Beige metallic. Anyway with the VAT discount as you'll be registering the car before end of December I reckon that you're more than a few quid better off than you would be registering the car in six months time.

Bossfox -out of interest how much did it cost you to get the steering wheel changed all in? I have thought about it previously but decided to change the rear view mirror to an Gentex auto-dimming one as my first 'project', changing the steering wheel may come next if it's not too expensive.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: I like the plastic steering wheel! I may need professional help!

That's great news mate that one was at the port, congrats! Enjoy!

BTW pretty sure the VAT discount is applied at the point of purchase not delivery so it doesn't matter if your car is delivered after the discount offer finishes. Not that yours will be now, but just for anyone else reading this.

BTW pretty sure the VAT discount is applied at the point of purchase not delivery so it doesn't matter if your car is delivered after the discount offer finishes. Not that yours will be now, but just for anyone else reading this.

Just checked this and you are quite correct - I'd assumed that the old t&c's rolled on from the previous offer when I got mine in which vehicles had to be registered by end of September. My bad.

Good point, the plastic wheel is a bit nasty. You can have it changed by the dealer. I did a week after I got the car.

How much did the dealer charge for the wheel?

I take it you have a standard 4 spoke without multifunction?

Might treat my wife to one for Christmas.

Cheers

Lee

Bossfox -out of interest how much did it cost you to get the steering wheel changed all in? I have thought about it previously but decided to change the rear view mirror to an Gentex auto-dimming one as my first 'project', changing the steering wheel may come next if it's not too expensive.

How much did the dealer charge for the wheel?

I take it you have a standard 4 spoke without multifunction?

Might treat my wife to one for Christmas.

Cheers

Lee

I paid £400, but that was for the leather steering wheel, leather handbrake gaiter, leather gearstick... so whole small leather package. Plus a rear rubber load liner and 4 rubber mats. Oh, and the spare wheel kit.

Yes, it's the four spoke wheel without any controls on it. But it's the same quality as the Superb/Yeti item.

Here is the entry from the Skoda catalogue:

Four Spoke Leather Steering Wheel

FBA800000

Superb 2008 >, Superb Estate 2010 > Octavia 2009 >, Fabia 05/09 > and Yeti 2009 >

£ 120.00

It can only be 30 mintes to an hour for fitting, so should cost about £180 or less on it's own.

I had the whole leather package fitted because it just makes the car feel like it's from a class above. (like the Elegance model) Of all the time you spend in the car, the steering wheel, handbrake and gearstick are the things you are always touching. But IMO the steering wheel alone is worth it. Try a Suberb in the showroom and it just feels nicer.

There is a three spoke available as well:

Three Spoke Leather Steering Wheel

FBA800001

Superb 2008 >, Superb Estate 2010 > Octavia 2009 > and Yeti 2009 >

£ 132.00

But I prefer the four spoke because in traffic I tend to rest one hand on the bottom of the wheel rim and I can't do it with a three spoke wheel.

One of the minor annoyances in my VRS.

(and the three spoke wheel looks a bit sporty, not sure it suits the GL2 TBH)