160k and why I love my fabia . . .

[XLBaconDoubleCheese]

So after owning my Fabia for about 4 years its just clicked onto 160,000 miles. Way back in 2008 (I think) I had a spin in my mates SE and was hooked. Soon after I swapped my Megane for the 110,000 mile Fabia in a pub car park ,

Over that time, the major things i`v had to replace have been; Turbo (120,000) Clutch (126,000) erm, that`s about it. Yes its not a show winner bodywork wise, a few tiny bubbles of rust under the number plate on the boot and a few car park dinks its still looking tidy for its age though. Inside the seat bolster is worn, but that is more down to my fat arse than anything else. The gear stick, door cards, switches and bits all look as good nick as any other fabia i`v seen.

Not bad going by any cars standards, but when you take into account its been driven with a bit of stick, been up santa pod numerous times, filled with petrol, hit by a bus, had some "road rage abuse" from others and is currently running around 100bhp more than it left the factory with its even better going IMO.

Its obviously been well cared for in that time, Full Skoda history before I owned it. Then since my ownership oil changes often, serviced regularly, faults repaired quickly and spending money on keeping it maintained BEFORE spanking money on mods. When its driven, its driven with a little mechanical sympathy, my fairly short commute means from day to day it doesnt get given too much stick, but when I do go for a "drive" its not wheel spun and bounced of the limiter constantly.

In return, it does all I ask of it. It takes me to work and back everyday without issue, while also returning very reasonable MPG. One weekend I can pile me and 3 mates in it along with luggage for a weekend in reasonable comfort. The next weekend after I can then spank it up the strip/track day and surprise many more established "quick" cars. At the same time, it costs little more to run than a boggo super mini and compared to the performance returned its a bargain, 40mpg average, reasonable insurance and tax to boot. When it does need things fixing they dont cost a bomb.

It looks sporty enough to get looks from other car lovers, but is subtle enough to get over looked by the local scum. Its also still a surprise to people having a "diesel skoda" pushing them along then passing them. My Mrs can drive it with ease, even with the Sachs clutch and SMF, in fact apart from being worried about the wheels, she can even park it fairly well. Hell even my dad approves, a few months back we swapped (I needed his 4x4) and he gave the keys back saying how fun it was to drive, he even used it over his motorbike for work (rare indeed!).

For the people who like to mod their cars, being a VW underneath there are plenty of parts to pinch from other cars, golf turbo, ibiza intercooler, TT seats etc etc. Yes it`ll never have that sharp handling of a light hot hatch, nor will it ever be big enough for 3 kids and baggage, but overall I think its a very good all rounder even taking these into account. If I went back in time i`d 100% buy it again, nor would I change it given the chance. It`ll not be going anywhere, since its not worth anything now, and I couldnt break

Anyway sorry for waffling, there isnt really a point to this thread, just thought i`d attempt to balance it up a little, as with most forums, many posts about issues and faults and none showing a bit of love for the cars :love: I hope you all enjoy your fabia`s as much as I do and hopefully i`ll get to some shows/meets this year! I`m off to start writing a project thread showing how much its changed, could take a while lol.

Cheers

[DanGum]

WOW, good write up there Matt, 160,000k,...i bet it could serve you another 160,000k! Look forward to your project thread Thing i love about the fabia is that all my mates rip the crap outta it saying its a crappy skoda etc, but when you go storming past them the looks on their faces say it all

[Tech1e]

Nice motor, and well looked after.

At least the bus incident wasn't your fault..lol

[redcupraboy]

You have hit the nail on the head so to speak, all the reasons why I bought one to be honest, great understated little cars.

[Recoil]

Love mine too. Best car I've ever had, and I've had a few.

[nathyp]

Nicely put mate

Fingers crossed mine will serve me just as well

[wilsy7]

Hopefully you have many more happy miles only my second car and I already know ill never forget it

[felix_19]

Here here, nice one dude they are a fantastic car

[chrisw880]

Mine might not be a vRS but I'm enjoy driving it and its ticked over 155k and the only major expense was a turbo refurb at 148k

[felix_19]

Here here, nice one dude they are a fantastic car

[hyte1]

Also had many cars but my fabia is the best, even better than my beloved golf cabriolet!

Had it 6 months but can't see me getting another car for a long time.

[FabiaVRSAJ]

Superb mate

[cjb]

If it wasn't for the fact I kind of need auto these days, I'd still have mine. Mine was standard, and still had all the qualities you list.

[Skodarulez]

Well I've been in my daughter's HTP for the last few weeks until the new Oct arrives on 1st Mar and I must say I've had a very pleasant time, nippy, comfortable, quiet, fairly peppy and getting average mpg around 47-48. It's got vinyl fairies on it so get funny looks now and again....

[vRS19TD]

Agree with everything you've said. Completely love mine and owned it for over 7 years from new and just keep loving it more and more, even doing little changes like the stereo, adding the storage drawer under the stereo and changing to MkII vRS badges just add to how much i love my car.

Great write up.

[Zmithy]

Am I the only one who feels a tad emotional after reading that.

Ready every last word, and I just can't wait for the next however many years of ownership of mine!

[TheOne]

Well said, Love my Fabia to bits!

[vRSAnt]

Nicely summed up.

Last time I was ever so passionate for a car (difficult for me, as squeezing money out of me isnt easy) was much younger with a mkI GTi 1.6, the old classic

Having turned to bikes to have a car this good to actually have me fairly passionate about it is a bold thing.

I must admit I've never been overtaken with need for drastic tuning mods, just the more obvious down to earth running mods, but its nice to know the car is ripe for that if I ever wanted. As the car is faster than most the mediocrity on the roads nowadays its more than suitable for day to day driving in just standard form.

Sweeeet car...still struggling to consider any better option and see no reason to. My only gripe is my choice of colour.

As bold as it was the yellow is a bit wearing on me now and It would be nice to have another option !

Then again you dont see many which is nice and it is fairly lairy.

[E11HES]

Well summed up Matt, mines gone and wont be forgotten any time soon, hell il probs get one if/when i return to the uk, they are really that good.

Loved it

Edited 23 February, 2012 by E11HES

[grr666]

I'm feeling your sentiments completely Matt. :yes:

If I change it'll only be to either a late LE or a mark2 as

I feel like trying something completely different for a change.

Only ever owned manual cars so far. :wonder:

[Jonny5ive]

+1 coming up for 8 years of ownership in September this year and 150k on the clock of mine.

[armstrong21490]

Bought mine cause it was nippy and cheap on insurance, so good for getting NCB, before getting something faster. After owning for just over two years I can safely say it's not going anywhere for a long time.

[johnmb]

I could agree with all that is said here , but then i would be comparing it to my 130 bhp octy 1 , now with 141k miles , and yes it is in Black .

[Titanium_Man]

Great write up Matt and have to agree.

Had mine now for 13 months and apart from a failed dmf (replaced that and a new clutch under warranty by dealer) it's been solid as granite.

Would take one of theses over my "prestige" Audi A3 any day of the week.

[P6VRS]

aaaaah i love mine but cant upload pics atm its amazing :rofl:

although the driveshaft has ate a big hole in the return hose from the intercooler

wednesday all will be well again :rofl:

52k on the clock i hope i see 160 on mine.....as keith lemon would say.....bang tidy!!