Hello. This is my first post to the Briskoda forum although I have been lurking and reading other peoples' posts for some time. I haven't posted because my level of expertise is minimal compared to others here.

I have had a Skoda Fabia VRS from new since April 2004 so my car is just over a year old. I've clocked up 17K including an autobahn and alpine pass expedition last summer.

I'm preparing for another mammoth drive around Europe in June this year and look forward to some challenging driving in Sardinia.

My front tyres (factory fitted Continetal Sport Contact 2 205/45/R16) are worn out and although I am happy with the tyres I haven't been able to source replacements. Even mytyres.co.uk can't get them as apparently they are on long back-order from Continental. I've decided to go for Goodyear F1 Eagle DSG3s all round. I'm hoping they are decent -other people seem to think so.

No real gripes about the car. Exhause was very smokey and oil consumption high when it was brand new but that has all settled down now.

Wish I had gone for xenons but they seemed too pricey at the time. Car has cruise, heated seats, autochanger.

Hi & welcome - I like the sound of your European trips :-)

Welcome to Briskoda. All levels of expertise are welcome - and represented - here!

Welcome! Expertise level re mechanical stuff for me = about minus 10

Welcome to brisky... as said above, you dont have to have any expertise to be a member

How did you find your furby on the autobhans?

Furby great fun on autobahns. Took it to around 130mph and although it may have gone faster that was enough for me! The world was moving by too quickly! Even when you think you are really moving a BMW appears from nowhere flashing furiously.

Seems stable at high speed in a straight line and 6th gear essential for autobahn cruising. Excellent acceleration even at quite high speeds makes overtaking a doddle. Cruise control doesn't seem much use unless the motorway is quiet otherwise it is never engaged for long enough.

Where the car performed best was on alpine passes. The huge torque makes uphill hairpins a great pleasure and I don't know any cars in it's class that can match it. The only problem is that it does tend to run out of puff at very high altitude. Perhaps something to do with thinner air /lower pressure and a bit less oxygen. I have decided to replace all four tyres even though there was still about 4mm of rubber on the back (2 on the front). It just isn't enough tread for a 7,000 mile trip and the thought of having to buy new tyres abroad was too awful. My german only stretches to ordering beer!

Hi and welcome

Sardinia is a nice spot .. not only to drive the Vrs then.

Have spent four years there as a little child ..Still miss the sun