Well i'm currently running a 2009 Clio 200FF with Cup pack and almost all optional extras - car is running great and looks smart in white.

I've had this car for 4 months which is a long time for me as i usually get bored and change within 3 months.

I've had many turbo's cars (focus ST, Astra VXR, Corsa VXR, Imprezas (x3), TT, etc) and although the Clio is quick it just doesn't have the shove in the back feel :(

I've been looking for a replacement but in my price range (£10k) the only choices are what i've already had unless i go for a Suzuki Swift sport (no turbo) or something older/ high miles?

I was thinking of the Polo 1.2tsi but can't imagine it being nippy enough and i'll get fed up within a week or so, the 1.4tsi is too highly priced so that's out.

Looking around the Fabia VRS keeps cropping up and i've been offered a 2011 (11plate), blue, 26k for £9500 from a dealer - is this a good price?

The blue does look nice even on the ugly shape but this car doesn't seem to have any extras - not sure what is standard features tbh

What should i be asking about this car (deal being done online/ phone as it's 200 miles away) apart from usual service history, defects, etc?

What problems could there be with a 2011 model? - reading about some engine problems is worrying buy guess Skoda will swap engine under warranty if anything does go wrong?

This car has clear headlights where a lot of others have black - what's the difference and do they swap over?

Is the DSG easy to adapt to from a manual? does anyone regret changing?

The interior looks basic - even the Clio looks better (ok - probably not built as good), last Fabia VRS i had (2004my) i could change/ upgrade parts - are there accessories for the MK2?

Any help welcome

Cheers

Best thing is go drive it

Thats a fair price but take reg no and contact skoda uk- see what warranty work/problems it has had ( if any)

Btw after owning a dsg I may never go manual again

Compared to the Clio the Fabia has poor handling,you won't be satisfied with it unless you spend £500-1000 on suspension mods,if cornering quickly is your thing.

Engine wise,although less powerful on paper,the Fabia feels a lot stronger because the supercharger and turbo is always there to give you instant shove.

The dsg auto is great,you can use it like a manual or relax as an auto,your choice.It has a high seventh gear for good cruising and your mpg will be perhaps up to 10 better than the Clio.

Against are engine reliability issues,plenty to read on the forum about that!!

Ideally you need to have certain options,depending on your taste,have a look at the Skoda website for the full spec and the options available.

DSG is a thing of beauty. Same as above, I will never buy a car without again. Skoda UK check is a must. You need to get full history of that car. The main problem seems to be high oil usage, ask about. Also ask about an works like breather pipe mod, piston rings change, mechatronics works. Ask the questions and get answers in writing , e-mail the best since as good as hard copy and instant should you later on run into any problems i.e. car was sold with known but consciously undisclosed problems. People say vRS has crap suspension, I do not think so. Unless you are doing a "cones slalom" body roll is acceptable. If you are not expecting track car handling and stiffness you will be satisfied, I am very much so

You can have mine for 10k!!

Usually get bored and change within 3 months?! Blinkin hell! I thought I was bad keeping most of mine for about 2 years but that's mental. If you can afford it tho then FairPlay!

As others have said check for oil consumption and warranty work.

Well after a phone call today the blue one has been sold

I've emailed 2 other dealer who both have green ones so hoping to get a reply tommorow when they pick up their emails.

Both the dealers are non Skoda so if i ask them about any previous problems they wont know - is there anywhere online i can input the reg numbers to see what work has been carried out?

What is the breather mod? is it nessesary and easy to do?

what's the mechatronics? dsg?

if the car turns out to have high oil consumption is this a warranty claim?