Hi there! Sorry if this has been covered (it probably has, in which case can you link me?). I've decided i probably want a Fabia vRS for my second car. I currently have a Corsa C but recently got a job in York (I live in Hull) so i don't think a little 1.0 Corsa C will cut it for long. I want to know various things that I should know/be looking for etc when looking and buying one of these as I don't have much experience with them.

 

I feel if i fire some questions they can get answered quickly so here it goes.

 

• Now then. I notice that they're different engines such as PD160. Is there any better one? If so which?
• How many miles is too many for a diesel? I'll be clocking up to 100 miles a day!
• What are they like to drive? I know it'd be down to me but are they comfy?
• I'm planning on doing some massive modifications and been different, but of course I'd cover the basics first. What would be the best mods to start with? Also what is an elephant mod?
• If I went to view one, what am i looking for? For example i know that timing chains like to make a racket on Corsas!
• A friend told me about the DMF failing and it's a common problem etc, is this a major issue?
• Is there a facelift model? Sometimes when I'm looking some seem to look slightly different
• Can you fit HID's in the headlights? Would be good to know so i could remove bits from my corsa! If not, are projector lights available?
• Does anyone have a video of a cat-back exhaust? Seem to struggle to find them.

That's it for now, sorry if it's been covered!

 

Thanks.

 

 

 

Hi,

 

In order of your questions

 

• The Fabia VRS came with a 130bhp ASZ/BLT engine depending on the age. If you want a 150BHP or 160BHP you'd need to look at a Golf/Bora or Ibiza respectively. Other VAG cars that came with the 130bhp include Polo, Ibiza, Golf, Bora, Passat, A4 etc. As for the power it all depends on what you want and whether you want to tweek it later and to what level. 
• It's up to you, I'm a bit of a mileage snob, but always buy on condition, if it's done a lot of miles but looks good, has full service history and it all checks out then I wouldn't discount it. I've seen taxis running the engines at 400k+
• The Fabia is fine for me and I average at least 80 miles a day and it's fine but my previous cars have hardly been the last word for comfort.
• Elephant mod is changing the crank case vent so it doesn't dump oil into your intake and smic. If you're planning on big power and different, I'd personally just buy a 330d. But it all depends on what you mean and how much you want to spend, to hit 220bhp in a Fabia it can easily rack up to at least £3k so be mindful of that. Mods people mention on here are a remap from standard to 170bhp or changing the front brake calipers.
•  DMF making a sound like a dwarf trying to chisel out of the gearbox bell housing, grey smoke when you're booting it or excessive amounts, a siren sound from the turbo, timing belt and water pump replaced every 4 years / 60k miles I think it is oh and leaky rear doors are a common fault. There is a buyers guide that lists some of this if you have a search. 
• Yeah the DMF can be an issue, but it's a bit hit and miss, you can pick up a new clutch, DMF and slave cylinder for just over £300.  
• Yeah facelift from about '04 on I believe there were subtle changes to the rear lights, 6 speed box instead of 5, although I'm sure someone can point you to a full list. Also in later models from about '05 the engine changed from an ASZ model to a BLT.
• I've got factory fit xenons on mine, so you can find them out there.
• Yeah there's exhaust options out there from miltek and powerflow. Do a search on here as there are a few vids knocking about on Youtube of them with / without silencers. 

Excellent reply above. But were you thinking of dpf not dmf mate?

Excellent reply above. But were you thinking of dpf not dmf mate?

Yeah sorry, between a load of work emails and 50 million things happening at the same time haha. I'm updating it now. 

 

Hi,

 

In order of your questions

 

• The Fabia VRS came with a 130bhp ASZ/BLT engine depending on the age. If you want a 150BHP or 160BHP you'd need to look at a Golf/Bora or Ibiza respectively. Other VAG cars that came with the 130bhp include Polo, Ibiza, Golf, Bora, Passat, A4 etc. As for the power it all depends on what you want and whether you want to tweek it later and to what level. 
• It's up to you, I'm a bit of a mileage snob, but always buy on condition, if it's done a lot of miles but looks good, has full service history and it all checks out then I wouldn't discount it. I've seen taxis running the engines at 400k+
• The Fabia is fine for me and I average at least 80 miles a day and it's fine but my previous cars have hardly been the last word for comfort.
• Elephant mod is changing the crank case vent so it doesn't dump oil into your intake and smic. If you're planning on big power and different, I'd personally just buy a 330d. But it all depends on what you mean and how much you want to spend, to hit 220bhp in a Fabia it can easily rack up to at least £3k so be mindful of that. Mods people mention on here are a remap from standard to 170bhp or changing the front brake calipers.
•  DMF making a sound like a dwarf trying to chisel out of the gearbox bell housing, grey smoke when you're booting it or excessive amounts, a siren sound from the turbo, timing belt and water pump replaced every 4 years / 60k miles I think it is oh and leaky rear doors are a common fault. There is a buyers guide that lists some of this if you have a search. 
• Yeah the DMF can be an issue, but it's a bit hit and miss, you can pick up a new clutch, DMF and slave cylinder for just over £300.  
• Yeah facelift from about '04 on I believe there were subtle changes to the rear lights, 6 speed box instead of 5, although I'm sure someone can point you to a full list. Also in later models from about '05 the engine changed from an ASZ model to a BLT.
• I've got factory fit xenons on mine, so you can find them out there.
• Yeah there's exhaust options out there from miltek and powerflow. Do a search on here as there are a few vids knocking about on Youtube of them with / without silencers. 

 

 

 

Excellent reply above. But were you thinking of dpf not dmf mate?

 

Thanks a lot! I mean different in terms of looks and various other things. I just want something that pulls nicely and has overtaking power. This is only because that if i get stuck behind a lorry in my 1.0, that's it unless theres a huge stretch of road. I'd probably (performance wise) do the same as this listing here (clicky).

 

I'm a mileage snob also but i won't discount it as you said just because of it. I originally wanted a Mini Cooper S but when i sat down and worked it out. It'd be around £300 in fuel a month and i can't justify that when i can have something bigger and comfier which isn't exactly slow. The reason i chose a Fabia is because it's different in itself, everyone has golfs and bimmers. 

 

I'm saving for one as we speak and will have to put up with the 1.0 until i can get the money. There's a red one that is up for finance near me at the moment, not too sure if it'd be a decent one. What you think? (Clicky)

 

Again thanks for the replies, very helpful. 

Fair enough, my cars standard and I don't struggle with overtaking as I'm just up and down the M4 all week long so the power won't be an issue.

 

If you haven't got the money yet I'd look on Autotrader etc. find cars near to you and go test drive a few. I ended up looking at loads before I bought mine so I could compare and get an idea of what they're like to drive etc.

 

Also check the classifieds here as there's always plenty being sold. 

In addition, the ASZ generally has 130ish bhp, the BLT is well known for being around 150-155.

SWMBO has had 2 BLT engined cars, both put out 155-157bhp as standard on different rolling roads.

I too AMA. Bit of a mileage snob, if there is such a thing, but to be fair, I prefer a car with good history, with all the bills and receipts to back it up (why would you throw away the very things that help the provenance and hence often the value?).

Having said that, there are lots of variations in condition, mileage and history, so stick out for what you are really after, there's always good examples to choose from, depending on your priorities.

Of course, members often sell theirs, so keep an eye on 'cars for sale' on here.

Options also make a car a little more desirable to some, these include cruise, heated seats, rear parking sensors, and, fairly rarely, factory-fit xenons and sunroof. Dealers were able to fit leather iirc (standard on SE) but personally I think they're poor quality (never liked SWMBO leathers, even though they were in a very low miles car).

Pre 06 have the new BLT engine and put out more power. However my 05 with the ASZ engne is running just over 140bhp standard.

 

Ive heard VW diesels are barely run in at 100k. Mines on 105k. Still with the original clutch and DMF. In fact only thing that's gone wrong with it is a failed wheel bearing.

 

Yes they are pretty comfy as the suspension is pretty soft for a 'hot hatch....'

 

If your going to start modding, start with brakes and suspension. The Octavia 312mm brakes are a good start.

 

things to look for are DMF rattle in neutral. Check the rear carpets for damp. It will be the rear door seals, easy fix but something to haggle over. Also over bumps listen for knocks, it will be console bushes or ARB mounts.

 

05 is the face lift model. Different lights, grill slates and I believe the dash is slightly different.

 

If your anywhere near Croydon, surrey Your more than welcome to have a little fast drive in mine.