You can pick up decent boleros on the bay for £150 i

Where would they come from ?

Edited 20 March, 201412 yr by mellyboy

Downward Pressures on Residuals'.

 

Residuals are what they are, and Skoda Dealers are the ones sitting unable to shift Demonstrators and Used Twinchargers.

Not so keen to take in a vRS over 3 years old.

 

Let Skoda & VAG worry about their reputation, and Dealers get their fingers burnt.

 

If you buy a Keeper or get a Trade in without letting a Dealer Screw You, residuals are OK.

 

But used Twincharger buyers need to know what to look for, and what questions to ask..

Some Service Books are not Written Up, some new Engine Numbers not changed  with the DVLA,

&

SKoda/VAG are not being very Professional, or even honest.

 

Now is that Defamation?

 well if it is, Skoda UK can challenge that,

i am sure they have a good Legal Department

I am not so sure they want a Court Case in the UK or Scotland where they can say they have done all they can for Customers that were sold a Faulty Product in some cases.

I'd suggest that circulating scarey statistics ultimately hurts current owners - fellow enthusiasts here - rather than the manufacturer though. They've already made the sales and recognised the revenue, after all.

& are not going to be doing quite so well in Which, JD Power and all the Other Customer Satisfaction Surveys or Reliability or Used car Surveys.

 

Who cares anyway,

Just Owners of Oil Burners getting Customer Satisfaction and not Charged for Oil Consumption Tests is what matters to some.

If that is only a very few, it still matters.  IMO.

If you think it is on 205 or 215 40 R 17,  you just put it on 16" Rims.

Not complicated.

To be honest, I have absolutely no idea whether the road noise and harsh ride is or is not down to the low profile tyres and have no practical, economical way of making a judgement on that.  It may be that others on here have fitted the same model tyres onto smaller rims and can comment?

 

Aside from that, I guess that the stiffer side-walled tyres on the 17" rims will have a bearing on the handling of the car?

 

As a matter of interest, what is the precise description (spec.) of smaller rims suitable for the vRS?  I know that the base model Fabia uses 15" steel wheels and that some people have bought steel rims for use with winter tyres.

The question is how "we can be pretty sure"? Obviously VAG would never disclose replacement (/failure) rates unless there was a material provision required in their accounts.

Unfortunately it is a relatively low volume car and hence VAG have conveniently just let the issue drift along ,as people pressure is small in real terms.

 

Had this had happened in the USA, then VAG would have been ripped apart- suffered a large fine and been Exposed for the sake of the CUSTOMER!( Check out current situation with Toyota over there)

 

Unfortunately the UK and European law is not so robust in the defence of the Little person- Customer!

Wheels are easy, you buy the Correct wheels to suit the vehicle in 16" alloy,

VAG ones should keep your Insurance Provider happy, 

& have tyres of the correct Load/Speeding rating fitted,  matching or better than as the Manufacturer fits for Summer or all year use.

 

But that does not automatically mean any noise reduction from Tyres,

maybe a more compliant ride if you think as standard it is Harsh or Crashy.

Again not guaranteed.

 

http://alloywheels.com

http://kouki.co.uk/utilities/visual-tyre-size-calculator

 

Some members here have had on 16" alloys and winter tyres so can maybe say

if the notice any difference in tyre noise.

When i used 16" Rims and tyres still in 205 wide. i noticed no change.

But i am Mutton Geoff.

My winter 16's (admittedly not the most expensive) were noisier and no more comfortable than my 17's.

 

I even went for 195/50/16 profile tyre in the interest of seeing if there were comfort gains to be had.

 

suspect quality of tyre compound does play a part in this.

 

My Vredestein tyres are rated to a lowly 67db which greatly improved tyre roar compared to my previous Hankook Ventus 70db.  They are grippier and comfier too with more precise steering. The Hankooks are known to have a soft tyre wall, which I believe deforms more in a pot hole, and slightly counter intuitively makes the car crash more.

Google has provided this: PItch Circle Diameter = 5 x 100, Centre Bore = 57.1, Offset = 43 & Mounting = 14 x 1.50 bolts.  As I understand it, the PCD, Centre Bore and Offset are the critical issues?

It also specifies wheel sizes from 14" to 18", I suspect that the 14" size wouldn't actually work because of possible interference with the disks and the 18" job is going completely the wrong way.  As has been pointed out above, tyre design is probably even more important that the odd inch here or there - size isn't everything!

VAG had a problem with the early 2.0TDi PD engines and refused to admit their was an issue even though the forums were full of people having injector failure.

 

Even with watchdog involved they turned a blind eye to cars out of warranty.

 

It wasn't until a major internet campaign with affected owners contacting VOSA that things changed. VOSA had the authority to force VAG into repairs of cars out of warranty and to repay those who had already paid for repairs.

 

I wonder if it's worth owners of affected vRS's contacting VOSA.

 

Lee

Google has provided this: PItch Circle Diameter = 5 x 100, Centre Bore = 57.1, Offset = 43 & Mounting = 14 x 1.50 bolts.  As I understand it, the PCD, Centre Bore and Offset are the critical issues?

It also specifies wheel sizes from 14" to 18", I suspect that the 14" size wouldn't actually work because of possible interference with the disks and the 18" job is going completely the wrong way.  As has been pointed out above, tyre design is probably even more important that the odd inch here or there - size isn't everything!

 

You can only get 14" wheels on the HTP and the three pot diesels if I recall correctly.

 

Regards

Lee

By "get" do you mean "purchase" or "fit"?  Not that I would consider fitting 14" rims.

By "get" do you mean "purchase" or "fit"?  Not that I would consider fitting 14" rims.

 

Fit.......

 

I had a set of 14" winters on our old HTP.

 

Won't fit on our TSi or the 4 cylinder diesels as the discs are too big.

 

The skinny look (Our old HTP on 14's)

It does seem like on some threads we get into a circle of talking down Skoda cars (the VRS in particular), which is a bit odd considering it's supposed to be an enthusiasts forum?

Seems to be a common theme appearing - when are you getting your Fabia vRS MK2 ,as an enthusiast?

Any updates,  do you have a car ordered now or have you decided against buying one?

I have now (finally) driven a Fabia vRS for about an hour on back roads and open roads in the country.  The engine and DSG were as I expected an absolute dream - I loved driving the car, it was VERY responsive and I know from personal experience that on country roads it would be great fun

I was very surprised at how much road noise there was and how basic it seemed for an £18,000 car.  The radio is incredibly dated, I accept that you can always spend £625 for the Amundsen unit with DAB, SD card slot, SatNav and telephone interface and directory but I already have a perfectly adequate TomTom and I don't have much need to use the 'phone while driving.  Such things as folding wing mirrors, keyless access, USB memory stick audio and a multi-CD system aren't available as options even though they have been pretty common-place for years with many other manufacturers.

However, none of this is a deal breaker for me.  I will have another test drive in a city environment and will look at the possibility of fitting some other (decent) head unit.

I didn't spend long playing with such things as the radio, MDI, the Maxi-Dot trip computer display, the lights or the air conditioning - I just drove the car.

The brochure refers to a single “Rear fog light” (presumably to meet German laws), is there actually one rear fog light or two?  I know that someone on here has complained that the reversing light is pretty feeble, are there one or two reversing lights?

Can anyone explain what exactly the difference is between the standard air conditioning and “Climate Control”?

How exactly does the Multi Device Interface (MDI) work, is it only actually compatible with the Apple iPod interface or are there cables to work with other MP3 players (e.g. Sansa)? Is it controlled from the Multi Function Steering Wheel (MFSW)?  Can it charge an MP3 player?  Can it be used with a USB memory stick?

The brochure isn't entirely clear as to what the optional spare wheel is (I guess it varies from model to model) and the salesman seemed a bit uncertain about it, is it one of those skinny 50 mph jobs or a proper full-size steel wheel?

As it happens, the salesman didn't seem too familiar with the spec or options of the car, aside from the spare wheel issue he thought that cruise control was a standard feature, knew nothing much about the radio / MDI or the Amundsen SatNav system.  He was adamant that I would not be able to substitute smaller diamater wheels (and appropriate tyres) for the standard 17" wheels even though he said that the low profile tyres were probably what was responsible for the road noise - I accept that using low profile tyres would almost certainly have a negative impact on roadholding.

In conclusion, as I said at the beginning - driving the car was a real pleasure although I do wonder what it would be like on a long journey.

Presumably, after posting the above ,your decision not to buy has come from the quality of information expressed by numerous members on here. Completely outlining the POOR Customer Service given by the dealers and  Skoda UK, along with the fact that the VAG operation has never come clean with problems and issues associated with their problematic product relating to their prize winning engine and DSG POWERTRAIN.

 

No admission of such has ever come from the lips or in writing via VAG or the motoring press with their vested interest therein.

 

Shame on them for allowing this on going saga, at the  financial expense and extreme frustration of Joe public.

Edited 15 July, 201411 yr by vrskeith

Not exactly. My decision not to buy a Fabia vRS was down to a number of factors:

• the vague possibility of oil consumption problems with a new car (apparently unlikely with the later CTHE engine)
• awful jarring ride over poorly maintained roads
• high level of road and wind noise
• very basic standard equipment
• possible exceptionally low resale value

As to the repetitive and frequently incomprehensible posts from yourself and George complaining about how awful Skoda UK and VAG are, I really can't take them terribly seriously

Yes sure thing.  

 

You had a close shave there, but a lucky escape apparently, possibly, maybe. so i hear, some said, i was told, i believe and all that nonsense..  

 

 

http://www.volkswagenforum.co.uk/f92/help-1-14tsi-engine-fragile-unreliable-14713.html

Here you received information on an Engine Called a 1.4 TSI as fitted to Golfs, (engine code 'BLG')

& with Different issues and someone telling you that Oil was not an Issue but the chain was.

Which was an issue with the Golf, where it has not been in the 180-185 ps Twinchargers with the 7 Speed DSG

Not exactly. My decision not to buy a Fabia vRS was down to a number of factors:

• the vague possibility of oil consumption problems with a new car (apparently unlikely with the later CTHE engine)
• awful jarring ride over poorly maintained roads
• high level of road and wind noise
• very basic standard equipment
• possible exceptionally low resale value

As to the repetitive and frequently incomprehensible posts from yourself and George complaining about how awful Skoda UK and VAG are, I really can't take them terribly seriously

Going by your introductory comment ,it would appear after your 1 hour test drive and discussion with the ill informed salesman you were not able to conclude if the car was for you.

 

Indeed you suggested two thing to enable a better judgement.

 

1. Driving in city conditions.

2. A long run on the motorway.

 

Have you therefore achieved the extended test and hence actual finalizes your conclusions.

 

Your negative points that you raised virtually the first one  you raised was High oil consumption, which I would have imagine was derived from reading numerous threads on the issue posted on this site, without which you would have been buying blind ,as many have done.

 

The resultant knowledge ,now well know by many has had a negative affect on the cars ultimate residuals, which as you rightly explained, is another negative point. 

,

Another point which is also constantly raised on the threads , as this obviously affects owners pocket longterm.

 

I would also suggest that your criticism of George, myself and many other constructive contributors ,who happen more often than not are troubled owners suffering at the hands of the faulty VAG/ Skoda product  and services - mainly CAVE Engine vehicle, however there are also some CTHE failure contributors.

 

You will undoubtedly have noticed, between the critical remarks of VAG/ Skoda etc. relating to the problems experienced by owners, there is also some praise for a number of supportive dealer / service agents, who have also been at the sharp end of the problem, many of whom are now fed up to the back teeth having to defend the  indefensible.

 

Suggest you go visit and chat to a few of the open and honest service /master tech.

 

You will also note, from the consistent (incomprehensible post-your words) supportive and now structured approach / a method,which enables owners to proceed down a known successful path of getting a good a  result as possible, from this difficult - dead bat attitude, Manufacturer / supplier of hitherto faulty products.

 

 

I feel sure, if you were in many of these affected owners shoes, you to would have used the said support and advice to further your just claim and achieve your legal rights.

 

I trust that your experience of reading all the detailed threads,  albeit may be sometimes  boring for you, that you also have gained a broad knowledge of the offending product and associated owner experience, assisting you to finalize your conclusion in whether to own or not!

Edited 16 July, 201411 yr by vrskeith

Not exactly. My decision not to buy a Fabia vRS was down to a number of factors:

• the vague possibility of oil consumption problems with a new car (apparently unlikely with the later CTHE engine)
• awful jarring ride over poorly maintained roads
• high level of road and wind noise
• very basic standard equipment
• possible exceptionally low resale value

As to the repetitive and frequently incomprehensible posts from yourself and George complaining about how awful Skoda UK and VAG are, I really can't take them terribly seriously

Dear Mr vxh26 (presumably a 26 year old Vauxhall owner)

 

Great post, decision made. Well done, I commend your reason and logic, all actually perfectly good reasons not to buy this car.  Perhaps a little exagerrated on the ride quality and a little bit head over heart on the residuals but nothing I can argue with.

 

Now for Pete's sake please remind us again why you are still kicking around this subforum seemingly with the sole intent of winding up Mk2 Fabia (vRS) owners?

 

You have previously refuted that you are in fact nothing less than an internet troll.  Prove it!

 

FYI - Giving your own post "Best Answer" may not be the best start.

 

Kind regards

 

Sparkly x x x

Not exactly. My decision not to buy a Fabia vRS was down to a number of factors:

• the vague possibility of oil consumption problems with a new car (apparently unlikely with the later CTHE engine)
• awful jarring ride over poorly maintained roads
• high level of road and wind noise
• very basic standard equipment
• possible exceptionally low resale value

As to the repetitive and frequently incomprehensible posts from yourself and George complaining about how awful Skoda UK and VAG are, I really can't take them terribly seriously

I'm sure we will all wait with baited breath, to read your review of the Fabia MK3....., WHICH YOU HAVE MENTIONED, YOU might CONSIDER AS YOUR FUTURE VEHICLE!

 

CAN'T WAIT TO USE THIS, AS MY TEMPLATE FOR  NEW PURCHASE CONSIDERATION MATRIX.

 

Oh! Are you now using vxh28, on another side, if so Sparkly may now be wrong with your current age. However it may still be the same vehicle he mentions

Personally i think vxh26 / vxh28 is right to search out his ideal car, to be sure , to be sure.

No point getting landed for 10 years  with a Fragile Petrol or a troublesome Diesel with DPF.

 

Other forums have not been as lucky as this one to keep getting his Gems of Technical Information that someone once told him.

 

http://qashqaiownersclub.co.uk/forum/hi_topic241.html

 

http://volkswagenforum.co.uk/f92/help-1-14tsi-engine-fragile-unreliable-14713.html

Personally i think vxh26 / vxh28 is right to search out his ideal car, to be sure , to be sure.

No point getting landed for 10 years with a Fragile Petrol or a troublesome Diesel with DPF.

Other forums have not been as lucky as this one to keep getting his Gems of Technical Information that someone once told him.

http://qashqaiownersclub.co.uk/forum/hi_topic241.html

http://volkswagenforum.co.uk/f92/help-1-14tsi-engine-fragile-unreliable-14713.html

Looks like this lad just needs a skateboard -low maintenance, good MPG and running on neither petrol or diesel no pesky oil or DPF issues.

Hot air balloon as a close second

They are a gem though IMO,

very technically advanced and quite special when properly sorted, more power from a Dualcharged 1390 cc engine than a newer VAG 1.8 TSI

& after some of the first few CTHE engines must have been recognised to still have either Quality Control of Parts or Engine Management Issues.

the CTHE Engines seem to be doing fine from 2013 on.