Hi all,

 

I'm a newbie to Fabias, and am looking at buying a level 3, 2007/2008 diesel. One thing I can't seem to figure out though - I know there are no steering wheel radio controls for volume etc., but can the volume be adjusted with the maxi-dot controls on the right hand stalk? Or with this model do you just have to reach over to the stereo to adjust the volume?

 

Sorry if it's a stupid question, but it's not really obvious from having googled it, and I'm not really keen to retro fit a MFSW if I can help it. Thanks!

Edited 1 April, 201412 yr by Breezy2000uk

Why would you want to do that though? The stereo knob is a far more convenient and natural way to adjust the volume even compared to the s/wheel controls. I have them and still I find myself reaching out for the stereo knob from time to time.  :p   The right hand stalk, even if it was possible to control the volume from it (for which I don't have a definitive answer) is the least precise tool to control volume I think. I have repeatedly made mistakes when using it over not so smooth roads. All in all, it shouldn't be a deal braker imho!

Basically because I have a stereo stalk on my current car, and I prefer not to take my hands off the wheel unnecessarily. Just wondering if it's an option, that's all.

Its not a feature on the Fabia 3 spec. Its not too far to reach to the volume control. I think you can probably retrospectively fit if you need it, though don't quote me on this!

 

I have driven a Fabia with the rolling volume control and found it really annoying. I kept knocking it when reversing etc and then the volume would go right up and deafen me!

As said, there's no volume control from the RH stalk or steering wheel in the level 3 Fabia. In general, a decent spec though, especially considering the list price back in the day - OTR price for my 2008 1.9 TDi estate was about 15 k (I got a decent reduction off this though as mine is an ex-demo). You could get one for less than 6 k now though I gather they're pretty sought after. For this reasonable sum you get a very comfortable, well-built load lugger with cruise control (used a lot on quieter motorways and speed-restricted stretches), climate control, rear sensors, front fogs, armrest, and a tough-as-nails engine that will shift you forward very capably with loads of torque while delivering 50-60 mpg no matter how hard you drive it. I can't tell you about any issues/problems, because I haven't had any so far!

Mine has been ok so far. Main issues appear to be running gear. So far (under extended Skoda warranty) I have had -

 

- New OSF Shock absorber

- New OSF Wheel bearing

- New OSF steering linkage

- Soon to be replaced - NSF ball joint

 

The suspension bushes make a bit of noise too.

 

It returns 50mpg on a good run. Its very hilly where I live so I get about 40 / 45mpg normally.

 

My dad has the same engine in his Octavia and although from what I hear they are normally bullet proof, he had an injector go, which damaged an exhaust valve. cam shaft, and his turbo. It cost £2500 to fix. :(

 

I will see how mine goes!

Mine has been ok so far. Main issues appear to be running gear. So far (under extended Skoda warranty) I have had -

 

- New OSF Shock absorber

- New OSF Wheel bearing

- New OSF steering linkage

- Soon to be replaced - NSF ball joint

 

The suspension bushes make a bit of noise too.

 

It returns 50mpg on a good run. Its very hilly where I live so I get about 40 / 45mpg normally.

 

My dad has the same engine in his Octavia and although from what I hear they are normally bullet proof, he had an injector go, which damaged an exhaust valve. cam shaft, and his turbo. It cost £2500 to fix. :(

 

I will see how mine goes!

Hmmm, guess I've been lucky with mine so far! Most reliable motor I've ever owned. No untoward noises from the running gear thus far, although you've just reminded me that I did get both of the front lower arm bushes changed recently due to uneven tyre wear on my previous Rainsport 2s. Not too bad in 6 years of daily running though!

Thats good - especially if you have owned from new. I think there was an upgrade to the bushes, I have been advised by one Skoda dealer that mine is on the later ones.

The most reliable car I have had is my last car - Skoda Octavia Mk1 1.6. I hardly spent anything on it compared to some Skoda's I have had (now on my 8th). My fathers experience somewhat puts me off them in the future though. I have owned a 20 year old Mazda MX5 as well, although it was just a toy!

I service mine every 6000 miles changing all filters every 12,000 or less

 

fitted uprated bushes to the front

replaced both front wheel bearings

cambelt rollers, water pump and coolant changed

fitted the modification sleeve to the servo pipe

modified the engine cover to prevent wear to the vacuum pipes

changed the gearbox oil

 

No real problems to report just careful maintenance --- BUT WILL THE KAYAK FIT ? 

Useful info, cheers guys, much appreciated. Fingers crossed there'll be another Fabia on Welsh roads before long!

V good value motor for the money.

 

I got a level 3 1.9tdi 59 plate (one of the last few 1.9tdi's made) 6 months ago for 6.5K

 

It had only done 17k miles and I've put 5K+ on it now.

 

Its got plenty of grunt.... and more available if you remap it like I did (approx 140 bhp) making it into a surprisingly nippy motor that always returns well over 50mpg.( And 60 if you drive it carefuly.)

 

The engine and whole package is rock solid. Personally I've had zilch bother.

 

Oh... and its cheap tax and insurance to boot.

 

Only downfall from my point of view is the lack of USB or MDI so my ipod is always on shuffle via the aux input.

 

Oh and the rear speakers are rubbish... so I replaced em.

Edited 2 April, 201412 yr by promethian

I service mine every 6000 miles changing all filters every 12,000 or less

 

fitted uprated bushes to the front

replaced both front wheel bearings

cambelt rollers, water pump and coolant changed

fitted the modification sleeve to the servo pipe

modified the engine cover to prevent wear to the vacuum pipes

changed the gearbox oil

 

No real problems to report just careful maintenance --- BUT WILL THE KAYAK FIT ? 

Interesting points exskodatech. Can you elaborate on the modification to the servo pipe and the vacuum pipes? Am I likely to see any problems without these mods?

 

Thanks in advance

Another question, when do timing belts get changed read on other thread 09 plate timing belt should be replaced in 2031 , another person said 4 yrs.What else should I look for in service history  ?.

Another question, when do timing belts get changed read on other thread 09 plate timing belt should be replaced in 2031 , another person said 4 yrs.What else should I look for in service history  ?.

According to VAG, for the 1.9 and 1.4 TDi PD engines, cambelt replacement intervals are every 4 years or 40,000 miles, whichever comes first. There's a good degree of confusion over this though, as the specified belt change intervals for PD engines used to be longer and remain longer in some other regions AFAIK. I expect most PD engines out there haven't stuck precisely to this interval but I'd steer away from a 2009 model that hasn't ever had a cambelt replaced, or insist that the price is reduced to cover the cost of getting it done straight away. Tensioners, auxiliary belt and water pump (make sure new pump has metal impellers) should all be replaced at the same time - cost for this work should be around £400 at a Skoda stealer, less if done by an independent.

Interesting points exskodatech. Can you elaborate on the modification to the servo pipe and the vacuum pipes? Am I likely to see any problems without these mods?

 

Thanks in advance

When I was a volkswagen service manager we were changing the servo pipes on every other car due to cracking and splitting at the joints.  A very common problem that found its way across the brand and an MOT failure. To check yours open the bonnet and remove the engine cover. Look at the brake servo following the black pipe around the bulkhead, run you fingers around each connection and joint feeling for cracks. should it be split then its either a new pipe or a sleeve kit which takes about ten minutes to fit to repair  the pipe. Well worth a check !!!!

According to VAG, for the 1.9 and 1.4 TDi PD engines, cambelt replacement intervals are every 4 years or 40,000 miles, whichever comes first. There's a good degree of confusion over this though, as the specified belt change intervals for PD engines used to be longer and remain longer in some other regions AFAIK. I expect most PD engines out there haven't stuck precisely to this interval but I'd steer away from a 2009 model that hasn't ever had a cambelt replaced, or insist that the price is reduced to cover the cost of getting it done straight away. Tensioners, auxiliary belt and water pump (make sure new pump has metal impellers) should all be replaced at the same time - cost for this work should be around £400 at a Skoda stealer, less if done by an independent.

Don't believe all that nonsense about fitting a non gen water pump with a metal impeller - stick to the manufacturers parts 

Steering wheel mounted audio controls was an option at extra cost irrc £60 extra back then. It's probably not worth retrofitting for the cost and hassle. I have an aftermarket HU in mine with remote.The stereo mount/facia is the same as a Mark 5 golf.

 

The rear speakers are the same as the front speakers. ok for oem.

Don't believe all that nonsense about fitting a non gen water pump with a metal impeller - stick to the manufacturers parts

I gather there have been early failures of water pumps with either impeller type, but I went for metal impellers on the advice of my mechanic, who has seen water pump failures attributed to plastic impellers in TDi engines. He always uses either the Continental or SKF complete cambelt kits rather than the VAG kit; both kits include a water pump with metal impellers. He is of the opinion that these kits are of better quality and have a lower failure rate than the VAG kit.

Steering wheel mounted audio controls was an option at extra cost irrc £60 extra back then. It's probably not worth retrofitting for the cost and hassle. I have an aftermarket HU in mine with remote.The stereo mount/facia is the same as a Mark 5 golf.

 

The rear speakers are the same as the front speakers. ok for oem.

 

With respect I Disagree... rear 16cm speakers are poor quality and vibrate/distort bass terribly. Replace them with some £30 a set of panasonics fix's the problem.

Edited 6 April, 201412 yr by promethian

HI,  i have a 2008 1.9tdi level3  it has the dance radio cd player, the volume can be set automaticaly so it increases as your speed increases, and goes very low when i put it into reverse, so i can hear the reverse sensors, it was set up like that when i bought the car, but the instructions to do it are in the hand book. i would recomend a level 3 tdi to anyone the level of equipment is fantastic, i get around 60 to the gallon going to work, [in the middle of manchester] the value for money [and smiles per mile] of the car is FANTASTIC, hope this helps you.

With respect I Disagree... rear 16cm speakers are poor quality and vibrate/distort bass terribly. Replace them with some £30 a set of panasonics fix's the problem.

They are 16.5cm with a separate tweeter. I find deadening helps.

They are 16.5cm with a separate tweeter. I find deadening helps.

 Yes they are.. Still rubbish though I'm afraid.