Hi all. I am a fresh new member and have just posted in the new member intro section. If you haven't seen that, I just have to explain that I currently drive an '05 VW Golf GTI that I have had from new. However I am getting a bit annoyed at having to keep fixing things on it, so I am looking to sell up and get a Skoda. I want something reliable that looks good and is cheaper to run and maintain. This has led me to the Skoda Fabia Black Edition. There seems to be some fairly cheap pre-registered new ones around at the moment and I am quite tempted! I just have some questions about it and the Mk2 Fabia altogether, if you would be so kind as to help.

 Basically I would like some general Fabia advice. Are they usually reliable, are there any common faults I should be aware of and look out for especially while I'm under warranty. How are they for boot space, am I going to notice a huge difference in coming from a Golf? Any areas prone to rust that I could take extra care of to prevent it?

 What is the overall consensus of the Fabia Black Edition, is it a good car? I am aware its basically a Monte Carlo with some extra standard kit. How does it drive for a 1.2 turbo, is it noisy at motorway speeds? I do long European trips sometimes and I need something that is quiet and comfortable for very long periods of motorway driving. My main problem is that it is missing cruise control and the climate control panel, which are two things that I really want. I assume these can be retro fitted but I would like confirmation of this. It could be a bargaining point when buying if I could get them to fit these things. I know I could probably get this done independently, but I guess that would invalidate the warranty. 

 One last thing is that I notice it has rear drum brakes. I didn't realize that any new cars still came with these! How are the brakes, are they decent enough though?

 Sorry for asking so many questions, but I just need to be sure about this car before I even think about purchasing it and there is no advice like that of current owners! I am hoping to get a test drive soon, which will also help my decisions. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

Hi all. I am a fresh new member and have just posted in the new member intro section. If you haven't seen that, I just have to explain that I currently drive an '05 VW Golf GTI that I have had from new. However I am getting a bit annoyed at having to keep fixing things on it, so I am looking to sell up and get a Skoda. I want something reliable that looks good and is cheaper to run and maintain. This has led me to the Skoda Fabia Black Edition. There seems to be some fairly cheap pre-registered new ones around at the moment and I am quite tempted! I just have some questions about it and the Mk2 Fabia altogether, if you would be so kind as to help.

Basically I would like some general Fabia advice. Are they usually reliable, are there any common faults I should be aware of and look out for especially while I'm under warranty. How are they for boot space, am I going to notice a huge difference in coming from a Golf? Any areas prone to rust that I could take extra care of to prevent it?

What is the overall consensus of the Fabia Black Edition, is it a good car? I am aware its basically a Monte Carlo with some extra standard kit. How does it drive for a 1.2 turbo, is it noisy at motorway speeds? I do long European trips sometimes and I need something that is quiet and comfortable for very long periods of motorway driving. My main problem is that it is missing cruise control and the climate control panel, which are two things that I really want. I assume these can be retro fitted but I would like confirmation of this. It could be a bargaining point when buying if I could get them to fit these things. I know I could probably get this done independently, but I guess that would invalidate the warranty.

One last thing is that I notice it has rear drum brakes. I didn't realize that any new cars still came with these! How are the brakes, are they decent enough though?

Sorry for asking so many questions, but I just need to be sure about this car before I even think about purchasing it and there is no advice like that of current owners! I am hoping to get a test drive soon, which will also help my decisions. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

Welcome, the Monte TSI 105 is a great little car, I find it comfortable and fairly quiet on the motorway and the disc front/drum rear brake set up is more than up to the task, just give the rear drums a coat of rust proof paint as soon as you can.

As for the cruise control, this can and has been done quite a few times on here but the climate panel can't be retrofitted so you'll have to make do with the dials, this doesn't bother me, it still heats and cools like it should.

The boot is a good size and I've had 4 adults plus luggage for a couple of weekends away with no problems, the only common fault is that some Monte's have been prone to pulling to the left, mine was one but Skoda fitted a full set of Pirellis under warranty instead of the Dunlops which has almost fully eliminated it.

It's been 100% reliable up to now in 20 mths of ownership, I get 40mpg around the doors and late 40s on motorways so it's quite cheap to run and the engine is a peach, it doesn't feel like a 1.2 but obviously not as fast as your GTI.

Get one, you shouldn't be disappointed.

Edited 7 February, 201511 yr by Gazbull17

Hi

I've got the 105ps variation Monte Carlo and I'm very impressed with it. The brakes are more than adequate but it surprises me that drums are fitted and not even painted properly. I second the comment above about giving them a coat of black rust proof paint ASAP. The engine is quite punchy for what it is and it's no slouch around town and comfortable on the motorway. Not a hot hatch by any stretch though, you are going to notice a big difference in power. Mine has been very reliable in its 20months and didn't suffer from the notorious pull to the left. Fuel consumption is pretty good, I get about 400miles from a full tank.

A big complaint especially on the monte and black editions are the head lights, they are like candles in the wind! A lot of owners change the bulbs to night breakers or like me fit a HID kit.

There are two variations of the 1.2tsi, an 86ps and a 105ps which are the same engine with a different setup on the ecu.

If you are doing a lot of motorway miles then an armrest is a must! The only choice, in my opinion, is the OEM part so use that a sweetner with any deal.

I also have a 1.0 eco boost fiesta 100hp and the Fabia out performs it, my wife prefers driving the Fabia but prefers the interior of the fiesta.

I choose to drive the Fabia every time!

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The Black Eds are great looking cars - I find my fabia comfortable on long journeys (although a central arm rest really helps imo).  My previous cars (05 Ka and 01 Astra) were back killers after a few hours.  No major problems on mine after 40k or so - although it's a diesel.

 

The only thing I would want if upgrading would be the DAB radio - I find the Swing is ok but really limited in terms of reception.

 

You'll probably get decent money for your golf too - Goaannnnn... join us...

Welcome, the Monte TSI 105 is a great little car, I find it comfortable and fairly quiet on the motorway and the disc front/drum rear brake set up is more than up to the task, just give the rear drums a coat of rust proof paint as soon as you can.

As for the cruise control, this can and has been done quite a few times on here but the climate panel can't be retrofitted so you'll have to make do with the dials, this doesn't bother me, it still heats and cools like it should.

The boot is a good size and I've had 4 adults plus luggage for a couple of weekends away with no problems, the only common fault is that some Monte's have been prone to pulling to the left, mine was one but Skoda fitted a full set of Pirellis under warranty instead of the Dunlops which has almost fully eliminated it.

It's been 100% reliable up to now in 20 mths of ownership, I get 40mpg around the doors and late 40s on motorways so it's quite cheap to run and the engine is a peach, it doesn't feel like a 1.2 but obviously not as fast as your GTI.

Get one, you shouldn't be disappointed.

Thanks for the info, sounds promising! Shame about the climate panel, not so much that I need climate control, I just think it just looks much nicer than the dials. Good to know its a nice engine. I know it will feel slow compared to my GTI, but as long as it has a bit of pull to it then that should do the job. My boy racer days are over now anyway! Did forget to ask about servicing costs though, what are they like? Is maintenance much the same as VWs schedule: yearly service, brake fluid and air-con every two years and cambelt at 4-5 years? 

Hi

I've got the 105ps variation Monte Carlo and I'm very impressed with it. The brakes are more than adequate but it surprises me that drums are fitted and not even painted properly. I second the comment above about giving them a coat of black rust proof paint ASAP. The engine is quite punchy for what it is and it's no slouch around town and comfortable on the motorway. Not a hot hatch by any stretch though, you are going to notice a big difference in power. Mine has been very reliable in its 20months and didn't suffer from the notorious pull to the left. Fuel consumption is pretty good, I get about 400miles from a full tank.

A big complaint especially on the monte and black editions are the head lights, they are like candles in the wind! A lot of owners change the bulbs to night breakers or like me fit a HID kit.

There are two variations of the 1.2tsi, an 86ps and a 105ps which are the same engine with a different setup on the ecu.

If you are doing a lot of motorway miles then an armrest is a must! The only choice, in my opinion, is the OEM part so use that a sweetner with any deal.

I also have a 1.0 eco boost fiesta 100hp and the Fabia out performs it, my wife prefers driving the Fabia but prefers the interior of the fiesta.

I choose to drive the Fabia every time!

Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

Thanks. Good to know about the headlights and armrest, will put it on the provisional to do list.

The Black Eds are great looking cars - I find my fabia comfortable on long journeys (although a central arm rest really helps imo).  My previous cars (05 Ka and 01 Astra) were back killers after a few hours.  No major problems on mine after 40k or so - although it's a diesel.

 

The only thing I would want if upgrading would be the DAB radio - I find the Swing is ok but really limited in terms of reception.

 

You'll probably get decent money for your golf too - Goaannnnn... join us...

Cheers for that. I'm pretty sure the Black Edition has DAB as standard, so thats a bonus!

Thanks for the info, sounds promising! Shame about the climate panel, not so much that I need climate control, I just think it just looks much nicer than the dials. Good to know its a nice engine. I know it will feel slow compared to my GTI, but as long as it has a bit of pull to it then that should do the job. My boy racer days are over now anyway! Did forget to ask about servicing costs though, what are they like? Is maintenance much the same as VWs schedule: yearly service, brake fluid and air-con every two years and cambelt at 4-5 years?

Mine came with 3 years free servicing so not sure of costs although you can have them set to variable servicing schedules or fixed yearly servicing. I would've thought servicing is the same as VW Maintainance but my local dealer is doing 3 years servicing for £99, not sure if this is a dealer specific offer or a national Skoda thing.

The Black Edition comes with DAB and heated front seats over and above the spec of my Monte Tech.

I don't know about the service schedule, I got 3 yrs free with mine. Make sure you check the DAB situation, the dealers don't seem to have a clue! I have the tech edition with the amunsden + and it doesn't have DAB even though the dealer said it did. He did correct himself before I signed though.

The engine pulls well during 3rd gear overtakes which is were I tend to do most of my overtaking.

Also, if you buy make sure you ask them to do any VCDS tweaks for you, like anti hijack locking and single click unlock

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The Black Edition comes with DAB and heated front seats over and above the spec of my Monte Tech.

I didn't know it had heated seats, the wife would love that! Me not so much a fan tbh. Would never spec it as an extra but in the Highlands it's a nice touch....

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Black editions don't have DAB they just have the normal Amundsen+ units, only extra over a monte tech is the heated seats as standard!

The one I was looking at last week, a white estate had DAB, it was one of only two left the dealer had in the showroom when I went to look at the Fabia III.

Just checked the Skoda website and the Black Edition does come with DAB.

http://www.skoda.co.uk/finance/finance-offers/black-edition/fabia-black-edition-offer/default

The one I was looking at last week, a white estate had DAB, it was one of only two left the dealer had in the showroom when I went to look at the Fabia III.

Just checked the Skoda website and the Black Edition does come with DAB.

http://www.skoda.co.uk/finance/finance-offers/black-edition/fabia-black-edition-offer/default

Yep, this is what I saw, Sat nav with DAB, blue tooth and heated seats as extra over the monte.

I was tempted to go for the Black Edition estate but the salesman confirmed what I thought anyway to wait until May/June time when there'll be more offers and I'll have more equity in mine to be able to get a Fabia III SE estate without putting a deposit down.

I love my Monte so you'll not be dissapointed, good engine, good standard kit and deals to be had as it's a runout model and the new one has now been launched.

They're either chatting **** or I've totally missed something as the one I looked over at Simpsons Skoda absolutely did not have DAB! Just a normal sat nav unit like what I have in my tech!

They're either chatting **** or I've totally missed something as the one I looked over at Simpsons Skoda absolutely did not have DAB! Just a normal sat nav unit like what I have in my tech!

Check the link in one of my previous posts, I was sitting in the Black Edition and it had the Amundsen+ like our Techs but it also had DAB built in as I was having a play with it to see what it was like.

The link takes you to the Skoda UK advert for the Black Edition and states what it comes with over and above a standard Monte.

Edited 8 February, 201511 yr by Gazbull17

I've looked at the link and see it states DAB but I'm still unconvinced lol

I've looked at the link and see it states DAB but I'm still unconvinced lol

I'm convinced, I've seen and heard it !!!

Thanks for the info, sounds promising! Shame about the climate panel, not so much that I need climate control, I just think it just looks much nicer than the dials. Good to know its a nice engine. I know it will feel slow compared to my GTI, but as long as it has a bit of pull to it then that should do the job. My boy racer days are over now anyway! Did forget to ask about servicing costs though, what are they like? Is maintenance much the same as VWs schedule: yearly service, brake fluid and air-con every two years and cambelt at 4-5 years?

Servicing will alternate between 'minor' and 'major' each year.

I've attached a link, but if you cut out all the waffle, the minor is basically an oil change.

The prices £140 for minor, and £260 for major is an agreed skoda pricing, but thats only from some participating dealers, so not all.

Finding a local independent is a better idea really, for a better job. We know what dealers are like dont we.., haha

http://www.skoda.co.uk/owners/service-and-maintenance/national-pricing/servicing

I'm convinced, I've seen and heard it !!!

Haha, well I've just have to check it out myself when I get to look at one. If it doesn't have it then I will certainly insist on it because if they are stating it on their website then they will have to honour it!

Servicing will alternate between 'minor' and 'major' each year.

I've attached a link, but if you cut out all the waffle, the minor is basically an oil change.

The prices £140 for minor, and £260 for major is an agreed skoda pricing, but thats only from some participating dealers, so not all.

Finding a local independent is a better idea really, for a better job. We know what dealers are like dont we.., haha

http://www.skoda.co.uk/owners/service-and-maintenance/national-pricing/servicing

Thanks. That's a surprisingly regular major service though! I do use a trusted independant VAG specialist at the moment that I might carry on using if I can be sure it wont invalidate my warranty. Thats unless I could get some kind of servicing deal from Skoda. Do you know if these cars need cambelt changes or are they chain driven?

Thanks. That's a surprisingly regular major service though! I do use a trusted independant VAG specialist at the moment that I might carry on using if I can be sure it wont invalidate my warranty. Thats unless I could get some kind of servicing deal from Skoda. Do you know if these cars need cambelt changes or are they chain driven?

Always good to get some servicing chucked in if you can isnt it (:

The 1.2tsi is chain driven mate

Always good to get some servicing chucked in if you can isnt it (:

The 1.2tsi is chain driven mate

Oh good, cheers. Thats a bonus if there's no belt changes!