I'm switching from my Diesel Scout to a nearly brand spanking new petrol Fabia Black estate.

 

It's got lots of stuff that I want, but no arm rest - the Skoda armrest in the car going in for exchange is brilliant, but is a little hard and has worn quite alot in the 2 years I've had the car.

 

I'm likely going to buy the skoda rest and fit myself, as a look on previous posts suggests that most others are a bit pants for various reasons - not fitting well and being bouncey etc.

 

I'm just wondering if anyone has a non Skoda armrest on their Mk 2 Fabia that they're happy with?

I'm happy with mine but to be honest I'm easily pleased! It is bouncy and feels a little flimsy but I can live with it. When I say bouncy I mean that it drops a little when I rest on it. It looks fine. If you have previously had OEM then my advice would be not to stray. Maybe get the dealer to waive the fitting as part of the deal, costs them nothing and makes a customer happy.

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Which non oem one is it youve got Jonro?

I've got the oem one and quite like it. There isnt a journey that it isnt used. I wouldnt use anything else, unless something of decent quality came along. I havent seen any tbf.

I don't know which one it is, it was an eBay thing and I can't see it on my history. I use it all the time like you. Couldn't be without one.

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Go for the genuine Skoda armrest.  They aren't cheap but you'll always regret not getting the genuine thing.  They are easy to fit yourself.  Remove the fitting at the back end of the centre console where the armrest sits and you will see 4 screw holes for it.  Just screw it in but be careful fitting the side pieces as the clips are prone to break.

If I remember correctly from previous discussions, someone here had this:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SKODA-FABIA-II-5J-ROOMSTER-MIDDLE-ARMREST-BLACK-TEXTILE-LEATHER-OPTIONAL-/201283306056?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2edd6b8248

 

It will delete your rear cup holder, but does look somewhat solid.

If I remember correctly from previous discussions, someone here had this:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SKODA-FABIA-II-5J-ROOMSTER-MIDDLE-ARMREST-BLACK-TEXTILE-LEATHER-OPTIONAL-/201283306056?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2edd6b8248

 

It will delete your rear cup holder, but does look somewhat solid.

 

I've been looking at that one - it's about a third of the price and does look to be a bit more comfortable than the original Skoda part.  Am waiting to hear back from the dealer to see what price they can do one for (I'm guessing £150).

That is the one I have, I went on the full eBay site and found it in my purchase history. Bought it in 2013 and it still looks brand new.

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I've been looking at that one - it's about a third of the price and does look to be a bit more comfortable than the original Skoda part.  Am waiting to hear back from the dealer to see what price they can do one for (I'm guessing £150).

Best price I have been quoted from any dealer is £170

This is what I was going on:

 

http://www.theskodashop.co.uk/product/Centre_Arm_Rest_%28Fabia_08%3E14%29_DAO700001

(apologies Admin if I shouldn't post this link).

 

If it's £170 I'll def go with the ebay one I think, as it's worth the risk...

I like the look of that ebay one listed above, might give it a go.

Mine is a wee bit squarer than that one in your link jme. I could maybe get some photos later if that helps?

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That's the OEM part Jonro.

That's the OEM part Jonro.

Yeah, my eBay one is more square.

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Its easy to fit yourself, if you're at all good with your hands

Absolute doddle to fit. I did it from behind (giggle) and slid the seats forward for easy access!

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Gotta say its so much easier and more successful from behind with the OEM one too.

Thanks all for the responses - I've got some money in my Paypal account at the moment, so I'll give the £50 one a shot and see how it compares to the OEM.  If it's not so good then I'll chuck it back on ebay and get the OEM.

Post up some feedback when you have it installed. I might give it a go as well.

This is what I was going on:

 

http://www.theskodashop.co.uk/product/Centre_Arm_Rest_%28Fabia_08%3E14%29_DAO700001

(apologies Admin if I shouldn't post this link).

 

If it's £170 I'll def go with the ebay one I think, as it's worth the risk...

 

 

Already linked what i was going to post!

 

If you're worried about fitting it yourself it was a piece of cake, basically you undid a screw in the rear cup holder, removed the tray behind the handbrake and the thing goes under the plastic center console 4 screws into the floor then the rest is attached to that part, took me about 20 mins saving me fitting charge, was funny reading the instructions on how it states its a dealer fit option and not to sell seperately lol

 

If your buying a car from them they should be able to do a deal on one, i got mine for 100 quid just because they had one in the back for a while.

 

Edited 5 May, 201511 yr by raymundo

Thanks chaps - will update when installed (might be a few weeks though).  Not worried about putting it in, I like a tinker... Thanks for the pic though, should make it easier to get inserts out etc.

 

Oh - the dealer quoted £130 (normally £140) to supply just in case anyone was thinking of getting one!  I've already paid deposit and done the deal as it were so not worried - actually interested to see the cheapo one now to compare quality.

Edited 6 May, 201511 yr by jme808

So, just to update for any future searchers...

 

It's in, all good.  Is quite wobbly compared to the Genuine part, this seems to be because it only attaches to the plastic of the console between the front seats, not to the chassis like the genuine part.

 

It also appears shorter, so great because you can use the handbrake easier, but if you're a shorter person and have the seat forward you may be perching on the edge a lot more... or may not make use of it at all if you've got the seat all the way forward.

 

It's bigger on the inside too.  Than the genuine part that is, not like a TARDIS or anything...

 

Anyhow, thanks for the tips.  I'd be happy spending a few quid more for attachments that fixed this to the chassis, but am happy with it for the price, and is as comfortable as the genuine for me.

 

Also - if you fit one of these, I suggest you drill some pilot holes for the screws.  Makes life much easier!

Edited 16 May, 201511 yr by jme808

Does this mean that if you remove it, you'd have visible screw holes?

In the middle cubby hole yes, there is a rubber cover for the cup holder so they could be easily hidden - or would not be visible at all if you went for the genuine part instead.

 

I'm sure you could get / cut some dimply rubber to cover them though.  Or just stuff it full of sweet wrappers...

It looks very decent. If it's a bit wobbly, I'm not too concerned and I have the seat nearly all the way back so, I'm going to try it out as well.