Hi all

I am looking at buying my 4th mk1 vRS in the next 4-5 months as I simply cannot find another car I like as much. However, they are pretty basic in terms of spec unless you manage to find one with all the options ticked from new

I'm just wondering what changes people have made and how they've modernised their cars

It will definitely be treated to a leather retrim like my old one was, and obvious things like an arm rest in the front but what else is worth doing and economically viable?

TBH the value of these now has dropped so low your leather re trim is no way economically viable imo!

If you modify one now do it for your own pleasure,don't expect it to get you a greater resale value or add much value to the car

Oh no sorry I wasn't clear. I don't expect to add any value, I just mean I wouldn't spend a grand to add maxidot for instance

I'm just talking about how practically and cost effectively the car can be modernised

The leather trim is purely for looks and comfort, did 9 hours driving in a day in my old one and felt fresh as a daisy when I got home

You can get the gearlever/handbrake lever and steering wheel recovered which make a very nice improvement.

I really can't see the point in trying to modernise it though,if you want a modern car look into buying a modern car from the off!!

The leather trim is purely for looks and comfort, did 9 hours driving in a day in my old one and felt fresh as a daisy when I got home

The cloth trim is more comfortable than leather!

Just a shame it's such a rank/unuseable colour!!!

I never found my old cars as comfortable but yes you're right the colour is totally impractical, especially with two kids

I like the car, I think it's good value for money, just wanted to make some small improvements where possible

The cloth trim is also incredibly durable as well as comfortable, it's a shame it seems to get so dirty so quickly and so easily.

Hi all

I am looking at buying my 4th mk1 vRS in the next 4-5 months as I simply cannot find another car I like as much. However, they are pretty basic in terms of spec unless you manage to find one with all the options ticked from new

I'm just wondering what changes people have made and how they've modernised their cars

It will definitely be treated to a leather retrim like my old one was, and obvious things like an arm rest in the front but what else is worth doing and economically viable?

 

Cruise control is easy and nice to have:

 

http://www.skodaparts.com/product/fabia-cruise-control-kit-20835

Couple of things I have done which I really like:

 

1. Front and rear foot-well lights, only costs a couple of ££ for some strip LED's from Hong Kong or ebay, coming back to the car at night it looks very posh with front and rear foot-wells lit up and makes it easier for passengers, especially in the back as there's not much room back there getting in and out.

 

2. Modern DAB headunit with bluetooth connection to mobile phone and USB connection for MP3 collection.

 

3. Auto dimming mirror, would not be without it now, such a simple thing but so handy at night to stop all of the dazzle from HID equipped cars and out of align headlights.

 

4. Exterior glass coating to repel water and silicon wiper blades to stop smearing, makes driving in the rain especially at night much more enjoyable.

Get an elegance and start with that.

The cloth trim is more comfortable than leather!

Just a shame it's such a rank/unuseable colour!!!

+1 and i found the seat bolters held you much more too on the cloth trimmed vrs seats.

Edited 2 January, 201610 yr by stevobeavo

The only problem with an elegance is then all the vRS parts are modifications for insurance purposes. What does the elegance have over the vRS in terms of spec?

Heated seats and cruise control are standard.

Early cars have electric rear windows.

Heated seats and cruise control are standard.

Early cars have electric rear windows.

 

My 2003 Elegance doesn't have cruise or electric rear windows, has RCL and heated seats though which are difficult to retrofit.

Electric rear windows were only up to 2002 models I think though you have to look carefully for them as I've seen that are without on 2001 plates.

 

Cruise is nice as is a auto dim rear mirror, had that on my Ibiza and that was awesome at night. (Far to many muppets with out of alignement headlights)

So I need electric rear windows from an early elegance, the heated seats may be more difficult but could I retrofit some heated electric seats from another car?

Cruise control is a must as well

I wouldn't bother with the rear windows. Far more hassle than it's worth.

Cruise control is easily done though.

4. Exterior glass coating to repel water and silicon wiper blades to stop smearing, makes driving in the rain especially at night much more enjoyable.

Like Rain X ? Or is there a better option?

Where do you go for silicone wiper blades and how much are they a pair?

JRJG

Like Rain X ? Or is there a better option?

Where do you go for silicone wiper blades and how much are they a pair?

JRJG

Apparently Aquapel Rain Repellent is better, not used it myself... but that what ive read ....so it must be true!!

So I need electric rear windows from an early elegance, the heated seats may be more difficult but could I retrofit some heated electric seats from another car?

Cruise control is a must as well

I got heated front elegance seats and brandnew loom to convert in the forsale section

In my opinion RainX is not very good as it only lasts a few days (a week if your lucky), the stuff I use actually does what it says on the tin i.e. it lasts at least 12 months, if I drive a car that does not have it I sure notice the difference:

 

http://www.gtechniq.com/products/auto/perfect/exterior/paint/g1-clearvision-smart-glass

 

The silicon wipers I have are XOPC but they don't come cheap, had them on for 2 years now and still clear the screen great, normal rubber ones would never last this long:

 

http://www.xopc.co.uk/

I've got a bottle of Rain X in the cupboard,I'd  only spray on the screen of some I didn't like. .Car came with Rain X on screen, and I got rid as soon as possible, as it's a disaster. For me, after almost 50 years on tarmac, I use any windscreen wash ,with a dollop of cheap non foaming dishwasher to counter the muck left by buses. Wipers, I head to Asda yearly and get a one of cheapos. Many a time , I find windscreen wiper problems are down to muck on screen.

For spec...

- sunset glass / light window tint: Nice easy one to tixk off the list.

- satnav / MFD1: I've just fitted mine recently, nice little extra.

- xenon / projector headlights: another popular one easy to fit

- headlight washers

- heated seats: as above you can buy everything to fit them so they are OEM.

- cruise control: easy and cheap to fit.

In my opinion RainX is not very good as it only lasts a few days (a week if your lucky), the stuff I use actually does what it says on the tin i.e. it lasts at least 12 months, if I drive a car that does not have it I sure notice the difference:

 

http://www.gtechniq.com/products/auto/perfect/exterior/paint/g1-clearvision-smart-glass

 

The silicon wipers I have are XOPC but they don't come cheap, had them on for 2 years now and still clear the screen great, normal rubber ones would never last this long:

 

http://www.xopc.co.uk/

 

wow man, £40 for wipers and £40 for G1 ...