Hi All,

 

I have a 04 Fabia VRS, that I have owned for 5 years in June.

 

I bought the car at 78k, (had a cambelt done at 75k), it has now done 130k.

 

In this time, I have replaced lots of bits, bushes, track rods ends, water pump, turbo, clutch etc... and it has been a very reliable car.

 

The heating doesnt really work and there are some squeaks etc.. so there are some annoying features, but I always had an imaginery time in my mind - namely when we will be trying for a child, that I will upgrade to a newer family car. That time is roughly 12-15 months away. However, it is due a service (I do every 10 - 11k miles) and needs a cambelt change, i.e. its just gone past the 4 years).

 

I am stuck in that space where I dont want to be spending loads on the car, i wont get the money back for nor spend a bomb if there are a number of potentially niggly bits that need doing due to the age of the car.

 

There is also a part of me that knows the car has never let me down  - and I should just get the service and cambelt done and get another 15 months out of it.

 

I guess im just after some thoughts really - as I am normally quite decisive, but I have been mulling this over for a while now and its annoying me so wanted to guage the thoughts of people who drive the same car.

 

 

 

 

Also.. is there a service guide available on here? I am feeling brave and want to do the oil and filter change myself if there is a guide available.

You know the car well, its not let you down so might as well spend the money to keep it going. Buying a newer car is still an unknown if its second hand and you will most likely have a bill which is much greater when something goes wrong, depending on what you choose. 

 

Oil and filter change is very easy, good thing to learn and will save you money. Just a case of jacking car up slightly (unless your very good at squeezing underneath), removing under tray and undoing sump plug. Oil filter requires a 32 or 36mm socket, they are about £8 to buy. Sump plug is probably a 15-17mm size.

Make sure you replace the sump plug with a new one which are cheap enough, and don't over-tighten it as the threads strip easy.

Use 505.01 grade oil minimum. Viscosity doesn't matter as long as it meets that spec.

 

have a look through this:

 

Edited 23 January, 20188 yr by JWvrs25