Hi, new here figured I'd make an account since it seems like a useful place. 

 

Looking to buy a Mk1 Fabia VRS, Standard or LE. Looking for something with relatively low miles, ie 80-110k with low owners and full service history, I was going to buy a E46 330cd but with being a young driver insurance was a scam so looking to the good old VRS for now. 

 

I'm basically looking for advice regarding what to look for, what breaks on them etc. Just a list of known issues/common faults really, every car has them. I was also wondering if the 2007 models have a DPF or did they just miss the euro regulations before production? 

 

Any and all advice is appreciated, my plans are to daily the car but modify it too, I work in motorsport and consider myself fair competent with all mechanical work so probably looking at a 2.25-2.5 inch straight pipe exhaust system, remove the CAT, blank the EGR and have it mapped but not an aggressive one. After that I'll probably be looking at a LSD, Hybrid turbo and FMIC along with a clutch/dmf. I have a fair bit left over now I realised I cant get a mint 330d haha. 

 

Thanks! 

A low mileage VRS is a pipe dream, they stopped making them 12 years ago.

 

You can forget all that petrol tuning nonsense as well, the VRS is good to 220 BHP on the standard exhaust system, all you need is a hybrid, FMIC, clutch and remap, the rest is unnecessary.

 

No DPF to worry about.

Just this week I bought a completely Std VRS for my Son - 1 owner for 12 years 6 months, second for 10 months. It's immaculate and has concrete service history at a main dealer - It has covered only 60k miles. They do exist so keep looking. Always buy a Std one and modify it yourself (if you must). The standard car (esp BLT engine version) is a lot of fun so don't rush to change it before you use it!

 

(My own car is also the BLT engine and 87k miles, two owners before me - FSH, great nick. Bought it two months ago) 

 

 

 

Cheers.

 

Edited 29 May, 20197 yr by Grafix

Thanks for the advice guys, yes I will admit I do love a diesel straight pipe so that’s why I will be doing it haha. 

 

When you say BLT engine, were they produced a specific year? Do the LE and STD models have different engines? 

 

Thanks 

BLTs were fitted to all VRSs manufactured after some point in early-ish 2005. VW never changed the quoted output as it was an emissions change (..!) but std BLT engines invariably put out 140-150 bhp. If you remap them they won't put out any more than a remapped ASZ engine though - they both remap to the same limits. It's just that as std they are that bit more powerful.

 

2 hours ago, Grafix said:

BLTs were fitted to all VRSs manufactured after some point in early-ish 2005. VW never changed the quoted output as it was an emissions change (..!) but std BLT engines invariably put out 140-150 bhp. If you remap them they won't put out any more than a remapped ASZ engine though - they both remap to the same limits. It's just that as std they are that bit more powerful.

 

 

Ah ok, thanks a lot. I am leaning towards the SE solely due to the interior, it is quite nice. 

 

Do you know the max capacity of the stock cluth in ft/lb torque? No worries if not, just dont want to push it once mapped since it’s a fair bit for a sachs performance one. 

 

Also are their any things i should check when going to view one? Common issue type stuff. 

 

Thanks for the help its much appreciated. 

3 hours ago, Grafix said:

BLTs were fitted to all VRSs manufactured after some point in early-ish 2005. VW never changed the quoted output as it was an emissions change (..!) but std BLT engines invariably put out 140-150 bhp. If you remap them they won't put out any more than a remapped ASZ engine though - they both remap to the same limits. It's just that as std they are that bit more powerful.

 

 

I bought a New MK I Vrs in 2004 with the ASZ engine. I then acquired an 06 plate with the BLT engine  ( both standard ) and it was considerably faster than the 04 plate. Bullit proof engine and a hoot to drive. Excellent MPG.  The car was a bit of a sleeper for its size. One of the best VRs's ever made.

1 hour ago, CraddleToTheGrave said:

 

Ah ok, thanks a lot. I am leaning towards the SE solely due to the interior, it is quite nice. 

 

Do you know the max capacity of the stock cluth in ft/lb torque? No worries if not, just dont want to push it once mapped since it’s a fair bit for a sachs performance one. 

 

Also are their any things i should check when going to view one? Common issue type stuff. 

 

Thanks for the help its much appreciated. 

 

Unless you have a receipt with the car showing the clutch has been replaced you should assume that it will need doing, the same goes for the turbo.

Stock clutch in good condition will just about handle 300 ftlb.

1 hour ago, sepulchrave said:

 

Unless you have a receipt with the car showing the clutch has been replaced you should assume that it will need doing, the same goes for the turbo.

Stock clutch in good condition will just about handle 300 ftlb.

 

Yeah this is one main thing il be checking with the history of whatever i look at, whatever i go to view il be assuming it needs water pump, timing, turbo and clutch/dmf unless done within the last 30k with proof. 

 

Thanks a lot for the advice from this forum, great depth of knowledge. 

 

So I will be looking for a model with the BLT engine, if i view a car can this be confirmed either by a VIN or engine number? 

In the boot under the lift up floor carpet should be a sticker which will have the engine code (amongst other things) on it. Or check the ECU under the bonnet - LHS of the plenum. If the part number ends NJ its a BLT unit. Or an HPI check will show it. Probably several other ways too! 

 

Happy hunting - cracking little machine if you find a good one.

If there's still an engine number sticker on the upper cambelt cover, it will start with ASZ or BLT according to which it is. Here's one with BLT just about visible (sorry image stolen from ebay listing and not the best).

 

Where can I get a hold of the diagnostic software for one? Assuming it is free lurking somewhere on this forum, I do have an OBD to USB port from a previous car which I assume would work but if not I’ll buy a Skoda one. 

 

 

Where can I get a hold of the diagnostic software for one? Assuming it is free lurking somewhere on this forum, I do have an OBD to USB port from a previous car which I assume would work but if not I’ll buy a Skoda one. 

 

 

http://www.ross-tech.com/vcds-lite/download/index.php

8 minutes ago, Wino said:

http://www.ross-tech.com/vcds-lite/download/index.php

 

Thank you so much! Perfect, data logging and everything, just hope whoever is selling the car doesnt mind me connecting my laptop and checking it haha! 

 

I might find some demons even they didnt know about. 

The first three letters of the engine serial number on the V5 logbook is the engine code

I am familiar with car diag software, what should I be looking for once I test a VRS, ie what figured in regards to the Turbo Pressure/Boost against RPM value and MAF values aswell as any other areas that should be paid attention?