I had thought about washing my car this weekend but to be honest, it can wait another week or two. What cannot wait too long is the need to install a mobile phone holder - a universal one at that. I do not use my phone that much when driving but I do need to be able to see the screen and press a few buttons for use of Tom Tom Mobile and connection with my Bluetooth headset.

The problem is that I'm not sure where and how best to secure the backing plate/fixture that the holder fits on. I opted for the Nokia CR-39 universal mobile phone holder because I regularly change (and try out) different phones and it gives me access to the power and data sockets at the bottom. Another bonus is that the colour (black and silver) matches that of the dashboard.

The unit (like many others) comes with a rotating fixture that is secured with screws that must presumably be screwed into the dashboard, causing permanent 'damage'. Some of the other holders also include an air-vent plate that allows the holder to be secured there. This often ruins or blocks the air flow so I'm looking for another solution. The layout of the dashboard would favour positioning just above the CD player and below the air vents, although that is only a thin strip. My other option is to use Pritt-Pad style sticky pads to hold the fitting in place but I wonder how secure this will be over time, even if it does cause the least superficial damage. Will the glue have any detrimental affect on the dashboard?

I'm sure many of you have had mobile phone car kits and holders installed in your Octavia's so which methods did you use and have they left permanent changes or modifications to the car's dashboard?

I use this. Find it very effective and unobtrusive

http://l8shop.net/products/Magnetic-Vehicle-Holder-3063.asp

You want a Brodit Pro-Clip, I have one on mine it clips between the bottom of the centre air vents and top of Header Unit and just gives a flat plate angelled towards the driver then you can screw what you like to it.

Brodit pro clip:

http://www.handnav.co.uk/proclip_select2.php?id=70

Dashmount

http://www.dashmount.co.uk/sept04/71085.htm

I personally prefer dashmount brackets but both are good.