I'm pretty new to cars, only been driving for about a year and I'm at the point where I want to learn more about cars/how to fix things and potentially upgrade a few things to make it look and drive better. I was wondering if anyone could give me some ideas on things I could upgrade. It's a standard Fabia MK2 1.4 TDI (70HP version) and I want to consider it my first little project.

 

Some things I'd like to upgrade/fit

- Audio quality including fitting some rear speakers as it doesn't come with any  (I've had a look under the door cards and can't seem to find any wiring into the rear doors for speakers) also I have already fitted a new head unit I found really cheap on eBay (Sony XAV-AX1000)

- I would like to fit some front fog lights if at all possible

- Upgrade wheels (for looks and handling)

- Reduce body roll

- I would also like DRL's or auto lights ?(not sure if they're the same thing)

 

I would really appreciate any help and suggestions from you guys 

You could maybe find a bumper from a model that has the fog lamps in and wire them up with the rear fog lamp. As for the wheels, fitting larger wheels with smaller profile tyres will reduce body roll. If you want to reduce it further you can fit coil over kit or lowered springs, these can ruin the ride though so take that into account. As for the auto/drl lights sometimes you can buy the bumper grille with both fog lamp and drl built in.

As a new driver, some of what you are considering could bump up your insurance. As you are probably paying an arm, a leg and a kidney at the moment, you don't want to get too ambitious. Wheels can make a difference to your insurance (if you tell them - if you don't they could refuse a claim). I'd stick with your lights and sound system until you have a bit more NCB.

4 hours ago, em1L said:

I was wondering if anyone could give me some ideas on things I could upgrade.

Improve the "Loose nut behind the steering wheel". That might even save on the insurance, but will certainly make the car drive better and transfer to future vehicles.

18 hours ago, Paws4Thot said:

Improve the "Loose nut behind the steering wheel". That might even save on the insurance, but will certainly make the car drive better and transfer to future vehicles.

Could you explain what you mean by this?

19 hours ago, Jocko said:

As a new driver, some of what you are considering could bump up your insurance. As you are probably paying an arm, a leg and a kidney at the moment, you don't want to get too ambitious. Wheels can make a difference to your insurance (if you tell them - if you don't they could refuse a claim). I'd stick with your lights and sound system until you have a bit more NCB.

Didn't even know you have to declare audio upgrades to your insurance lol

18 hours ago, Paws4Thot said:

Improve the "Loose nut behind the steering wheel". That might even save on the insurance, but will certainly make the car drive better and transfer to future vehicles.

What do you mean by the loose nut behind the steering wheel?

22 hours ago, Blue8793841 said:

You could maybe find a bumper from a model that has the fog lamps in and wire them up with the rear fog lamp. As for the wheels, fitting larger wheels with smaller profile tyres will reduce body roll. If you want to reduce it further you can fit coil over kit or lowered springs, these can ruin the ride though so take that into account. As for the auto/drl lights sometimes you can buy the bumper grille with both fog lamp and drl built in.

What size wheels and tyres would you recommend? I have tried 17" wheels but they didn't look right. 

1 hour ago, em1L said:

Didn't even know you have to declare audio upgrades to your insurance lol

What do you mean by the loose nut behind the steering wheel?

The "Nut" behind the steering wheel is the driver! You don't have to notify your insurance of audio upgrades but you do for changing wheels, modifying suspension etc. Some companies are okay with some mods. My daughter had a SEAT and her husband (a mechanic) asked their insurance permission to lower the suspension. They said fine. They then asked about fitting a sports spoiler from the Cupra. They increased the premium by a few pounds. However, when they asked to fit Cupra wheels they said they would rescind their insurance.

They ended up buying this instead.

39 minutes ago, Jocko said:

The "Nut" behind the steering wheel is the driver! You don't have to notify your insurance of audio upgrades but you do for changing wheels, modifying suspension etc. Some companies are okay with some mods. My daughter had a SEAT and her husband (a mechanic) asked their insurance permission to lower the suspension. They said fine. They then asked about fitting a sports spoiler from the Cupra. They increased the premium by a few pounds. However, when they asked to fit Cupra wheels they said they would rescind their insurance.

They ended up buying this instead.

Ah alright, never heard of that saying lol, and okay well in terms of audio, do you have any recommendations on what I could do?

Hi.

If you have any issues with insurance at all for any modifications then please feel free to drop me a line.

Regards,

Dan.

2 hours ago, em1L said:

do you have any recommendations on what I could do?

Do your audio then spend time tarting up the inside to make it a more pleasant space.  Do your light mods. Maybe get the existing wheels to a restorer and get them colour-coordinated with your body colour. I got my Volvo wheels restored, mainly to stop the tyres from losing pressure, and it picked the car up no end.