The Fabia is one year old last week. It has run up 44,700 miles in that 12 months and has been reliable (in that it has not let me down), comfortable, entertaining and cheap to run. The learners generally love it and find it easy to drive. The car has been used predominantly for driving instruction, although it has also seen a few long runs to all corners of the country and has proven itself remarkably adept at covering ground quickly and fuss free on every sort of road.

A few things have gone wrong, but not critically so:

The handbrake cover came loose.

The driver door switch cover on the armrest does not quite fit flush.

The demist switch sticks in the dash when the facia is cold.

The fan resistor block went leaving the fan on full or nothing.

The CD multichanger has gone wrong (the dealer has been waiting a long time for the replacement, why the delay I wonder?)

The seat base has started to creak with shorter drivers.

The clutch pedal has started to creak (or is it the pedal box?)

There has been a slight "moaning" sound sometimes when turning at low speed.

Before the Fabia I has 57,000 miles with a Corsa 1.7di and 47000 with a Fiesta 1.4tdci (both turbo diesels). On these cars I had no warranty work or failures at all. I conclude therefore that the reliability of the VAG brand is not as good as the PR machine makes out.

Service has been excellent. I purchased the car form Hayes Garages at Little Clacton. The deal and delivery service were good. Having been quoted an obscene sum for first service by Hayes, I decided to go local for the servicing at Preston Garages Writtle near Chelmsford. Service here is excellent, polite, timely and efficient. Unfortuantely, they are waiting for a CD changer from Skoda UK and have been for some time now, but that is not the dealers fault. Additionally, at the 40,000 mile service they were unable to provide a fuel filter as these are on back order with Skoda UK.

Consumables and running costs have been good. One set of Conti Sport Contacts have been and gone, replaced by a set of Kumho KU31 which suit the car much better, giving better (less bouncy and more positive) ride and more grip. Brakes are still the original pads and discs (learners dont use them too harshly, so this is reasonable) and has averaged 44.7mpg over the 12 months (The Fiesta managed 47.8, the Corsa 49.1).

So I am generally happy with the car, but am getting irritated by the delay in supply of the replacement CD changer and fuel filter from Skoda UK. It has not been as trouble free as either the Corsa or Fiesta, but it drives so much better, is much quieter and the seats are just so much more comfortable that it is worth putting up with the minor irritations.

Chris

Very nice review, Although being a standard looking vRS, When your car is clean it looks fantastic. How does your clutch fair out, with learners?

Well, I too HAD the creaking of the Clutch. But, When you look under your dash on the drivers side, to see the pedals, To the very far left, there are two screws. I losened them, and the creaking stopped. Or otherwise, have a quick look at this thread http://www.briskoda.net/forums/fabia/creaky-clutch/63647/ That method maybe able to help you out.

I too get the moaning at low speeds, I've still not figured out what it could be and it doesn't bother me enough to find out. (yet)

That's a lot of miles in a year, glad you find the seats comfy

glad you are happy with it Chris, as I remember giving you positive advice to buy one to teach in!

Mine is now up to 57,000 miles, with the only replacement a gearbox (but skoda earned their customer service reputation when they paid me loss of earnings comp for not having the car for a week) so I'm happy. mine is 19 months old now, and I'll be keeping it until next April when I will buy another (with ESP and leather this time)

snoopie: my clutch still feels like new (and it wasn't replaced with the gearbox, so really has done all those learner miles without breaking!) so I doubt it will fail....

Very nice review, Although being a standard looking vRS, When your car is clean it looks fantastic. How does your clutch fair out, with learners?

Car is standard apart from the dual controls (fitted by the dealer) and it is possibly this that is creaking. I have to get under the dash and do the 12 month lubrication and adjustment service on the duals tomorrow, so will check out the screws you mention while under there, otherwise the dealer can have a look in 5 - 7 weeks at next service. The pedal creaks with the slightest touch, so I dont think it is the pedal box moving. More likely a binding spring somewhere from the sound. The clutch should do OK as I dont let the learners abuse it.

Well, I too HAD the creaking of the Clutch. But, When you look under your dash on the drivers side, to see the pedals, To the very far left, there are two screws. I losened them, and the creaking stopped. Or otherwise, have a quick look at this thread http://www.briskoda.net/forums/fabia/creaky-clutch/63647/ That method maybe able to help you out.

I too get the moaning at low speeds, I've still not figured out what it could be and it doesn't bother me enough to find out. (yet)

The moaning has not got any worse from new, so not worried about it. Generally, the oily bits seem to be very well screwed together and smooth running. Something that I have noticed over the last few weeks is that I can now hear the aircon pump when it is running, which I could not do when the car was new. Is this normal I wonder?

Chris

glad you are happy with it Chris, as I remember giving you positive advice to buy one to teach in!

Sound advice indeed. Really is a very good instruction car. I honestly cannot think of a better car for the job if I need to driv it as well. Quite a few instructors round here have tried it out and like it a lot, but most of them are none too keen on spending that much. Aygos seem popular. Trade seems quiet here at the moment, test wait times being a good indicator, 16 weeks year before last, 12 weeks last year, 5 weeks this year. Less people taking lessons and more instructors in the area (loads on PDI).

...mine is 19 months old now, and I'll be keeping it until next April when I will buy another (with ESP and leather this time)

Leather I can see the point of, but ESP? In reality it wont save you if you have exceeded the law of physics but may recover up to 5% additional cornering force in an emergency (depending on driver). I suppose it has its value, but is it a fully switchable system?

Chris

Funnily enough, i can now hear my aircon pump. But didn't think i could from new!

The clutch creaking at the slightest of touches definately sounds like those two screws could be loosened. What your describing, is exactly what i had!

I suppose it has its value, but is it a fully switchable system?

I don't have it, but yes it is. It's like the ASR switch.

What will you be buying next time?

What will you be buying next time?

Hi Phil

The car has to last me approx 3 years (32 months for "break even" against leasing a school car but these figures based on depreciating the Fabia to zero). When it wears out, if Skoda are still producing them or the replacement as a good performance diesel, I will have another. There really is nothing out there comparable for economy and performance that is suitable to teach in.

My worry is that by 2008 the Fabia vRS will be long gone and Skoda will have its replacement out. If it is another performance diesel and if it goes and drives well, is similarly comfortable and sensibly priced, it will be on my shortlist. However, I have a sneaking suspicion that the new vRS will feature the 1.4 superchaged and turbochaged VW petrol unit.

If the Fabia replacement is not up to scratch, other things to consider would be Honda Civic 2.2 diesel, BMW 1 series diesel (althought the one I rode in a coule of weeks ago was much noisier than the Fabia which surprised me. Maybe they will do a 130d by the time I am in the market) the new Corsa with the 1.7 cdti engine (they may even bung the 1.9 in later), whatever Fiesta diesels are about (I get good discount from Ford 25% on Fiestas). May look at Toyota (excellent dealer service so far). Will worry about it when the current car is getting long in the tooth.

Chris

In reality it wont save you if you have exceeded the law of physics but may recover up to 5% additional cornering force in an emergency (depending on driver). I suppose it has its value, but is it a fully switchable system?

I'd argue that on a learner car you'd want as few driver aids as possible, especially considering most people once they pass their test will be driving an old banger without any of them! I think it's a shame now that ABS isn't easily switchable on learner cars too......

Chris

I'd argue that on a learner car you'd want as few driver aids as possible, especially considering most people once they pass their test will be driving an old banger without any of them! I think it's a shame now that ABS isn't easily switchable on learner cars too......

Chris

Amen to That Statement - Prob the best bit of advise anyone has ever mentioned...

I would say the same - drivers should be made to learn how to drive a "real" car - not learn to drive a car that "assists" them in every walk of life as it like half learning how to actually handle a car with bare basics - getting to know why brakes lock and why steering is heavy etc...

Makes sense in my books at least...!

Chris: check out the way the duals are fitted..... my clutch creaks, but then again it doesn't as under investigation, it turns out to be a spring that attatches the duals accross, check it out, its positioned above the drivers clutch pedal.....

as for the comments on the driver aids.... I agree with the reasons behind the comments, but it is still my car to drive for myself, and I want all the saftey aids I can get. put simply, insurance companies quote some rediculous figure of about 30% of fatal accidents wouldn't have happened if ESP was fitted... granted, you would have to be an idiot to end up in those circumstanses, but anything that saves lives is worth it in my view...

a switchable ABS would be a useful tool for letting learners try to brake with skill in an emergancy, (edit: we do of course teach them cadence braking (pumping the brakes for non-ABS cars) in theory) but the technology is taking over... my g/f daughter is 11 years old, when she buys her first car, I doubt she'll be getting one without ABS... doubt there will be that many left anymore.. remember the law changed recently , and all new cars have to have ASB (have done for a while) .. it's possible in six years time she may find one without ABS, but I doubt it. we have to move with the technology....... times change....

Sharky notes: I've signed up for the skidpan day, another useful thing could be to make all new "passed" learners do such a course

it's possible in six years time she may find one without ABS, but I doubt it. we have to move with the technology....... times change....

Very true - dumbing down is the order of the day

Chris

Very true - dumbing down is the order of the day

Chris

there will always be something you can buy... aren't TVR still avoiding all electronics? and exhaust sound regs ect? something to do with single vehical approval as they don't make enough of them to have to bend to european rules? (the question marks are because I'm not sure! lol..)

Hmmm

The problem with driver aids is that for the general public, getting into trouble in the car through driver error and having the electronics sort it out, is that people will adapt their driving style to incorporate the "safety buffer" that the ESP gives them. Same with ABS, human nature is that WE set the level of risk, so making the car safer generally makes the driving riskier. You only need to look at how Volvo drivers behaved when they where marketed on safety (as many motorcylclists here will confirm I am sure). So the safer you make the car, the higher the risk level the driver imposes on him / her self.

The other problem is that for the experienced driver who wants to have some fun in the car, the electronics gathering up errors and trimming the car dilutes the purity of just mastering those four little contact patches behaviour by balance of the car and use of the controls. Result, if not fully switchable, the car will be dull when you want to play. Currently enjoying the MR2. No traction control and an LSD mean that this evenings drive round sodden lanes was demanding and entertaining in equal measure. ESP would mean I may have gone a fraction faster, but I would not have enjoyed it as much.

Chris

PS ABS is not a legal requirement. It was a voulantary agreement by the SMMT. For what it is worth, I reckon it does not ruin the fun of driving because on a wel set up system, it does not intervene on the road. Brake assist on the other hand is the work of Satan and has no place on a sporting car like the Fabia vRS.

Chris: check out the way the duals are fitted..... my clutch creaks, but then again it doesn't as under investigation, it turns out to be a spring that attatches the duals accross, check it out, its positioned above the drivers clutch pedal.....

That is the area I suspect is responsible for the noise. I had no chance to look today, but may get it done tomorrow.

Chris

Hmmm

PS ABS is not a legal requirement. It was a voulantary agreement by the SMMT. For what it is worth, I reckon it does not ruin the fun of driving because on a wel set up system, it does not intervene on the road. Brake assist on the other hand is the work of Satan and has no place on a sporting car like the Fabia vRS.

:rofl: @ "The work of Satan" ... mine is an '05 so doesn't have it, my old C2GT used to have it, and just a "brisk" drive up to a roundabout would set it off, and it's quite alarming! it would set off the hazzards on the C2 as well... bloody pain...

note: if it was a voluntary agreement for the ABS, do you know of any cars (not including low production exempt such as TVR ect) that are currently sold without it?

:rofl: @ "The work of Satan" ... mine is an '05 so doesn't have it, my old C2GT used to have it, and just a "brisk" drive up to a roundabout would set it off, and it's quite alarming! it would set off the hazzards on the C2 as well... bloody pain...

note: if it was a voluntary agreement for the ABS, do you know of any cars (not including low production exempt such as TVR ect) that are currently sold without it?

The brake assist on the Fabia just completely ruins the brake response to the pedal. Non abs cars are rare these days, some exotica, some Caterham / Westfield type stuff, TVR (now gone abroad:thumbdwn: ). Having said that there is ABS and ABS. Some systems cut in really early so you can actually stop faster in the dry if you can finesse the braking without triggering the ABS. The Fabia is a case in point but getting the braking just right given the emergency brake assist is a very difficult task. The MR2 setup is much more about stopping rather than being able to steer while braking, so it cuts in way later than with the Fabia. It even smokes the tyres while stopping.

Chris