I have 'downsized' from an Octavia to a Fabia 3 Triptronic. I'm very happy with the Fabia, good road holding. Never have had an automatic before and slowly getting used to Triptronic gears. My only concern is the retaining clip inside the petrol flat. This has gone rusty. I took the car to the local Skoda garage, they sprayed the clip with grease and told me not to worry. I wonder if I should have been more insistent and asked for a replacement clip. I am also curious to know if any other new Fabias have the same problem?

Szek

I have 'downsized' from an Octavia to a Fabia 3 Triptronic. I'm very happy with the Fabia, good road holding. Never have had an automatic before and slowly getting used to Triptronic gears. My only concern is the retaining clip inside the petrol flat. This has gone rusty. I took the car to the local Skoda garage, they sprayed the clip with grease and told me not to worry. I wonder if I should have been more insistent and asked for a replacement clip. I am also curious to know if any other new Fabias have the same problem?

Szek

Personally I'm not sure of the clip, its purpose or how rusty is has become. But I imagine its just surface rust so the grease will keep it from getting worse. I'd leave it and stop worrying. I'm sure if it becomes a problem later on it will be covered by the warranty.

Now get out there and enjoy it

My vRS had this clip fail at about 6 months old. Dealer replaced it in minutes and said; "Skoda build damned good cars but use crap clips. We've fitted a new British one - should last forever". Probably just words but it made me smile and, two-and-a-half years later it's still working.

I have 'downsized' from an Octavia to a Fabia 3 Triptronic. I'm very happy with the Fabia, good road holding. Never have had an automatic before and slowly getting used to Triptronic gears.

Szek

Great to hear. I have just ordered the same car.

Hi

Thanks for your posts. We have now driven some happy 1,000 miles in the Fabia 3. Driving an automatic is very pleasant, we still not have got to used to the creeping forward when at traffic lights. Not too happy about using the foot brake at lights so we go into P plus handbrake. Our friends with automatics tell us not to bother to go into P. I just curious what the driver behind thinks when for brief moment the reversing light goes on when changing P to D. A small niggle is on hills the automatic gear is often in 4th when 3rd might be better. Luckily there is always the manual option or giving the accelarator a nudge for a lower gear.. We use the car for both town & country driving and is ideal for this purpose. It cruises quite happily on Motorways. At first we thought there was quite a bit of road noise compared to the Octvia. Maybe we got used to it or the tyres have bedded down. Our greatest loss is the boot space of the Octavia.

Regarding the rusty clip. I went back to the dealer. Other Fabias in the showroom were rusty. I understand the clip cannot be ordered on is own. A replacement petrol cap unit has been ordered.The dealer may take out the clip from the new unit and treat it with anti rust agent.

Szek

Why don't use just slip it into neutral at the lights (and apply handbrake if needed)?

Nah , just use the footbrake , I had an auto Mitsi Galant V6 and thats all I ever did.

Slip into neutral at the lights, handbrake on, less wear on the gearbox, only one selector click movement back into Drive also. Park is only for locking the gearbox when you are parked, also you could drop it into Reverse by mistake, accelerate and go flying backwards into a car!

Tiptronic isn't it not Triptronic?

Thanks all for the advice. If you see a grey haired chap a bit slow getting away at the traffic lights in West London or the Forest of Dean in a black Fabia - it is me.

Szek