2005 Skoda Fabia vRS from UK and Ireland - Comments

Two minor paint defects from new.

Squealing rear brakes when reverse parking.

Leaking boot support struts now on our 4th set.

Trim fell off door.

Squeaking passenger seat.

Seat material very poor.

My wife and i picked this car as a replacement for her fourteen year old Ford Orion. We finally got our choice down to a Jazz Sport,Fabia VRS,Fiesta St and an MR2. We picked the VRS due to the cost which i managed to haggle down to £11690 with metallic paint, the performance which is good but don't try racing any proper sports cars and the low insurance group.

We have had some annoying problems with the brakes which is constantly on going and the dealership though helpful haven't got a clue what to do next. The problem is a truly horrific grinding noise from the rear when breaking below 10mph. Imagine what it would sound like if all the brake material had worn down and it was just metal on metal, now multiply that by 10 and you are nearly there. It is a well known fault and basically Skoda don't want to do a product recall and spend some money fixing customers cars so be aware of this problem if you are considering buying one.

I also find the clutch pedal too high which gives me back ache on a long trip, i dont know why but i can't get comfy in this car and i am 5/8 high and weigh 11 1/2 stone so you wouldn't think i would have any problems but on a long journey it's a killer. This brings me onto the seat material which is truly awful. It frays, soaks up dirt like a sponge and the person who chose it should be sacked on the spot.

Now here is the good points:

Pulls like a train.

3rd gear in fantastic and suprises many higher powered cars.

100% reliable.

Cheap servicing if you buy your engine oil from a Motul or Millers dealer.

Cheap insurance.

Doesn't attract Chavs.

Try one out for yourself and see what you think :)

When you mention the leaking boot points, are you talking about the gasrams that hold it open?

Hi, I also have the vRS. The grinding noise is audible only the first few stops with the radio off. After that nothing.

Although I don't remember it being any louder than eg. windshield wipers.

Hi just to answer your questions to the posts above:

Yes it is the gasrams that were leaking oil.

The nreaks on our car sound like someone dragging a shovel down a concrete path! The bloke at the dealership agreed that this sound is not acceptable and he has never heard anything like it, I hope yours doesn't start doing it. It did get significantly worse after the fix was applied for the sqeauling noise from the brakes that you get in reverese.

The author here.

The dealer gave up trying to fix the grinding breaks and has fitted new pads, lets hope they work :)

Author here again, the pads have been on a while now and it is now as quiet as a mouse. My wife and I are very impressed with it all round and I see the price has now come down to 11k if you go through www.drivethedeal.com.

I have had the new vRS just over 6 months now and I couldn't be happier. Where a previous comment somebody left saying not to bother trying it on with any 'real' sports cars, I would simply disagree. Obviously it isn't the fastest car in a straight line (although once an engine re-map is completed it certainly seems quick enough to me!!), it would challenge some considerably more expensive, higher spec cars around a track due to the fantastic handling. The only problem I have had is that twice now the turbo has somehow 'de-activated' itself for want of a better word. As soon as I re-start the engine it comes straight back on. Weird. It goes into the dealership on Tuesday so I'll keep you informed on how it gets on after the diagnostic checks ;-)

Overall though, a very good value for money car which always seems to have more to give. Would recommend to anybody. You would be hard pushed to find a diesel as quick and stable as this one. Its economical even when driven quick and compared to another car with like performance from new, you would pay a hell of a lot more than 11k. Take one for a test drive, you won't be disappointed.

19-03-2007

Bought my Fabia VRS July 2005 and through the months have experienced some problems as follows.

Peeling paintwork from front lower bumper moulding.

Fuel flap refused to click shut.

Passenger front seat belt not retracting.

All turbo seals replaced due to oil leakage (still ongoing).

Undertray fell off temporary repair (ongoing)

Front tyres replaced 15000 miles totally shot.

Creeping footbrake, if kept depressed, pedal hits floor (ongoing). New master cylinder fitted, did'nt work. So Skoda has been in touch with their technical dept, and are going to bleed the brakes a special way.

Vandals broke off front mirror £126 bill

Vandals stole/broke off roof aerial, bought cheap replacement to see if they like the new one better.

I have apart from tyres/aerial and mirror had all the other ailments fixed under warranty.

Servicing has been between £150/200

You might think that I would have very little positive thinking about this car, quite on the contrary.

About 45MPG/10miles per litre fuel, low annual road tax £110 cheap insurance fully comp £169 with Skoda Insurance company with my 9 speeding points to boot.

Acceleration is quite fantastic once you start using a driving system different from most that of other cars I have driven in the past. From first moving from rest and only just allowing those fat front tyres to grip, you select second gear, then at 1500rpm hit 3rd gear same in 4th again in 5th and again in 6th you are now travelling in the region of 110 miles an hour.

Just keep your foot on the floor and the car will more steadily move up to 130mph according to the speedo. I have never been able to exceed 130 mph even though I tried.

I have pitted the VRS against Focus petrol/diesel no real competition, the STO that's a challenge to be sought. It might be worth mentioning it takes place on a motorway, no little by-lanes, and be virtually traffic free.