Czech out my FIRST CAR!
Discussion
The time has finally come to tell you what I think of my new car. Its my daily/weekend car/pride and joy and my FIRST CAR!
Going back to when I was on the hunt for my first car, I had considered the usual options like the Vauxhall Corsa C, Mk6 Ford Fiesta and Citroen C2 but found the all important insurance quotes higher than the more obscure and different cars. I even considered going down the classic route with a Porsche 924 but after a discussion with Adrian Flux, we decided the criteria wouldn't suit my circumstances.
Having passed my test earlier this year I was getting irritable. I wanted my first car but I also wanted my first car to be something in which you wouldn't normally associate a seventeen year old with. The opportunity to get my first car finally appeared in the shape of a new job!
The Skoda was not initially on my radar but I saw that a young PH'er got a little Fabia as his first car and that prompted me to dig a bit deeper. When I learnt that Skoda would no longer be producing the vRS model it only seemed logical to buy my own pocket rocket to retain the honour.....and here it is; My 2001 Skoda Fabia 1.4 8v Classic
Thoughts?
I have covered 1,600 miles in it and my initial thoughts are positive. It is a car that is often overlooked or mocked, due to the badge. That is a shame because it shares many components with the VW Polo of similar vintage. Having said that though, due to it being overlooked, you can pick up a tidier and well cared for example for not a lot of money which is a bonus.
As I mentioned earlier, my example is a 2001 Skoda Fabia 1.4 8v Classic which was specc’d by the previous (and only owner) in a lovely, rare Cayenne Orange – it brought a smile to my face when I found the name of the official colour but I am quite a nerd for those finer details. The actual colour is a pain to photograph but looks great at sunset. It now has 61,700 miles on it and it looks to have been serviced at only Skoda garages. Should I continue that trend? I believe (but happy to be corrected) that the Classic was the mid-range trim level because my example has electric windows and remote locking, which are things that have gone amiss on a colleagues 55-plate Fabia.
Now, onto the driving: Initial impressions are not bad. The steering has a nice weight to it but doesn’t give much feedback; I would imagine the Ford Fiesta would be better in that regard. In greasy/wet conditions I did experience a bit of understeer but it only happened on the budget brand tyres it came with. I have since changed the budget tyres for four, matching mid-range tyres and haven’t experienced anything similar yet.
Speed, that is what all teenagers seek in their first car, isn’t it? Well, if you care about speed, my little Fabia wouldn’t be your first choice if I am honest. As you look around at the rivals, they are some that will be faster off the line….but my Skoda isn’t bad. It can be gear dependant and the strength is the acceleration from 30mph. When I say gear dependant, it notices if you are carrying extra passengers in the back and you have to be aware of hills if you haven’t got the momentum. The latter becomes more of a problem because I drive around Yorkshire and the Peak District daily. You soon get used to it and use the gears accordingly. Planning ahead and keeping momentum is key and rewards you with a good feeling when you get it right.
How does it cope on the motorway? I am pleased to say that it will cruise at motorway and Audi speeds with ease. I just resort to a 65mph cruise so I can listen to the radio/iPod, without the drone of the road/tyres interrupting. I would like cruise control but it isn’t essential. The seats are comfortable and after a run to the Silverstone Sunday Service, I was fine and didn’t feel like I had done a 250 mile round trip.
I hesitated talking about economy because it isn’t a fun topic and something that I have yet to work out because in these past two months, I rarely look at the price of petrol let alone working out the economy. I always try to fill up with Shell VPower Nitro+ and I filled the tank yesterday and will do the calculations when it is empty mainly out of curiosity but also to help any potential future owners reading this. If you fill up with Shell and own a Skoda, prepare for some strange looks from other drivers.
My future plans are purely cosmetic and will be keeping this thread (aling with the Blog feature in My Garage) updated with any changes throughout my ownership. Nothing major, just subtle things here and there.
Thank you for reading.
Going back to when I was on the hunt for my first car, I had considered the usual options like the Vauxhall Corsa C, Mk6 Ford Fiesta and Citroen C2 but found the all important insurance quotes higher than the more obscure and different cars. I even considered going down the classic route with a Porsche 924 but after a discussion with Adrian Flux, we decided the criteria wouldn't suit my circumstances.
Having passed my test earlier this year I was getting irritable. I wanted my first car but I also wanted my first car to be something in which you wouldn't normally associate a seventeen year old with. The opportunity to get my first car finally appeared in the shape of a new job!
The Skoda was not initially on my radar but I saw that a young PH'er got a little Fabia as his first car and that prompted me to dig a bit deeper. When I learnt that Skoda would no longer be producing the vRS model it only seemed logical to buy my own pocket rocket to retain the honour.....and here it is; My 2001 Skoda Fabia 1.4 8v Classic
Thoughts?
I have covered 1,600 miles in it and my initial thoughts are positive. It is a car that is often overlooked or mocked, due to the badge. That is a shame because it shares many components with the VW Polo of similar vintage. Having said that though, due to it being overlooked, you can pick up a tidier and well cared for example for not a lot of money which is a bonus.
As I mentioned earlier, my example is a 2001 Skoda Fabia 1.4 8v Classic which was specc’d by the previous (and only owner) in a lovely, rare Cayenne Orange – it brought a smile to my face when I found the name of the official colour but I am quite a nerd for those finer details. The actual colour is a pain to photograph but looks great at sunset. It now has 61,700 miles on it and it looks to have been serviced at only Skoda garages. Should I continue that trend? I believe (but happy to be corrected) that the Classic was the mid-range trim level because my example has electric windows and remote locking, which are things that have gone amiss on a colleagues 55-plate Fabia.
Now, onto the driving: Initial impressions are not bad. The steering has a nice weight to it but doesn’t give much feedback; I would imagine the Ford Fiesta would be better in that regard. In greasy/wet conditions I did experience a bit of understeer but it only happened on the budget brand tyres it came with. I have since changed the budget tyres for four, matching mid-range tyres and haven’t experienced anything similar yet.
Speed, that is what all teenagers seek in their first car, isn’t it? Well, if you care about speed, my little Fabia wouldn’t be your first choice if I am honest. As you look around at the rivals, they are some that will be faster off the line….but my Skoda isn’t bad. It can be gear dependant and the strength is the acceleration from 30mph. When I say gear dependant, it notices if you are carrying extra passengers in the back and you have to be aware of hills if you haven’t got the momentum. The latter becomes more of a problem because I drive around Yorkshire and the Peak District daily. You soon get used to it and use the gears accordingly. Planning ahead and keeping momentum is key and rewards you with a good feeling when you get it right.
How does it cope on the motorway? I am pleased to say that it will cruise at motorway and Audi speeds with ease. I just resort to a 65mph cruise so I can listen to the radio/iPod, without the drone of the road/tyres interrupting. I would like cruise control but it isn’t essential. The seats are comfortable and after a run to the Silverstone Sunday Service, I was fine and didn’t feel like I had done a 250 mile round trip.
I hesitated talking about economy because it isn’t a fun topic and something that I have yet to work out because in these past two months, I rarely look at the price of petrol let alone working out the economy. I always try to fill up with Shell VPower Nitro+ and I filled the tank yesterday and will do the calculations when it is empty mainly out of curiosity but also to help any potential future owners reading this. If you fill up with Shell and own a Skoda, prepare for some strange looks from other drivers.
My future plans are purely cosmetic and will be keeping this thread (aling with the Blog feature in My Garage) updated with any changes throughout my ownership. Nothing major, just subtle things here and there.
Thank you for reading.
Edited by TorqueR on Saturday 9th November 10:52
Andy665 said:
Great little car - long gone are the days of laughing at Skodas
Any plans for it?
Thank you. Any plans for it?
No major plans for it, just some subtle cosmetic tweaks here and there. I shall of course, update the thread with any progress.
Geekman said:
Looks very tidy - have you considered putting some OEM alloys on it? I think they'd make a big difference
Again, thank you. I will be getting alloys when funds allow. I am still undecided though as to which to go for - I feel that the vRS alloys would be default, obvious choice. What do you suggest?
Chunkymonkey71 said:
Private joke between me and the OP.
Neck. Wind. In.
Exactly. Neck. Wind. In.
It is a private joke between me and you. If you decide to change your car for a proper one, I would love to hear your experiences of the Toyota.
Let us keep this thread on topic and about my mighty Skoda.
Petrolhead95 said:
That's a very witty title and a nice little run around as a first car. Enjoy 
We haven't spoke for a while, I'm slightly disappointed that you didn't let me know that you bought something though!
Sorry that you feel disappointed mate. I thought I had told the people on here but it appears that you have slipped through the net. We haven't spoke for a while, I'm slightly disappointed that you didn't let me know that you bought something though!
At least you noticed the clever title.
Ecurie Ecosse said:
Great write up and a nice car.
Have you joined Club GTI? Handy for VAG tips and bits and pieces for sale.
Thank you.Have you joined Club GTI? Handy for VAG tips and bits and pieces for sale.
The only website that I have joined so far is briskoda. I will have a look at ClubGTI though, thank you.
Geekman said:
I was going to suggest VRS alloys as well. Definitely stick to OEM - so many people go down the route of putting tacky aftermarket wheels on small hatchbacks and it looks awful.
Something like this would look good
I thought about getting those wheels to start with but I then thought about going for wheels that are a little unusual. The Mk2 Skoda Fabia MonteCarlo wheels appeal at the moment, as do the Mk1 Audi TT Competition wheels.Something like this would look good
ArsE92 said:
Nice motor JT. Enjoy it!
Cheers buddy, will do. We can now organise that TT PDH that we planned a year or two ago.
Fun Bus said:
I think these wheels suit the Fabia well:
I had not seen those wheels before but in my opinion, they date the car. The example you posted is three years younger than mine but looks older. Thank you for the suggestion though.
kieranblenk said:
First off - good choice! Same spec as mine except mine's bright red and a 1.2 HTP. I have looked into alloys but decided to just keep it standard in the end.
Thank you. I think you were the poster that made me look into the little Skoda.
melvster said:
Nice and tidy first motor, doesn't matter what you have, you have begin your motoring life and the open road it your oyster. Take it easy and enjoy 
Will do. I do not think the pictures do it (or the colour) enough justice. It is a smart, low mileage example and apart from a scuff on the one wheel, I cannot complain.
Fun Bus said:
Happy to help. Perhaps my other suggestions are worth thinking about instead?
No doubt Rob, looking at those 22" on eBay right now. 
*Walks away singing 'White & Nerdy' by Weird Al*
Another year, another update.
Just a quick update on my little Skoda now that I have had it for four months and 3,000 miles.
My initial impressions haven’t changed. As I said in my original post, the steering has a nice weight to it which makes the local country lanes a pleasure and the handling is surprisingly good. I went on a brief drive into the Peak District with two good friends on xmas day. It was an unusual convoy consisting of a Fiat 500 Abarth, an Alfa Romeo 147 and my humble Skoda but we all had fun and the roads were quiet.
It has been back to the Skoda dealership though...for a new rear wiper blade which cost the grand sum of £5.00. In the high winds we experienced the other week; it also tried to implement the ethos of lightweight sports car manufactures as it shed some weight. It was only a section of the under-tray that came loose which I can only assume was something that swept underneath which broke the clips. Apart from the under-tray coming loose, the miles have been uneventful - just gas ‘n’ go.
In these past few weeks, it has proven to be very versatile in transporting various items around South Yorkshire. It took a decent sized cupboard across town one evening and then a few days later it transported an exhaust for an Mk1 Mazda MX-5 when a local PH’er realized that his new addition wouldn't fit in his car.
Lastly, let’s talk about economy. I am currently averaging forty-one miles to the gallon which is quite good considering it is an older style engine (derived from the ancient Felicia if I remember correctly) and my daily commute is mainly through town and down country lanes. The relatively small fuel tank means that I am getting quite popular at the local Shell garage though.
Just a quick update on my little Skoda now that I have had it for four months and 3,000 miles.
My initial impressions haven’t changed. As I said in my original post, the steering has a nice weight to it which makes the local country lanes a pleasure and the handling is surprisingly good. I went on a brief drive into the Peak District with two good friends on xmas day. It was an unusual convoy consisting of a Fiat 500 Abarth, an Alfa Romeo 147 and my humble Skoda but we all had fun and the roads were quiet.
It has been back to the Skoda dealership though...for a new rear wiper blade which cost the grand sum of £5.00. In the high winds we experienced the other week; it also tried to implement the ethos of lightweight sports car manufactures as it shed some weight. It was only a section of the under-tray that came loose which I can only assume was something that swept underneath which broke the clips. Apart from the under-tray coming loose, the miles have been uneventful - just gas ‘n’ go.
In these past few weeks, it has proven to be very versatile in transporting various items around South Yorkshire. It took a decent sized cupboard across town one evening and then a few days later it transported an exhaust for an Mk1 Mazda MX-5 when a local PH’er realized that his new addition wouldn't fit in his car.
Lastly, let’s talk about economy. I am currently averaging forty-one miles to the gallon which is quite good considering it is an older style engine (derived from the ancient Felicia if I remember correctly) and my daily commute is mainly through town and down country lanes. The relatively small fuel tank means that I am getting quite popular at the local Shell garage though.
Evening,
Apologies on the late reply.
I am lucky to live within two minutes from the edge of the Peak District but couldn't tell you a route as such due to the variety of roads. Do you enjoy tight, twisty roads or wide, well sighted roads? If single track roads takes your fancy then we have some of those near Matlock too.
We do have some enjoyable roads nearby but your enjoyment is mainly dependant on the other motorists. Tonight was a good example; NSL road and I am behind a train of cars doing 35mph behind a Luton van, none of them intending to overtake and after five miles, it becomes irritating. If you time it right, the roads are great.
My example is now on 63,100 miles and is in good condition. My indicator is also silent but I assumed that was how they left the factory. It doesn't bother me in the slightest and I haven't left it on by accident either.
Apologies on the late reply.
melvster said:
Good to see you are enjoying the car, which roads do you recommend in the Peak District ? I have only driven the Cat & Fiddle which isn't much fun with the average speed cameras in place.
A matter of fact, I haven't driven on the Cat & Fiddle yet. I am lucky to live within two minutes from the edge of the Peak District but couldn't tell you a route as such due to the variety of roads. Do you enjoy tight, twisty roads or wide, well sighted roads? If single track roads takes your fancy then we have some of those near Matlock too.
We do have some enjoyable roads nearby but your enjoyment is mainly dependant on the other motorists. Tonight was a good example; NSL road and I am behind a train of cars doing 35mph behind a Luton van, none of them intending to overtake and after five miles, it becomes irritating. If you time it right, the roads are great.
LewG said:
Good choice sir! It looks a minter. I bought my 1.4 16v Ambiente (whatever that means?) in May of last year and it's been a great little car so far. One old man owner from new, serviced on the dot, 44k on the clock, more or less a new car for the equivalent price of a knackered Fiesta etc. I'm hoping when it comes to selling I shouldn't lose too much money on it.
The only thing that's stopped working on mine so far is the indicator 'tick', the indicators work fine, just no noise.
Aptly named the Skoda Labia for the amount of women it doesn't pull too.
Thank you.The only thing that's stopped working on mine so far is the indicator 'tick', the indicators work fine, just no noise.
Aptly named the Skoda Labia for the amount of women it doesn't pull too.
My example is now on 63,100 miles and is in good condition. My indicator is also silent but I assumed that was how they left the factory. It doesn't bother me in the slightest and I haven't left it on by accident either.
Toaster Pilot said:
Nope, pretty sure it's a VAG engine and not one that was fitted to the Felicia (it came with a 1.3, 1.6 and 1.9D option)
You could be right but I was told that my engine started out as a 1.3 from the Felicia but Skoda bored (spelling?) it out to a 1.4 when they launched the Fabia. I am now browsing eBay for a Haynes manual.
melvster!!
What to do on Valentines Day? Update your Readers Rides thread….of course.
Unfortunately, or fortunately (depending on your point of view), there isn’t a great deal to report.
Two weeks ago I got a puncture as I drove into the car park at work. The council had employed some contractors to resurface the road outside our offices and I managed to drive over a nail that they had left lying in the road.
Once I found the nail I cautiously drove to the nearest reputable tyre garage (less than three miles away) and they managed to repair the puncture. Here is a quick iPhone snap of the car during the repair.
If I can remember, I try to take a photo of every job or modification I do .
Apart from that, I have had to change the rear brake light bulb and….erm…nothing. I did buy a Skoda tax disk holder off eBay and the PH sticker that you see in my previous post.
The tax and MOT are due before the month ends so it shall be an expensive end to the month. Annoyingly, it is more expensive to tax than the Honda Civic 1.7 VTEC Coupe that my sister owns. Stupid Co2 ratings, eh!
My only other plan is to do a basic service in the near future with good quality (OEM if possible) filters and oil as I am aware I have done nigh on 5,000 miles now and it has been just gas ‘n’ go.
http://www.pistonheads.com/members/showServiceHist...Just to expand on this topic;
My Fiat Punto was a bargain basement (sub £1,000) so with hindsight, it probably wasn't the best example to start with. The bodywork was in great condition, had just 49,000 miles on and the short test drive didn't throw up any strange noises. Just three hours into my ownership, I was at the side of the road, hazards flashing while I lived up to the Fiat stereotype.
Unfortunately, or fortunately (depending on your point of view), there isn’t a great deal to report.
Two weeks ago I got a puncture as I drove into the car park at work. The council had employed some contractors to resurface the road outside our offices and I managed to drive over a nail that they had left lying in the road.
Once I found the nail I cautiously drove to the nearest reputable tyre garage (less than three miles away) and they managed to repair the puncture. Here is a quick iPhone snap of the car during the repair.
If I can remember, I try to take a photo of every job or modification I do .
Apart from that, I have had to change the rear brake light bulb and….erm…nothing. I did buy a Skoda tax disk holder off eBay and the PH sticker that you see in my previous post.
The tax and MOT are due before the month ends so it shall be an expensive end to the month. Annoyingly, it is more expensive to tax than the Honda Civic 1.7 VTEC Coupe that my sister owns. Stupid Co2 ratings, eh!
My only other plan is to do a basic service in the near future with good quality (OEM if possible) filters and oil as I am aware I have done nigh on 5,000 miles now and it has been just gas ‘n’ go.
melvster said:
Coaster94 said:
Being an owner of a Fiat Punto as my first car I can confirm it stands for 'Fix it again tonight, tomorrow and the day after that' appallingly built car, and mines only on 48k! It's a hoot to drive though.
Anyway, love the fabia, please do keep the thread updated as there very good value at the moment it appears!
What have you had to replace on yours ? Mine has needed the odd bit of work doing but nothing too major. Excluding Tax and Tyres (the latter which i changed due to personal preference) i think mine has been ok. Bought it on 48k miles, now at 61k miles.Anyway, love the fabia, please do keep the thread updated as there very good value at the moment it appears!
http://www.pistonheads.com/members/showServiceHist...
My Fiat Punto was a bargain basement (sub £1,000) so with hindsight, it probably wasn't the best example to start with. The bodywork was in great condition, had just 49,000 miles on and the short test drive didn't throw up any strange noises. Just three hours into my ownership, I was at the side of the road, hazards flashing while I lived up to the Fiat stereotype.
K321 said:
amazing
I couldn't have described my car any better. Well done! Afternoon,
I have been meaning to update this thread for a few weeks but life unfortunately got in the way. I have kept the blog feature up to date though, even if nobody looks. As the blog suggests, I have spent some money on NX51 over the past month.
The spending started with paying the government £110.00 so that I could have the pleasure of driving on the majesties highway for a further six months. I was originally going to purchase the full year (at £200.00) but I tried to apply some man-maths and get two items for the price of one. As a result, I was able to get two new headlights and six months road tax for £200 - gotta love eBay!
To be honest, the original headlights would have looked 100x better after an afternoon with a headlight restoration kit but I opted for the lazy option. The new headlights are, as you would expect, a vast improvement and are better than I anticipated - now debating if I should get some better bulbs now. Hmm...
The odometer is now reading 66,210 miles which means that I have covered just over 6000 miles since September. It would have been more but my job has moved just down the road from me so I am no longer commuting across town. I did manage to attend the recent Sunday Service which was at Silverstone.
It didn’t bother me that I had the most mundane car at the meet either because I was with like minded people. It was great to drive down an empty motorway with an E30 BMW M3 Evo casually cruising past the sea of mundane, uninspiring motors that litter our roadway. Then as I approached the Sunday Service, I was greeted with a Lotus Evora, Honda S2000, Mercedes Benz C63 AMG Estate and a Ford Escort Cosworth all making a variety of noises, but all nice nonetheless. I even managed nigh-on 60mpg on that run too, which was a nice surprise.
I may be taking it to Wales to visit some friends and maybe drive to the coast when the weather improves but nothing too adventurous. Apart from driving it, I do not have many plans for NX51 for the near future – it starts everyday, asks for little and even has the potential to raise a smile on a spirited drive. What more could you want in a daily?
I have been meaning to update this thread for a few weeks but life unfortunately got in the way. I have kept the blog feature up to date though, even if nobody looks. As the blog suggests, I have spent some money on NX51 over the past month.
The spending started with paying the government £110.00 so that I could have the pleasure of driving on the majesties highway for a further six months. I was originally going to purchase the full year (at £200.00) but I tried to apply some man-maths and get two items for the price of one. As a result, I was able to get two new headlights and six months road tax for £200 - gotta love eBay!
To be honest, the original headlights would have looked 100x better after an afternoon with a headlight restoration kit but I opted for the lazy option. The new headlights are, as you would expect, a vast improvement and are better than I anticipated - now debating if I should get some better bulbs now. Hmm...
The odometer is now reading 66,210 miles which means that I have covered just over 6000 miles since September. It would have been more but my job has moved just down the road from me so I am no longer commuting across town. I did manage to attend the recent Sunday Service which was at Silverstone.
It didn’t bother me that I had the most mundane car at the meet either because I was with like minded people. It was great to drive down an empty motorway with an E30 BMW M3 Evo casually cruising past the sea of mundane, uninspiring motors that litter our roadway. Then as I approached the Sunday Service, I was greeted with a Lotus Evora, Honda S2000, Mercedes Benz C63 AMG Estate and a Ford Escort Cosworth all making a variety of noises, but all nice nonetheless. I even managed nigh-on 60mpg on that run too, which was a nice surprise.
I may be taking it to Wales to visit some friends and maybe drive to the coast when the weather improves but nothing too adventurous. Apart from driving it, I do not have many plans for NX51 for the near future – it starts everyday, asks for little and even has the potential to raise a smile on a spirited drive. What more could you want in a daily?
ajprice said:
TorqueR said:
The new headlights are, as you would expect, a vast improvement and are better than I anticipated - now debating if I should get some better bulbs now. Hmm...
Nightbreakers and silver indicator bulbs?I am still undecided about the clear indicator bulbs though.
I found this review from when the Fabia was launched - quite rare to find a review that isn't a vRS.
YouTube Link
It seems as though it was well regarded back in 2000 too.
YouTube Link
It seems as though it was well regarded back in 2000 too.
I thought it was time that I updated this thread but to be honest, there isn't a great deal to report. It passed the MOT without any issue so no unexpected expense and apart from some coolant, it hasn't asked for anything. If you want to keep an eye on any expense I bestow on this Czechoslovakian Whip please feel free to look at the blog feature in My Garage.
I found myself on some twisty single track lanes earlier (which would have been better suited to a Twingo RS or RenaultSport Clio) but NX51 was still able to raise a smile and provide an impromptu photo opportunity;
That last photo is the current look that I have adopted. I was driving home from the gym when my front passenger wheel-trim randomly fell off. I will not drive around with just three on so this is how it will look until my replacements are delivered. Cool or uncool? I quite like it.
I found myself on some twisty single track lanes earlier (which would have been better suited to a Twingo RS or RenaultSport Clio) but NX51 was still able to raise a smile and provide an impromptu photo opportunity;
That last photo is the current look that I have adopted. I was driving home from the gym when my front passenger wheel-trim randomly fell off. I will not drive around with just three on so this is how it will look until my replacements are delivered. Cool or uncool? I quite like it.
Thank you Adam.
NX51 is currently on steelies (as per the last picture) but as it is plastered in dirt/road grime, it does, in a strange way, suit that appearance - in my opinion. I think the novelty will soon wear off so I have already got some replacement trims from eBay - they should be on early next week and are being delivered from Italy of all places. My local dealer (Gordan Lamb Skoda) quoted £85.00 for them!
NX51 is currently on steelies (as per the last picture) but as it is plastered in dirt/road grime, it does, in a strange way, suit that appearance - in my opinion. I think the novelty will soon wear off so I have already got some replacement trims from eBay - they should be on early next week and are being delivered from Italy of all places. My local dealer (Gordan Lamb Skoda) quoted £85.00 for them!
It has been a good two months or so since the last update - time flies when your having fun....or does it?!
At the beginning of June, NX51 was the chariot of choice for a road trip to Wales and it took the weekend and 600+ miles without any issues. Quite impressive when you consider I had three passengers (plus me) and all the associated luggage for a weekend away. I took the boring m/way route on the way down with the intention of exploring the interesting roads on the way back. Without boring you with every eventuality of the weekend, I will just sum it by saying that NX51 really did impress me - it was fully loaded with passengers and luggage for 95% of the weekend, cruised at 70mph for hours without complaint while returning 52mpg - once in Wales (near Swansea & the Brecon Beacons) the roads were getting ever steeper and the driving standard were getting better.
I don't know if I experienced the norm but even without trying (I was on an unfamiliar road, at night, with a car full) I gained on a Vauxhall who was content at doing 40mph on a NSL lane. As I gained, he indicated and moved to the edge of the lane to allow be a better view of the road ahead. I glanced at the TomTom for any upcoming junctions or turns (to which there weren't any) and overtook. I thought I may have been fortunate and a decent driver was ahead of me but the theme prevailed throughout the weekend. All in all, it was a great road trip where my little Skoda proved to be a great steer.
My official Team HEKO wind deflectors, along with my new TomTom also came on the day of the road trip. You gotta love it when a plan comes together.
It was only after the trip to Wales that my praise for NX51 started to diminish as my wind deflectors were stolen two weeks after our trip to Wales, leaving a small amount of damage behind. The known fault ( link) with regards to the PAS has reared its head causing the inconsistent steering and occasional power steering loss that you may have heard about. The brakes aren't as good as they once were and the pedal doesn't offer the feedback which I have come to expect. I feel as though the brakes are the priority at the moment so I have booked it into a trusted garage this week.
It may seem a lot of trouble but brakes are consumables and the PAS is a known fault with this era of Fabia. I am just a car bore that likes a car to be running 100% right. At the end of the day, it is a thirteen year old, boring hatchback where the previous owners probably viewed it as such - apart from consumables, it hasn't asked for anything in my ownership, just annoying that the events happened in a short space of time. At one moment, I wanted to get rid but gave it a wash 'n' polish and now like it again.
My insurance expires in Sept '14 and I should gain my one-years no claims bonus so I have been eyeing up potential replacements but nothing really stands out at the moment - a Clio 182 would be nice but being realistic, most of my driving is commuting so would it become tiresome in town?! A Suzuki Swift Sport would be okay but mixed reports and my initial impressions leave me undecided. Do I want a hatchback? The Citroen C2 Code is a great car but isn't exactly exciting or revolutionary, is it? It may look a bit dated now as well. I think it will be early/mid-2015 before me and NX51 part ways.
Here are a few photos - notice the OEM trims return!
Here is proof that you can polish a turd.
At the beginning of June, NX51 was the chariot of choice for a road trip to Wales and it took the weekend and 600+ miles without any issues. Quite impressive when you consider I had three passengers (plus me) and all the associated luggage for a weekend away. I took the boring m/way route on the way down with the intention of exploring the interesting roads on the way back. Without boring you with every eventuality of the weekend, I will just sum it by saying that NX51 really did impress me - it was fully loaded with passengers and luggage for 95% of the weekend, cruised at 70mph for hours without complaint while returning 52mpg - once in Wales (near Swansea & the Brecon Beacons) the roads were getting ever steeper and the driving standard were getting better.
I don't know if I experienced the norm but even without trying (I was on an unfamiliar road, at night, with a car full) I gained on a Vauxhall who was content at doing 40mph on a NSL lane. As I gained, he indicated and moved to the edge of the lane to allow be a better view of the road ahead. I glanced at the TomTom for any upcoming junctions or turns (to which there weren't any) and overtook. I thought I may have been fortunate and a decent driver was ahead of me but the theme prevailed throughout the weekend. All in all, it was a great road trip where my little Skoda proved to be a great steer.
My official Team HEKO wind deflectors, along with my new TomTom also came on the day of the road trip. You gotta love it when a plan comes together.
It was only after the trip to Wales that my praise for NX51 started to diminish as my wind deflectors were stolen two weeks after our trip to Wales, leaving a small amount of damage behind. The known fault ( link) with regards to the PAS has reared its head causing the inconsistent steering and occasional power steering loss that you may have heard about. The brakes aren't as good as they once were and the pedal doesn't offer the feedback which I have come to expect. I feel as though the brakes are the priority at the moment so I have booked it into a trusted garage this week.
It may seem a lot of trouble but brakes are consumables and the PAS is a known fault with this era of Fabia. I am just a car bore that likes a car to be running 100% right. At the end of the day, it is a thirteen year old, boring hatchback where the previous owners probably viewed it as such - apart from consumables, it hasn't asked for anything in my ownership, just annoying that the events happened in a short space of time. At one moment, I wanted to get rid but gave it a wash 'n' polish and now like it again.
My insurance expires in Sept '14 and I should gain my one-years no claims bonus so I have been eyeing up potential replacements but nothing really stands out at the moment - a Clio 182 would be nice but being realistic, most of my driving is commuting so would it become tiresome in town?! A Suzuki Swift Sport would be okay but mixed reports and my initial impressions leave me undecided. Do I want a hatchback? The Citroen C2 Code is a great car but isn't exactly exciting or revolutionary, is it? It may look a bit dated now as well. I think it will be early/mid-2015 before me and NX51 part ways.
Here are a few photos - notice the OEM trims return!
Here is proof that you can polish a turd.
Had an impromptu photo-shoot opportunity present itself on Friday, in the glamorous surroundings of...Tesco! Why yes, there is a PH'er who does not shop at Waitrose!
As you can see from the image, I parked alongside another Fabia of similar vintage to mine and is actually an example that I spot quite often. The white wheels are obviously the first thing that draws your attention but if you stand back, you notice the subtle adaptations such as the black grille surround, the different badge etc. If you have studied the photo in more detail, did you see the lighter interior?! The photo was primarily taken to show a friend who takes an interest in modifications but it also is a great aid to assist in relating the brief experience I had.
...when I got back to my car, the Fabia was still there and the owner was now present. I put the bags in the back and saw that he was looking at my car. I put the window down and said that I liked his light interior (I genuinely do) and that started a brief discussion about this era of VAG's, local roads and also the modifications that he is planning to do or has already done. It was nice to actually speak to him, after seeing him countless times in the local area!
My road tax runs out at the end of this month so I have got another six months at the sum of £115. Stupid emissions, eh! My managers '12 Mini Cooper S JCW is cheaper to tax, for example.
I have no immediate plans for NX51 (due to going on holiday in October) but when I return I shall address the smaller details to get it A1 again....or start looking at another car. I shall leave you with one last photo;
It seems like I was picking this car up just yesterday but in reality, yesterday was the day of my insurance renewal so I have officially got 1yrs NCB now. I was pleasantly surprised with the quote but I imagine 69bhp doesn't pose too much danger in a safe postcode.
I also noticed that my front tyres were wearing at a noticeable rate a month or two ago. I kept an eye on them and tried to make them last until later this year so that I have fresh tyres for the winter but it wasn't to be. I took it to my trusted tyre garage and we agreed upon two new front tyres and as I wanted all four tyres matching, I resisted the urge to get some Toyo Proxies and got the same economy tyres as I previously had - the back tyres are barely worn.
It makes me question whether the tracking is out but I got to the garage just before they were closing for the day so couldn't get an alignment check. That shall have to wait for another day.
Edited by TorqueR on Saturday 14th March 22:41
Petrolhead95 said:
The day I'm waiting for, then I can finally upgrade!
That was my plan all along but a combination of being undecided on what car I want and a holiday made me soldier on with NX51. I still plan to change the Skoda early next year which will be a nice way to celebrate having my licence for two years!
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