Skoda Fabia VRS

[V12 Virgin]

Hi Chaps,

Just wanted some advice. Considering buying one of these, following an impromptu test drive a week or so ago.

Things to look out for and any particular issues I should be aware of?

I would also be looking to do a few bits to it.

Lowering, getting rid of that horrid chrome grill and then powder coating the wheels in black.

Any recommendations for the suspension set up/ remapping? Also performance wise, roughly what should I expect with the remap?

Thanks for your help in advance and if anyone has one for sale- please do reach out to me!

[V12 Virgin]

joshcowin said:

V12 Virgin said:

Hi Chaps,

Just wanted some advice. Considering buying one of these, following an impromptu test drive a week or so ago.

Things to look out for and any particular issues I should be aware of?

I would also be looking to do a few bits to it.

Lowering, getting rid of that horrid chrome grill and then powder coating the wheels in black.

Any recommendations for the suspension set up/ remapping? Also performance wise, roughly what should I expect with the remap?

Thanks for your help in advance and if anyone has one for sale- please do reach out to me!

Mark 1 or 2?

Mark 1- Sorry, should have clarified!

[V12 Virgin]

joshcowin said:

I have one and have had it for 3 years now 50,000 miles in that time. It has been really reliable routine maintenance basically. I have heated seats, cruise, xenons and sunroof as factory options. Its a great little car with everything you need! Radio is crap, I have the cd changer, but i would change it for a modern system if I was bothered.


Things to look out for and any particular issues I should be aware of? - Its going to be 10+years old so expect some maintenance, turbo,egr,suspension,rear doors leaking.are common.

Lowering, getting rid of that horrid chrome grill and then powder coating the wheels in black. - common thing to do.

Any recommendations for the suspension set up/ remapping? Also performance wise, roughly what should I expect with the remap? - https://www.briskoda.net/forums/

Anything specific let me know if you have any questions.

Edited by joshcowin on Monday 22 May 14:54

Appreciate the advice- Are they very mileage sensitive? There are a number of cars way over the 120k mark- are they to be avoided?

[V12 Virgin]

joshcowin said:

V12 Virgin said:

Appreciate the advice- Are they very mileage sensitive? There are a number of cars way over the 120k mark- are they to be avoided?

I bought mine at 80k for £3k its now on just over 130k its had a cambelt, brand new altenator, new battery, service every 10,000 miles, brake discs and pads and new tyres. Its probably worth £1.4k its a bit tatty bodywork and wheel wise! I personally feel its a lot of car for that.

Ensure the service schedule has been adhered to! I have confidence in mine as I know its been looked after.

If you have links of specific cars I am happy to give my opinion.

I get about 400 miles out of a tank of fuel, it doesn't use any oil, the seats are a pain to keep clean. All my electrics still work and all the seals are still good. Front suspension is starting to need some attention. I only use it for journeys of at least 10 miles I think this helps, short runs kill these cars I believe.

Understood- fuel range is good- how much does it cost to fill? I have a slight concern in which case- my commute is 5 miles each way. Will that cause a lot of issues? I do long journeys once a week (300 mile round trips) if that would help.

[V12 Virgin]

CaptainMorgan said:

I had one for about 7 years and miss it tbh. Bought it on 125k in and took it up to 170k, doubling it power along the way. It never missed a beat, took me abusing it at santa pod and on a few track days too.

I bought mine about 9 years ago now, so they weren't as popular with the younger guys as they are now and it was easier to pick up a well looked after one, I had a quick look a while back and the market seemed to be flooded with cars that had unknown remaps and budget coilovers on. I'll have another one day but it'll take some hunting for the right one.

Turbos were so so, my stock one lasted until 130k, others let go much earlier, budget for a new one at some point if it hasnt been changed. Bushes will most likely need doing, worth sticking some powerfelx ones in, just for longevity. Clutches hold up well, even to remapped power providing they dont get too much of a bashing. Suspension and get a bit soft with age so will most likely need a refresh.

If I were looking at one now, I'd find one in the best nick with a good history then get set of reasonable coilovers (I had KW which were great but I've driven one with Vmaxx's on and they were decent too) and a set of 312mm brakes from the Octavia vRS (MK1).

Engine wise, a smooth remap will gain you about 40bhp boosting power to 170bhp or so, I used Motech performance for mine, but as mentioned Shark are good too. Given the iffy turbos though I'd be tempted with a PD150 turbo and providing the clutch is in good nick you could map it to 180-190bhp without pushing anything too hard. Thats the sweet sport for bang for buck imo, anymore power and you'll need a FMIC and most likely a uprated clutch.

I used to do 9 miles to work, barely got hot by the time I turned it off but with the EGR delete it never gave me issues, it's old enough not to have too much emissions stuff on it.



Good luck and update us if you get one!

Thanks for that- really a massive help. I'm finding that the cars that are on sale now have on the most part been poorly modded or abused. In terms of costings for the work that you mentioned, what kind of thing would I be looking at for it all? Map is around £250 I believe, but the brakes and coilovers?

[V12 Virgin]

joshcowin said:

Join up to briskoda.net there are often some really nice cars for sale on there as well as parts, some of the knowledge is very good!

I had a look at the cars that are for sale and there's only a few at the moment- neither of which take my fancy.

Just joining now!