Why should I buy a Fabia vRS instead of a Ibiza FR

fletch555 · 04-09-2006, 08:54

Okay in a bit of a quandry. I cannot decide which to buy. At the weekend I had a look at an '04 Fabia which was lovely and also an '05 Ibiza FR (1.9 TDI PD). Both are the same price so the Ibiza is winning over due to it's better spec and its a year newer.
Fabia
PROs

Love the look of it
5 doors (although I would rarely use them)
Comfortable and attractive seats

CONs

Only has a tape player! (Although I have my own CD-player to install so again not too much of an issue but come trading time, it might be)
'04 reg
Only has air-con not climate

Ibiza
PROs

Love the look of it
Has climate control
Liked the low slung driving position.

CONs

Only 3 doors but as I said, not much of an issue

Power felt very similar in both and well you don't really get to put handling to the test on a test drive. So basically, people can you give me anymore pros or cons to each car?

ScoobyChris · 04-09-2006, 08:58

I'm pretty sure the vRS should come with a single-slot CD player as standard so I'd double check that. From what you've said, my money would be on the FR as it has more warranty left on it, better driving position and better kit

Worth pushing them to take the cars out for a longer drive though as the FR has harder suspension than the vRS which may or may not appeal....

Chris

fletch555 · 04-09-2006, 09:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScoobyChris

I'm pretty sure the vRS should come with a single-slot CD player as standard so I'd double check that. From what you've said, my money would be on the FR as it has more warranty left on it, better driving position and better kit

Worth pushing them to take the cars out for a longer drive though as the FR has harder suspension than the vRS which may or may not appeal....

Chris

It definately had a tape player...although maybe it had a CD changer but didn't see anything in the boot. Might ring the garage to confirm. Hard suspension wouldn't bother me too much as I'd rather tight handling.

**VRStu** · 04-09-2006, 09:16

Pretty sure as Chris says all Fabia vRS would have been fitted with a Symphony Single CD player. Is it at a Skoda main dealer?? If so ask them to ensure it has one fitted before you'll consider a purchase.

Thats said it does look like you've made your mind up.

ScoobyChris · 04-09-2006, 09:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by fletch555

It definately had a tape player...although maybe it had a CD changer but didn't see anything in the boot.

A popular location for the changer is also under the passenger seat, so worth checking there too

Chris

fletch555 · 04-09-2006, 10:24

Come on people.....steer me towards the Fabia!

See, I had wanted a Fabia vRS for so long and then I came across the Ibiza and it just looks so tempting. I know it's silly but the climate control in the Ibiza is a big factor because I do actually prefer the look of the Fabia, oh and I like the key fob of the Fabia too with the remote boot release....I know they're only little things but they matter.

**VRStu** · 04-09-2006, 10:28

The fact that you can buy a 1 year newer, better specced Ibiza for the same money as the better Fabia might give a clue about retained values.

Try shopping around.

**mannyo** · 04-09-2006, 10:29

Can you not spec climate control in the Fabia. If the HU is tape, then there is most likely a cd changer under the passenger seat.

fletch555 · 04-09-2006, 10:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by VRStu

The fact that you can buy a 1 year newer, better specced Ibiza for the same money as the better Fabia might give a clue about retained values.

Try shopping around.

Good point...

Quote:

Originally Posted by mannyo

Can you not spec climate control in the Fabia.

Buying second hand so thats not an option

**VRStu** · 04-09-2006, 10:35

Climate was not an option on the vRS.

I wouldn't let a headunit decide whether I buy a car or not either, nor climate come to that. Certainly not at this level anyway.

There is no doubt that the Ibiza is a better spec but it really depends on what you want, if you heart says Fabia then go for it.

fletch555 · 04-09-2006, 10:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by VRStu

Climate was not an option on the vRS.

I wouldn't let a headunit decide whether I buy a car or not either, nor climate come to that. Certainly not at this level anyway.

There is no doubt that the Ibiza is a better spec but it really depends on what you want, if you heart says Fabia then go for it.

Yeh that's the advice I wanted to hear!

I have a nice Sony headunit that connects directly to my iPod so that'll be going into the new car and yeh, how often will I actually even use the air-con.

ScoobyChris · 04-09-2006, 10:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by fletch555

how often will I actually even use the air-con.

All year round

Cools the car in the summer, dries the air and helps demisting in the winter

Chris

TeflonTom · 04-09-2006, 10:59

the fabia is in a lower insurance group than the ibiza fr

fletch555 · 04-09-2006, 11:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by TeflonTom

the fabia is in a lower insurance group than the ibiza fr

Totally forgot about insurance, thanks!....jus did an online quote with my current insurer and they're both coming out as the same price (I'm in Southern Ireland)
22yo, full licence 3 years, 2 years NCB - €1008 (£680) Not bad at all!

WW_VRS · 04-09-2006, 11:11

Lower insurance, better residuals, but that HU is wrong, the vRS has never been 'produced' with a tape player, always had the Symphony so I'd get that changed by the dealer to consider the purchase.

**roo** · 04-09-2006, 11:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by WW_VRS

but that HU is wrong, the vRS has never been 'produced' with a tape player, always had the Symphony so I'd get that changed by the dealer to consider the purchase.

In the UK. fletch555 has just mentioned that he is in Eire, so it may have a different spec.

gilesk · 04-09-2006, 11:31

If you want to be more understated and classy , Fabia, Seat is a bit of a wide boys car to me. Thats my 2 cents worth. I am going to get crucified for the wide boy comment

fletch555 · 04-09-2006, 11:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by roo

In the UK. fletch555 has just mentioned that he is in Eire, so it may have a different spec.

The car is in Northern Ireland though, would they have the same spec as the UK??

barney_b · 04-09-2006, 11:37

I'd agree with the Seat wide boy comment after yesterday at Trax!

I prefer the looks of the Fabia to the Ibiza (it's a bit girly IMHO).

**roo** · 04-09-2006, 11:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by fletch555

The car is in Northern Ireland though, would they have the same spec as the UK??

I suppose so, if it is a dealer car, take it up with them as it should have a cd player

Mil · 04-09-2006, 11:59

The Ibiza looks like an ugly bug. I don't see how you could like it so much.

The Fabia has better quality interiors, amazing stock semi-recaro seats and is nice to drive. It smells nicer when brand new too.

And it looks better.

The only Ibiza shape I liked was the one prior to the new model. Otherwise, the new Seats are very ugly and don't even deserve to be called cars.

Get the Fabia. You shan't regret it.

Mort · 04-09-2006, 12:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mil

Otherwise, the new Seats are very ugly and don't even deserve to be called cars.

Thats my quote of the week!

I've not driven the Ibiza, but from being in one it just felt (and looked) cheap and tacky inside compared to the vRS. Might just be my taste but the interior of the vRS is somewhere I'd much rather be than the 3dr Ibiza.

My opinion of the Fabia's looks is that it's gone so far down the ugly road it's come out the 'good looking' turning. The Ibiza, however, missed the turning and is still on the 'deathly ugly' road.

I do like the boot release on the Ibiza/SEATs though...

TeflonTom · 04-09-2006, 12:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mil

The Fabia has better quality interiors

inho they've both got $hit interiors, the plastics are awefull

DanGB · 04-09-2006, 12:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mil

The only Ibiza shape I liked was the one prior to the new model. Otherwise, the new Seats are very ugly and don't even deserve to be called cars.

Also consider the seat fabrics of the Fabia and how dirty they might get

and the Seat has more street cred!

Sporky McGuffin · 04-09-2006, 13:12

The Skoda is far classier.

04-09-2006, 08:54	#1
fletch555 Briskodian Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 549 Members Car: '04 Red Fabia vRS Thanks: 24 Thanked 24 Times in 23 Posts	Why should I buy a Fabia vRS instead of an Ibiza FR Okay in a bit of a quandry. I cannot decide which to buy. At the weekend I had a look at an '04 Fabia which was lovely and also an '05 Ibiza FR (1.9 TDI PD). Both are the same price so the Ibiza is winning over due to it's better spec and its a year newer. Fabia PROs Love the look of it 5 doors (although I would rarely use them) Comfortable and attractive seats CONs Only has a tape player! (Although I have my own CD-player to install so again not too much of an issue but come trading time, it might be) '04 reg Only has air-con not climate Ibiza PROs Love the look of it Has climate control Liked the low slung driving position. CONs Only 3 doors but as I said, not much of an issue Power felt very similar in both and well you don't really get to put handling to the test on a test drive. So basically, people can you give me anymore pros or cons to each car? Last edited by fletch555; 04-09-2006 at 10:54.

04-09-2006, 08:58	#2
ScoobyChris Briskodian Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Andover Posts: 18,198 Members Car: Fiat Panda Thanks: 15 Thanked 337 Times in 290 Posts	Re: Why should I buy a Fabia vRS instead of a Ibiza FR I'm pretty sure the vRS should come with a single-slot CD player as standard so I'd double check that. From what you've said, my money would be on the FR as it has more warranty left on it, better driving position and better kit Worth pushing them to take the cars out for a longer drive though as the FR has harder suspension than the vRS which may or may not appeal.... Chris __________________ Holding up the traffic in a little Italian..........

04-09-2006, 09:16	#4
VRStu Txt Spk Police Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Hampshire Posts: 20,856 Members Car: Audi S3 Thanks: 145 Thanked 999 Times in 895 Posts	Re: Why should I buy a Fabia vRS instead of a Ibiza FR Pretty sure as Chris says all Fabia vRS would have been fitted with a Symphony Single CD player. Is it at a Skoda main dealer?? If so ask them to ensure it has one fitted before you'll consider a purchase. Thats said it does look like you've made your mind up. __________________ Stu Stu's Websites - http://www.fabia-vrs.com & http://www.octavia-vrs.com Stu's Car - 2008 Audi S3 - Ibis White, Black Optics Pack, Privacy Glass, Auto Bi Xenon Headlights, Rain Sensing Wipers, Bose Sound System, Ipod Prep, GSM Phone Prep, Flat Bottom Multi Function Steering Wheel, Electric Folding Mirrors, Acoustic Parking, Cruise Control, Interior Light Pack, Non Smokers Pack. SWMBO's Car - 2008 Seat LEON TDi Stylance, Black Magic, Sports Pack, Rear Parking Sensors. Something for Weekend - A Patio

04-09-2006, 10:24	#6
fletch555 Briskodian Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 549 Members Car: '04 Red Fabia vRS Thanks: 24 Thanked 24 Times in 23 Posts	Re: Why should I buy a Fabia vRS instead of a Ibiza FR Come on people.....steer me towards the Fabia! See, I had wanted a Fabia vRS for so long and then I came across the Ibiza and it just looks so tempting. I know it's silly but the climate control in the Ibiza is a big factor because I do actually prefer the look of the Fabia, oh and I like the key fob of the Fabia too with the remote boot release....I know they're only little things but they matter.

04-09-2006, 10:28	#7
VRStu Txt Spk Police Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Hampshire Posts: 20,856 Members Car: Audi S3 Thanks: 145 Thanked 999 Times in 895 Posts	Re: Why should I buy a Fabia vRS instead of a Ibiza FR The fact that you can buy a 1 year newer, better specced Ibiza for the same money as the better Fabia might give a clue about retained values. Try shopping around. __________________ Stu Stu's Websites - http://www.fabia-vrs.com & http://www.octavia-vrs.com Stu's Car - 2008 Audi S3 - Ibis White, Black Optics Pack, Privacy Glass, Auto Bi Xenon Headlights, Rain Sensing Wipers, Bose Sound System, Ipod Prep, GSM Phone Prep, Flat Bottom Multi Function Steering Wheel, Electric Folding Mirrors, Acoustic Parking, Cruise Control, Interior Light Pack, Non Smokers Pack. SWMBO's Car - 2008 Seat LEON TDi Stylance, Black Magic, Sports Pack, Rear Parking Sensors. Something for Weekend - A Patio

04-09-2006, 10:29	#8
mannyo BRISKODA Staff Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Stevenage Herts. Posts: 11,474 Members Car: Octavia 2.0 TDi Elegance Thanks: 58 Thanked 361 Times in 332 Posts	Re: Why should I buy a Fabia vRS instead of a Ibiza FR Can you not spec climate control in the Fabia. If the HU is tape, then there is most likely a cd changer under the passenger seat. __________________ Manny 2005 Octavia 2.0TDi Elegance combi my skoda website http://www.octaviars.co.uk Join the briskoda.net folding team click Here for more info

04-09-2006, 10:35	#10
VRStu Txt Spk Police Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Hampshire Posts: 20,856 Members Car: Audi S3 Thanks: 145 Thanked 999 Times in 895 Posts	Re: Why should I buy a Fabia vRS instead of a Ibiza FR Climate was not an option on the vRS. I wouldn't let a headunit decide whether I buy a car or not either, nor climate come to that. Certainly not at this level anyway. There is no doubt that the Ibiza is a better spec but it really depends on what you want, if you heart says Fabia then go for it. __________________ Stu Stu's Websites - http://www.fabia-vrs.com & http://www.octavia-vrs.com Stu's Car - 2008 Audi S3 - Ibis White, Black Optics Pack, Privacy Glass, Auto Bi Xenon Headlights, Rain Sensing Wipers, Bose Sound System, Ipod Prep, GSM Phone Prep, Flat Bottom Multi Function Steering Wheel, Electric Folding Mirrors, Acoustic Parking, Cruise Control, Interior Light Pack, Non Smokers Pack. SWMBO's Car - 2008 Seat LEON TDi Stylance, Black Magic, Sports Pack, Rear Parking Sensors. Something for Weekend - A Patio

04-09-2006, 10:59	#13
TeflonTom Briskodiodion Join Date: May 2006 Location: Hayling Island, Hampshire Posts: 8,240 Members Car: Fabia 2.0/Felicia Thanks: 48 Thanked 233 Times in 205 Posts	Re: Why should I buy a Fabia vRS instead of a Ibiza FR the fabia is in a lower insurance group than the ibiza fr

04-09-2006, 11:11	#15
WW_VRS Escorted Estate Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Oxfordshire/Berkshire Posts: 9,874 Members Car: Ford Escort 1.6LX + Fab Estate Thanks: 46 Thanked 86 Times in 76 Posts	Re: Why should I buy a Fabia vRS instead of a Ibiza FR Lower insurance, better residuals, but that HU is wrong, the vRS has never been 'produced' with a tape player, always had the Symphony so I'd get that changed by the dealer to consider the purchase. __________________ WW --->> Project Journal (pic links in first post there) Lummox'/Ross thread on Unit18 Automotive progress on my car: here

04-09-2006, 11:31	#17
gilesk MadridBriskodia Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 1,045 Members Car: Thanks: 16 Thanked 10 Times in 10 Posts	Re: Why should I buy a Fabia vRS instead of a Ibiza FR If you want to be more understated and classy , Fabia, Seat is a bit of a wide boys car to me. Thats my 2 cents worth. I am going to get crucified for the wide boy comment __________________ who'd have thought it eh?

04-09-2006, 11:37	#19
barney_b Skud Owner Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 435 Members Car: Fabia VRS Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 1 Post	Re: Why should I buy a Fabia vRS instead of a Ibiza FR I'd agree with the Seat wide boy comment after yesterday at Trax! I prefer the looks of the Fabia to the Ibiza (it's a bit girly IMHO). __________________ My Fabia > Mikey the Pikey

04-09-2006, 11:59	#21
Mil Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: United Arab Emirates Posts: 3,801 Members Car: Weichers strut, K&N panel filter, GT bodykit, GT tailpipe, Falken tyres Thanks: 0 Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts	Re: Why should I buy a Fabia vRS instead of a Ibiza FR The Ibiza looks like an ugly bug. I don't see how you could like it so much. The Fabia has better quality interiors, amazing stock semi-recaro seats and is nice to drive. It smells nicer when brand new too. And it looks better. The only Ibiza shape I liked was the one prior to the new model. Otherwise, the new Seats are very ugly and don't even deserve to be called cars. Get the Fabia. You shan't regret it. __________________ Milton Kyvernitis Private Government

04-09-2006, 13:12	#25
Sporky McGuffin Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Surrey Posts: 1,034 Members Car: 1993 Zeppelin R200 Thanks: 4 Thanked 9 Times in 9 Posts	Re: Why should I buy a Fabia vRS instead of a Ibiza FR The Skoda is far classier.

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