Buying a Fabia VRS - which options?

[bbob1]

Hi all!

I've just had a test drive in a Fabia VRS and couldn't really fault it. It was a lot better than I'd expected and think I might buy a new one.

Do you think it is worth going for the Xenon lights? Are the standard lights poor?

Also does the side airbag option include the rear seats or are they just for the front seats? Are the airbags built into the door trims or part of the seats?

I see the sport model has rear privacy glass as standard but it doesn't seem to be available at all on the VRS which I thought stange.

Thanks for any help that you're able to give.

[bryand]

Yes the xenons are worth it, but make sure you get them adjusted properly (dealers often leave them too low).
Side airbags are in the sides of the front seats and cover the front doors only.

[Joff]

Isn't there an option for a switch disabling the passenger side airbag? If so, it might be of use if you've got a family or are thinking about it in the next couple of years.

[skudmissile]

also go for the heated seats and cruise control. i find cruise really usful, makes motorway driving more relaxed.

i wish mine had xenons, i bought mine second hand but if i had new it would have been something i would have ordered because the standard headlights are pants.

o and black is the best colour .

[bbob1]

Thanks for your quick replies.

I'd hoped the airbags were for the rear passengers as well as the fronts but that doesn't seem to be the case from what you're saying. I can't see why they're not standard anyway - it seems a bit tight of Skoda.

[bbob1]

I think I'll go for black too although I might wait for the blue one that's rumored to be on its way - as long as it's not too expensive!

[Babs]

I ordered mine with Xenons, cruise, and CD changer

[P-A]

The standard headlights are pretty good, but xenons are centainly worth the additional £500 squid. Cruise control and front passenger airbag switch are also cheap but worthwhile options. Heated seats are for girls! Unless you plan to get leather interior in which case maybe they're worth it.

[anonymouse]

ESP - it might just save you a bump one day (especially in slippery conditions) - and how much is that worth !
Apparently the US Government is discussing mandating for the statutory fitment of ESP on all new cars. They reckon it would save 40% of all lives lost in accidents.

[r32]

If you aren't used to how long a diesel car takes to warm up, definately get the heated seats!

I got cruise, xenons and ESP as well. Cruise I hardly use, xenons are great and ESP, well, not needed it yet but it should be standard fit as already has been said.

[fyldavo]

im in the same position mate as i really dont know what to get and even if i should buy new or go 2nd hand. have you had any really good prices from new

[blackmagic]

Im looking to order one in black in the next coupe of weeks. Ive gone for ESP, xenons and airbag de activation. Id never get the chance to use cruise where i live so i wont bother with thet, Id like leather but my budget wont stretch that far.

[chris_newell41]

Heated seats are a must. I have them on most of the time in the colder months so are really worth it!

if you want leather get some after market as the £1300 is far too much and you can get in down for £800

[blackmagic]

I may have to visit seat surgeons at some point in the future for that.

[The The]

Another vote for Cruise here, despite our congested roads you will use it.

[Joff]

Cruise control can be retro-fitted (unsure on MY2006/2007 cars) whereas Xenon's can't.

I've only seen a leather interior from Seat Surgeons so can't compare it to factory, but you certainly won't be disappointed plus you can customise it.

I'm guessing heated seats can be retro-fitted, so you'd need to source the plates and sort out the wiring yourself - if you're happy to dismantle a brand new car's interior that is.

[SteVRs]

Get heated seats - I regret not doing and the vRS takes an age to warm up

I never use my cruise despite doing about 100 miles (A road and M-way) a day.

[VRStu]

Cruise can be retrofitted to the later models but if it's a factory order I would add it if I were you, well worth it.

Had you considered asking a dealer what was already in the UK, there may be one that suits your needs at the docks.

[pixi]

Heated seats definetely. I switch them on just for the entertainment value of my passengers reactions, I mainly get 'Oh, it feels liked I've wee'd myself'

Seriously, they are a God send in the winter

[chris_newell41]

for £125 heated seats are worth it ans saves alot of hassle. while your there another £125 for parking sensors although these can be retro fitted and Suppose you dn't need them if you can park well.

It'as funny seeing people with parkign sensors who have reversed into a pole lol

[ScoobyChris]

Originally Posted by chris_newell41

Heated seats are a must. I have them on most of the time in the colder months so are really worth it!

if you want leather get some after market as the £1300 is far too much and you can get in down for £800

Although if you're going for a leather retrim, I've read not to bother with the heated seats as you won't be able to feel them.... no idea how true that is - maybe someone can comment?

Chris

[bbob1]

The depreciation on the VRS seems pretty good which is why I'll probably go for brand new. The 3 year warranty appeals to me as well.

Interestingly looking at the what car and autocar depreciation index they reckon the car will be worth about 40% of its list price at 3 years. I've yet to see one for less than 6 or 7 seven grand for one of the oldest so I haven't a clue where they get these figures from.

The best price i've had so far is through drivethedeal.com which is around £1000 off list but I haven't yet seen if dealers will match it. Motorpoint have them pre registered for £11000. Does anyone know of any other good sources?

I thought about autoebid.com as they seemed really cheap but couldn't find a good report on the company.

Maybe the price will drop once the new ones are out although there isn't a VRS for a while so maybe not.

[ScoobyChris]

Originally Posted by bbob1

Maybe the price will drop once the new ones are out although there isn't a VRS for a while so maybe not.

Also remember that as more and more hit 3 years and the market gets saturated, this will also affect residuals

Chris

[Welshy]

What you see on autotrader & dealer forecourts are not what people actually pay for them.

Ive never paid asking price for houses/cars old or new. Everything is negotiable it might not be enjoyable for everyone to haggle etc as they are pushy but at the end of the day the less you pay for it the less you will lose in a car or in a house the more profit you will make in your buy to let portfolio.

[Wardy]

If I were buying one new, I'd want Xenons, ESP, cruise and heated seats.

Let us know what you decide on

Steve