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

04-09-2006, 08:54	#1
fletch555 Briskodian Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 514 Thanks: 23 Thanked 20 Times in 19 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: 18,086 Thanks: 15 Thanked 322 Times in 280 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 Briskoda Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Hampshire Posts: 19,541 Thanks: 85 Thanked 821 Times in 743 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 - Freedom Pimp Stu's Websites - http://www.fabia-vrs.com & http://www.octavia-vrs.com Stu's Car - 2007 Octavia vRS, Race Blue, Xenons, Columbus Navigation, Rear Parking Sensors, Maxi Dot, Light Assist, Jumbo Box, 18" Alloys, Stu's Cruise Control & OEM Integrated Bluetooth Telephone. SWMBO's Car - 2008 Seat LEON TDi Stylance, Black Magic, Sports Pack, Rear Parking Sensors. Something for Weekend - 2002 Lotus Elise RaceTech, Gunmetal, Radio, Carpet Mats.

04-09-2006, 10:24	#6
fletch555 Briskodian Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 514 Thanks: 23 Thanked 20 Times in 19 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 Briskoda Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Hampshire Posts: 19,541 Thanks: 85 Thanked 821 Times in 743 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 - Freedom Pimp Stu's Websites - http://www.fabia-vrs.com & http://www.octavia-vrs.com Stu's Car - 2007 Octavia vRS, Race Blue, Xenons, Columbus Navigation, Rear Parking Sensors, Maxi Dot, Light Assist, Jumbo Box, 18" Alloys, Stu's Cruise Control & OEM Integrated Bluetooth Telephone. SWMBO's Car - 2008 Seat LEON TDi Stylance, Black Magic, Sports Pack, Rear Parking Sensors. Something for Weekend - 2002 Lotus Elise RaceTech, Gunmetal, Radio, Carpet Mats.

04-09-2006, 10:29	#8
mannyo BRISKODA Staff Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Stevenage Herts. Posts: 10,654 Thanks: 23 Thanked 245 Times in 231 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 Briskoda Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Hampshire Posts: 19,541 Thanks: 85 Thanked 821 Times in 743 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 - Freedom Pimp Stu's Websites - http://www.fabia-vrs.com & http://www.octavia-vrs.com Stu's Car - 2007 Octavia vRS, Race Blue, Xenons, Columbus Navigation, Rear Parking Sensors, Maxi Dot, Light Assist, Jumbo Box, 18" Alloys, Stu's Cruise Control & OEM Integrated Bluetooth Telephone. SWMBO's Car - 2008 Seat LEON TDi Stylance, Black Magic, Sports Pack, Rear Parking Sensors. Something for Weekend - 2002 Lotus Elise RaceTech, Gunmetal, Radio, Carpet Mats.

04-09-2006, 10:59	#13
TeflonTom Briskodian Join Date: May 2006 Location: Hayling Island, Hampshire Posts: 7,365 Thanks: 26 Thanked 161 Times in 137 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: 9,684 Thanks: 43 Thanked 67 Times in 58 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) Fabia vRS alloys for sale incl tyres, spare wheel with tyre + spare tyre - make me an offer via PM

04-09-2006, 11:31	#17
gilesk MadridBriskodia Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 984 Thanks: 16 Thanked 9 Times in 9 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 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 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

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