VRS release

[Rubbadub]

Took a drive in an RS yesterday, great little car! I've tried a few performance cars lately, Golf GTI, Veloster Turbo, Lancer Ralliart, and it's as quick as the first two, and has less turbo lag than the latter (which I didn't take to, for some reason, maybe the dated interior). The RS probably isn't as stylish as the others, or as well kitted, but it's great value.

Unfortunately, I couldn't get the dealer to agree to the changeover figure I had in mind for my car. I'm not prepared to give my car away, and I'm patient, so there will be another day. Maybe I'll save up some more and buy a car outright, then sell privately, though that's a PITA.

Anyway, the RS would be definitely on my short list because of the aforementioned value for money.

[Rubbadub]

Ha. This guy knew what he was talking about. ^^

Incidentally, anyone having oil issues with their Fabia VRS? I've done about 1600km, and I've gone from the top of the cross-hatched section on the dipstick to the middle. That's within VW tolerance, but hopefully it's just a little in the running-in period and not a sign of things to come.

[steveyoshi]

Ha. This guy knew what he was talking about. ^^

Incidentally, anyone having oil issues with their Fabia VRS? I've done about 1600km, and I've gone from the top of the cross-hatched section on the dipstick to the middle. That's within VW tolerance, but hopefully it's just a little in the running-in period and not a sign of things to come.

As I said before... after less than 2000ks, I (dealer) needed to use 700mls to top ours up. Car has now done 5500ks and it has needed no more, although it is just a little below the full line. Going for an oil and filter change at 7500ks but I expect that it will not use very much after the first 10000ks.

Make sure car is exactly level (a little out makes lots of difference) when checking oil level and ensure engine has been stopped at least 30mins from a full operating temperature.

[Rubbadub]

Yeah, I tried it again today. The manual suggested to wait "a few minutes" before using the dipstick, which I'd taken as 5-10. I waited 15 today, and the level was 3/4 up the cross-hatched section, which was what it was at 1100km. I think the car is using a little oil, as it was at top of that section around the 800km mark, but all the talk makes you a little paranoid and over-concerned about checking the levels.

I guess consistency in your checking is important as well as the level ground. In future, I'll make sure the car has been running at least 90 degrees on the digital oil temperature readout (the analogue one often reads 90 degrees when the digital one says the temp is in the 50's), and wait 15 minutes every time.

[steveyoshi]

Yeah, I tried it again today. The manual suggested to wait "a few minutes" before using the dipstick, which I'd taken as 5-10. I waited 15 today, and the level was 3/4 up the cross-hatched section, which was what it was at 1100km. I think the car is using a little oil, as it was at top of that section around the 800km mark, but all the talk makes you a little paranoid and over-concerned about checking the levels.

I guess consistency in your checking is important as well as the level ground. In future, I'll make sure the car has been running at least 90 degrees on the digital oil temperature readout (the analogue one often reads 90 degrees when the digital one says the temp is in the 50's), and wait 15 minutes every time.

You have the temp guage readings wrong... the analogue guage in the bottom left corner is Water temp only, the digital one on the trip Computer centre screen is Oil temp. my water temp climbs really quick which is good and the oil temp takes at least 12 minutes from cold to get to 80 plus.

[Rubbadub]

Ah, that makes sense. Thanks for the clarification.

[Rubbadub]

Well, oil was down to about 1/4-1/3 of the cross-hatched section of the dipstick, and rather than wait for warning lights, I decided to add some oil. Went easy with 250ml, which took the level back to about 3/4 way up the cross-hatched section. Car has now done about 2400km, so hopefully this is just initial running-in oil burning rather than a sign of on-going issues.

[Rubbadub]

At 3000km, car was again down to the 1/4 level, so added 250ml, which brought it back to 1/2 way up the dipstick cross-hatched section.

[steveyoshi]

going in for an interim oil/filter change (7.5k) just after christmas... not sure why as most of the oil in the sump has been changed... lol
will be interesting to see if it is low again and how much considering it was checked by dealer at 6000ks. Will be asking dealer to keep records if it is low on the dipstick.

[Rubbadub]

In case anyone is wondering how economical these cars can be, I had the opportunity to make a drive home last night from my olds' place. The route is 37km, downhill for the first few km, and largely free of traffic lights, not to mention traffic at 10pm.

Average speed was 59kmh, and there were a couple of blasts... , but I ended up with 5.3L/100km, having seen 4.4L/100km at one stage during a downhill descent with the feet off the pedals altogether.

If I had been driving purely for economy, I'm sure the figure would have ended up closer to 5L/100km, perhaps even inside that, but it's very hard not to use this car as it's intended to be...

[steveyoshi]

Pretty good going...

We are getting around low 8's to high 7's with all around town stuff.

We are pretty happy with that to be honest as it is quite the pocket rocket and gets driven as such.

In case anyone is wondering how economical these cars can be, I had the opportunity to make a drive home last night from my olds' place. The route is 37km, downhill for the first few km, and largely free of traffic lights, not to mention traffic at 10pm.

Average speed was 59kmh, and there were a couple of blasts... , but I ended up with 5.3L/100km, having seen 4.4L/100km at one stage during a downhill descent with the feet off the pedals altogether.

If I had been driving purely for economy, I'm sure the figure would have ended up closer to 5L/100km, perhaps even inside that, but it's very hard not to use this car as it's intended to be...

[Rubbadub]

Yes, it was a very leisurely drive, by my standards. Going the other way (uphill) the figure was 6.8, and that was without too many bursts (due to traffic flowing constantly, but hemming me in). Average speed 57km/h.

I also added 1/2L of oil to take the level from about 1/4 way up to the top of the cross-hatched section. Total added is 1L in just over 4000km. Not an oil burner by VW/Skoda definitions but more than any other car I've had. I'm not seeing any oil spots on the back, or leaks/build-ups under the bonnet, though, so I'll keep monitoring the situation but not getting over-concerned about it.

[steveyoshi]

mmm... Oil use is a bit more concerning than fuel use... I will be taking more notice now!

Never wanted an LS1 **** box!

[Rubbadub]

Yeah, I'd trade 10% more fuel use for no or little oil use, even though it would wind up costing more.

[steveyoshi]

I remember cars in the 80's didn't use as much oil... must be a reason.

Perhaps after 10k it will all change and be fully run in.

Yeah, I'd trade 10% more fuel use for no or little oil use, even though it would wind up costing more.