Hello all. Been trying to figure out what new car to get for the last couple of months and had pretty much narrowed it down to two - the Skoda Faba vRS and the Fiesta ST. Test drove them both yesterday and the vRS seemed silly fast and only had a quick pootle in the ST around town so didn't get a chance to open it up but I was sold - felt just right.

So, end of the month I'll be shopping for one.

Anything particular I should watch out for??? Will be buying from a garage...

Cheers, Dave

hello dave welcome to the site! glad ur choice the ST over the RS! made the right decision!! nothin particular to watch really! what spec ur looking for? what colour?

Not really fussed what colour as I like them all. As for spec, again, not too bothered. Got a limit of 9k and see plenty knocking around for between 8.5k and 9k, some of which look lovely (have a thing for the black ones). Not bothered about the stripes but would ideally like the 6 CD changer and the bluetooth compatibility. Also heard about a facelift model? Whats that all about? The ones I've been looking at are 05 and 55 plates - are they different to the newer ones?

Cheers
Dave

he facelift model have new headlight and back light and also a new interior which is better quality built and can have a colour dashboard!and new option I think check the forecourt section and u see the different between the two!think the 05 and 55 are pre facelift!

Stay clear of the VRS.. documented problems with engine stutter/cutting out due to new restrictions... infact heres my email from Skoda... (I went for the ST in the end as well).

"Thank you for your email regarding the 1.9 engine in the Skoda Fabia vRS.

I can confirm we collated all the necessary information and carried out an in-depth investigation and identified that the hesitation was related to the operation of the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve.

Our findings were reported to the Factory and technical specialists came to the UK to carry out their own investigation. It would seem that when the throttle is opened after being on overrun at around 1800rpm, the rapid change in EGR quantity causes the hesitation. This is a requirement for this engine in order for it to conform to EU4 emission legislation.

Having fully investigated this matter we must conclude that the hesitation is a phenomenon resulting from ever more stringent exhaust legislation. It is not a manufacturing defect and has no influence on the durability or usability of the vehicle.

Thank you for taking the time to contact us and I trust I have been able to clarify this matter.

Yours sincerely,"

^ that combined with the briskoda forums did enough to put me off it. I've driven both and you will definately prefer the ST imo.

The ST is the better car in my opinion know this is an ST forum and may sound bias but it generally is the better car. Good value for money and keep there money well with loads around so parts avaliable. I've never been a big lover on the fiesta but Ford have pulled the stops out with the facelift fiesta looks more modern and stylish with the ST being a really fun car to drive. Put it this way i had an RS Focus bought the ST and it stole my heart more than the RS daft i know

So in your opinion, would it be worth trawling around for a facelift model (which would be on an 06 plate onwards???).

Cheers for all the comments, 99% mind made up to go for the ST. I know the general board on briskoda seems to have a lot of threads involving problems!

I think with the Fab VRS if you get a 05/55 or so you should be fine, as the new regs didn't come in till 06. I still preferred the ST over the VRS (although it was a good car) - infact I tried tons of different cars and I found the ST to be the best one /shrug.

when I order my ST it was a prefacelift model but they deliver me the new model!at first didn't like it and would have prefered the old model but after been in prefacelift fiesta now i do prefered the facelift model just do to the better interior!better quality and look better as well!