kent68

I dont know how many miles they had done. Car was an ex fleet and had done 13000 before I got it - 17500 at tyre change and 20000 now. I dont know if these were the originals, but I changed them because of the tear, because they were down to 3mm and frankly because i didnt feel at all confident driving the car enthusiastically - which is how I normally drive. I dont think I've ever got more than 12000 out of a pair of fronts on a FWD car. Seriously, change the tyres - my car has gone from a bit of a dog to a pleasure to drive - its like a new car. Therefore I repeat my question: Why on earth do Skoda fit Sportmaxx when they are not at all suitable for the car? This could put off potential buyers.

I dont know whether this has been covered before, but I recently changed front tyres on my tdi elegance. The car came with fitted Dunlop Sportmax (215/45/16) and since I bought it, I have always thought the car had poor grip, wallowy handling, mediocre ride and was noisy - but hey, its got lots of good things going for it too! About 1500 miles ago, I had a pair of Goodyear Excellence fitted to the front as my old tyres were getting lowish and there was a tear in one sidewall. Wow! What a difference. The car is totally transformed. Grip is better, its quieter, I'm getting a couple more MPG, Steering is lighter and handling is now pleasant and the ride has improved no end. I have never experienced such a difference a new set of tyres has made to a car - and I have owned a lot of cars. This must be the best £180 you can ever spend to improve the rapid - I'm thinking of doing the backs as well which are still like new. And no - I dont work for goodyear, It isnt the placebo effect and yes the pressures are the same. It may work with other tyres too. It seems perhaps the sportmax just isnt really suitable for this car. So why do Skoda fit them?

I have just bought a March 2013 Elegance which was manufactured in 2013. No Climate- which I would turn off anyway and no rear sensors - which would be useful.

Hi I'm from Bedford and have just bought a year old Rapid CRD. I did have a bright yellow Rapid Coupe when I started driving 20 years ago, but this is my first VAG car and I am enjoying it so far, though it does seem to have some peculiarities!