Prezafab

I quite like the Subaru XV, the jacked up Impreza, but the petrols are anaemic and the diesel was only great while it worked. I've had a few Subarus and when the dealer shakes their head about the tiny battery on the e-boxer version, you know they've missed a trick. It could have rejuvenated the brand in the UK... Superb in snow and on rough tracks though, and a bit elevated.

I'm going to nominate this silver door edge protector. We've used it on several cars, it's flexible, looks neat and does it's job. Cheap at £6.99 as well! What have you fitted to yours that's been worth getting?

I saw one of those Toyota FJ s parked on the Blue Ridge Parkway in the US, years ago. Had a good look, and thought it was style over substance to be honest, even back then. The more I look at Yeti used prices and think about what it's very good at, the more I think we'll spend some money on keeping it in good condition (including the inevitable rust spots on the rear doors!) My other half would be happy with the heated seats, better Sat nav and heated windscreen in the L&K, but I'd be paranoid about a leaky panoramic roof...

Yes, Golfs used to have them for sound deadening, they fill with water like a sponge and rot from the inside out.

Good news. I know what to do if the Bilsteins don't work next week! I've bought new shocks, springs, top mounts, bump stops/covers and drop links (might as well). Not sure whereabouts you are, but in our part of North Yorkshire, the 'main town roads' are awful.

Bushes can also play a part in suspension and steering feel, but they are probably the same as well! I've used Powerflex before, but they're not for comfort. I thought the Arona hire car we had last month rode well to be fair, and the 1.0 only struggled on the hilly bits.

What year is your 1.4 T si? (Mine is a facelift but earlier chassis code with 140ps diesel)

Totally understand about the genuine Skoda option. I'm going Bilstein because they are top of the tree on shock absorbers. I do have a story as well:- I had a really bad experience with air suspension 3 or 4 years ago, (Audi OEM shocks were £1700 EACH) and to cut a very long story short, found out that Bilstein were the original suppliers (fitted in production) to Audi. I then found a supplier in Germany and shipped over at less than half the price. The other shocks I tried were technically ok, and TuV checked, but we're not up to the job, resulting in roadside recoveries. I'll try the Bilstein again as they are fitted to Porsche etc , and report back!

Thanks for the advice. I will buy everything and get our very good local garage to fit. They are happy as long as I buy good quality parts (will get Bilstein shocks and Febi Bilstein or Skoda for the other bits).

I reckon our front shocks are now past their best (2015, 97k, 4x4 Tdi) as we've just had a bouncy / crashy trip across North Yorkshire - the roads are definitely getting worse! I'm also minded to replace 'the lot' at the front, while its in the garage. What do I need:- ? Front shocks (Will go Skoda or Bilstein) Front springs Top mounts Top bearings ? Or are these already part of the top mounts? Bump stops ? Any advice welcome. We will probably keep the Yeti forever so I'm only planning on replacing once!

That's the stuff ! Looking at some of the old threads, it seems I'm not alone in accepting it as an Achilles heal, and just getting it properly repaired so it should last as long as possible.

It was the outside of the rear doors, yes. They tend to bubble up from under the paint - probably 'road rash' as the cause, but there's lots in the archive here about how the doors were originally treated. Its definitely the weak spot, but last year's workshop visit cost a fair £250 for a rear door respray and a new plastic film for the rear door/arch edge. I can live with that now and again because Yetis have very few failings. Bilt Hamber stuff is great. Try that carnuba infused wax twice a year. Has won the Auto Express awards for years, and isnt priced like a beauty cream!

So, you "pays your money and takes your choice". I'm on my 106th car now (7th Yeti) and it's good to share what actually works from personal experience.

You are missing the point I was making. Everyone has a preference for particular premium tyres. I always fit Continental, Michelin or Goodyear. My point was that, from personal experience, you can get a very good tyre that, unless you enjoy track days in the Yeti or want to eke out every mile, they will do you very well. The Debicas cost £288 for 4 (235/45/18). The above brands were £670+. In real life (the Volvo has 290bhp), they've been unbelievably good value for money. They grip well wet or dry, ride very well, and are quiet. I will go back to my winter Michelins (bought last year) on smaller wheels in November, that cost £530. My point was about value for money, rather than the best tyre on paper. (I still say Vector 4 Seasons are good on the Yeti!)

If anyone is on a budget at the moment and needs new tyres, try these:- Debica Presto UHP, made at the Goodyear factory. I fitted these earlier in the year to our Volvo, as I was changing wheel size (and didn't want to waste £7-800 if the ride was ruined). I genuinely can't tell the difference compared to the premium brands I always fit. Highly recommended.

What are you going to do to protect the lower doors from rust ? We've had paintwork on three of our Yetis in the same places from the paint chip / bleed issue. I don't think you can do much other than deal with quickly?

You pays your money... On my diesel Yeti I use standard fuel and add a shot of Miller's Ecomax every second tank. On my old Impreza, it's always fun on Tesco Momentum 99 because it likes it !

... There's three over £19k all 17 reg at Skoda dealers. One 1.2 auto is £19,980.

Check what some of the Skoda dealers are asking for them as well - they don't discount much off premium low mileage stock...

I look at Yeti prices now and again on Autotrader, and there was one on for £19995 the other day. I know the used market went crazy a year ago, but this shows how in demand low mileage ones are.

I'm averaging 70mpg in the Volvo, but that's cheating(!) I found that our 1.2 TSi DSG Yetis (we've had 3) responded far better to a very gentle throttle than the TDI 4x4 DSG s we have had. For our driving mix, I would say that we could get another 10% out of the diesel and 20-30% more out of the petrol 's average when driving very carefully.

We've also had Goodyear Vector 4 Seasons fitted to our 15 plate Yeti for the last 3 years and they are still going strong. As above, I can't fault them and find them more rounded (ha ha) than the Michelin Cross Climate 2 I have on our other car. Recommended .

Thanks - i thought they would be more. Will see if the dealer still lists.

Does anyone know the part number for the genuine Skoda door rubbing strips (set of four)? I've done a search and am just getting aftermarket ones coming up. (The thick black ones !) Its for a 2013 TSi Elegance hatch Thanks