Marwood

What kind of a 'skinter' buys a brand new Octy vRS without one of these, and then expects good people like you Huck, to have their ownership blighted? M

Like Fluffmeister I haven't had a Mk1. Again my natural inclination would be to go for a Mk5 Golf to replace my Mk4 GTi. However, the birth of my son caused me to do some re evaluation. Suddenly praticality has come into the mix. When I drove the Mk2 it reminded me of a Golf (well it would!) but a much better one than the Mk4. Perhaps this suggests an improvement from Mk1 vRS to Mk2. However, I am sure the Mk1 vRS has the edge on the turbo'd Golf. Practicality and cost make this a better buy than an Audi. It is very hard not to want to buy a Mk2 after you drive one and think about what is on offer. It would seem to me that if you hanker after 'newness' there is every reason to smoothly move from Mk1 to Mk2. (with or without the thing that fills up the gap between the front seats) The Mk2 looks nice too, which helps. Personally, I am counting the days...I can't wait to get my Mk2. Then I just need to run it in before I can reallly utilise all that lovely boot space! M

Head of nail firmly struck! M

Thanks guys, Already have some Briskoda window stickers, but this might replace my dealer stickers nicely when my vRS arrives. To be honest, I prefer a 'clean' looking car but things like this.........sometimes I can't resist tinkering. Probably because my mum and dad never let me put posters on my bedroom walls. "So how long have you been having these feelings......?" M

Would have expected it to be in the owner's manual, unfortunately, I don't have one yet. Is this any help........? http://www.briskoda.net/forums/new-octavia/many-pictures-maxidot-2007-a/66216/post759822.html#post759822 M

Unless Dodgy has spoken to Steve, pleading on my behalf, I "wont get it" either. And anyway, a bottle of Bollinger doesn't fit, so what's the point in having one anyway! Resting yer arm when driving........indeed; controling the rear windows whilst sitting in the front.........as if, I ask you.......; fancy being able to have two different temp settings at the same time. An Aux connectinon? Who wants to have several hundred CD's at yer fingertips when you can limit yourself so easilly by just loading up the disc changer in a non time consuming way? Don't talk to me about yer so called jumbo boxes. (This last paragraph works better if read in the style of Marvin the Paranoid Android ) Those dratted cyclists, riding up and down Telegra!ph Road, holding up the traffic.....eh Dave. Something should be done about it! 'With a wopping space between me seats', M

John, Thanks for the link. You are right that the people who have the most to report, are often the ones who need to get a niggle or two off their chest. Check out the forums connected with mobile phones and you will find them running mainly on complaints rather than praise for the networks etc. However, It is encouraging to see that there are a number of members contributing to this thread who have really positive things to say. Admittedly this could also be a reflection of the positive nature of the this forum as a whole. Keep the good things rolling in.....it makes me feel better about my vRS, (coming soon!). M

On the subject of how other drivers view Skodas, with reference to the vRS, check out the following. Nothing unexpected I suppose, but interesting all the same. Tyresmoke.Net: Is there still a stigma attached to owning a Skoda M

That's sense Withnail! Mine's coming in black too! M

Congratulations, A nice choice! With all those extras you 'don't really need' you will no doubt enjoy it! M

Since learning to drive in the late 1980s I have always been bothered by Ford Orion drivers. It got to the point where if I saw one I would make careful note of how badly they drove and I would then add them to 'my records' so to speak. Oddly enough I never saw one who didn't offend me in some way. So if there are any still around, I'd have them removed. I'd also ban, possibly mildly torture, anyone who does not say thank you for letting other drivers through etc. Genuine mistakes accepted, manners cost nothing. Indeed, there is a female driver who may still be driving a purpley Almera in the Bebington area. Two years ago, she could see me slowing down to pull into my drive and she made a point of winding her window down and telling me and my wife to F*** off! Nasty, uncouth, dragged up, sow. I could go futher! You know, it's nothing really and quite common, but I'm quite sensitive and it upset me greatly. No it did really....it was the unjustified venom with which the line was delivered. People who have no thought for others like this should be made to take their test again and prosicuted under some law or another that I will introduce once I actually get my way. Oh yeah, and anyone who drives a BMW because they think it makes them look middle class or anything along those lines. Apparently I'm told, anyone can drive them now...but some people think they are buying exclusivity! The true middle class buy Skodas of course! Hard to tell where I'm being comedic/ironic/deadly serious in this post.......... ...........Unless of course you are that woman, whos registration I still have. Rest easy love I don't bare grudges! Thank you for allowing me to get this off my chest everyone! M

Yesterday I attempted to post a very long and, might I add, highly amusing tale regarding my recent MOT experience at Alf Walsh in Birkenhead. Sadly as I went to post the thread my connection went down and my hard work was lost. It was a god story......honestly! My connection has only just returned, no thanks to the 'BT Jokedesk', and I am not prepered to type out that lot again. However, what I do want to say is: Thanks to Tim and all at Alf Walsh for your honesty, speed of service and drinkable Bovril. You could have ripped me off big time but you didn't, so i am a happy customer and have had my faith in human nature restrored a little. Really, that was greatly appreciated. Cheers, M EDIT: And as I'm thanking people.....thanks to 'Demon Plates' (Part of GT Graphics, as recommended by several forum members) for the number plates they have made for me for my new vRS when it arrives. My wife decided to get me them for my 40th. They look rather splendid with the lettering in that domed carbon look. Didn't bother with a badge, slogan or border, seemed to work without. Service was quite speedy too, without fuss. Cheers, M

Accepted freemansteve. In this instance an individual would not be classes as a wan**r. My point was directed at those who place a badge above all else. You know, the ones who would buy a bag of tramp's vomit if it had a 3 pointed star drawn on it in crayon. I have no problem with their choice, and yes, if they choose their tramp carefully there may be higher resale values in the future: some tramps are more equal than others! I just don't agree with a chap or chapess ruling a car in or out because of its badge. I suppose everyone has to draw their own personal line somewhere. Dreadful cars those Protons. Can't understand the mentality of some people! M

Thanks Steve, appreciate that. M

This thread is proving fascinating reading. I can't comment on whether I would buy another Skoda yet as I wont own one until the end of the month. I want to be able to buy another one and really hope my experience of car and dealer remains positive. In the past I have been amongst the massed ranks of car snobs who can not see past the badge on the front of a car. One of my colleagues was considering a Fiat Panda but is reluctant to do so in case people 'judge them' at traffic lights. Many friends have commented positively regarding my decision to my face, yet I know they would never consider buying a Skoda. Oddly, one has poo pooed the Skoda, yet lusts after a Seat. Humans are strange in habiual behaviour and unshakable preconceptions. The perception seems to be that badge and depreciation are key factors with any Skoda. People seem to adhere to the idea that a car is an extention of ones postion or status. Yet most will nod sagely and stroke their chins whilst telling me how much Skodas have improved and how they are brilliant cars. I must admit given my past attitude I have, as one reviewer on the 'What Car?' site remarked, lost sleep over my decision to purchase this car. I coulld have pushed to an Audi or at least a well speced second hand one for the same as a new vRS. On reviewer summed matters up nicely however in their last paragraph: Skoda OCTAVIA 2.0T vRS : CRAZY GOLF - Yahoo! Cars I realise that the above has little to do with answering the question. All I am saying is that for 'converts' to the Skoda brand it isn't always an easy ride. I don't care what other people's perceptions of me are for driving a Skoda, in fact I will go further.......you are a wan**r if you are driven by the badge of a car. The skoda is perfect for me, so I'm buying one, however and this is where any car company must take note, imagine the damage it is going to to to this brand if there are others like me out there, who are defecting under the watchful gaze of their BMW driving peers. If I don't buy another one it will be because my dealer has let me down, failing to meet my needs, or I have had a duff product in the first place that can not be made good inspite of an attentive dealer. Skoda UK and the dealer network can not afford to get it wrong now. They are at a 'tipping point' where their cars threaten to break into the mass market, potentially offering the quality, reliability and a better standard of care offered by thier established competitors. The very exsitance of a thread like this and the numerous negative comments threaten to tip perceptions and sales back the wrong way. Anyone thinking about spending their hard earned on a Skoda, may have already read enough to put them off. Me, I'm gonna give Skoda and my dealer a try. I'm gonna trust them. I like to see the good in people and the car meets my needs for pace and practicallity. They better not betray my faith! M

Hello and welcome to this lovely forum! I have my vRS coming later this month. I put on 18s, Maxi Dot (http://www.briskoda.net/forums/new-octavia/maxidot-functions/72618/ ) and black metalic. Options are a personal thing and not without financial implications. Since I have been a member of the forum there have been quite a few discussions on the subject....so have a bit of a search. However, the Jumbo/Climate/Elec rear windows option is very popular and considered a must have by alot of people. The cruise option is popular as is the Xenon upgrade to the headlights. Still you might see adding the curtain air bags as a priority, even though some reviews argue they should have been standard in the first place. Due to the excellent work of forum members, I think heated front seats have been made an option if you ask your dealer. The vRS comes with a "3 spoke leather sports steering wheel". I don't think you can add the multi function sterring wheel from the L and K. Might be wrong though. Hope this gets you started, M

I would agree with Snoopie regarding the warrenty. He's had a little tinker with it hasn't he. Also has quite a high mileage on it. However, there are some compensations I suppose. The drop in price makes it a tempting buy and the spec helps (but does not add any real cash value to the car....just makes it more desirable). If it was me I would be a bit put off by the fact it is non standard and the warrenty is a bit of a tricky area. Should something go wrong it will probably be you footing the bill. Wonder also how your insurance company will view the mods. My main question would be why is he selling the car? He has invested heavily in it when new and continued to do so. He could be cutting his heavy losses set against the miles he will out on it over the next year, but assuming he is happy with the way it drives, I wonder if there is anything else that could easily be missed by the buyer keen to pick up such a nice sounding car. Best of luck, M

I get a bit mixed up with places on the Wirral. I thought I recognised it as being near that nice, but overpriced farm shop as you drive away from West Kirby to wards Heswell. I can't think if this is in Thurstaston or not. :confused: Some lovely parts....should have moved there sooner. You take your time on some of our roads mate, some narrow and blind corners about. Still must be really tempting to over dab that throttle a bit and throw it into the twisty bits, even though you are running it in. Should't you be driving it now?

Dave, So they got those Opel Fruits off the paintwork then.......and I must admit, you can hardly see that fag burn on the passenger seat! Done a great job there. It looks brilliant mate! Delighted you love the car too! Thanks for the pics, helps share your excitement a bit more cos hopefully mine will be here in the next few weeks. It's a mixture of excitement and nerves a bit, hoping it will prove as good as I want it to be and that, refering to another thread, I will be able to say: 'Yes I'll be buying another one next time'. Tried to ring my the dealer today about delivery, but I guess I picked the wrong day. Guess it was lots of lucky people picking up their fancy new cars.....thus keeping the salespeople from the phones! Hope it goes well and you love it! Paul

Dave, You are well lucky to have one sitting downstairs!!! I know that I loved driving mine. I remember driving back from Maghull early one summer morning, I had Haircut 100 blasting from the stereo (LOL), my sunroof open and both the windows down. Motoring bliss! One day I will ask Anthony if I can drive her again. My charger, on reflection, did give me some warning something was up. Well I think it did. The noise it made appeared to change to a slightly higher pitch, afew weeks before it went. I wasn't certain about it at the time and still don't know but I swore I noticed something. Two weeks before it went I hammered the car on a bit of a mercy dash for a girlfriend (who is now my wife). I have never driven any car as hard as that and the engine took some cooling down. Actually the drive was great fun, but it probably didn't help matters. Two weeks later I was on the St Helens link road accelerating with a warm engine up to 50mph. I think I was in third gear (I think, it could have been second I suppose) and suddenly I heard what every G40 ownwer never wants to hear. I could have cried. I couldn't afford to risk it occuring again as it was my daily driver so I sold it to Anthony. Heartbreak. I have sat in it since, but the last time I ever drove it was when it blew. I made no mods to my car but was aware that the servo could be improved but that is quite a good price. Would have done this and also had a look at the handling.....but never got round to it. Only the supercharger got at a recon. The Mini Cooper S option was not open to me at the time but it is nice to know this is now an option for owners. 150bhp is plain madness! LOL! It's funny isn't it. All G40 owners revel in the looks on other drivers faces. I had only had the car a day when some baseball cap wearing clown tried to have me at the lights in his RS2000. Boy did he look unhappy as he eventually roared past me at about 90mph. However, the 'race' had been off the lights, a fact he knew. He must have hated me! There was another G40 in the St.Helens area, a white one. Never met the owner, it was std like mine. What was brilliant was when I went to oulton park and when I went back to my car parked next to it was another G40 again in white. The owner was a super bloke....Neil (I think....but I can't remember). We spent the day watching them race and going in and out of the compound where there were one or two G60 Golf Rallyes. When we returnred to our cars there were people admiring them and they spent some time asking us questions. It was great and we felt part of a special club. Didn't see Neil again, I should have kept in touch....often wonder if he still has his. Sorry if I'm getting all sentimental on you here (wipes tear), but The G40 was part of some of the best most killer times of my life as a single man etc etc! Wonder if the vRS I have on order will help me relive the past? Nah how could it! M

Right, I can tell you quite a bit. Not that many were imported and only several hundred made. Many were written off due to them being a bit of a handful and only having a poxy brake servo. Watch out for ones that have been on a jig! Easily broken into just screwdriver beside the lock or pop the back screen. Low rent interior but a nifty looking spedo that went up to 160mph for a laugh. Apparently 130 (!!!) could be done but they really run out of steam over 90mph. Still 3L supra drivers and non turbod porches got a bit of a shock at lights! Only 1.3 but felt like a 2l! Very hard to find now especialyy ones that have not been mucked about with. Avoid anything with any engine mods. Even changing the air filter was risky because of the supercharger which was a bit unreliable....anyone who says otherwise is wrong!. Were released in rare dark (winsor) blue, white and Tornado red. I had a red one. They were made at the Seat factory and tended to hang around in compounds for a while cos they wern't that popular. the supercharged shopping car was expensive to run if something went wrong. However, mine was a daily driver. Mine was registered over a year after being built. It is still on the road as I sold it to a mate when my supercharger blew. They can cost up to 2 grand if you get VW to replace them and they make a dreadful mess of the engine when they do....and it will blow. Having you unit 'serviced' and the seals replaced does not mean it wont blow....I had mine done at BRM and it blew, just out of guarentee at 50mph. Ok, so they don't stop very well and are dreadful in the wet through any corner. Also due to the torque going into small 13 BBS alloys you could get blown away at the lights by a punto in the wet. I used yokos and they were brilliant in the dry but OMG in the wet! However, they are bloody fast from 0 to 60. I was timed at 6.5 secs, much faster than the figure of about 8 secs. I have never grinned so much in a car! The whirr of the charger and the accelaration were very addictive. If you worked within the limitations of the car and your own limits you could make very rapd progress. I went to watch them race at Oulton park. They raced agianst CRXs and Turbo 5s. Indeed, such was the pull of the car off the line they others had to have a rolling start to even things up. If you don't mind the risky supercharger issues and can fancy a grat piece of VW automotive history buy one.....if you can find one.....but buy one in std form if it has been 'maxed' stay well away, even if it's just a remap of a shorter pully. Take the badges off for a real stealth Q car. Writing all this makes me wanna drive it again! M

It's a pain when this type of thing happens, not a problem, just irritating when the car is new. A bit like getting a new mobile phone and putting a mark on the sreen in the first few hours of ownership. To be honest, I can't see this as being a warrenty item, although you could have a joke about it with your dealer I suppose. The keys themselves that carry the badge are rather expensive and I am uncertain if you would be able to buy a replacement badge, unless you could trace the company who makes them, no doubt producing several different badges for different cars. You could check the net, but I haven't seen anything on my recent travels. Sorry I haven't got a tangible solution for you, but someone else might have a better idea. Glad to here the rest of the car is Ok M

Autoglym products have impressed me in the past. I am really sceptical of dealer endorsed/provided protective 'coatings'. This boils down to two things: In the film 'Fargo' reference is made to the importance of adding 'truecoat' to a new car. Reminds me of all the crap my Dad told me about sold in the 1960s and 70s to protect cars. Also, when I had some stone chips done for me on a second hand Golf, by a guy doing a foriegner, he recommended a protection system to me that he could get for me loads cheaper than for what the dealer sold it for. I was bothered about this because the dealer was making a priofit, and so was he even though he offered it much cheaper. Almost reminded me of that pyramid selling rubbish you see with companies like JPS. My instinct smells a rat with this kind of thing. A bottle of Mer or Autoglym seems better and more realistically priced. Maybe I'm wrong? My dealer never offered me the supagard stuff.....I would have said no anyway! Now if they had said 'truecoat'! M M

Dave, Saw the 'adverts' regarding supgard at the dealers also overheared a sales pitch on it too. Was never mentioned to me when I ordered my car. Is it that good and worth me investing in some. What's the deal with it? Cheers, M

Race Blue, That is sickening to read. Really sorry to hear about all that...makes my blood boil and makes me feel I want to get some mates weilding baseball bats to make some 'modifications' to your dealer and his stock. I would second Stu's advice adding that you should attempt to generate as much negative publicity for these cowboys as possible. I would write to every motoring magazine and newspaper motoring corresponent I could think of. What Car, and the like should be exposing this type of misrepresentation big style! Get a van full of mates down on a Saturday to 'protest' outside their premises if all else fails. Hand out leaflets that in a non confronatational way that premote 'customer satisfaction'......if you understand my meaning......anything that anoys them and that can not land you in the crap!!! The moral to anyone else....if you are in anyway unhappy with anything, reject the car on on the spot! I know this is not easy to do, but it throws things right back on the dealer. and not you. Always take a mate with you to check any car with you, before you drive away and assume nothing. I know this sounds cynical but with wan***s like this selling cars it becomes a nescessary evil. I too am laid back, but tend to flip under certain conditions...and this is one of them! This really upsets me and it let's down much of the excellent work done on customer's behalf by proper and honest Skoda dealers. Not rational or pragmatic I know....but torture just aint good enough for em! Really sorry mate, M