Shyboy

Nice looking car. I notice that it has a temperature and fuel gauge - am I right in thinking that the British spec of the Monte Carlo doesn't have these?

Yes I've thought of that but I would like to see one "in the flesh" before spending money. Also it has sports suspension unlike mine so I'd like to see how that felt

I've decided I'd like to change my car and am interested in the Monte Carlo which has been advertised in the national press and is featured on the Skoda website. I've contacted four dealers with the intention of having a look at on and a test drive. None of the dealers have one and even worse don't know when they will. This is a car that is available on the VAT offer- which finishes in a couple of weeks. Two of the dealers sounded very exasperated with the situation and admitted that some prospective buyers are walking away and considering alternative brands.Surely this isn't good for Skoda in the long term. Any dealers out there know when the Monte Carlo will be in the showroom?

Monte Carlo was available to order from end of January, but a couple of dealers I contacted didn't have a demonstrator. Brochure can be viewed/downloaded on Skoda Auto site.

The trade in price doesn't matter. It's the price you have to pay that counts. Ask your dealer for the "price to change". As an example if the "book price" for your trade in is £1,000 and the car you are buying costs £10,000 I presume you would be happy paying £9,000. However that takes no account of any new car discount. So if the dealer offers you £500 for your trade in but discounts the new car to £9,400 you would pay £8,900. Are you saying that you wouldn't take the deal then because your trade in was under valued? The way I look at (although I stand to be corrected) is that the dealer makes a profit on both cars, the new one and the fact that he will ask over the trade in he gave you when he puts the car on the forecourt. I'm not getting at the dealers, I understand they obviously have to make a profit, but I was always told never to accept the first offer in any deal. Personally I think there will be some great deals next year if/when the country goes into recession again. One thing is for sure, Skoda will be cutting their throats if they withdraw the "VAT free" offer and don't replace it with something similar.

The trade in price doesn't really matter in my opinion. The only thing that counts is the "bottom line".

If dealers are only going to get three cars until the end of the year, why is there the need to offer such attractive finance rates?

Sorry.........clicked on the wrong button. My point is that it was given 3 out of 5 stars, so I read that as it's ok but not great. I don't know if this has been discussed before but surely a "hot hatch" should really be a two door?

Skoda know that people,especially in the current financial climate won't pay list price, that's why there is a multitude of offers on their website.

It will be interesting to see if the Fabia Vrs is available on any special offers - I see that the latest "vat free" offer is on until the end of June. Will the Vrs be available then?

Have a look at your service book as to what is required for the 10k service. If it's the same as my 1.9 diesel all that is required at 10k is an oil and filter change and resetting the service display. I'm pretty sure some dealers will also try and charge for an inspection service which for my model isn't needed until 20k. It sounds like your supplying dealer is just doing what is required as it's only a half hour job. So long as he stamps the book that's all that's needed to keep the warranty valid.

1st service is due at 15,000 km, that works out at 9,320 miles. That's why your dash display is saying 9,400.

In my opinion there will always be deals available. If it's not called "VAT free" it will be something else. Skoda (and other manufacturers) know that if the price of a car goes up overnight by say £2000 when VAT free ends, sales will completely dry up. I see Skoda are now offering a happy swapping scheme where they will give you £2000 off if your car is at least seven years old. I'd be surprised if they didn't offer me the same amount if I went to trade in my two year old car. There is an argument that it may be best to wait until this offer does finish. At the moment dealers can say "I can't offer you anymore than the VAT free deal", to try and avoid the customer haggling.