timjc

Apologies if I have missed an existing topic on this. My 2012 Yeti has heated mirrors that do not incorporate the 'wide angle' feature that seems common on other VAG group cars. I have seen on eBay sellers offering 'heated, wide angle' mirror glasses that apparently replace the standard mirror glasses. Has anyone changed over their standard mirrors for such wide angle versions? If so, I'd appreciate comments on whether (a) the original glass was easy to remove ( how it is best done © is the electrical connection easy to replace and (d) does the new mirror fit essily using double sided tape? Oh, and does the 'wide angle' section do a good job or would I be wasting time and money?

I have asked Skoda UK for definitive information on cambelt replacement for the 110bhp tdi engine and have an email from them stating 5 years or 140,000 miles whichever comes first. I quoted them my VIN, and would advise others to do so, in case of variation depending on model year etc.

I too traded in my 57 Roomster 3 1.9tdi recently for a Yeti 2.0 tdi CR SE. For me it has been a very worthwhile upgrade - the interior is larger and more modern, the radio is better and the ride much improved over the Roomster (which was remapped and trouble free for 6 years). If you use the SD card, make sure all your music is in MP3 format! I found however that the Yeti engine lacked much go or grunt, so have had it remapped with what was called an 'economy remap' that reflects my relaxed driving style these days. The remap took 45 minutes as the provider had a magic box that enable him to do the job via the OBD port without having to remove the ECU. I now have more than enough grunt in all gears, and using that gently brings a smile to my face! I still manage 50mpg, too. You have to learn to pack the boot to use the greater height available - and decide whether you are happy not to have any kind of spare wheel (which if fitted will bring the boot floor almost up to the base of the hatch). I think that the Skoda wheel/tyre combinations are rather over the top for a 2WD that will never go off-road - I have 17" wheels with 225 50 R17 tyres! If buying used, I reckon that a steering check is worthwhile; I had Protyre do mine and they found that the geometry was way out.

I had our Roomster 1.9 pdi remapped by Will at Performance Torque in January 2009. The process took an hour, and included before and after dynanometer runs which showed remapped power peaking at 165bhp at 3800rpm and torque peaking at 260lbft at 2800rpm. The engine immediately felt as if it could breathe better, was quieter and had much more 'grunt'. I told Will that I was after more torque with maintained economy rather than maximum power, and am very happy with the result. While the car is certainly faster off the mark, it's the ability to merely touch the throttle to overtake, while still regularly achieving well over 50mpg, that brings a smile! My previous car was chipped by Oettinger when new, and was sold after 10 years and over 100k miles without any engine issues. Will showed that he knows a lot about remapping, and I was pleased to find him (and his reasonable pricing). My habit is to change oil every 6k miles, as I think that Manufacturers extended oil change intervals are more about selling than helping towards long engine life. I have always declared the modification to my insurers, and have no difficulty in obtaining comprehensive cover at a reasonable price.

Hi folks, I have today joined the ranks of Skoda owners by signing up for a 1.9 tdiesel Roomster 3 from Central Skoda in Birmingham. My wife likes the quirky looks and the satin grey paint, while I enjoyed the game of negotiating what seems a very good deal with Central's very pleasant Dean. We have run a chipped VW Golf GT TDI for ten years, which has been folded into a 'cost to change' which went only a smidgeon over my seriously small budget! I cannot argue with buying a one year old, 10k miles, immaculate example with 12 months RFL, an annual service (using what I am assured will be latest spec full synthetic Quantum (by Shell) oil), about two years warranty and two years roadside assistance for somewhat less than half the new price......... Collection is next weekend, and I will then be on the phone to Celtic Tuning to arrange a remap.... I have picked up a number of useful bits of info from reading the forums, and look forward to many years of happy Skoda motoring.