IanJ

I finally got an answer out of SUK last week after asking them to replace the prematurely worn out rear tyres. They had previously carried out a full alignment under warranty and took the rear camber settings to their tolerance limits to even out the wear and said this should solve the problem and they wouldn't need to change the tyres (there's still 3mm tread on the inside, 5mm outside). I reluctantly accepted to see if the wear evens out but have pointed out that I expect double the mileage out of the rears in comparison to the fronts. Currently on 22k miles and just changed the fronts to Falkens. Now the only problem is the noise from the rears until they even themselves out.

Skoda UK got back to me after 9 days to tell me that they couldn't do anything until I have proved to them the cause of the problem by having the geometry checked. I'm going to book it in to have it done and send them the results. However, the dealer originally told me it was pointless to align the wheels when they are so unevenly worn, can they just check the alignment? In the meantime I'm drafting a letter to Skoda Finance to see if that gets a better result. This is definitely becoming a 'Watchdog' story - I can't be forking out for rear tyres every 19k.

May 2010 FL Octavia vRS CR Hatch. OEM Dunlop Sportmaxx. First noticed uneven wear and droning at around 15k miles. Car serviced at 19k at a local Skoda dealer who noted uneven wear on the rears from 6mm inside down to 3mm outside. The dealer offered to check the geometry but I called Skoda UK to request replacement tyres at the same time as I have generally managed 40k (motorway) miles out of rear tyres on previous cars. The fronts are down to 3mm now, evenly worn. Awaiting Skoda UK's response.

I've just had my first variable service carried out on my Octavia vRS at 19000 miles so thought I'd share some info for future reference. I called five dealers in and around where I live and work prices quoted were: £249.81, £199.48, £177.64, £177.45 and £165.72. Local garage price matched the lowest so went there. It's actually a Volkswagen dealership with a franchised Skoda section. I asked them to look at the Bolero firmware update whilst it was in, they didn't so I'll be calling back soon. They also rang me to say that Skoda recommend a fuel filter change at 20k and quoted £56, I said I'd sort it later. The healthcheck highlighted the mis-alignment of the rear wheels which I knew about but I'll live with that for now. The invoice states they used Castrol Prof SLX III oil apparently.

Thanks for your help, still took me a couple of re-reads of the post to get it right! First successful recording today, very handy facility. In plain English - set the TIM timers 2hrs before you are due to set off to hear some recordings!

Would anyone care to explain how to use this in plain English!? I've read the manual and tried fiddling with the system but can't seem to get it to record anything other than traffic announcements I've already listened to. Does anyone here use the TIM function and find it useful?

As this thread has been revived I thought I'd let you know I did take one last trip to a local dealer (Startin Worcester) for a test drive of a pre-FL estate with DSG. They were the best dealer of the lot near me but were unable to match the DTD price and suggested I go with them, so I did! I ordered a couple of weeks ago - the waiting begins. Delivery estimates are from 8 to 14 weeks so who knows when I'll see my Race Blue vRS Hatch with maxidot, spare, rear parking sensors and auto-dimming mirror!

I honestly don't think they look at the forums or have any interest in Skodas! I wasn't really having a go at them just saying that it looks like they're selling well so are in no mood for dealing, maybe this will change when scrappage ends. I also think they will be more open to discounting when the VAT offer is over and they've possibly got a few less people coming through the door. I'm biding my time for now but am desperate to get an order in and get driving!

I thought I would share my recent experiences of dealers when shopping around for a FL Octy TDi CR vRS estate. I've been to the three dealers in the Midlands and got pretty much the same response at all of them: First Dealer - Went in on a Sunday morning, I was the only punter there. They only had non-vRS Octavias on show but had a bit of a poke around before being asked by the salesman if I needed assistance. Explained I wanted to buy a car and take advantage of the 0% finanace offer. He whipped out the brochure and specced up the car and basically quoted list price for everything minus VAT. I said I'd had a much better quote from DrivetheDeal. He then started on about how you had to pay 35 to order etc etc... I said this wasn't the case and that if he could do something with the price I would be grateful. He wouldn't so I left empty handed although he did take my details. Second Dealer - Popped in at 1730 on the following Monday, all the sales staff were busy with other customers but I found a fellow tucked away in the corner who looked like he could help. They had a vRS demonstrator which I asked for a sit in. The salesman took a while to find the keys and took me to the car. I had a brief fiddle with everything and had a look in the boot, the salesman stood over me the whole time. I asked about possible deals and if they could look at my part exchange, he replied it was too dark, then walked back off into the showroom! I left empty handed. Third Dealer - Went in at 1600 yesterday. They had no vRSs around but again a standard Octy in the showroom. I had a good long poke around opening and closing everything, no one approached me. I went up to a guy sat at one of the desks and fed him the same spiel. He came outside to look at my car and valued it bottom book. He took VAT off the list price and that was his offer. He advised me to take the DrivetheDeal price with a pinch of salt. I told him I was ready to order now if he could have another look at my PX value and the new car discount. He said that taking the VAT off was the best he could do at this time. I left empty handed. So there you go, it looks like they're selling well! The last guy said he would know today if the VAT offer would be extended and that the lead time was 8-10 weeks. Apologies for the lengthy post. P.S. Where am I going wrong?

I would guess they'll come up with something when the scrappage scheme ends.

I think the leather really adds to the interior and is better than the standard trims white patches for kids, however, one question: Are the leather seats electrically adjustable?