Expatman

I have had 2 Yeti’s, both 1.2 Tsi DSG’s. First bought in 2012 and second in 2017 when I knew they were being discontinued and couldn’t find anything I wanted to replace the Yeti with. The latest 4 cylinder 1.2 engine - I assume you are looking at a fairly recent model - is excellent, smooth, powerful, quiet and economical, I am getting a true 44+ MPG since new. The DSG on my 2017 Yeti is much smoother than on my 2012 car - particularly noticeable when quickly entering roundabouts for instance - but I suppose that is to be expected as it had a further 5 years technical development. I like automatics but if you prefer manual gear changing then the manual gearbox is reputed to be excellent. Though why anyone would want a manual transmission with our congested roads is beyond me, clutch-in clutch-out, clutch-in clutch-out ad infinitum -Why! If you can find one I suggest you look for an SEL Drive model - the run out Drive models had a host of useful extras - heated windscreen etc. I changed from a 2 litre diesel to the 1.2 Yeti in 2012 and didn’t miss the diesel power at all - the 1.2 petrol is so much quieter and smoother than a diesel - and unless you are planning to tow or fill the car with heavy passengers and luggage regularly then the 1.2 will be perfect for you. Incidentally I got the car with 16” wheels which provide a smoother drive and have since fitted it with Goodyear Vector All season tyres which are much quieter than the original tyres and being All Season tyres provide an extra degree of security in colder seasons.

You’re right, but car dealers don’t make a fortune on new car sales. It’s the extras and financing where the money is and that’s why in many cases it is now more expensive to buy a car with cash than on a PCP deal. I was pointing out that the cost of the service will have been built in at some point of your deal, perhaps not as much as you would have to pay for the work, but certainly something. As my Yorkshire father-in-law used to tell me “you don’t get owt for nowt lad - not in this life”.

Anyone tried the new Ford Puma? I have seen a couple on the road and they look about the right size and have had glowing reviews - particularly their small hybrid engine system. However, like Stubold, I would want an auto and the auto on the Puma is only available with a non hybrid assist standard engine which loses the performance and frugality of the hybrid assist engine. Not sure why Ford have fitted an “old” spec engine to the auto version?

Yes, a bit pricy but not too much more than a well specd Kamiq SEL. I think it's a bit too big for me but I read in today's AutoExpress that Volvo is likely to replace the V40 with a smaller SUV to slot under the XC40. Now that might be worth waiting for.

I'm not sure if I want to be senior member of anything now! Reminds me of my advancing years. Makes you think that all of us left here are grumpy old gits, like Paul52, and revel in mean habits and extravagances like 2 candles. However, I did trade in my 2012 Yeti for a new Yeti when I heard they were stopping production and I couldn’t see anything better to replace it with, hence my 2017 Yeti SEL Drive. Since then I have been half looking to see what else is available and so far haven’t found anything worth considering which would improve on the Yeti’s features and abilities. Flirted with Kia Niro’s etc. but just didn’t get the feeling, same with Kamiq - really nice in some ways but driving position is poor and spec’d up to my Yeti’s standards is ridiculously expensive. I suppose the new Ford Puma might be worth a look but not yet for a few years.

They have to make a profit from the deal and will be well aware of any impending costs which will have to be factored in somewhere in the deal.

If you get rid of it now the cost of the service/timing belt will be built into the price you will get anyway.

If you're buying used with a sunroof then you are knowingly taking a risk of leaks. The only question then is - are you feeling lucky - well are you?

I replaced my 2012 Yeti, which I ordered new with 16” wheels, with a new Yeti SEL Drive in March 2017 - again ordered with 16” wheels. In both cases I placed the order with a Main Skoda Dealer then Skoda (UK) intercepted the order and changed the spec to 16” wheels. Main dealer couldn’t do it hence need to involve Skoda(UK) who I found really helpful both times. I guess the 16” wheel club is now amalgamated with the 'I will have to keep my Yeti Club’.

Beyond my technical knowledge I am afraid, however, I am sure someone on the Forum will come back with an answer.

Go for the SEL Drive and, if possible, get one with a reversing camera. Mine is an SEL Drive with the reversing camera and I didn’t realise how useful a reversing camera was until I got it. Provides excellent view of everything that’s going on behind you while reversing - including those pesky low rise bollards which you can’t see by looking and which reversing beepers can miss.

Yes, that’s the way I have always set clock - nothing to do with MFD scrolling.

I pay £260 with LVE, living in North Yorkshire with 2 drivers - both in 70’s. I always do a Search for best deals on renewal and compare coverage, price and reviews of the Insurance Company with regard to claims. LVE was ‘best’ deal this year, last year was Direct Line and year before that M&S.

You’ve got the same problem as the rest of us on this forum. Welcome to the “I will have to keep my Yeti Club”!!

If you want a quiet tyre then both Michelin CrossClimates and Goodyear Vector 4Season Gen2 (now 3) have proven to be quiet in use. I went for the Goodyears and they really are very quiet with much reduced road noise. The previous tyres were Goodyear EfficientGrips and they are reported as quiet but the Vector 4 seasons are really significantly quieter. They drive well and, of course, you have the benefit of an all year round tyre so no problem in winter at lower temps or snow & ice. Read a few reviews on the internet - Autoexpress did a good comparison test.

Well, you've got less than 6 months till the 5 year deadline. Surely worth asking seller to change cambelt - or at least contribute to the cost otherwise you should budget £500 for the change and don't forget to change water pump etc at same time.

Cambelt changed?

You are much better off buying a used diesel with a good few miles on the clock rather than one with fewer and all potential problems with emissions systems of low mileage, 82,000 from 2016 is about 20,000 miles per annum and that’s ideal for a diesel. Frankly if you plan to do much less than 20,000 per year - particularly if it will be used for short distance driving - you should avoid a diesel and get a petrol version, otherwise you risk having expensive particulate filter and other emission control problems.

Yes, I thought of that but realistically I won’t be changing my Yeti until next year at earliest. I generally buy the extended warranty so as to get peace of mind for 4+ years, particularly with 7 speed DSG box.

Quite a few of us are asking the same question - what to get after a Yeti? - and quite a few seem to be hovering over the Kia Niro. I looked at the PHEV version and with 30+ miles on battery power that would meet my everyday needs, I have a drive and could install a charging point. The one thing that puts me off is the dark interior, why does everything have to be black nowadays? My Yeti has the Gobi leather interior which provides a light bright interior - the Niro only comes with funereal black seating in the UK. In Ireland it is available with light grey seating which transforms the interior. Kia UK can offer no light on why Ireland gets the grey and UK only the black. So, still looking!

Whoops, didn't notice that I had missed the k in first post - sorry all.

New engine plus heavens knows what extra! Sadly £5k doesn't go far these days.

You pays your money and you takes your chances. Look at it this way, if you don't change the cambelt and it breaks requiring a £5 repair, will you have the money and be happy with your gamble? If so go for it, if not, then change the cambelt!

Definitely get the cambelt and water pump changed at 5 years unless you like to gamble on £5k for a new engine! Brake fluid recommend change every 2-3 years and it's an age thing not related to mileage. Fluid is hygroscopic and absorbs water from atmosphere to the detriment of braking components and performance of the fluid. Not an expensive job so worth doing for peace of mind.

You need a Suzuki Vitara AWD 1.4 petrol. Reliable and engine has no reported problems, excellent reviews and should do everything you want for a long time. Comfortable too. Get it on All Season tyres and you are all set for whatever the climate throws at you.