Expatman

I had the same tyres as you but changed to the Goodyear Vector 4 seasons when time came to change. The Vector provide a slightly more comfortable ride and lower tyre noise at speed. Both tyres are excellent but the Vector seem to suit the Yeti perfectly.

Yes, but it’s a diesel so I would expect better MPG than a petrol.

Yes, but it’s a diesel so I would expect better MPG.

Perhaps I am lucky but I have had 2 Yeti’s, both DSG’s with the 1.2 engine. The first was the 105 BHP version (2012) on which I averaged 42.7 MPG over the 61,000 miles I had it then, because the Yeti was an ideal car for us, bought another with the 110 BHP engine in 2017 just before Skoda discontinued the model. As said I have averaged 44.66 MPG over 47,000 miles so far! In my late 70’s I am hardly a boy racer but do drive briskly but smoothly, I guess anticipation is the prerequisite for good economy and maximising MPG. Incidentally I specified 16” wheels when I bought the car (SkodaUK intercepted the factory order to change the standard 17” wheels to the 16” wheels I prefer - deeper sidewalls so smoother ride!). Perhaps 16” wheels with higher profile tyres contribute to better economy? Problem I have now as my Yeti will soon be 7 years old is what to change it for that will suit us as well. Hard to find a direct replacement.

I keep reading that 'modern’ cars are much more economical than older cars like the Yeti. However, when you read into the claims in more detail you often find that the claims relate to a few ideal situations and that the real world average over the usual different conditions we all face day to day is far less than the ‘optimum’ MPG initially quoted. I have a 2017 1.2 Tsi DSG Yeti and over its life have achieved 44.66 MPG since new and a best of 49.47 MPG on a tankful on a journey back from Dorset to York. This seems to be competitive with any modern car including most hybrids.

An update, I spoke to the Skoda dealer about the hard ride and they have offered to replace the Monroe HD shocks with genuine Skoda shocks completely free of charge. That is what I call outstanding customer service.

The facelifted T-Cross just announced has a much improved cabin with better layout and soft touch materials. Outside has been updated with all LED lights and style tweaks. New technology as well but details not yet confirmed until full release early Autumn. Looks a viable alternative to the Yeti, similar size and has the small outside bigger inside feel. Going to have a test drive once they are available at dealers.

At some stage we are all going to have to make the change from our Yeti to another vehicle. It is interesting that almost everyone who has a Yeti is finding it difficult to find a better alternative. The Service manager at the dealer I use said the same - they have many Yeti owners who previously changed their cars at 4-5 year intervals who seem to be holding on to their Yeti’s. I really don’t need a larger car but like the elevated driving position and, well, just the convenience and drive of the Yeti. Only alternative I can see at the moment is the VW T-Cross and am hoping they improve the cabin etc. in the facelift model due later this year. Kia Soul is nice but I am not prepared to go electric at this stage.

Hmm, should be load index of 95

Agreed - but it comes down to the management of the individual dealer location. I have had great service from Skoda and VW as well as Kia and Hyundai. Also had bad service from all - generally not deliberate just careless and thoughtless. Luckily no one has tried to foist unwanted repairs on me!

In my 60 years of buying cars one thing I have learnt is that if you want to find out the details of a proposed new car don’t expect the salesperson to provide them! There are honourable exceptions but no matter what make - and I have bought many and various over the years - salespersons generally are unaware of the technical details of the cars they are selling. Their role and skill is selling the car to you and, most purchasers are as unaware of a cars specs as the salesperson but succumb to the selling skills of the salesperson. I have found the best way is to do diligent research on the models you are interested in first, then take the longest test drive you can over roads you know so you get a feel of the cars driving performance - and then price your chosen car on one of the internet sites and see if your dealer will match it. If not then source from a franchised dealer offering the best deal, your local dealer will be delighted to service the new car because ,often, servicing is more profitable than new car sales and they know you will be back every year. This process has worked for me for many years.

The only vehicle that comes near compact size and versatility of Yeti seems to be the VW T-Cross. Facelifted model due this year with upgraded interior.

Interesting, what is your concern about Monroe shocks? I was advised they were top quality but my experience so far leads me to doubt that.

Yes, I'm planning a 500 mile trip so let's see how they are after that. Still concerning that I can't find a direct replacement for the Skoda shocks, they don't make their own so someone must make them!

Okay guys, go to trodo website as I described previously and then click check if these are suitable for your vehicle. Input vehicle details - Yeti 1.2 80kw and lo and behold website says ,yes suitable for your vehicle and states "suitable for vehicle with heavy duty suspension" ??????

I put Monroe 401147RM into Google, clicked on “Trodo” website (first find on Google) and they are there described as heavy duty.

But the Monroe 401147RM shocks are described as "for vehicles with heavy duty suspension"!

But only one had a slight oil leak and they certainly didn't feel knackered!

Just an update. Main dealer contacted me advising I should have the front shock absorbers changed because of the MOT advisory. I told them they had quoted £850 and I had got the job done for well less than half that. Immediately got a call from their new service manager asking what I had been quoted by their service department. I told him and he was shocked, said this is a ‘menu’ item and the price should have been £470.92. for all genuine Skoda parts, warranty extension etc. He apologised and offered a free 10k service as recompense, which i thought was decent of him. One thing I had noticed since having the shocks replaced was that the ride was firmer than before, out of interest I checked the part number of the Monroe shocks fitted and confirmed they were the shocks specified by Monroe for the Yeti. However, they are described in the small print as “for heavy duty suspension”, Monroe used to offer similar shock absorbers for the Yeti with a slightly different part number and specified as “for standard suspension”. Those were deleted from the range some time ago and Monroe now specify just one shock absorber for the Yeti - which it turns out is the HD version. Independent who fitted the new shocks were most concerned when I told them of the harder ride and contacted Monroe who told them they had supplied the right shocks for the Yeti. My problem is that I can’t blame the Independent garage who have fitted the Monroe recommended shocks but I now have a harder riding Yeti than before - it’s not awful and unless you knew what it was like before I am not sure anyone would think the car had a harsher ride. Trouble it I KNOW - now have to decide what to do, live with it or what? Any ideas anyone?

Went with local independent who fitted a pair of Monroe shocks for £275. Quick, professional and polite as well as offering excellent value for money.

I am not sure if I should let the Independent garage just fit the shock absorbers he gets from parts suppliers or should I specify he fits genuine Skoda parts? Alternatively It looks like Bilstein and Monroe receive good reviews - anyone any experience of those compared with the Skoda ones? Thanks

I have an advisory on my latest MOT stating that nearside front shock absorber is leaking. My Yeti is a 1.2 Tsi DSG 2017 SEL Drive model - one of the last made. I believe it is worth replacing both shock absorbers at the same time. Main dealer has quoted £850+ but a reputable local independent has quoted £350 for the same job. Anyone any experience of having the frost shocks replaced and is there anything I should be querying with the independent before giving them the job. Should I insist on Skoda replacement shocks or is there much difference between Skoda and third party shock absorbers? Thanks!

As the cars still in warranty I wouldn’t wait or 'fiddle' at all - just return to the dealer and ask them to fix it.

Obviously a guy who dislikes crossovers intensely and prefers the lower set more dynamic hatchbacks on which most small crossovers are based. The vast majority of drivers now are not really interested in outright performance - speed or dynamics - but are more interested in daily use and convenience. Fact is higher riding vehicles are generally more liveable with, loading is easier, installing children is easier, better view and driving position. Cars now are not exotic playthings but for most are a simple tool to use, just like a cooker or fridge.

Thanks for info. Didn’t know that!!