TonyFoster

Correct, but I think its model specific ? So it'd be the next one up? i.e. TP24. That was kind of a response I had from advanced keys ltd (VW CAN vehicles only for VW transponders). However unfortunately advanced keys neither had the correct transponder NOR confirmed its identity. But they can (like Hickleys) sell the front key fob itself (AKK237) Well I spoke to Hickleys too already who "thought" it was AKTP2 and didn't mention any others....but I will beg to differ and at least leave an open judgement on this until its categorical. I stumbled on the "TP24" in searches and on face value it looks more likely to be the right transponder - but its quite expensive to just "try" at half the price of the front key !!!

Just seems like a lot compared to the other auctions - plus you have to graft to fit em too. The bidding war on them seems to have got totally out of hand because of the rules of supply and demand - theres only one listed (issue#1 eagle/2000ad with spinner anybody?) ) It would be interesting if someone who actually knew a little about leather could post the differences between these OEM leathers and the retrofit ones ? As OEM they are obviously good standard, but there is something about them that just ain't shouting out "Look at these luxury leather seats" to me - and I certainly wouldn't pay £800 for them to be fitted in my car. Whereas what I've seen on here for retrofits shows off quality handstitching etc, which is what would float my boat about having leather for me ! The seat colours are practical ( I wouldn't be that excited by the style itself though, looks ok and better than cloth but wouldn't be wetting myself over them ).

This raises an interesting question, which is whether the dealer service intervals have any overlap for turbo servicing at all ? And if not, why not ?

You are so right, great choice. To credit the car, I have never been in such a dilemma of potentially considering a new car offset against keeping what I have, but what I have seems to far outweigh the benefits of getting a new car! While I am loathed to spend money, this is also for me a strong reason to consider the pros n cons of keeping the car (as it ages into slightly more advanced years, and may get a bit rougher around the edges). But you know what - it really isn't that worn down even at 50k. Now considering that information - welcome and pat yourself on the back for picking a best of breed car! The vRS farts in the general direction of most audi's and golfs in terms of "progressive" road speed so being worried by bumper magenets is out the question, but is no way is it a sportscar It does tend to leave most the main mediocrity of the cars and repmobiles you've mentioned in your wake save but the fastest GTI's and higher-end petrol performance models (and there aren't that many petrolheads left on the roads and increasingly dying fast with the cost of motoring thanks to the government). No wonder clarkson is probably crying into his beer and in woes at the thought of trying to hype the review of the latest dual fuel cell vehicles with optimal mpg, as supercars become a thing of the past. Whilst in comparison, if cars like the vRS are still a possibility for the future (with diesel technology) then maybe at least the average man on the street has something to look forward to.

Oh my god, in answer to your question, everybody it seems. Someone must really want em - whilst their are 2 exceptional situations which is that a) the seats are supposedly oem and the original cloth seats are really poor. The LAST TEN items won came to about £750 in total I think, so averaging £75 per set ! So just this item now about 4x the avg final price @ £280 and probably still set to rise ! Wouldn't it be funny if it got even anywhere near half the price of the last TEN auction wins from this seller !?! I think I will be sensible and let that run its course, since my cloth is probably pretty much pristine compared to the other complaints - probably someone must need this desperately ! There will either be others, or if not what have I really lost. At least I have saved my time, since that £800 at discounted rate is sounding cheap to seat surgeons for some very nice looking (fully-fitted) seats ! My seats do get marked easily like all of them, but I have cleaned them up so mine are still like new I don't have the problems with the bolster or frame poking through like others yet - since leather can bring its own set of problems too, not least the heat if you don't have proper seats for it.

60 is too lethargic for me So I do 70mph on A's or MWays = 60mpg (actually a little optomistic, but cruising and watching ahead it will get this side of 60mpg). On a heavy right foot (any speeds!) I expect 40-45mpg 30-40 = 35-40+mpg oh and I forgot to mention - all pretty much flat where I drive, its like the great plains ! Its gone down since chaning to Kumho's also ? I got 70-80mpg for quite considerable time on the Bridgestones originally, at one point when coasting on a long distance journey back from (or to?) Cornwall although I was slipstreaming some trucks as well for reduced wind drag )

They are supposed to be OEM so seem likely. Maybe overseas only though ? If I'm honest though, compared to the aftermarket seat surgeons, I don't think they are quite as good - but there is a reasonable difference in price. So I guess you can be contented about it whether you got your leather seats from depending on what your angle is. If I had near to 1K though I definitely would save the hassle and chuck em in to be done. I'm not seriously that tempted by the colours they have so far - just a bit too "pimped out" for me (could do with the black bit on the main seat) wonder if they have a more matured all black style like all their others !

Thats awesome. SO its official: Why by something like a golf when you can have a golf ? Cos its more reliable for a start ! hehe ) But seriously. 50K down, and so far not so much as a brake disk, pad, exhaust or anything; just major/minor services and tyre changes for me. Even the standard tyres lasted for over 35k (yeah, I know not driving it properly!) Even our 1.4Mpi has only had the bushes done last year & battery changed last yr after 7yrs( thats consumable though/wear n tear right?). Still original zaust too ! The only big work required was where dozy other half drove it into a van requiring panelling repair ! One seriously hard tank.

Those DK ones (vRS) are ok, but being blatantly honest I think that the seat surgeons pictures on here, pro-fitted looks even more awesome. I don't like that reverse gray/black - all black would be my preference anyway. It seems a bid war on those, way beyond most of the final auction prices already - daft. But obviously a vastly different price margin, if you prepared to put some graft in. I think its a really good job thats been done by those fitting the DK covers though.

I don't think they are listing any more though ? I think these must be last of a line or something. Last ones are those red n black currently up. But they don't suite vRS - also and wouldn't look good as black yellow and red for my car ..... unless it was pirate colours ) Pity they don't have more to come, and in more neutral colours

Interesting. Out of interest how can you determine if your bushes are worn, does it handle for ****. I think mine could probably do with the cupras.

If its any consillation, if you need any abrasive advice (for an initial diy fix, that will keep your eye from straying to it), I'm the man to ask. (PM) My fathers retired, with lifetime of experience in 3m..... Foot long...doesn't sound so wide to try and repair - like with enough patience even with paintpen and microabrasives. But you don't mention the colour ? Also don't know where you are. Also I recommend beside microabrasives and minipads (once you have a very small amount of paint fillng the damage, and dryed to sand finely down to the rest of the paint line), if you can get hold of any Finesse-IT it's the dogs. The car plant stuff, not your crappy aftermarket cut n polish. Used it for years for taking out scratches and its great (v fine)

Yeah I have won my key on ebay (sorry if anyone here was bidding also ! But I need it ) All in for £10....well £11 if you count the PDSA donation ) It also came with TWO blank keys and I know a local smithy whose hoping to do it, so all in all a fair way to get a cheap replacement for my mislaid spare. Bet it will turn up somewhere stupid after all this .... Cheekily I noticed (like I did) the guy had the VAG part code slightly wrong and mistook a J for a 3. I did the same when searching - so I think that cut out a lot of competition on bidders, plus it ended in the middle of a workday too )

The warranty seems like a lot (unless you do a lot of mileage) I suppose its not much to pay if something goes wrong. But if it doesn't, lets say for 2 years, then you have paid for anything major to go wrong. I'm half n half about it. I have found something very tempting though, to consider as an alternative to the fabia vrs. What is it I bet you wonder? Another vRS ! Except its a new Octy. Not sure though, I doubt I will as I don't really wanna spend the money (or let my other half trash the Ferby vRS - she can keep our 1.4 for that purpose and already managed it once !) SKODA OCTAVIA 2.0 TDI CR 170 vRS on eBay (end time 19-Sep-09 13:25:09 BST)

Yeah well it was an open point to the floor, who feels like me? Well interesting to see that my feeling that its actually still a good thing going (even after 3 full years of wear), would be the more general concensus. Guess we are only just bedded in, and both ready for many more miles then ! It was a thought (about a new shape TDi) but I am now even looking into elongating my lifetime with the old gal with a few perks Maybe seats, the engine mod (which I looked into but went cold over) etc. I don't want to do too much in the way of mods, I like the standard car the way it is to be honest. I've now done about 50k approaching the final 3rd year - and its been pretty fine motoring and very pleasing. Anywhere near the 170 bhp would certainly be interested to dabble with, still haven't explored this yet !

I personally think its acquired taste, if you like it then it was worth the effort ? I prefer them with, as it makes the car less golf-like, and a bit more distinctive. But I had to go and check our two because I wasn't sure if it was fitted to any of them or not ! It turns out - not I think for the estate it works a treat, not sure about other models but it certainly makes it stand out a bit better and (if this makes any sense) a more prestigious look !

Certainly different ! So now I know what this model is. They are shockingly low slung to the floor (thinking mgbgt etc) so must be a unique driving experience Of course you realise, you'll just be trading skip jokes from those who really ought to know better (particularly badge snobs), for the noddy jokes instead )

I think your tint is ok imo, and the right side of legal ( I am not sure the exact legals but wouldn't aim to mess about with dark tints ).

I'd love an Octavia vRS (from new). But financially and securely just don't feel its right even though I could likely just do it with cash ! i.e. I believe in keeping savings, its just too big a whack of cash for me to want to spend. On another note, probably a bad one, I'm like many of the saddos that actually is slightly endeared to the Fiat 500 (though probably not as much as many, since I have actually owned Fiats!) Actually our Fiat was not bad though, if molly coddled and serviced appropriately (without pattern parts for instance). We still laugh about the front shocks bouncing effect of going down the road in our Punto - apart from the cooling system (and the aftermarket waterpump failing from new) it was not too bad for a (Very basic) basic drive, though I was constantly paranoid about the cooling... I may be mentally ill, but just wonder what the "Fiat 500 Hatchback 1.4 T-Jet Abarth" would actually be like ? (as a low cost/small "mini performance" hatch). But, putting a sensible hat back on - I imagine it would actually be worth waiting for the new vRS instead given a choice and its not ever going to please me in the same way as the Diesel.

Tend to agree. Although I do like the styling on the new Fabia and wish they had a closer compromise - please note that I wouldn't be getting rid though, just dropping our older Fabia so I'd still get to own/drive it ) But I'd expect the newer one to be more equivalent - just isn't the case (unless chipping can manage it) Also while I hate this "car vs car" thing, in real terms, I really like the ability to use the car on the roads (even the bigger cars, certainly the 520d which seem lethargic). I'd hate to lose that edge and ability to keep the tailgaters at a distance ) It constantly manages to surprise and I think short of the proper hot-hatches if you get me (turbo charged super-light nutter monsters like saxo gtis), it really does well on the road.

I also prefer the slightly over pressure but more like 34 psi all round Also hate kumhos on experience, seemed to deform badly at the back, giving lots of roadnoise and poor mpg compared to the standard brigestones which infinitely better. However I think actual performance on them is pretty reasonable and at least comparable with bridgestones, proves you get what you pay for. Given how much they have done my head in, on the note of comfort, noise and slightly lesser mpg (kwikfit offered recently set of 4 bridgestones down to 84 ea) then I'd go for something more like that or better/premium in future (even though they are rated by some here). Although since everyone rates the toyos I'd have to try them once. Currently new Bridgestones at rear though so looking to pair them up at the front so the same brand all round first though.

Just having a look about, I really struggle to find anything as good so even though I am nearing the end of my warranty period, still very very much in love (or if not extremely happy!) with the car (in most respects and if not, compromised by my own choices eg tyres). Pound for pound nothing currently competes on performance for a small hatch disel, as well as previous purchase price. The Tdi sport from the new fabia range, does seem like its stifled and I don't think I'd be much in love with that performance. Vauxhalls 1.7 CDTi SRi is not too far out on performance but thats quite a bit higher than the original price of the Skoda (and the new Fabia). Even if the newer vRS comes out soon, its still not as attractive either (because forgetting the 0-60, you really get to love the midrange). So I can see myself still owning a vRS for at least a good while yet as it still ticks all the boxes. Anyone come to the same conclusion or differ from this, just interested.

Can anyone help confirm the transponder that my VRS would use ? Its a 56 plate. Lost my spare and want to make sure I have a backup ( I have seen how easy it is to take the key apart (and get to the transponder) and so think there is a much, much cheaper (and quicker) way to get a spare full key...with the right parts (e.g from Hickleys) and maybe ebay ! Also based on their images, it appears the Skoda key is made up from part AKK237 and AKRM30, correct ? So I am guessing from this that the correct transponder is AKTP2 I am guessing, (having cut a new blade by the way) all you would have to do is replace the transponder (likely to be used) with a new one, encode, setup the remote unlock, and bobs your uncle.

Cheers all the advice, in fact I concurr, but they are good tyres or as good for the money nevertheless. I have just found that revolving the almost "new" rears, to the front, so the more worn fronts are also on the rear, has made a huge difference and compell anyone with the same problem to consider that its likely to be the tyres first Also don't expect the tyres places to always consider your best interests (several have looked at mine, one even commented they were "dangerous" which is a bit laughable but I guess they gotta sell tyres) I suppose I could have just changed them early....but this seems to fix it and I have been thinking bout it for a while to just try. Forgetting the wheel in regard to noise, the fronts "catch" a little, well certainly moreso on the drivers side when spinning but I guess with 40k of wear on original pads/disks this could be expected ! Doesn't seem to be the cause of the noise tho. Certainly quieter on newish tyres, and with tyres pumped to optimal pressure also feels "softer" / more comfy at the front too. Guess this isn't brain surgery but like others above I was worried about bearings etc, seems to have been unfounded glad to say !!!

I got tyres from blackcircles online, who were very efficient I may add, and have no negative comment at all about as they really handle their stuff well. Also the garage that fitted them, Central Tyres who were also excellent. "Kumho KU31 205/45 R16 W (87), Reinforced" I just have some problems with the Kumho's, ok so they were budget but now I am wondering maybe I should have stuck to the Turanza's! Wear is "ok" but nowhere near the ER's...but the big thing is that after some time I am really noticing some noise (maybe due to the tread pattern). Does anyone get this? It seems to have now they have bedded in. At 40Mph its like a chopper or roadhumps. Its actually less noticeable at the higher speeds but still there (ride is not actually compromised). I try and get others to hear it in my car but its not so evident....although my partner has heard it, but when you are driving all the time its noticeable. Fronts are probably down to 3-4mm and rear's haven't done much (I'm not sure if its from there). It may even be something other than tyres, but I doubt it. (the brakes whilst having been noisy in the past seem to be less of a problem now but I wouldn't rule anything out). Im just planning to revolve the tyres and see if it changes as I have been to a few garages and no one seems to highlight any kind of fault or need to change anything. Just wondered if this was unique or if others had the same? I wouldn't have them again to be honest if it is this, because while great value and performance the noise is enough to drive you mad.