oldstan

Very comprehensive and well informed there, Lol Lol, Ta. Your brief mention of Dacia didn't go unnoticed. In the past, I've been put off the Duster by the, less than great, NCAP figures. And I spotted that the 2021 NCAP test of the Spring gave it one star. I suspect that in a crash it may well hold up as well as most other equivalents and it's just the absence of pre-crash devices that reduce the rating but something in me says that I ought to consider the NCAP figures insofar as if i bought a new car knowing it wasn't as "safe" as something else I could have bought and my Mrs was injured in it I would regret the purchase thereafter and wish I'd lessened the likelihood of injury by buying something with a better safety assessment. Nevertheless I still look at Dusters with a degree of .... whatever the word is .... respect for being honest and decent value, maybe? however you can get five grand off, say, a new Toyota and nothing off a Dacia ... and when you then compare the two makes it starts to make you think whether you should stick to the more conventional type of choice?

The more I reflect on my time in the VW showroom the more disheartened I am. I think that must, surely, put the tin hat on my time there. One one occasion, when the Yeti was about five years old and the same garage had it in for a service, they called and said it needs new brakes, do I want them to go ahead and do them? I declined. And now the car is 12 years old and it still has the same set of brakes on the car. Shirley shome mishtake on their behalf - or simply a means to make a little extra profit at my expense? On another occasion they returned the car from a service and MOT with badly low pressure in one tyre despite giving me paperwork telling me they'd checked and found the pressure in order. I rang the manager and got an apology - but what else had they overlooked? No, sadly I think I must look elsewhere.

Ah, that'sanother matter that must be left hanging. 😀

OK, time to draw line here. By the way I was inadvertantly saying ASG instead of AGS. My mistake there. I accept that Suzuki can be relied upon to offer integrity when selecting a transmission for their vehicles. It's simply that they say they're fitting 'Auto Gear Shift' (AGS) into their current Vitara / S Cross and I'm saying I wonder what type of transmission that is. So neither you nor I know the answer and that's where we should leave it hanging. (incidentally the auto in the IGNIS does seem a little clearer - CVT).

I agree that in recent years there were two auto types ... the CVT and the twin clutch (and, having made enquiries at the time, it wasn't entirely straightforward to know which was which, but that's neither here nor there) ... but you did say It is nothing like a ASG in a UP!MIICitigo. followed by Currently i do not know because i do not know what engines are on offer. Which, with all due respect, does beg the question how do you know it isn't of the type fitted to the UP/Citigo? It's a genuine question that I ask not an attempt to have a pop or to be clever .... I honestly did look hard to find the answer to my question of what type of transmission is ASG but simply could get an answer.

OK, I accept it's nothing like the box in an Up or Citigo ... so what exactly is it?

The first sales person who approached me whilst I was minding my own business in the dealers yard where the used cars were parked was young and totally inexperienced - and it showed - but we all have to start somewhere ..... so when I asked if the T.Roc that I was looking at had a wet or dry clutch he had no idea what I was talking about and went away and asked a more experienced colleague - who said, in no uncertain terms, that ALL VWs had wet boxes and had done for several years. I asked him if he was certain ... and he said he was. Without any actual proof that he was wrong I could say little more other than engage in a brief discussion concerning the unreliability of SOME (maybe early production) dry 7 speed boxes ... he agreed there had been some initial concern but that they now don't get trouble with DSG boxes. There was no point in pressing the point further and shortly afterwards I crossed the road and went into the Kia dealership. I did ask the first (inexperienced) salesperson what he knew about the troubles concerning 1.5 Tsi engines in recent times ... but, of course, he knew nothing and said they were all fine. In all honesty he was more concerned about getting my phone number and trying to get me to go back to him at the earliest opportunity. He really wasn't an asset to the dealership. And by the sound of it the other salesperson who said all DSG boxes are now wet isn't to be relied upon either. I have the name of one of the managers there (I used to have my Skoda serviced there) and I think I'll ring him and put the DSG question to him as well. Looking back on my experience today I think I shall abandon all hope of owning a VW.

I do occasionally look at Suzuki but the last time I looked at the S Cross it was a couple thousand more than a Vitara and a Vitara would be OK size-wise but somehow it never seemed to fit the bill - maybe because the dealer isn't as handy as those in question or maybe coz people often say they seemed a bit tinny and insubstanstial compared to more usually mentioned makes. The other thing is they say they have an AGS automated manual box and by that I take it to mean a single clutch semi auto as fitted to things like the VW UP. When I try to find out exactly what an AGS box is I never seem to find a definitive answer.

Just returned from a visit to (a) local VW dealer. and smack opposite them is (b) the KIa dealer. They had a new T Cross in the showroom and a few used T Rocs in the yard. The T Cross felt reasonably roomy inside and the boot was OK ish. The T Roc felt a bit bigger all round but certainly not hugely so - the seating position didn't feel any higher than the T Cross. One of the dealer's salespersons told me, emphatically, that ALL VWs now had wet DSG boxes. When I questioned this he said he was 100% sure and that they had been that way for "a few years". The other salesman in the showroom I spoke to had remarkably little product knowledge - and I do mean LITTLE. But he had clearly been told to follow the customer round the yard and the showroom and not let him/her out of his sight. I had to politely request he desist. The Kia felt very "modern" and a bit space age compared to the two VWs. Lots of shiny black plastic and other plastic surfaces to attract fingerprints and dust. And the more I raised my seating position the less I could see out of the windscreen due to the mirror and some other plastic obstruction behind the mirror. But it seemed roomy enough in the front and equally so in the back and boot. ..... but I didn't really fall in love with it. BUT he did have a used Kia Soul on the front which my Mrs. fell in love with (mainly due to its similarity to the Yeti.) But the Soul is only available as an EV and is ridiculously expensive. The bottom line is .... I should be even more appreciative of the Yeti coz it's better than all the others. PS. Anyone got any thoughts regarding the wet clutch in ALL VWs?

Thanks for taking the trouble,XPM. Having, regrettably, discounted the Yaris Cross due to the problems getting out of it my mind has returned to the VAG offerings and the Kia Niro. As mentioned, the Niro is bigger than the T Roc, T Cross, Seat Arona but all of those do fit in the garage. I haven't seen much mention of the Skoda Kamiq though. Again it would have the 7 speed dry DSG but if you're saying they made it more durable then that's encouraging (and, yes, I would go for an extended warranty). Incidentally, VW have apparently (according to my local dealer) done away with the extra two year extended warranty that you could buy during purchase of a new VW and you can't take one out from new any longer - you have to wait until the 3 yr warranty expires then take out a monthly scheme which covers warranty, service and breakdown and (for a T Roc for example) it currently costs £30 a month). A Kamiq is 4241 long by 1793 wide by 1553 high. The footprint is nigh on identical to a Yeti but it's the height (or lack of it) which they say lessens the appeal if you wanted something with a more commanding driving height. It's a tad longer than the T Cross and Arona but almost the same length as a T Roc. It's not as expensive as the Kia or the T Roc. It comes in one litre three cylinder (with two power output options plus a 1.5 four cylinder DSG or manual is available. DSG and manual is also available on the higher output one litre. Do we think VW have sorted the problems that they had with the 1.5 4 cylinder engine ???? If they genuinely have made the DSG more dependable and genuinely have stopped the 1.5 from kangarooing then their appeal is increased. I reiterate ... my DSG has been fine since they fixed it under warranty - and it's now 12 years old and has done 40,00 miles, but quite a few others haven't been. If I knew I could get any DSG repair or replacement done at reasonable cost then it wouldn't be so bad, but that clearly isn't the case and we're talking thousands of pounds.

All received, understood and much appreciated. You've raised some questions in my head but I'll wait until you've had it for a short time before quizzing you again. Suffice to say I have much sympathy and empathy concerning much of what you've said. Much of your thinking resonates with yours truly. Ta.

You're forgiven (on this one occasion) ... the new one is about 65mm longer and 15mm wider. It's 197mm longer than a Yeti. It looks a bit posher. You'd think the T Roc would be a more obvious replacement given its similar footprint and having similar controls, transmission and general feel to what I've been used to. But I resent having to pay for a longer warranty and still have two years less than what Kia offers, and despite not having had trouble with the DSG (or at least I should say no trouble apart from the replacement clutch pack and change of transmission oil and software update all done under warranty) ... it still seems a bit wrong to put my head in the lion's mouth an volunteer to have another VAG dry clutch DSG given that we know they could cost a fortune to fix out of warranty. If it was the wet one I might not be so concerned. I shall look in to see what others have to say. Ta.

Thank you for the above, two, posts. Yes, Titanium, I'd be very grateful to read your in depth thoughts. Given that the thread is entitled "Replacing Yeti" and has had plenty other makes suggested I can't imagine any reason not to. And I look forward to the further thoughts from Zarniwoop too. (I'm guessing that's a Steel Grey one?) Did you look at all the other colours in the flesh? My choice would be Steel or Interstellar or Green - I haven't seen any of them for real yet. Speaking only for myself I would have preferred the dimensions (the shorter length suits me better) of the T Roc and I love the way the DSG drives ... but not the way it has failed some owners and the cost of fixing it out of warranty. I like the 7 year warranty, as opposed to a 3 year warranty. And I still haven't forgotten the VW diesel debacle. I have conveniently placed dealers for servicing both the VW and the Kia. If you go by Drivethedeal pricing the higher discount on the T Roc means the 1.5 DSG Style T Roc costs much the same as a Kia Niro 2. The Kia's Hybrid engine would suit my short journeys better than the T Roc. So it will be seen there are similarities between the Niro and the T Roc. hence my being interested in what others have to say. Ta muchly. EDIT ... I forgot to ask what finance was used (if I may ask such a personal question) ... cash versus PCP. I'm too thick to be able to work out which would cost me the most after, say, 7 years of ownership. I paid cash for the Yeti and, 12 years on, I can't imagine PCP would have done me any favours. But maybe things have changed. I would be looking at paying DOUBLE for the new car compared to what I paid in 2011. But have you seen the price of fish lately? 😀

THe car is fine - no subsequent problems with it. Looks like I got lucky. I have added to the much earlier thread which talks about choosing a replacement for the yeti. The details are :- Replacing Yeti By awfabia 6 July, 2020 in " Skoda Yeti " section

In my recent thread about the wiring loom in my Yeti drivers door I wondeed if the broken wires where the door opens and closes was the start of a downhill slope and made me wonder if I needed to look at a replacement for the Yeti. I said a Yaris Cross might look suitable and that a Seat Arona might too. I can't go much wider than 1800mm due to the garage door width hence looking only at cars that physically fit. I had high hopes for the Yaris Cross but the fact of the matter is ... when I raise the drivers seat to the height I like to sit at my left knee got wedged under the steering wheel as I tried to leave the vehicle. The wheel was at it's highest setting and was pushed as far in towards ther dash as it would go. I also wasn't impressed by the flimsy construction of the boot floor and the load space cover ... but that wouldn't have been terminal, but the cramped driving position was. I must remember that the Cross is based on a standard Yaris and a Yaris isn't a big car (neither, however, is the Yeti but it "feels" a lot roomier inside. Anyway, that was the end of that. A Seat Arona didn't have that problem, it had space for a spare wheel too and it ticked a fair number of boxes, but did feel a bit small compared to the Yeti. Decent price though and I wouldn't discount it completely. It does have the DSG box though, which, despite a fairly trouble free life in the Yeti, still worries me. The VW showroom didn't have a T Cross to sit in. The T Roc might be an option - similar footprint to Yeti but not as high but it has a DSG box too andI'd have an automatic whatever I chose. Both the VW and the Seat have three year warranties but can be extended to five for around £300 - £400. Which brings me on to the Kia Niro. It was me who suggested to Graham (above) that he look at a Kia Niro ... he hadn't considered one until I mentioned it but he went on to buy one (he never did come back to me to acknowledge what a darned decent chap I was to suggest it) 😒. The new Niro is bigger than the old one but still just about fits the garage (length and width) and the hybrid nature of the thing might suit our shorter journeys as well as the occasional longer ones and it hasn't got a DSG box plus the dealer is conveniently situated and collects and delivers for services too. I'd only get the base model (which they call "2") ... it has 16" wheels and doesn't have as much electronic trickery. The waiting time for one is about 7 months (that probably means 8 though). but I can wait. I don't imagine anyone has a new one but if they have now's the time to say so 👍 I honestly don't know whether it's better to pay cash or have a PCP. I would intend keeping it for as long as possible (I've had the Yeti for 12 years). Advice welcome on that point.

Truth be told I'm considering myself lucky to have got it done so easily and at such resonable cost and, given the loom lasted 12 years I don't think I'm gonna worry about the next 12 years. I'm hoping the nearside door doesn't suffer the same fate in the near future but am reassured that it can get fixed if it does.

There were (are) ten connectors on the loom including the big one inside the rubber gaiter. The part number for the old one is 5L0 971 120 ES Looks like I can put thoughts of a replacement for the Yeti on hold for a while. Having it serviced and MOT'd next week. Had it come to a replacement I think it would almost definitely have been a base model (Icon) Yaris Cross. Sensible wheels and tyres and grey headlining instead of black would be two advantages over higher spec models. I wouldn't need or want most of the stuff that comes with posher models and the colours seem the same throughout the range. I can manage without LED lights and moody interior lighting. It looks like a 6 month wait at the moment.

Car went in to my trusted indie today. New door loom fitted - he showed me the old one - it had just two broken wires ... I thought it had more, but I was wrong. He seemed totally unfazed by the whole affair, whereas I thought it was terminal ... how wrong I apparently was. The part was £149 plus VAT Labour was £50 plus VAT Total was £239 inc VAT. The new one was "looped" rather than "straight across" but he said there wasn't much slack in it and didn't think it would last as long as the original. Needless to say, though, I'm pretty chuffed.

Did you look at the Honda HR-V? I did, but only the previous model when the dealer was conveniently sited - it's since moved. From where I am Exeter isn't as convenient (28 mile round trip with a lengthy 'round the houses' bus service) as Newton Abbot and the latter has a Kia dealer who collects and returns for a service... as does the VW (and Skoda) dealer opposite - which is where the Skoda used to get serviced (before I started using the local indie) so it was handy to have them pick it up, service and MOT it and bring it back. The Seat dealer in Newton does collect and deliver so that might be a consideration. If I went for a Seat it would have to have the Seat 5 year warranty (£320 if the website is up to date). The Ford dealer in Newton doesn't collect and I don't think I fancy the Puma that much anyway. If i drove it I might change my mind I suppose? But do I want to put my head in the mouth of the lion that is DSG???? Mine's been OK for 12 years (after they did the manufacturer decreed modifications under warranty) but it's still a concern for me. Exeter has all the makes in all the colours and all the sizes but to leave a car there for a service isn't all that convvenient - and I don't believe anyone there collects and delivers. To summarize, from a convenience point of view ... VW, Skoda, Seat and KIa are all convenient. Everything else is in Exeter. That includes Suzuki, Honda, Ford, Toyota , and everything else you can imagine (apparently Marsh Barton has one of the largest concentrations of car dealerships in Europe(). The Honda HRV's dimensions suit me nicely but it seems to get ignored. It looks expensive and there aren't as many discounts as would seem available on the others in question (and the dealer's not local any more) plus I'm not fond of the look of it at the front. I had a Jazz and it was fine - Honda Jazz and Civic are popular round my way (it's an area populated by the elderly - me included).... but maybe they get them serviced at one of the (quite plentiful) Indies round here. I think I can rule a Honda out. Your assessment of the makes you've spoken about in your post, stubod, mirrors my own thoughts to an uncanny degree. I couldn't disagree with anything you said there, even if I wanted to. As I said, I'm grateful for your thoughts here.

Was interested to hear the above ... ta. Have started to look online again at what others could be considered if I was looking for a smallish, slightly tallish SUV type thing. The Seat Arona, VW T Cross, Ford Puma are all a bit taller than the avarage hatchback and might be added to the Yaris Cross and the Kia Niro options.... although ideally I would like to keep below 1800mm wide if possible. The Yeti is currently languishing in the garage looking sorry for itself waiting for the 23rd of Feb to arrive when it can get some attention. I'm leaning towards trying to get him to change the wiring harness rather than splice it but I'll see what he says.

I quickly looked up Febi Harness repair kit for the Yeti and saw loads of stuff, most of which meant little to me but was taken to some comments to the effect that the colours disn't match the existing colours on the car. I shall just have to leave it to the indie to do what he thinks best and will have to ask him to check the nearside too. I have visions of all sorts of electrical gremlins starting to appear afterwards though.

Thanks, Stubod. Couple of very valid points yopu raise there, I'm grateful. Was interested to hear you mention the Yaris Cross and the Niro (and the reference to old version as opposed the new one). The new Niro from Drivethedeal is quite a bit dearer than the Yaris Cross and the new version of the Niro is 55mm wider than the Yaris Cross (my garage door isn't very wide and two inches makes a difference) . The Kia dealer is more convenient re. servicing than the Yaris. Bothe have decent warranties. Both are well regarded but Toyota might have an even better reputation? I say all this having not driven either - or even sat in either ... ... that could make a difference (although I would think both are just fine). As I say, there's food for thought and you've highlighted a couple of important points. Ta.

The car is a 2011 model. Coming up for 12 years. I'm wondering if this is the start of the time when things go wrong? Some thought will have to be given to what will happen in the fututre. If this particular problem were to cost, say £500 then so be it . If the other door needs doing then ... so be it, another £500. If the DSG started playing up that could be several grand. If the repairs were fully effective then maybe it would be OK but if I started getting niggly electrical issues or if the DSG didn't drive as well as it does now then ........... ?? A new Yaris Cross would probably serve as a reasonable replacement but I'd be forking out between £21.00 and £24,000 but would have another ten years of warranteed motoring. Food for thought.

Just checked - it's the dreaded drivers door wiring loom. several wires visibly broken. Is it worth trying to join them as a short term measure? It's booked inot local indie in three weeks time (he clearly has plenty work on).

Just a quick one. No central locking from inside the car although the button on the car key does unlock the drivers door (but not the nearside rear door) ... the windows don't work either. There might be other things not working, haven't fully invstigated yet. Both fuse box covers off. Strangely the red flashing light on the drivers door has been flashing when it shouldn't be (i.e the doors not locked). If it's just a fuse then I hope to find it otherwise it'll have to go to my usual indie up the road and leave it with him. Nothing unusual been done - hasn't got wet, hasn't had any work done. If anyone has any suggestions then I'd be grateful. First time anything has gone wrong in 11 years.