petehiggins

Think you might be better off with the diesel if you are used to fuel consumption in the high 40's. My 1.8tsi 4x4 averages about 27mpg during the week in my crawl to work. On a motorway trip I get about 32mpg. Strangely it doesnt seem to improve if you drive the car lightly? So I use the car using the revs and enjoy it. The way I see it as I bought mine used an ex Skoda UK car at the time a comparable used diesel was 2 grand more, so as I dont keep them very long I can use the saving to buy fuel. I dont regret buying the petrol model but I do have the use of a diesel 4x4 for evenings and weekends which helps.

I would seriously consider the Kia Sportage. I drive a Yeti 1.8 SE but for the last 2 weeks have been driving the wifes Sportage First Edition. Its done about a thousand miles now and I am really impressed with it. The kit it comes with as standard puts mine to shame. The voice recognition for the bluetooth phone, the reversing camera built into the rear view mirror, and the leather interior would all be welcome on my Yeti. And it really is a looker from any angle especially in black with the chrome exterior trim. The engine and gearbox I cant fault and its averaging 38mpg. The ride isnt as good as the Yeti at filtering out lumps and bumps though, but think thats down to the 18 inch wheels. But you do get a full size alloy spare wheel! Now for the things I dont like, the steering lacks feel and is nowhere near as direct as the Yeti. And the 18 inch wheels generate a bit of noise on certain motorway surfaces, also the drivers seat is a bit flat and could do with more support. As a purchase with your own money it makes alot of sense, cheap road tax and that 7 year warranty. So which do I prefer? It has to be the Yeti its more of a drivers car and the interior is quality. I knew when I bought the Yeti 1.8 tsi I was going to get hit at the pumps and high road tax but its worth it. The Sportage replaced a X-trail 2.0dci which although was great in the snow we had lots of problems with the DPF filter with her commute into Manchester.

About a month ago received a letter from the AA saying my cover with Skoda was about to end. You would think that this being my third Skoda vrs the penny would drop that they come with 3 years assistance cover. I foolishly thought that having just bought a car from a different dealer than usual the deal maybe different and paid the AA. Today a letter arrived from Skoda Assistance to inform me that from 1st March 07 my 3 years assistance package had been transfered to the RAC! Has anybody else been stupid enough to fall for this one?

Replaced the tyre via tyre-shopper.co.uk who directed me to a tyre place in Ashton. They fitted a new Continental in about 15 minutes. Paid the balance on the net and turned up with a reference number. If I hadn't done the deal on the net it would of cost £170.

Tyre pressure warning light came on dash on Friday. Closer inspection revealed the rear passenger tyre had fell to 20psi as it had a piece of metal in it about an inch from the otside shoulder. Can it be repaired so close to the edge or would that be risky? Just been to Costco who quoted me

Having owned two Fabia VRS models, first a black 04 then a silver 55 VRS decided to move up to an Octavia VRS. Bought an ex demonstrator two weeks ago in race blue with the 18 inch Zeniths and the red brake calipers. Its only done 3 thousand miles but the drivers side seat bolster already looks a bit second hand and the glove box needs to be shut with a bang. Is this common with this model? Apart from the interior niggles love the way it goes as I thought I could be making a mistake moving away from the Fabia diesel. Taking a hit at the pumps though seems to be using a gallon of super unleaded every 28 miles, is this normal?

Received a letter today informing me that Horners Bury is relocating its main Skoda operation to the Bury New Road site. But aftersales and servicing and warranty work can be done also at Horners Rochdale. The move takes effect from 1st December. They are having an open evening at the Bury New Road site on 7th December. I for one will miss the service provided by all at Bury.

Had my fabia vrs retrimmed on Friday. Went for black with grey inserts with the light stiching. Paul and the lads are very friendly and professional. Pictures I have seen do not do their work justice it, it really is worth every penny. He did the wifes 307cc on the same day, it looks factory fitted not a retrim. Arrived at 9.15 and both cars were ready for 4.30. If you are thinking of having it done do it! He is getting very busy.

Trading in my black fabia VRS on Friday for a silver 55 plate one. No options this time except for metallic paint. Horners of Bury want

Have owned a black skoda fabia vrs for 17 months now, just wish leather seats had been an option when I bought it. Using seat covers on the fronts at the moment but look naff. Great car! can't think of what to replace it with next?