runswickstag

I`m still here as well! had an issue with the log in procedure for a while and had to reset everything! so, yes, we still have our Yeti on 16" wheels, original Conti`s did 18000 miles and were replaced for Goodyear Wrangler HP, these have now passed the 18000 mile mark and still have around 4mm of tread left, so doing ok! sorely tempted at tyre change time to go up to a 65 series, but this will change things by 3% which is a smidge over the 2.5% recommendation........ On the strength of our Yeti, our neighbours bought a used Yeti adventure on 17" tyres and they describe the car as `firm` but isn`t that true of a lot of cars these days?

In my Citigo 75 ps I did a `survey` over 3000 miles, first using supermarket /normal unleaded, and then 3000 miles on Shell V Power. Over that time I averaged 2mpg more on V power so not a big gain BUT it runs much better on Vpower, much more responsive, so you will not get your money back on V Power by a reduction in fuel usage, but long term I think the better fuel will pay dividends, so it`s pay your money etc, etc!

It may be worthwhile seeing how the figures stack up on an elegance spec as quite often as the elegance is a more `desirable` car come resale time, the monthly payments might not be that far adrift from the SE. Just to give you and idea, I bought an elegance last year ( 3dr ) £700.00 discount, deposit of £250.00 and pay around £170.00 per month for 3 years, 18000 miles per annum. I will be keeping the car at the end of the term,( I took the PCP deal as it was 0%) Incidently, the mileage you do doesn`t really matter unless you hand the car back, and even if you exceed your stated mileage it the cost is not great. Keep the deposit as low as possible, and then there should be a bit of spare cash left in the car come judgement day. As far as Iam aware, you can take a PCP from 18mths up to 42 months depending on how you want to play it! Good Luck!

Just to help you out a little! I have got a 75ps elegance and a friend of mine has the 60ps elegance, we work at the same place and tend to do take turns for the commute ( 80 mile round trip, mainly dual carrigeway ) On paper it would appear that there is very little difference between the two engines, in fact there is nothing wrong with the 60ps version, but my 75ps one does have more `grunt` when pulling away, and is a smoother engine when cruising, both do similar mpg which over the the last 20 fill ups have averages 55, this is true mpg not on the pid, the engines do much better in the warmer months when there are less demands on the engine, the most I have ever had was 76 mpg! So, nothing wrong with the smaller engine, but as I got my new, I ordered it with the bigger engine. Remember, the Citigo is a very light car even wet through!

Just to pour a little more fuel on the debate, our 2012 Yeti started blistering at about 10 months old( no rust ) this was put right under warranty, all four lower doors were repainted, took two attempts to get a decent job but thats another story! the problem returned almost a year to the day, and again the Yeti went back in, Skoda UK got involved this time, the result being that all lower doors were repainted, apparently the dealers/Skoda stood the not inconsiderable cost! I have asked for some factory feedback, but all they will say is that is due to "external" factors, I did point out that non of our previous Skoda`s had this problem and we still live in the same place and use similar roads! so, wait and see what happens in the next 12 months. I can say that Skoda UK and DM Keith`s have been great in attending to the issue. Interesting to note, is that I have seen other Yeti`s with blistering doors, maybe their owners haven`t noticed yet!

I can`t see the logic in wanting to do away with what I would consider is the preferred option i.e spare wheel! most new car owners would dearly love a spare instead of gunk, I specified a spare when I bought my Citigo ( £50.00 ) it is nearly as quick to change a wheel as to use the `gunk` anyway, but if you want to go down that route, I would suggest buying an aftermarket compressor and tyre sealant from your local car spares shop ( total cost probably £30.00 ) and leave it in the boot along with the spare wheel! There is nothing really special about the Skoda VW tyre sealant anyway.

I think this would one of those `sit down and work it out` issues! in reality the Citigo will probably achieve 10 to 15mpg more, if you want to change your car, fine, but I don`t think it will be worth doing to save so little money? Without a doubt the Citigo is a cracking little car, mine does a daily commute of 80 miles and currently averaging 55 mpg ( real life not pid ) which is about 10mpg less than it did in the summer. Depreciation is the biggest cost of running any `new ish` car and not always felt in the pocket until you change cars, whereas putting petrol in the tank always hurts a little more! so my advice would be to hang on for a while!

Just to add my comments! our first Yeti was a 140 SE 4X4, and the one we have now is the same car with the 110 engine. Prior to placing the order I drove the 110 and was surprised at how little difference there was between it and it`s bigger brother! the current Yeti we have now tows a 1300kg caravan with no trouble, and in daily use has plenty of power /torque for our needs. I would try and drive both if possible. Can`t really comment on the petrol variants, but in my opinion the diesel `suits` the Yeti and would be probably more attractive to sell further down the line.

Interesting the mention of `Zinc Inclusions` we had our Yeti in last year ( 12 months old) and had all four doors painted, here we are 12 months on and back again! Yeti goes in on Monday to D M Keiths to have the doors painted yet again! Will I need to book it in for next year as well!

The problem with changing tyre sizes is the fact that it is advised to stay within 2.5% plus or minus of the standard fitment, putting for example a 225/60/17 on in place of the 50 series ( if it would clear the arches etc ) would make the speedo overread and slightly raise the gearing. I have considered fitting a 65 series tyre on our Yeti when the time comes, 215/65/16 is what is fitted to many Freelanders and there is a far greater choice of all terrain type of tyre in that size, it would be 3% larger than standard, but should be ok? I just hate to see 4x4 vehicles on wide low profile tyres!

The great debate goes on! just to shed some light, we had a Yeti on 17" rims for about 18months and 15000 miles, and in my opinion the ride quality was the only thing that spoilt a great car! due to a fantastic deal we bought a new Yeti and with some great help from people on here managed to convince Skoda to change the 2 letters on the build sheet and therefore we ended up with 16" Moon alloys with 215/60/16 tyres. All I can say is what an improvement! the Yeti was always good on the main road undulations but on country roads the 17" wheels used to bang into every little pot hole, the 16" set up is far better in this respect, it has taught me that I would never buy a car again with anything less than say a 55 profile tyre! but each to their own, it seems most manufactures are going down the low profile route! Even when parked, you can see a distinct bulge in the 16" sidewall so this in itself will `help` the suspension. Prior to ordering the new Yeti I spoke with a teckie guy at Dunlop and he confirmed what I have since found out......... also it is not just the height of the sidewall that is the issue here, the 50 series tyre by it`s very design is manufactured with a stiffer sidewall to cope with it`s lower profile, if that makes sense! Just one final point, when comparing aspect ratios, remember it is a percentage, so 50% of a 225 section tyre is 112.5mm. also the 215/60/16 tyre is actually slightly larger than the 225/50/17! So, all in all, a better ride, but the steering a little less like a go cart!