Boot space

[grobster]

Like what he said! Thanks TP!

grobster

I have yet to meet anyone or read any write-up/test that has anything but praise for the Yeti - looks, value for money, build quality or otherwise.

Retained value? Not sure how you know it 'will be poor'. No one will know how much they are worth when 3 years old for another 2.5 years. Personally, that isn't a massive concern to me - not that I want to lose big money but I didn't buy it as an investment. A friend of mine bought a one-owner Cayenne froma Porsche main dealer. 3 years old, 25,000 miles and £23k - original invoice price (supplied with the paperwork) was somewhere around £70k. I can never lose that much on my SM and it looks so much better than a Cayenne!

'Quirky 4 wheel drive'? Not sure anyone has said that about an Audi Quattro and in the recent extreme (for the UK) weather it certaily proved itself superbly.

And I'm not biased at all....

Again to clarify....people are defensively mis-interpreting my meaning of a 'Quirky' 4 wheel drive. I'm not refering to it as having a quirky 4 wheel drive 'system'. I'm referring more to the role/niche which the Yeti is hoping to fill in the market.

C'mon.....you are not really going to draw a comparison between the purchasing decision of a Porsche Cayenne and the Yeti are you?

Edited 18 January, 2010 by grobster

[aerofurb]

Again to clarify....people are defensively mis-interpreting my meaning of a 'Quirky' 4 wheel drive. I'm not refering to it as having a quirky 4 wheel drive 'system'. I'm referring more to the role/niche which the Yeti is hoping to fill in the market.

C'mon.....you are not really going to draw a comparison between the purchasing decision of a Porsche Cayenne and the Yeti are you?

Nope, you mis-interpreted me - you query the possible future residual values of the Yeti. I was pointing out, perhaps not clearly, that I could never lose as much on my Yeti as one might on many 'premium' cars, an example of which is the Cayenne.

What would I honestly take given the choice of a Cayenne or my Yeti? The Yeti every time. Never did like the Cayenne, ugly as sin. But that's just my opinion.....

[grahamar]

I'm sorry to say that the boot size is one of the key factors that rules it out straight away for me, as a family man.

and ...

Family Car of the Year

It appears Top Gear have taken to the Snow-Monster ....

My link

....

You can't please all the people all of the time and Skoda are no exception it seems. :yes:

Graham

[Anthony 1]

I would take the Skoda Yeti over the Porsche Cayenne. The Yeti is so much the better car! Better value for money better equipped, carries more people and kit and it goes up my track,.................... I hope!

[grobster]

Nope, you mis-interpreted me - you query the possible future residual values of the Yeti. I was pointing out, perhaps not clearly, that I could never lose as much on my Yeti as one might on many 'premium' cars, an example of which is the Cayenne.

What would I honestly take given the choice of a Cayenne or my Yeti? The Yeti every time. Never did like the Cayenne, ugly as sin. But that's just my opinion.....

I agree, the Cayenne is not to everyone's taste and it wouldn't be my choice of how to spend £70k....or from a different angle.. how to lose nearly £50k over 3 years. However, realistically, I doubt that a guy willing to spend £70k on a motor is going to come home driving a Yeti either!!!

Yes you will never lose the same amount of money as with a premium car, just the same as an 'orange' will never be an 'apple', ....but it may 'go off' at the same rate...or depreciate by a smilar % of it's original value. After 3 years at average milage, the value retention of the Yeti is forcast at 35 to 42%, which is right in the same ball park as the Cayenne!

Perhaps, both motors are simply about 20% overpriced to start with...but sadly that's where we stand with car prices in todays world, perhaps £30k for the average family run about is only a few years away!!

[scunjee]

just a thought.....

it amazes me that folk look at depreciation as a constraint to buying a motor....

following logic, if depreciation is considered a constraint, then a 9yr old car should be bought they dont depreciate any further!

we all know that if yer buy a new car and yer wave byebye to 5k in depreciation as you drive off the forecourt on a 20k motor.

in my bubble, analytically using the Snow-monster against comparable spec'ed alternatives and not accounting for the stunningly low OPEX (operating expenditure) of Skoda products, i'd rather ratain 43% on a £20k motor than 48% off a £30k motor. Less CAPEX (Capital Expeniture) and more wonga in my wallet over the period of ownership that pays for the really nice treats like carribbean hols instead of magaloof (ok spelling has never been a strong point on my scoresheet)

If the boot is too small then a larger car is clearly required and larger = more Capex.....using wooly logic to trounce a fine (for my needs) motor on the grounds of retained value really doesnt hold water

[PMinAU]

It seems to be a bit of a trend with some European manufacturers. Cars always had spares until a short while ago. Some manufacturers, with some of their cars, offered space savers. Then someone must have spotted a loophole in law and decided that we do not need one at all. BMW took on the Run Flat Tyre, supposedly puncture resistant or at any rate had side walls so stiff that it did not matter anyway. Obviously BMW directors do not use them because they are so stiff that they are useless on the road and are the cause of much controversy. I am not sure who else does not supply them but Skoda have started deleting the spare. They then have the cheek to say that one can buy a so called "Full Sized Spare" as an extra which is not full sized at all, being little over the size of a space saver anyway. They must have some Irish comedians on their board in Skoda! Warning signs are given about not exceeding the reduced speed when fitted!

I am sure that with the spare tyre being so important Down Under that you will perhaps get a real full sized spare.

Interesting, Anthony. I just googled up Tiguans and found that Euro-specced models do in fact lack a spare tyre. We get them here, apparently, although I discovered one Aussie site where Tiguan owners have discussed how to get back that boot space used by the spare, either fullsize or not: ideas much as here, except most don't want a tyre on the door. I'm learning something new every day here

I'm still amazed that the Roomster has a spare and yet seems to have more boot space than the Yeti. How is that?

Peter

Edited 18 January, 2010 by PMinAU

[Agerbundsen]

just a thought.....

it amazes me that folk look at depreciation as a constraint to buying a motor....

following logic, if depreciation is considered a constraint, then a 9yr old car should be bought they dont depreciate any further!

we all know that if yer buy a new car and yer wave byebye to 5k in depreciation as you drive off the forecourt on a 20k motor.

in my bubble, analytically using the Snow-monster against comparable spec'ed alternatives and not accounting for the stunningly low OPEX (operating expenditure) of Skoda products, i'd rather ratain 43% on a £20k motor than 48% off a £30k motor. Less CAPEX (Capital Expeniture) and more wonga in my wallet over the period of ownership that pays for the really nice treats like carribbean hols instead of magaloof (ok spelling has never been a strong point on my scoresheet)

If the boot is too small then a larger car is clearly required and larger = more Capex.....using wooly logic to trounce a fine (for my needs) motor on the grounds of retained value really doesnt hold water

Skoda will have a very nice solution to the HUGE Boot request very shortly: Superb Combi. 2.0 125 kW Cr or 3.6 TFI should satisfy most - even available with 4WD! ......but it is not a Funky Snow Monster, is it?

[Anthony 1]

The problem with manufacturers not supplying a spare and giving Glupe or a Run Flat, is that not all punctures are repairable or allow one to progress because the side-wall might be damaged or the hole is just too big. What happens then. Well it is OK if your just driving around your own local neighbourhood but what happens if your not? Townies might thing that oh il leave it and come back for it or call the AA. What happens if its 2am and the night clubs are emptying and their area load of drunks hanging around looking for a bit of sport. If your in the country the mobile phone could well not get a signal and your faced with a huge walk but in what direction BT are taking all the telephone boxes away. Say you find a garage but they do not have your tyre in stock, they have to order it and when it comes its the wrong one. That happens here all too frequently here, they haven't a clue and everything in its coming with a load on Monday. If you have a space saver then you might have to run-around for a while at a reduced speed and adopt different driving habits. The rout of this is manufacturers looking at ways to reduce expenditure and maximise profits and to claim that their luggage capacity is bigger than the next companies. the bulk of punter do not have the foresight to see hat it could be a potential problem and say nothing. The trend soon catches on with other manufacturers and that is how it goes on. before long no car will have spare. It is just a ridiculous situation.

[Anthony 1]

Interesting, Anthony. I just googled up Tiguans and found that Euro-specced models do in fact lack a spare tyre. We get them here, apparently, although I discovered one Aussie site where Tiguan owners have discussed how to get back that boot space used by the spare, either fullsize or not: ideas much as here, except most don't want a tyre on the door. I'm learning something new every day here

I'm still amazed that the Roomster has a spare and yet seems to have more boot space than the Yeti. How is that?

Peter

I forgot to ask, what solutions are they coming up with to remove the spare from the boot in Australia. Have they discuses the outside carrier or has any company designed one for the Yeti or similar small crossover? I am quite happy to import a well made and well thought out product from down there. Australian companies like ARB, Kaymar etc et al make some excellent products, I would have thought that they would come up with something for the Yeti.

[PMinAU]

I forgot to ask, what solutions are they coming up with to remove the spare from the boot in Australia. Have they discuses the outside carrier or has any company designed one for the Yeti or similar small crossover? I am quite happy to import a well made and well thought out product from down there. Australian companies like ARB, Kaymar etc et al make some excellent products, I would have thought that they would come up with something for the Yeti.

Here's a starting point

http://www.mytiguan.com/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=5408

Peter

[The Plumber]

Interesting, Anthony. I just googled up Tiguans and found that Euro-specced models do in fact lack a spare tyre. We get them here, apparently, although I discovered one Aussie site where Tiguan owners have discussed how to get back that boot space used by the spare, either fullsize or not: ideas much as here, except most don't want a tyre on the door. I'm learning something new every day here

I'm still amazed that the Roomster has a spare and yet seems to have more boot space than the Yeti. How is that?

Peter

Hi Peter,

The Roomster was designed with a proper spare wheel well under the floor, which they just filled with a polystyrene insert when they dropped the spare as standard over here.

Yeti on the on the hand as pointed out the other day by JonA, has a modified Golf V 4motion rear floor plan (my previous car btw). Due to the short overhang from the rear axle and the requirement for a rear diff and rear exhaust silencer, there is no room for a wheel well.

So like the Golf Yeti has a flat boot floor with a shallow recess, designed on the Golf for one of those real skinny space-savers VW use here. Obviously Skoda don't like them so do offer a full size wheel but sometimes due to space constraints it's smaller than the standard tyres.

By the way, I take it Tiguan has a full size spare with you. Over here they also used to have a skinny space-saver under the boot carpet like on the Golf.

Edit Got the link working so yes space-saver as with us then.

Regards,

TP

Edited 18 January, 2010 by The Plumber

[Sporky McGuffin]

it amazes me that folk look at depreciation as a constraint to buying a motor....

I've always just factored it into the total costs of owning and running the car. You know what it'll cost to buy, you can work out roughly what it'll be worth when you sell (if you know how long you're keeping it, that is), you can work out other running costs, so you add it all up and see if that's affordable.

[Babs]

I just ignore depreciation.

Then again I buy cars on a whim!

[Anthony 1]

TP,

Now I fully understand. Without having a vehicle to play with even with descriptions and images one is still a little in the dark but now with your last description and comparison with the Golf, together with the last image I can see it all.

Petre,

Hi, thank you for the Tiguan link and discussion forum. It is very interesting seeing how they problem solve with minimal equipment. The cycle rack, that would make a reasonable temporary fix. I would like something a little more tough, more belt and braces. I had also thought of the idea of allowing the bracket to hinge down if mounted from below or up if from the top. Some full size 4x4 mounts swing to the side. It would be great if it would just swing away preferably upwards when opening the rear door. I would mount the tyre back to front possibly just in case it took a knock then the load would be spread and the the tyre which is soft would absorb the impact a little. This way the wheel mounting bolts would be out of eye view and make theft a little more difficult, also some small bits of kit could be stored inside the wheel hollow. I would also mount the tyre much higher up, so that it is above the bumper. This would also take it out of the way of car-park nudges.

It is coming along, at first I was horrified, now I am enjoying thinking away and getting round the problem.

[grobster]

just a thought.....

it amazes me that folk look at depreciation as a constraint to buying a motor....

Depreciation is a constraint to buying anything of significant monies.....a car, property, specialist equipment. Would you buy a newbuild house for £300k house that as soon as you get the keys is worth £250k? or an Iphone for £500, which as soon as you recive it is worth £350?

I accept that, unless it is something very special, all new cars depreciate!! Practicalities aside (boot size etc), the Yeti may make a more interesting proposition as a second hand motor. When its value starts to creep down at £1K a year, if I loved it enough, at that rate of depreciation I could ignore certain things.

It's not my way of buying..... however many people buy cars on finance, and in some cases after 3 years they still owe owe more money than the car is actually would sell for. Ok, it would be nice to think that everyone does their sums, and say 'yes we can afford it'...sadly many don't. Hence, depreciation, and the potential of stepping into the realms of negative equity are all too real in many cases. Perhaps one of the factors why so many are in debt these days!

OK I am possibly the tightest man in Yorkshire...LOL.....However, c'mon guys its one thing us Skoda owners saying we buy Skoda's because we want 'value for money'. ....but by turning a blind eye to depreciation is like saying we don't 'value our money'. Hence, why many with their noggin screwed on buy ex-demo's or nearly new......let someone else pay £5k a year for the new car smell!

Second thoughts....No!! Please keep buying new, I might fancy trying one for about £10K in a couple of years time, and I'd like someone else to take the sting for me!!! LOL!!!

[The Plumber]

Depreciation is a constraint to buying anything of significant monies.....a car, property, specialist equipment. Would you buy a newbuild house for £300k house that as soon as you get the keys is worth £250k? or an Iphone for £500, which as soon as you recive it is worth £350?

I accept that, unless it is something very special, all new cars depreciate!! Practicalities aside (boot size etc), the Yeti may make a more interesting proposition as a second hand motor. When its value starts to creep down at £1K a year, if I loved it enough, at that rate of depreciation I could ignore certain things.

It's not my way of buying..... however many people buy cars on finance, and in some cases after 3 years they still owe owe more money than the car is actually would sell for. Ok, it would be nice to think that everyone does their sums, and say 'yes we can afford it'...sadly many don't. Hence, depreciation, and the potential of stepping into the realms of negative equity are all too real in many cases. Perhaps one of the factors why so many are in debt these days!

OK I am possibly the tightest man in Yorkshire...LOL.....However, c'mon guys its one thing us Skoda owners saying we buy Skoda's because we want 'value for money'. ....but by turning a blind eye to depreciation is like saying we don't 'value our money'. Hence, why many with their noggin screwed on buy ex-demo's or nearly new......let someone else pay £5k a year for the new car smell!

Second thoughts....No!! Please keep buying new, I might fancy trying one for about £10K in a couple of years time, and I'd like someone else to take the sting for me!!! LOL!!!

Hi grobster,

yes I tend to prefer to buy ex demo's myself as you get almost new, sometimes if your lucky very low mileage and a few thousand of list.

Problem for me this time though was a wish for specific kit, which SUK had seen fit to leave on the options list for my preferred spec. Chances of finding an ex demo to the spec I have now was almost nil.

So if you are in the market for a Monster in at least five years time then let me know, as I think that's how long it will take to save up for the next car. By which time we will be looking at the Monster FL

TP

[scunjee]

By which time we will be looking at the Monster FL

TP

oh dear....here's hoping they dont go down the stretch it and and another row of seats route. Skoda Sasquatch anyone?

[grobster]

Will the boot take a full set of golf clubs?

[Agerbundsen]

Here's a starting point

http://www.mytiguan.com/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=5408

Peter

The Thule carrier is actually not a bad solution for the time you need the most space, such as a vacation or such. You can probably live with the boot space on a daily basis - I know I can - and then add the carrier for the spare wheel and sundry for the camping trek.

[Anthony 1]

The Thule carrier is actually not a bad solution for the time you need the most space, such as a vacation or such. You can probably live with the boot space on a daily basis - I know I can - and then add the carrier for the spare wheel and sundry for the camping trek.

that is a fair and sensible comment, Agerbundsen!

.

[BillScarab]

Dropping the spare wheel is not exploiting a legal loophole as I don't think it has ever been a legal requirement int he UK. If you have a spare it does have to be road legal but there is no requirement to have one.

I always thought the reason manufacturers were dropping them wans't to save money but to save a bit of weight in order to shave off a few grams of CO2.

I'm hoping to order one soon and I'll take the chance on not having a spare. The last puncture I had was in my Capri and I owned that between 1986 and 1988 and I don't live anywhere remote. It's also going to be a company car so I don't have to worry about the cost of replacing tyres luckily.

[4 wheel driver]

It's probably one of those very thin & weedy space saver wheels, that enables you to limp home.

I think I'd prefer that to using that gunk that you put into the tyre, as I've been told correctly or not that once you use it, then you can't get the tyre repaired.

Then again if it's peeing down with rain the gunk in the can maybe preferable.

Not certain about Skoda tyre gunk but HOLTS equivalent states tyre can be repaired as normal after GUNK is washed out with ordinary soap and water. You can confirm this with a free product leaflet which I picked up at Halfords. It also repeats this on the can itself.

[dstev2000]

Interesting thread

My wife currently drives an Octavia vRS hatch which has a massive load area, the pushchair and associated baby paraphernalia go in with no problems at all along with shopping bags and such like.

She is really keen on the Yeti next time round but the short rear overhang equates to a smaller boot than we are used to. Fingers crossed it passes the 'Bugaboo' test when we pop down to the dealers to have another good look at one.

A spare wheel is a must IMO even if it does pinch a little space. I hate driving even a short distance using the spare after a puncture just in case lightning strikes twice

[swanclock]

After taking deliver of a Roomster SE, I was suprised that it did NOT have the "Variable Loading floor" feature, I part exchange a Octavia estate which had this and it was a great feature, any one know a source.

The model I have was supplied with a standard steel wheel as the spare, I am glad that I did not have the inflation kit. The car I bought out of the showroom, on a deal.

With regard to the loss of space question the one on the octavia was only about 60-100mm deep but it was a great place to store things like covers torches, jump leads etc.