A couple of years ago my company car choice was widened to include Skoda, so I went for a hitherto not-thought-of choice - an Octy vRS CR Estate. Luckily just as I placed the order the FL was issued. Anyway, here I am with the car being withdrawn (minor change in job no longer necessitates a motor), so I find myself having to buy a car out of my own pocket.

What do I end up about to buy... ? Another one! In my defence I reckon it's a solid value package that I really cannot beat; my mates reckon I have no imagination! Secondhand I looked at a Volvo V50 T5; didn't feel that fast and couldn't hear the 5-cylinder (surely a major selling point in tolerating the fuel consumption of that lump?). Alfa 159 - look gorgeous, but slow & thirsty (an Alfa???). German stuff - too obvious and expensive. New vRS - cheaper, 3 yrs warranty, big inside for windsurf / MTB toys, feels quick in petrol guise (but not too thirsty).

Right... off to place the order before the VAT free offer expires. On the plus side I can hang onto the company car for a few more months, so the Skoda delays won't be a problem. Never thought I'd end up a Skoda fan!!!

Skoda everytime when you weigh everything up. I did the same thing last year and wouldn't go for anything else now unless i won the lottery.

The VAT offer isn't on the diesels btw if that is what you were looking at.

I honestly can't think of another car i would prefer to have over the skoda - the blend of price, performance, economy & space cannot be matched by any other vehicle out there IMO, let alone beaten.

Me = very happpy skoda driver

the octavia is my 3rd skoda short of winning the lottery cant see me changing marque anytime soon. Yeah sure I'd like an Audi........but not when its costs atleast £10k more for alike spec!

Yet more support for the 'keep with Skoda' idea

Skoda No.5 for me currently and I can't see myself changing marque any time soon....

vRS TSI on the VAT free deal with a few choice extras, also with 20% discount. Pretty much a no-brainer

We are lucky enough to have a couple of fun cars but the best overall car is the Octy, 3rd one we have had & like the previous ones it just does whats asked of it.

Yep, it's petrol. After a few years in diesels I still miss the response of the petrol. OK it hasn't got the mid-range torque figures, but the wider rev range and shorter gearing make up for it. Also, if I am about to cough c.£19k I want to buy something I actually want! When the missus and I test drove one recently we were only really testing the engine and both liked it.

The only debate I had was the options list, but with the VAT offer, I did allow myself a it of leeway:

Grey (hopefully will need less washing than the current silver).

Sunset tints, as estates these days can look a bit low spec without (especially suits the darker colours).

Sunroof to brighten up the black inside (and there's no quicker way of cooling the interior on a summer's day).

Maxi-Dot to liven up the dash (after all I spend most of my time in front of it!).

Rear parking sensors as the view out back isn't that special.

Spare wheel (WHY on earth is this an option?).

Wondered about, then decided against: silver roof rails - these can look a bit more upmarket, but against grey the black blends well and they are silly money for some silver paint. Leather / heated seats - didn't fancy mixing these and a soggy wetsuit / waterproofs etc. I do use a seat cover, but seemed to be inviting problems.

I did want the full Bluetooth & steering wheel setup, but only on a DSG :S - don't see why, but after searching round here (excellent source of info - thanks to all here ), found the Fiscon option, so that will be after along with some decent stereo speakers.

Sounds good. And you could always have a MFSW retro-fitted afterwards, if you wanted. There are some nice choices from the Mk6 GTI :yes:

You have had the best car on the market. Go on and buy another!

I did see a MFSW on the site of the Czech accessories SuperSkoda, but was concerned that it looked a specialist & expensive undertaking. But then again the last time I swapped a wheel was a Renault 5 Turbo one into a regular 5 with 1.4 & a twin choke Webber! A few years ago...

Reckon I'll be committing the cash at month end.

I did see a MFSW on the site of the Czech accessories SuperSkoda, but was concerned that it looked a specialist & expensive undertaking. But then again the last time I swapped a wheel was a Renault 5 Turbo one into a regular 5 with 1.4 & a twin choke Webber! A few years ago...

Reckon I'll be committing the cash at month end.

Just get the DSG - You know it makes sense

And xenons!

Yeah, just tick everything apart from Sunroof and Columbus really as these are both overpriced and the Columubus can be fitted afterwards for a fraction of the cost.

Yeah, just tick everything apart from Sunroof and Columbus really as these are both overpriced and the Columubus can be fitted afterwards for a fraction of the cost.

Yep, that was pretty much my approach :yes:

I was tempted by Xenons, but at £700 I'd expect Bi-Xenons. Also I had these on the last company car (Citroen C4) and after 1 year they went cross-eyed and pointed at the ground like a pair of fogs... whole lot replaced under warranty. I reckon the Osram Silverstar +90% (as per my current Octy) gives me a fair bit of the benefit at a fraction of the price.

Can't argue with the sunroof being a bit pricey; but I just like it

Judging by how many sunroofs I [don't] see on secondhand Octys, I think I am in something of a minority here!

My brother has a DSG on his Golf and I reckon it's a really good match for the diesel. I still prefer manuals on petrol though :p

I'd still have a sunroof, even in this dual-zone climate controlled world of ours

There's just something about being able to bring light and air directly into the cabin....

Judging by how many sunroofs I [don't] see on secondhand Octys, I think I am in something of a minority here!

Tell me about it. I wanted a sunroof on my new VRS, but first I wanted to check there was enough headroom.

Only found one FL Octavia with a sunroof, but it was good enough to make sure.

My new VRS was ordered with a sunroof - so that makes 2 of us.

"What do you call a Skoda with a sunroof? "

"What do you call a Skoda with a sunroof? "

An exclusive version for the discerning owner

We had one on the last 2 Octys & I do miss it on the Scout on really hot days

Edited 8 March, 201115 yr by Stuart_J

["What do you call a Skoda with a sunroof? "

Might you be referring to the good old 'skip' joke?