Ok, keeping a long story short (ish), I was made redundant a while back and sold my vRS to clear my finances etc. My redundancy package was pants and a full time job hasn't been forthcoming. Oh & I bought a 14 year old Civic 1.4 to keep motoring cost very low :'(

However, I set up my own business (not exactly running away with it's self), but by adding fixed term & part time appointments to it, i've now got more working hours than I want ( ) & just about enough money to keep everything going again :|

Now the down side, the mileage i'm having to do for work is going to get substantial again, and i'm going to have to lug a whole load of kit around with me. I've been using the Civic and it's a great little town car, but... it aint going to last long at this rate & back seat down and loads of stuff on display, 'aint good!!!!

90% of my mileage is work related, So on the advise of my accountant, i'm looking to lease, and having missed my Ocy & enjoyed driving my mates Scout, i've whittled it down to an Octy 1.6TDI estate. If i'm totally ruled by cost, then it's a Greenline II. However Some of the place i'm going to work are well off the beaten track, and if the weather gets bad & i don't get there i don't get paid (if i turn up & no one else does, i still get paid :yes: ) So i've been thinking of the 1.6 4x4.

On top of that, the 10% of private mileage i do can involve getting down some rough farm tracks & i'm a bit worried about the Greenline having "lower" suspension.

So the questions are, can the 1.6 provide the grunt for the 4x4 and are there going to be any problems with running a 4x4 with highish mileages? I'd love to justify 140TDI (especially a Scout ), but i think thats going to be a step too far! Any thoughts, experiences of the motors or comments welcome

4x4 knocks about 10% off your fuel economy and whacks up the CO2 rating. I've just been robbed of 190 quid for my Scout's road tax. :(

Extra oil change (for the Haldex) every 40k will probably cost about 100 pounds.

Having said all that it's awesome in the snow and muddy fields.

How about the normal ride height 1.6 as a compromise? Or a 2WD Yeti?

Yeti's boot is pants IMHO

According to Maxidot I'm getting Ø50.0mpg on the [2] reading (Not as accurate as brim-brim, but not done that yet) and that is with careful driving, not against the clock, and reserving my 'lead foot' for the Polo.

The 1.6CR TDI may not have enough oommff for you if you're lugging a substantial weight around all the time. The 2.0L would be better but you'll then have to weigh up the added oommff versus the Ømpg/VED/Insurance penalty of the bigger engine, or in your case, additional leasing costs.

TBH the 1.6CR 4x4 is a nice car, mpg for a 4x4 is v.good, quiet engine, doesn't attract attention for the wrong reasons and if you stick some winter/M&S tyres on it (I use Nokian WR G2) then the only limit to where you can go will be ground clearance versus snow/pot-hole depth. (Front skirts don't make good snow ploughs as my neighbour discovered with his Golf last winter - ouch!).

The Greenline has Ømpg/VED/Insurance (Lease costs) going for it, but it won't get you where you need to go in all weathers by the sounds of it.

Just one point; watch your MPA (Miles per annum) as some leasing companies screw you on charges if MPA>20k.

Edited 21 May, 201115 yr by Rab-k

Cheers everyone,

I did wonder what the extra cost of running the other driven axle would be, but there is little difference in the lease costs, so the extra to service the haldex may not be that bad (we'll see what my accountant says ) . I have to say that the Greenline does make to the most financial sense, but and it's a big but; the low stance is an issue. I managed to blag a drive in an SE today, and went to my mates farm (similar track to some I have to use) and it was a bit tricky at times and that was standard ride height!

I had considered the 2WD Yeti, but as you say I'm not as convinced of the layout of the boot, I appreciate the total capaciy may be good, but it's the usability, and I think the Octy may be better for me, being shallower and longer; rather than short and deep.

The real issue with the Yeti from my point of view is the roof height. For personal use I've usually got all the families bikes on there. So overall height is one issue as is the faff of lifting onto a higher roof, I've usually got to carry a step !

By the sound of it the 1.6 4x4 may work well for me as a compromise, providing it will cope with circa 20k a year, it's got to be worth a look.

Any issues I should be aware of?

No issues (touch wood) so far with ours. 6.5K on the clock, having taken delivery in Feb.

Only thing I did was get the geometry checked by a specialist and one of the toes was indeed out of tolerance. It was suggested that this be done again once 10k is on the clock and things have bedded in. (Issue regards saw-toothed tyres due poor geometry settings coming out the factory).

Having searched here prior to purchase there was nothing unique to the 4x4 which anyone seemed to have issues with, admittedly there aren't many on the roads in the UK; the Scout being a more popular 4x4 version than the basic model.

Norwegians seem to like it though:

http://www.vg.no/bil-og-motor/artikkel.php?artid=10034442

Norwegian to English translation

TOP: Skoda Octavia 4x4 is the best station wagon with all-wheel drive, we mean.

NAF, and VG CAR magazine helps you with the choice of the family SUV and wagon-wheel drive.

AP follows

Car & traffic

Along with the Aikido Association review team, editor of the magazine Stein Pettersen CAR VG has picked out the winter's top 10 new car purchases among the four-wheel drive station wagons and SUVs.

Price, family environment and luggage capacity is considered important in the ranking of the cars, but also environmental, owner satisfaction, comfort and the car's driving characteristics are considered.

Several of the more expensive SUV or one large station wagons are simply too expensive to catch up on the list.

But strong contenders coming into winter. For example:

** BMW's midsize SUV, the X3.

** New VW Passat comes with four-wheel drive and 140 hp diesel in February next year.

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE GUIDE: HOW THE VARIOUS SYSTEMS.

DO YOU HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH SUVs TO SHARE WITH OTHERS? SAY YOUR OPINION In BOTTOM CASE!

HERE ARE OUR OPTIONS:

Station Wagons:

1. Skoda Octavia 4 * 4

This car is the perfect compromise between price, place and traction in winter conditions. VW-feel of the interior, large trunk, good rear seat space and a very good price is among the car's many advantages.

Cheapest model with 4WD: 287 700 (1.6 l diesel, 105 hp)

Plus: Cost, space, very satisfied owners.

Minus: A bit short seat cushions in the standard model.

Edited 22 May, 201115 yr by Rab-k

If you have set up as a sole trader then the entire business running cost of the vehicle is tax deductable- including fuel, servicing and road tax. Business lease is very tax efficient as leasing costs are also tax deductable. You have to declare private milage to the tax man if I remember correctly (I have been back in ranks of salaried minions for about 12 years now so a bit vague on detail)

Not sure how you will be affected re VAT if you have not reached threshold for VAT registration, but if the leasing costs are within your budget then dont be put of going for slightly bigger engine or spec. HAving said that I have 1.6CR in SUperb and it copes admirably.

If your accountant is any good I am sure he will have discussed all the above with you already.

No issues (touch wood) so far with ours. 6.5K on the clock, having taken delivery in Feb.

Only thing I did was get the geometry checked by a specialist and one of the toes was indeed out of tolerance. It was suggested that this be done again once 10k is on the clock and things have bedded in. (Issue regards saw-toothed tyres due poor geometry settings coming out the factory).

Having searched here prior to purchase there was nothing unique to the 4x4 which anyone seemed to have issues with, admittedly there aren't many on the roads in the UK; the Scout being a more popular 4x4 version than the basic model.

Norwegians seem to like it though:

http://www.vg.no/bil-og-motor/artikkel.php?artid=10034442

Norwegian to English translation

TOP: Skoda Octavia 4x4 is the best station wagon with all-wheel drive, we mean.

NAF, and VG CAR magazine helps you with the choice of the family SUV and wagon-wheel drive.

AP follows

Car & traffic

Along with the Aikido Association review team, editor of the magazine Stein Pettersen CAR VG has picked out the winter's top 10 new car purchases among the four-wheel drive station wagons and SUVs.

Price, family environment and luggage capacity is considered important in the ranking of the cars, but also environmental, owner satisfaction, comfort and the car's driving characteristics are considered.

Several of the more expensive SUV or one large station wagons are simply too expensive to catch up on the list.

But strong contenders coming into winter. For example:

** BMW's midsize SUV, the X3.

** New VW Passat comes with four-wheel drive and 140 hp diesel in February next year.

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE GUIDE: HOW THE VARIOUS SYSTEMS.

DO YOU HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH SUVs TO SHARE WITH OTHERS? SAY YOUR OPINION In BOTTOM CASE!

HERE ARE OUR OPTIONS:

Station Wagons:

1. Skoda Octavia 4 * 4

This car is the perfect compromise between price, place and traction in winter conditions. VW-feel of the interior, large trunk, good rear seat space and a very good price is among the car's many advantages.

Cheapest model with 4WD: 287 700 (1.6 l diesel, 105 hp)

Plus: Cost, space, very satisfied owners.

Minus: A bit short seat cushions in the standard model.

If Norwegians think it's ok, then thats a thumbs up for me!

If you have set up as a sole trader then the entire business running cost of the vehicle is tax deductable- including fuel, servicing and road tax. Business lease is very tax efficient as leasing costs are also tax deductable. You have to declare private milage to the tax man if I remember correctly (I have been back in ranks of salaried minions for about 12 years now so a bit vague on detail)

Not sure how you will be affected re VAT if you have not reached threshold for VAT registration, but if the leasing costs are within your budget then dont be put of going for slightly bigger engine or spec. HAving said that I have 1.6CR in SUperb and it copes admirably.

If your accountant is any good I am sure he will have discussed all the above with you already.

Yep, as you say, pretty much what my accountant has told me. as you suspect, sole trader & VAT registered (have to be in order to work for certain public bodies!). However he always seems to suggest going for the "cheapest" option! I've a few more companies to come back to me, and i've asked them to quote me on the 2.0 as well, so we'll see. Interestingly one quote has come back, which if it proves to be correct has put a Scout into the equation, where no one else has!!!

Can leasing companies "favour" a particular model, like insurance companies do?

the cost of a Haldex oil change pales in view of the price of 17" tyres

True, but i used to have to fund 18" tyres and under some of the lease schemes i've been looking at, tyres are included.

Still thinking, but I will have to do something soon as the Civic needed an urgent garage trip this morning, and i'm now back in my fathers 23 year old Orion 1600E!

and i'm now back in my fathers 23 year old Orion 1600E!

sorry to go ot, i always wanted a 1600E Orion, got a pic?

As to the op i would go for a 4x4

sorry to go ot, i always wanted a 1600E Orion, got a pic?

As to the op i would go for a 4x4

Yes, i think the 4x4 is swinging it for me. Just need to discuss it a bit more with the accountant

Oh and here you go! Two years ago at my Nieces wedding. She needs a little TLC now, but not many left these days. One of the first batch of Raven ones. I had one of the last ones in white! No ABS, No PAS, reminds you that once upon a time you could "feel" what was going on!!!

Liking that a lot

Goes off to look on Autotrader.

Can leasing companies "favour" a particular model, like insurance companies do?

Yes, more certainly. Have seen it a few times.

Most of the time it's the 2nd hand residuals that are king, when calculating that all important monthly payment

Best of luck with whatever you decide, but from what you've said I think it needs to be a 4x4 variant....

Be wary of the MPG on the 4x4.

I have the PD TDi Scout, I'm sure the 1.6 CR will be better but the extra weight of the Haldex drags the MPG down into the late 30's, early 40's are achievable on longer runs.

Despite this the onboard computer feels no guilt by telling me that I regularly achieve 50+ MPG.

Not sure I'd be able to afford to run my Scout on my daily 150 mile commute, cracking car though

I strongly recommend an extended test drive before committing.

Liking that a lot

Goes off to look on Autotrader.

He is thinking of selling but that age of Ford is always going to need attention!

Yes, more certainly. Have seen it a few times.

Most of the time it's the 2nd hand residuals that are king, when calculating that all important monthly payment

Best of luck with whatever you decide, but from what you've said I think it needs to be a 4x4 variant....

I'm beginning to realise this ! I've had responses from most of the big advertisers in car mags, and was beginning to think that they were all the same company, as they were all about the same.

But I'm now getting some real variation, so there may be more options like a 2.0 CR or even a Scout. meeting the accountant next week, so will need all my figures by then. But do think it will be a 4x4 of some sort. I did get a very interesting offer on a Superb 4x4, but it's too big for our needs!

Be wary of the MPG on the 4x4.

I have the PD TDi Scout, I'm sure the 1.6 CR will be better but the extra weight of the Haldex drags the MPG down into the late 30's, early 40's are achievable on longer runs.

Despite this the onboard computer feels no guilt by telling me that I regularly achieve 50+ MPG.

Not sure I'd be able to afford to run my Scout on my daily 150 mile commute, cracking car though

I strongly recommend an extended test drive before committing.

I'm cautious of any mpg claim, but with relatively long runs the norm, I'd expect about 40 would be fine, but I'll see what the accountant says

Then Scout has the same ride height as the Yeti, but the others are lower.

I wouldn't carry bicycles on the roof of my Yeti, I will either carry them internally on the internal bike carrier or externally on a towbar mounted carrier.

The Yeti is not very fuel efficient once over 70mph, and improves dramatically under 60mph.

The CR110 4x4 is pretty economical, owners are claiming averages around the high 40's & 50's which is pretty good for a barn door

I talked at length with my accountant, as I'm self employed and as I need an automatic, I ended up going fro the CR140 DSG, but the emissions are 169g/CO2. the cut off seems to be 160g/CO2. The Octavia range I would expect to be better. In the end I went for a PCP Skoda deal and I will offset against my tax bill at 40p/mile or 45p/mile depending on which year it id for for the first 10,000 miles the 25p/mile thereafter. I hope that has gone up as well. Anybody know?

The 4x4 Estate CR140 is 148g, meaning tax of £125 per year.

Combined is 50.4 mpg which I think is decent for that engine and drivetrain combo.

You're not after DSG are you? That knocks it into a higher tax bracket. The MPG seems to suffer much more compared with the manual, which I can't say is usually the case with the DSG box :S - maybe it's with the inclusion of 4x4 and DSG?

Funny you should say that!

SWMBO took a call for me while I was out, offering a reasonable package on a 140 DSG. I assumed there would be a downside to it!

However SWMBO does like the sound of an "auto".

Can't say i'm too worried. I've driven a DSG before and whilst it was very slick, i sort of missed doing stuff with my left side limbs Oh and it looks like the paddles are an optional extra!

Oh and it looks like the paddles are an optional extra!

and worth every penny.....

and worth every penny.....

Personally, if you are having the DSG, I'd have to agree, however I can't see my accountant agreeing