Hi guys,

Currently driving a mapped Octy II VRS CR and after having a Yeti as a loan car a few weeks back (1.2 TSI) thought it was great (aside from being a wee bit thirstier than I'd like as the needle dropped rather quickly) and have been looking at getting one. Won't be till next year looking at finances etc but thought I'd start doing some research in advance.

Also looked at a Kuga and a Qashqai (drove an iX35....ugh, terrible) and discounted those based upon weaker engines (mpg and VED not great for the power output).

So in essence I'd like 4x4 (the VRS is terrible in the snow and we live on a raised cul de sac and I nearly couldn't get home last time) and am looking at a CR 170 but used they're like rocking horse poo. Lots more 140's on the market it seems.

The alternative is the 1.8 TSi but I'm not sure about MPG and VED. Either way it's have to be an Elegance as I'd like some toys.

I do about 15k a year at the mo, with a 32 mile commute each way each day from Wakefield to York (I car share too) and some town driving thrown in too. The VRS has only had one DPF issue when the sensor failed, otherwise it's been ok but the TSi has none of that to go wrong and also no cam belt to ever change.

Any advice for me? Also what are these things prone for fault/ failure wise? VRS has had a new A/C pump (SUK good will gesture) and steering rack (SUK good will gesture again), otherwise just niggly things for the most part. Hoping the Yeti is more solid as the Wife's 04 Fabia VRS has been nigh on bomb proof up to the present 92k.

Thanks,

Chris.

Hi Chrispy! I'm sure the established Yeti Gang will be along soon with pearls of wisdom. For me, after all of thirty-one days of Yetidom, I'm still grinning ear-to-ear and looking for any excuse for a drive. Good luck!

This sounds serious.

Like cats the Yeti collective (they communicate with each other via non verbal means) choose there human companions (never call them owners within mirror shot of a Yeti).

It sounds like the Yeti you drove could sense you're feeling and may have released a spoor (looks like regular dust) from the steering wheel that you have touched that has unlocked the dormant gene that causes a mild craving to drive a Yeti. This may be counteracted by taking the prescription drug Antiyetimine. If the Yeti felt a negative sense from you a different spoor would be released that causes unlocking of another dormant gene causing the driver to crave a well used Lada Riva 1200 and boast about it in the pub. Unfortunately there is no cure for this but sectioning to a secure facility can help save the embarrassment for your mates.

Personally I'd decide which gear box you want, the brilliant DSG would rule out the 170 having said that the manual box is pretty slick and is less complex. As for DPF, well I have had VAG cars for the last two years and so far no tantrums. Yes, sensors can fail just like any sensor. The Yeti oil drinkers are also the new common rail power plant that if my memory serves me correctly from skimming the service schedule does not require the timing belt changing any where near the time/mileage as the PD engines, I'm sure someone here will put me right quickly if I'm wrong.

Seeing as you have an Octy VRS, I think you may prefer the performance of the 170 over the others but they can be chipped to 170+, the 170 engine can be chipped to produce even more given the different turbo and has bigger front brakes to cope with it.

The 1.8 Petrol is also worth a look, they can need a few more frequent visits to the drinking bowl but are very very good, certainly for more frequent shorter runs.

The 1.2TSi is also good in 2WD with decent winter rubber fitted in the snow and according to the other Yetisti is a pretty handy engine.

I have not read much about the 1.6 oil burner in the Yeti but my past VAG car had this power plant and was pretty good, driving in granny mode it gave very good MPG on a run con the country lanes, less so on the motorway which most of my driving is. Actually there is only about 5 MPG difference between my old 105ps 1.6 and the 170ps 2.0 in Jana.

I guess I was lucky with mine as it was 6 months old and was a showroom car with only 41 miles on the clock, wasn't cheap by I did get a few extras that the showroom bods like to show off.

Good luck tracking down a snow monster, if you do yet one I think you'll have trouble stopping that grin. If you don't, well lets hope the supply of antiyetimine does't run out.

Oh, and one final point, it does seem that the human companion to the Yeti tends to give the Yeti a name (actually the Yeti chooses its own name but it is suggested by that non verbal communication thing)

Have fun, I'm off to my comfy room

Can I have some of what Hairball is on please?

Chris,

See if you can find either a dealer or someone here with a 140; you might be surprised how quick it is.

Ha ha ha - that post from Hairball had me in stitches

Thanks guys. The 1.2 TSi surprised me at how nippy it was, at least round town etc. Slip roads and motorways were where it struggled a tad though but I can see why most would find it perfectly acceptable. Did surprise me how much it drank though, even when I was careful - I take it the fuel tank is tiny?

I'll look more closely at the CR 140 as there's loads on Autotrader and the Skoda website. Not interested in mapping it if I get one to be honest - sick of having to take it up the pooper with insurance companies so the next car is staying standard. Hopefully the 17" tyres will be slightly cheaper than the 18"s on the Octy too. Expecting VED to be higher being 4x4 and fuel to be on par if at all possible getting the CR over the petrol.

Reliability wise what are we looking at? Octy has been very so so on that front - failed A/C, steering rack, rust spots here and there, windows dropping out of guides, flaking paint on wheels etc - it's not been the best in that regard especially for a car that's not even 4 yet (registered Nov 2008).

Also, what does Elegance give you over SE? Currently have cruise and rear park on the VRS - would like the same if poss on the Yeti. Also the Erebus wheels - says FOC on the website. Do many owners tend to opt for those?

Thanks guys - sorry for the silly questions.

Elegance over SE gives heated leather seats, auto lights and wipers, ESP, xenon headlights with cornering function, lumbar support, option of front parking sensors or park assist and option of electric memory seat with more adjustment. I'm sure others will add anything I missed.. SE already has rear sensors and cruise.

We have three Yetis (170 CR, Greenline and 1.2 DSG) and with a combined milage of 25k have not had a single issue yet.

I am biased towards the 170 CR because it's mine. Goes like stink, great grip, tows well and will go off road. But for refinement and general use the 1.2 is hard to beat, especially as it is a great match with the 7 speed DSG box. Only consider greenline if you do the miles, it's good but in my view built to do a specific job of economy.

I think I'm right in saying that all the 4WDs have ESP regardless of spec level (SE/elegance etc).

I'd recommend you try a 140 and I am a fan of the Elegance spec-the xenon lights are very good. I don't do your kind of miles but mine at nearly 2 years old has been nearly flawless (one heated seat element failed).

The 140 is not quick against the clock but is a good brisk drive and the good visibility and reassuring handling mean quick journey times are comfortably achieved.

Not tried the DSG-my last Seat had it and I found it OK-not as good as a slushmatic in town but fine on the road. I have the 4x4 and it is exceptionallly reassuring on poor surfaces/slippery roads. I'm told it is very able off road.

It is the "slowest" car I've owned in years but terrifically enjoyable-more smiles per mile than I would have believed.

The Octavia ought not to be so troublesome-perhaps some old tooling from the age of the design, I think you've been unlucky.

Chrispy, I would just buy one and leave the contemplation to others, in my past I have some really nice cars, 5 series, B8 A4 Audi etc and now I have a Yeti, it is great, it ticks all the boxes and it makes people think about the cars they have when a passenger, even our MD can't believe the kit I have for the price, his new A6 is baron in comparison, I can also blitz him from the lights!

So more action less thought, just do it!

Popping out from the comfy room.

Yeti characteristics, well that can be down to if you have a male or female Yeti:

Male Yeti:

• From time to time may catch Male Yeti Flu, this is serious and can be lethal to female Yetis, symptoms are lethargy and a general unwilling to go very far and plenty of complaints just to move. This Yeti needs to be cleaned and scrubbed in warm water to wash away the illness.
  
• Yeti flu can influence SatNav instructions refusing to re-calculate directions and give a destination miles from where you wanted to go. Allegedly this characteristic may be a generic trait.
  
• Over many years gradually cosmetics look dull but seem to mature with age so I'm told
  
• Regardless of age they will flirt with a younger model for a giggle
  
• Wants to wear Summer rubber regardless of the weather
  
• Always obeys a female Yetis commands
  

Female Yeti:

• Will develop problems over time and hide them from you resulting in a huge vets bill later on that you should have known about all along.
  
• Always wants to be seen in the latest tyres for her wheels, Skugg boots are likely during the Winter months but HAVE to have the right trims, steel wheels are an absolute no no unless trimmed to match (Yeti will not start unless thirsty)
  
• The Female Yeti will always look good as her human companion will keep her clean, however she may have the odd complaint underneath her exterior.
  
• Periodically the female Yeti satnav will stay silent for reasons unknown.
  

Back to the comfy room

Male Yeti:

• From time to time may catch Male Yeti Flu, this is serious and can be lethal to female Yetis, symptoms are lethargy and a general unwilling to go very far and plenty of complaints just to move. This Yeti needs to be cleaned and scrubbed in warm water to wash away the illness.
  
• Yeti flu can influence SatNav instructions refusing to re-calculate directions and give a destination miles from where you wanted to go. Allegedly this characteristic may be a generic trait.
  
• Over many years gradually cosmetics look dull but seem to mature with age so I'm told
  
• Regardless of age they will flirt with a younger model for a giggle
  
• Wants to wear Summer rubber regardless of the weather
  
• Always obeys a female Yetis commands
  

Female Yeti:

• Will develop problems over time and hide them from you resulting in a huge vets bill later on that you should have known about all along.
  
• Always wants to be seen in the latest tyres for her wheels, Skugg boots are likely during the Winter months but HAVE to have the right trims, steel wheels are an absolute no no unless trimmed to match (Yeti will not start unless thirsty)
  
• The Female Yeti will always look good as her human companion will keep her clean, however she may have the odd complaint underneath her exterior.
  
• Periodically the female Yeti satnav will stay silent for reasons unknown.
  

Back to the comfy room

What?? Yeti's are meant to be washed?? I thought it was a quick dunk in the nearest deepest puddle??

And I hope you've spoken to our resident Yeti Vet specialist about these "female" problems!! I understand he charges in whisky or guitar strings.

Hi guys,

Currently driving a mapped Octy II VRS CR and after having a Yeti as a loan car a few weeks back (1.2 TSI) thought it was great (aside from being a wee bit thirstier than I'd like as the needle dropped rather quickly) and have been looking at getting one. Won't be till next year looking at finances etc but thought I'd start doing some research in advance.

Also looked at a Kuga and a Qashqai (drove an iX35....ugh, terrible) and discounted those based upon weaker engines (mpg and VED not great for the power output).

So in essence I'd like 4x4 (the VRS is terrible in the snow and we live on a raised cul de sac and I nearly couldn't get home last time) and am looking at a CR 170 but used they're like rocking horse poo. Lots more 140's on the market it seems.

The alternative is the 1.8 TSi but I'm not sure about MPG and VED. Either way it's have to be an Elegance as I'd like some toys.

Chris.

At the risk of stating the obvious your vrs isn't useless in the snow, but the tyres you have on it are. I had 5 octavias in the past and with winter rubber they were fine (even rescued a stuck touareg at one point)

Sent from my MZ601 using Tapatalk 2

At the risk of stating the obvious your vrs isn't useless in the snow, but the tyres you have on it are. I had 5 octavias in the past and with winter rubber they were fine (even rescued a stuck touareg at one point)

Sent from my MZ601 using Tapatalk 2

Yeah that could be right - Dunlop Sport Maxx and Michelin Pilot Sport 3 - all summer tyres. That's just one thing though, the others being ride quality. Lots of speed humps round us and the Yeti loaner cruised over those lovely whereas I have to slow right down in the VRS to avoid breaking my spine. I must be getting old!

Recent flood weather in York (where I work) has further spurred me on to get something with a higher ride and if I'm going to do it, I'll go the whole hog and get 4WD. Just the Haldex servicing to think about now and then.

Re James I, you could be right there. Now I know the Elegance has a few extra toys that would be nice (but not essential to me) it's widened my options.

On the CR140 4X4 what VED are we talking? Also what's the insurance like and how much do tyres cost per corner?

What?? Yeti's are meant to be washed?? I thought it was a quick dunk in the nearest deepest puddle??

And I hope you've spoken to our resident Yeti Vet specialist about these "female" problems!! I understand he charges in whisky or guitar strings.

Yetis allegedly require the odd scrub to help attract a mate (that gives a signal to the factory build a new car), As for specific female Yeti comments I I have yet to consult the oracle but comment from experience combined with the great community here.

Any vet specialists in the Wiltshire area address would be welcome. Yetis seem to be a private bunch.

I appreciate the tip Graham and will stock up on Whisky and guitar strings.

VED this years is I think £135.

Insurance is really not comparable because there are too many variables.

I recently bought 2 Kumho's 225/55r17, for £130 each from my local tyre bod who has always undercut Blackcircles for whom he is the local fitter.

Hairy,

so the quick dunk every couple of months to wash the grime off should be fine then!

I cannot answer for our resident vetinarian, I'm afraid.

Hi Chrispy,

Welcome to the Yeti side of life.

I too had a mapped Octavia vRS TDI, albeit a PD version, for three years & 54,000 miles, before my Yeti so am close to your scenario.

My advice is fairly simple and succinct. You have two options depending on what you want out of your car and how you want to drive it and enjoy life;-

1. If you want a 4x4 'vRS' you have to buy the CR170. A CR140 will feel inadequate (mine did until I got it remapped).

2. If you want to change lifestyle for something gentler, get the CR110 4x2. It should feel similar to the 1.2TSI and give you better economy on your commuting.

That's it! Good luck with whatever you decide.

PS> Don't be put off buy comments about 17" wheels giving too firm a ride; compared to your vRS they'll fell really quite comfortable.

I have a CR170 - replacing it with another next March as work requires me to have a car under 4 years old. I do 18,000 a year on a similar mix to you - 27 miles to/from work, plus some in-town driving and some longer motorway journeys and I've been very happy with my Yeti. I've not had anything go wrong with mine - it's needed nothing more than some new tyres, a set of wipers, one sidelight bulb and fuel.