I'm looking at options to keep the summer heat out of my Combi.

Has anyone used the OEM sunshades? They are hideously expensive (~500 quid equivalent) and I can't find any decent photos or info on them. Like how they fit, how dark etc.

Are there any aftermarket items worth considering?

There should be at least one thread somewhere about these and alternatives. I have a full OEM set used in conjunction with the sunset privacy glass and I like 'em. They are easy to install/ remove and on the rear doors can remain in place while still being able to use the windows. As you say, not cheap but a good product.

Sarge.

VanStyle do UV sun shades for the Combi. They are well made but I didn't like the clip fixings so returned them for a full refund. Other members have recommended them.

http://www.vanstyle.co.uk/shop/privacy-shades-skoda-octavia-estate-2004-p-3947.html

Sarge, do you have any photos? When do you normally find them too dark and remove them?

I did find the other thread, I had to search for "sun blinds", not "sun shades". Tricky these keyword things. There was a good pic in there of a liftback, but I'd like to see the Combi.

DGW, yes I think vanstyle do an alternative brand. I'd prefer genuine.

The UK price (before freight) is 36% of my local price. Who or where in the UK/Europe should I buy these from? Just call up a site sponsor?

http://www.accessori...⊂=Sun Blinds

Vanstyle used to trade as OESunShades and they actually manufacturer the OE shades. The reason I know this is because when I had my Octy Estate, I had a set and collected them from the factory (in Mansfield, Derbyshire) as I worked locally. They showed me round the factory and explained their business, there were plenty of shades being manufactured and packaged into OE bags.

I had no problem with them over 4 years.

If I remember correct, sonniboy is a Dutch maker with lots of followers over here.

They do a set for the O2 Combi, 5 screens for 279.00€:

http://www.sonniboy.nl/skoda/sonniboy-skoda-octavia-combi-04-1z-complete-set-detail

Thanks Coops, I then found this thread: http://www.briskoda....4-oe-sunshades/

So the Vanstyle/Privacy Shades product is the same thing as genuine skoda?

It is now 10pm friday here, which makes UK businesses just opening to take my calls.

Originally made by ClimAir a German company. These are also sold by Skoda and Kamei (but are from ClimAir).

Had them in my VRS estate and in my former A6, my newer A6 has the original Audi privacy glass but I still use the shades on the sides (not the rear window as in my former A6).

The VanStyle arent the same as the genuine Skoda ones. The mesh is different. I prefer the mesh of the genuine (ClimAir) ones as it is easier to look out.

http://www.accessories.skoda.co.uk/productsList.aspx?type=a&id=7&main=Comfort+and+Practicality⊂=Sun+Blinds

84 quid for the doors, 63 for tailgate and 77 for rear side windows.

sorry, just realised you're probably pricing in kiwi dollars?

At the time, they were producing for a number of manufacturers - Opel, Vauxhall, amongst the ones I noticed. Can't comment on whether they produce for Skoda, but magic62;s post suggests they don't.

Eitherway, IMO, they are a good product and worked well for me.

Yep just gone 915am here Kiwi!

This might be a good alternative:

http://www.solarplexius.com/

http://www.ebay.de/itm/SonniBoy-CLIMAIR-SKODA-OCTAVIA-II-2-Typ-1Z-Bj-ab-2004-SONNENSCHUTZ-SICHTSCHUTZ-/120940021330?pt=DE_Autoteile&hash=item1c28964652

This seller is sending to Australia for 39€. Windessa (also supplying the ClimAir Sonniboys) is asking 68€ for P&P

Ordered from vanstyle about an hour ago. About 115 quid all up including postage to middle earth. Bargain.

I saved so much over buying from a dealer here, that I just order a VCDS and am still saving.

The VanStyle ones come in a practical storage bag.

Oh yeah.

These arrived just as promised and fitted like they should. They've certainly helped with heat and privacy, when I get the windows tinted (limited to ~35% VLT here) they'll be even better.

That's good Kiwi - not a bad delivery serivce either.