Hi all,

I am new to this Forum and just after a little advice please.

I am due to look at a Red 56 Plate VRS 2.0T Petrol Hatch either Tonight or Saturday weather dependant. Its up for £6500 with 30K Miles, FSH, 1 Owner, fully loaded with Climate Control, Cruise Control, Parking Sensors, Heated Front Screen etc and was wandering if it is fairly priced? I am presuming it should have had a Cambelt Change by now? Is there anything i should be looking out for?

I will be coming from an Orange 07 Plate Ford Focus ST2 2.5T and looking for something bigger with kids in mind plus more toys, similar performance, cheaper to run (not essential though) and thought the VRS would fit the bill. I dont do enough miles to warrant the Diesel Version, I would also be slightly concerned about DPF problems doing only doing short stop start journeys.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Cheers Chris

Hello, Chris. That's near the top of the price range but it is low mileage so as long as it's a tidy car it's not bad. Make sure the air con works as compressors fail. Check for water in the spare wheel well due to leaks. Check the rear wiper works. Check the cruise control works, switches can be dodgy but an easy fix. It should have had a timing belt at 4 years old.

Thanks JB, I will check all these things out.

Just had a quick look at the Parkers Guide and my ST looks to be worth atleast 1K more than the VRS, dont know how that is going to work as part exchange. But i know almost all dealers will always want cash on top. Doubt they would accept a straight swap lol. I accept that Iam always going to get less Part Ex though. Not sure what to do here, guess I will have to see what they offer me and if its worth it....

I'll hazard a guess and say you'll get offered about £5 against the Skoda.

Well I went to view it and it was mint, in great condition, no dings, dents or scratches, alloys fully refurbed, all new budget tyres put on, dash area was mint, leather seats has signs of wear but to be expected for a 56 plate, started her up and it sounded great, engine bay was very clean also, all in all it was a really nice Motor.

BUT - after a good think about it I just couldnt bring myself to part with my ST. I couldn't justify having to pay another £500 or so for a Car that was worth less, that I knew nothing about and ultimately wouldn't put a bigger grin on my face as my 5 Pot does.

If the ST is still in good condition and still suits your needs well enough then I don't blame you.

I understand how you feel. Are you putting off having kids, or trading in existing ones for younger/smaller versions?

As said if the ST suits you and does everything you need its probably worth keeping, i wouldnt put a great deal of stock in parker guide valuations however.

Its fair to say a 07 plate st would be worth more than a 56 plate vrs petrol its newer, be it not much but then the ST (assuming st3) was also nearly 3k more than the 2.0tfsi vrs to begin with .

And for the most part ford doesnt suffer from the badge snobery issues skodas still get

Good luck with the kids

I understand how you feel. Are you putting off having kids, or trading in existing ones for younger/smaller versions?

LOL Wife has got a Ford Galaxy, but I like to use mine if i can. After looking at the VRS though there didnt seem to be much in it in terms of rear seat space. Mine is an ST-2 with 5 Seats. The Boot on the other hand was huge compared to the Focus.

After looking at the VRS, I can honestly say I would be a proud SKODA owner. But i would so miss the sound of the 5 Pot, I have to move on sooner or later though!! Just not yet

Thanks for your replies

Chris