Although I am happy with my Fabia and Skodas in general, I am thinking when I come to trade in my car whether a "posher" but basic model would be an alternative for similar money.

I was thinking of either an Audi A1 or Volvo C30. However the boots of both maybe too small!

I suppose all I am being is a possible badge snob!

Regards

Grahame

I had a C30 before the Fabia. Really NOT a very practical car and expensive to run (had it 4 years from new). I'm a lot happier with my little Skoda -it does everything I need. Personally I find Audis cramped in the back -even in a A4 for it's size. The C30 has room, but getting in there is not easy at all.

Remember: the Volvo is a 'posh' Ford Focus and the A1 a 'posh' VW Polo

We test drove a Audi A1 1.4tfsi s-line last weekend,very nice car,girlfriend liked it however it was the thick end of 18k! She doesnt like the fact that it has no spare wheel. (battery is in wheel well so no chance of fitting one & boot is to small to put a wheel in) we also tried a vw polo,mazda 2,toyota yaris which she didnt like,we are test driving a kia rio tommorow & she wants to look at the new clio. I did find the basic A1 was very bland for the money.

Interesting replies!! Thanks. I know that the C30 is a "posh" Focus, its just a funky looking car! Interesting to go from a Volvo to a Fabia. And from test driving an A1 to a Rio? Thats keeping your options open!

I think the new Clio`s interior is hideous as is the 208.

Interesting replies!! Thanks. I know that the C30 is a "posh" Focus, its just a funky looking car! Interesting to go from a Volvo to a Fabia.

I bought it when it was a new model and very rare -it used to attract a lot of attention which made me and the Mrs a bit self concious driving it -especially when random people would come running up to her in a car park and start asking about it when she was on her own! Also you'd come out of a shop or something and find people looking in to your car, they are more common now so probably not so much of an issue these days.

I think the new V40 R Design looks pretty tasty, but I've been there and done that...

Thanks for the replies! I do like the C-30 but I think the boot size will be the real issue!

She has gone for the kia rio over the Audi A1,she said the kia drove better than the audi,rides better,has way more kit as standard,bigger boot & was £5k less & got offered £500 more for her trade in,7 years warranty over 3 & she was way happier dealing with the kia salesman. Job done, pick it up in a couple of weeks.

Although I am happy with my Fabia and Skodas in general, I am thinking when I come to trade in my car whether a "posher" but basic model would be an alternative for similar money.

I think the issue there is the similar money part.

A decent "posher" model is going to be noticably more expensive than it's Skoda counterpart.

Take the A1, similar oily bits, nicer inside (but no extra, often less standard toys) yet still thousands more.

I personally would not buy any "basic" premium brand car because you are paying more for less to get the badge.

The only ones I'd consider are the ones worthy of the badge that don't have an equal in the cheaper brands, like an Audi S or RS.

Anything else and you are (IMO) falling into the trap VAG and the others have set to sell you a similar car for more money so they can earn a higher profit margin.

I think the issue there is the similar money part.

A decent "posher" model is going to be noticably more expensive than it's Skoda counterpart.

Take the A1, similar oily bits, nicer inside (but no extra, often less standard toys) yet still thousands more.

I personally would not buy any "basic" premium brand car because you are paying more for less to get the badge.

The only ones I'd consider are the ones worthy of the badge that don't have an equal in the cheaper brands, like an Audi S or RS.

Anything else and you are (IMO) falling into the trap VAG and the others have set to sell you a similar car for more money so they can earn a higher profit margin.

Agree with that, but would personally go a stage further and say I would NEVER buy a base/entry level model again. Had an '08 1.2 Fabia, which in itself was a reasonable car, there is a noticeable (to me anyway..) quality difference to the next spec up.

To me base models are all about the manufacturer getting headline grabbing prices.

All opinions there, no facts.

When we test drove the A1 we asked for a 1.4 tfsi sport & when the salesman bought it round the front & we had a look round it before the test drive i said to him we asked for a sport not the basic model spec & he replied this is a sport sir..........by the time we had got it to the spec she wanted it was nearly 20k!!!! hence we tried the s line model which was nearer 19k & even that looked a bit basic in places to me. Way to expensive for what you get. There was a very nice looking 5 door A1 tdi s line (upgraded wheels etc) in the showroom as you walked in,price............£22k......gulp!

Alongside the other Audis in the showroom it looks like a bargain! Much like this Aston Martin, a steal at 31k!

Once again thanks for all your comments with regarding "basic" Premium models. Looking at what Skoda maybe bringing out in the next 18 months I`m not going to commit to anything!

As well as premium purchases, your also looking at premium servicing and insurance!!

I do not disagree with anything that has been said, and the fact that i currently own two Skoda's I do not consider myself to be a badge snob. Both of my Fabias have been VAT free though which has made them incredibly good value, but this seems to be a thing of the past as the new models are released (understandably). However, what i have noticed (being that i am now interested in an Octy) is that the prices have increased by circa 2k plus the VAT has to be paid. Whilst not yet released the VRS I estimate could be getting close to 25k or more. At that price it opens up a number of avenues to alternative more premium brands with possible better residuals so ultimately cheaper or equivalent through life costs. All of which need to be considered when buying a car. Are Skoda pricing themselves out of the market

Whats that saying?

You pays your money and takes your choice

We had our highest priced/ spec'd A1 go out last week, £36.600.

Lots of Exclusive bits on it!!

£36k!!!!......on a Audi A1..........wow,some people clearly have way to much money!

We had our highest priced/ spec'd A1 go out last week, £36.600.

Lots of Exclusive bits on it!!

For that money i would want a lot more than an A1..........or am i just being greedy?

For that money i would want a lot more than an A1..........or am i just being greedy?

Thats more than I paid for my 3 month old, well spec'd S4.

Wowzer!!

It was a strange case, customer only wanted a "little town car" as the garage has a few other cars, but he like creature comforts and gadgets.

Who are well to say no, the customer is always right!!

Further to the above discussions on the relative values of Audi A1s against less premium brands, I have to say that looking at some of the nearly new A1s on the web, they look quite good value compared to some VW Polos taking into account mileage and age!

Does that mean the Audi doesn't hold it's value so well?

I thought that was one of the selling points of the posh badge VAGs.

But an RS1 would be cool if they ever did one.

Put a 2.0 TFSI in one and quattro. That would be

awesome. The A1s are a fair bit smaller than the

A3. Power to weight would be good and you could get away

with 250bhp without displacing others in the S and RS ranges.

They do go very well with the 2.0tdi engine.

I meant that compared to basic diesel Polos they seemed quite good value in relation to engine power and levels of equipment. Mind you for A1 money I could get a rather nice Yeti Greenline...

But an RS1 would be cool if they ever did one.

Put a 2.0 TFSI in one and quattro. That would be

awesome. The A1s are a fair bit smaller than the

A3. Power to weight would be good and you could get away

with 250bhp without displacing others in the S and RS ranges.

Shame the A1 quattro was limited to left hand drive, looked a hoot.

Some strange things happen depreciation wise. You can pick up a3 2.0l tsi Sportline spec cheaper than you can same age and condition golf gti.