I've had my Octy 6yr next month.

I'm getting itchy feet. I neither need a new car or have anything in mind I really like (recent C Class merc is appealing) just an urge to change. Any ideas how to cure the itch without spending money.

It'll probably pass when the taxman has had his 260 pounds of flesh.

Hire something crap for a week, preferably with an 'eco' engine. As soon as you get back into the Octavia it'll feel like a rocket ship and you'll be happy again.

+1 ^^^^^ I can recommend the 1.4 astra as a cure- it's absolute shoite!

I think you've done well to get to 6 years without getting an itch, I'm struggling after 2.5 years! (although this is the longest I have kept a car )

I have the same car and mine is 55 Plate and there is no way im getting rid of mine. I am however toying with the idea something a bit more sporty when the kids have left home and me and the missus can f**k off to monti carlo etc. Probably going to get a porsche 911, 993 or 996 turbo.

I usually get the 6 month itch! Wish i could last 6 years

I often have to itch to change. I may have to soon to save money but the itch is almost always there, mainly for something raw and a bit harder to drive. I came close to buying an Elise/Exige before the vRS, insurance was reasonable and was in budget but wasn't practical for my hobbies. Would have been an interesting daily drive though.

Bilstein B12 and new suspension and wishbone bushes makes it feel like a new car

It is the sporty thing that's grating on me now. If I change it'll be to something quiet and softer hence looking at the Mercs.

Sorn the octy and buy a cheap classic car. Pre 73 (74 as of next year) are tax exempt, insurance is always under £100 and they don't depreciate. When you're done, sell it (maybe for profit) and go back to the skoda. It'll probably cost you less to run than the octy

Edited 31 May, 201313 yr by dobbey

It is the sporty thing that's grating on me now. If I change it'll be to something quiet and softer hence looking at the Mercs.

I know what you're saying, but from my point of view, the new bushes got rid of a lot of harshness and the B12 actually made the ride so much better.

IMHO the ride is much better than the OEM set up and 1000 times better over bumps and rough surfaces than the OEM sports suspension.

To be fair though, if you want something softa dn compliant the Merc is certainly an armchair cruiser, but it roles all over the place when you push on.

I found the (standard) AMG suspension to be poor over rough roads, so I'd say look to get the adaptive suspension if you do go Merc.

I'm going to have a sniff around the premium dealers. Usually a good look at them makes me think they're over priced and I go back to the Octy happy.

Car needs geometry checked, if that makes it quieter I'll probably be happy for another year.

I just get an Itch

+1 ^^^^^ I can recommend the 1.4 astra as a cure- it's absolute shoite!

or the 1.2 Suzuki "Splash"

or the 1.2 Suzuki "Splash"

Aye SWMBO used to drive terrible underpowered motors (Tigra was about 18tons pulled by a 50hp moped engine). Now she's got the 116i even driving her car is ok.

Just get a loan, buy a default BMW 320D, preferably in Msport trim, and enjoy the 184PS, 60MPG, and £105 tax. *edit* oh, and the RWD.

Edited 31 May, 201313 yr by Royston

Just get a loan, buy a default BMW 320D, preferably in Msport trim, and enjoy the 184PS, 60MPG, and £105 tax. *edit* oh, and the RWD.

I should, but I hate to go with the crowd.

Had a sniff round the dealers on Sat. Was quite surprised to see that some of the best value for money in the premium sector was to be had at Jaguar (3.0d 3yr old XF for £16k) and the worst was at Honda.

BMW had a pretty poor selection of cars. Merc was a bit better but couldn't be bothered to speak with them since they've been bought by bloody Arnold Clark.

Audi prices were mental. Seriously £19k for a 3yr old boggo 2.0 tdi avant A4 in mediocre condition?

Swapped car tyres front to back. Rears were pretty badly saw toothed. Fair drone from the front now but not as bad as when they were on the back. Hopefully they might wear themselves roundish again.

I'll get the alignment done and consider new tyres. I think I'll just stick 6months tax on the car this time. A snowy December might be a good time to look ta rwd motors as the rest of the country panics.

Edited 3 June, 201313 yr by Aspman

Good plan. A mate at work has just bought a similar aged XF for similar money with 70k on the clock. Beautiful car and the interior is a piece of theatre. His wheels are too small though as its a big old car.

Have a look at http://www.blackhorsecarsales.co.uk/

They have some good deals on 3 year old ex fleet cars.

Have a look at http://www.blackhorsecarsales.co.uk/

They have some good deals on 3 year old ex fleet cars.

Bloody hell some of them are cheap compared to the stealers.

The XF is a lovely car.

If I could find a second hand one with a manual box and the 3.0 derv, I'd be very very tempted.

I don't think they do a manual. I've been looking at them longingly for the last couple of days.

I've always wanted a Jag (but not an X tripe)

Well as long as the flappy paddle box wasn't too bad I guess I could manage.

Edited 4 June, 201313 yr by cheezemonkhai

Well it's different

http://www.thecourier.co.uk/news/local/dundee/starsky-and-hutch-car-drives-up-interest-in-dundee-auction-1.98754

and there's no replacement for displacement.