Hi Guys,

Merry Christmas to all :-)

I'm very happy with my Octy 3 Vrs estate, only two months in but reading some of the subjects on this forum relating to the end of the 0% pcp and service deal.

Such a shame...I guess nothing lasts forever.

Got me thinking what ill do in the next 2.5/3 years...

Does anyone think during that time that Skoda will re introduce this deal or will just allow the APR to creep up and up, the service deal is good to...

This ones my fifth skoda - well 4th not including SWMBO current Vrs but I'm also wandering if Id go elsewhere if Skoda weren't offering deals when I come to change. I've not worked out what the monthly difference would be between 0% and 2% they are thinking of...

What's your thoughts when your PCP is up?

Im rather a Skoda convert, after a few years of running VAG cars, VW Golfs as company cars and an Ibiza then a Polo for the wife decided to take a punt on a Fabia vRS estate for her as it just seemed such good value for money....it was fast but didnt drive that well and proved quite expensive to run as a 2nd runaround so didnt last long but it was a good car all in all and sewed the seed.

Just buying my third new one in 3 years but it could well be my last if the current trend of pushing up prices and reducing the value for money in the finance incentives is anything to go by, Skoda are a good brand and make good cars but for me value for money is at the heart of it all, as soon as that ceases to exist id be buying elsewhere.....its already getting to the point that Audi's and BM's can be had on PCP for similar money.

I think Skoda need to be very careful as they do stand to alienate much of their customer base if they continue to start pitching their vehicles towards the higher classes; of course this is a Skoda forum, many people are Skoda die-hards and will buy them regardless but id say the majority wouldnt, I certainly wont.

Im kind of holding out hope that my Dad will decide to sell his loaded Black M135i 5 door auto in a few years time to me at family rates, wont be anything like as near to practical as I need a car to be and my wife would leave me but we can all dream!

Edited 22 December, 201312 yr by pipsyp

Hi Pips,

Hope your well.

Very much like me than...I pretty much defend the brand to the hills and have managed to convince a few friends and family into Skodas.

I do love them, like you say though, if the deals diminish and the prices continue to go up...

I've also spotted the Audi, Beemer deals on PCP/Lease.

Also Mondeo Titanium x Sport tdci with 200bhp and £3500-£4000 off....

I'm terrible with my cars, only had this one a couple of months and love it but already got a seed of "what would I have next..."

Forgot to say M135i...that would be spot on.

Friend of mine drives a 330d x drive for his job, seems to rate it...

Hi Pips,

Hope your well.

Very much like me than...I pretty much defend the brand to the hills and have managed to convince a few friends and family into Skodas.

I do love them, like you say though, if the deals diminish and the prices continue to go up...

I've also spotted the Audi, Beemer deals on PCP/Lease.

Also Mondeo Titanium x Sport tdci with 200bhp and £3500-£4000 off....

I'm terrible with my cars, only had this one a couple of months and love it but already got a seed of "what would I have next..."

Hi pullers,

Cheers I'm well thanks likewise hope you are too.

Way things are going can see my next one (2.0 TDi Elegance estate with nought other than a spare) being my last.

Originally was we'll up for getting a vRS, though I did promise the wife if I changed the mk2 vRS I run now for anything it would be for something a bit softer! particularly now I have 2 young kids under 3 and the vRS does rattle them around a bit.

When I looked into a vRS TDi to get one that matched my Blackline for spec I was looking at the thick end of £25k (nav and cruise predominantly) given I spent 20 on my admittedly run-out (and perhaps a little long in the tooth) Blackline the price was a bitter pill to swallow. Again the diesel whilst no slouch isn't much quicker than my Mk2...another £30-40/month just didn't seem that good a deal.

In the end my basic 2.0 Elegance is costing me more or less the same as my Blackline with 0% and servicing. I also got a good part-ex so minimal deposit on the new car and a nice chunk of cash going back in the bank.......few more toys, softer for the family but if the test drive in an SE spec car was anything to go by every bit as fast as my MK2 and drives better overall. Also I get nothing but tailgated in the Blackline so hoping the non- descript (boring) looks of the new one stop that from happening as it's getting a bit old now haha

An A4 S line avant black edition or c class amg sport estate would have been nice but I'd not have got one as cheap as the a Octavia, neither is as practical and you could argue that tech wise both cars are behind the times, at least the Octavia has all the latest infotainment and safety features. Both cars are also due to be replaced soon and neither will then what you'd call good value.

As to what next....the BM is just a massive pipe dream but if it was a car solely just for me that's what I'd be rolling around in right now......probably wouldn't keep my licence very long afterwards mind!

Golf estate?.......unlike the Octavia that IMO looks equally as good in hatch or estate form the Golf just looks ill proportioned....it'll also cost more.......BM 3 series......probably my family car of choice but the boot isn't that big and by the time you've got a 320d in half decent spec and trim you're looking at a 35k car......certainly not value motoring. Unfortunately not a big Ford fan so they'll be ruled out despite the fact the Mondeo and focus are v good to drive.........hmmmm you know what I'm not sure what could do the job better than the Octy!

Hey Pip,

I'm good Ta mate.

I know what you mean..it's a hard act to follow. I think I am a sucker for the Vrs/RS/Gti style vehicles and loving my Skodas it's what I tend to go for.

It's just a bit concerning that if the deals change dramatically could I justify another one or not look elsewhere.

I had a new mondeo for 10 days (before I had the Octavia) on hire as the Fabia wasn't big enough to take the family to Scotland and have to say I was impressed - 1750 odd miles in 10 days was a good test. I'd consider a 163 or 200bhp tdci sport if there was a deal on offer. Car wow shows £3500 discounts and finance deposit contributions possible....but....I just hope Skoda stay loyal to their customer base and continue to offer competitive deals.

Had a 170 4x4 yeti at work before I left...very impressive...I'd def consider one! It's just the boot space.

Have a good Christmas

Pullers :-)

I've always fancied a BMW 520d M Sport but for the same money as the Octy III would have been looking at a 2-3 yr old with at least 40k on the clock so the head won over the heart and went for the new Octy with 3 yr of warranty, etc. I did very nearly go for a nearly new Mondeo 2.2 TDCi Tit X Sport, but was saved from the Dagenham Dark Side by a 12% cash discount and the £500 deposit and free servicing!

I didn't have any deposit or trade in this time as opted out of company car scheme but if similar deals are not available next time round, I should have at least £4k equity after 4 years as I am paying for it outright over 5 years, so a PCP on a BMW may be within reach, although I can see myself possibly being tempted by a Superb III

Edited 22 December, 201312 yr by Matt Pez

Hi Matt,

Hope your well.

Again, some really good points.

Think I'm just wandering if Skoda are likely to be running 0% and service package deals again to target those who took a pcp out 36/42 month previous, keep them within the brand etc.

I have had 2 Mk1 Octavia DIesels,  MK1 fabia vRS & now on an Octy Mk2 Fl vRS. & all have been excellent value for money. 

The Octy vRS was only good value as it was on zero vat & zero finanace over 2 years. 

SWMBO had 2 Smart cars & has moved to a Fabia Mk2 and really likes her car, so you could say we are Skoda fans. 

 

However the new Octy is no longer an option when i come to start to seriously think about a change of car late next year, its now too expensive compared to competitors, & it is too big to fit in the garage.

The other option is a Rapid, but it does not feel as tactile & the choice of engines with gearbox, along with VED on the range is diabolical again compared to competitors.

While the FL Yeti looks nice - again the choice of engines with gearbox, along with VED on the range is diabolical in my view.

 

The release of both the Rapid & new Octy in my opinion has been VERY badly done, with initial spec on release being poor, then various changes being made at random intervals, along with the very quick introduction of offers so soon after release to 'sell' the cars potentially means that 2nd hand values are going to be poor 2-3 years time for sellers.

 

I was going to see what the MK3 Fabia will be like, but with the announcement that there will definately NOT be a VRS, so will be left with the current diabolical engine / gearbox choice.

 

So will have to see what is release next year & possibly early 2015.

Way things are going can see my next one (2.0 TDi Elegance estate with nought other than a spare) being my last.

Originally was we'll up for getting a vRS, though I did promise the wife if I changed the mk2 vRS I run now for anything it would be for something a bit softer! particularly now I have 2 young kids under 3

Mate noooooooo what is this craziness I am hearing?! Lol

In all seriousness I can see where you are coming from tho, having kids will inevitably change your priorities. Don't reckon it will be too long before you are plotting a way back into something more suitably sporty hehe! :-)

Hi Matt,

Hope your well.

Again, some really good points.

Think I'm just wandering if Skoda are likely to be running 0% and service package deals again to target those who took a pcp out 36/42 month previous, keep them within the brand etc.

Very well thanks, soon be xmas!

I think there will always be a deal to have, on SWMBO's MkII we got 15% discount and 0% finance over 3 years plus 3 yrs free servicing with min 30% deposit, this was just before the vat free deals started, initially when vat was 15% so a similar deal to what we struck but they then changed the 0% to 2 yrs with 50% deposit I think. My Octy III was ordered on launch weekend using carfile.net as the bartering tool, and the Skoda finance freebies equated to about 4%, so all in equivalent to 16% discount, then I paid off the VAG finance with funds from my 3% APR mortgage, so for comparison over 42 months I would pay 5.25% of list price in interest, which means, I'd still net over 10% in discounts, which is double the average most seem to be getting with a 0% PCP.

0% or vat free deals do take the hassle out of bartering with your salesman, but touting a few quotes from online brokers will always get you close to the best possible deal but you have to be prepared to switch dealers. We have used 3 different dealers for the last 3 privately bought Skuds and each time the previous supplying dealer would not give us the best deal on the next car!

Edited 22 December, 201312 yr by Matt Pez

Mate noooooooo what is this craziness I am hearing?! Lol

In all seriousness I can see where you are coming from tho, having kids will inevitably change your priorities. Don't reckon it will be too long before you are plotting a way back into something more suitably sporty hehe! :-)

Hi Tom hope alls we'll with you mate? How's the 1'er? I'm still massively jealous by the way haha!!

Yeah it's a slightly tragic turn of events......the Blackline is a really good car and honestly I can't really fault it but I just don't love it.....the CR engine just does not mate well with DSG and as a consequence I just find it rather dull to drive, doesn't ever feel particularly quick and white with the black wheels......it's all a bit sheep in wolves clothing if that makes any sense at all. Also nothing like as fuel efficient as I hoped it'd be...element of false expectations perhaps but it got to the point where I thought I get rid whilst it's still nearly new, low mileage and spotless or I just run it for the foreseeable.....in the end just didn't want to keep it.

Played with the idea of a vRS wagon both TDI and TSI (without DSG) but I knew the diesel would be much like my MK2 performance wise and the TSI burn fuel and lose me my licence. Also with the kids I thought perhaps I should give sports suspension a miss. The a Elegance was the less exciting but obvious choice.

Must say though test drove a 2.0 150 SE estate with 16's and normal suspension, expected to be turd but it was unbelievably good. Whereas the performance on my vRS felt flat and meak most of the time (and not 170 horses worth) this thing was genuinely quick and puncy, particularly for a 150hp car particularly a diesel and despite its bottle top wheels and tall suspension drove brilliantly, better than the vRS MK2 IMO. So after expecting mass disappointment and 3 more years in my vRS I ordered the new one. I think the fact it's about 140kgs lighter than the Mk2 vRS courtesy of its less sophisticated rear suspension makes a real difference to the straight line pace, if the brochure is to be believed it's still about 75kgs less than the equivalent mk7 Golf which surprised me but guess the 150hp golfs get multilink.

Anyway time will tell if it lasts any more than 18 months, hoping once I've gotten over the joys of having folding mirrors and auto main beams it'll still have enough going for it....and the tailgating stops haha.

All the best and have a great christmas mate

Paul

Hi Tom hope alls we'll with you mate? How's the 1'er? I'm still massively jealous by the way haha!!

Yeah it's a slightly tragic turn of events......the Blackline is a really good car and honestly I can't really fault it but I just don't love it.....the CR engine just does not mate well with DSG and as a consequence I just find it rather dull to drive, doesn't ever feel particularly quick and white with the black wheels......it's all a bit sheep in wolves clothing if that makes any sense at all. Also nothing like as fuel efficient as I hoped it'd be...element of false expectations perhaps but it got to the point where I thought I get rid whilst it's still nearly new, low mileage and spotless or I just run it for the foreseeable.....in the end just didn't want to keep it.

Played with the idea of a vRS wagon both TDI and TSI (without DSG) but I knew the diesel would be much like my MK2 performance wise and the TSI burn fuel and lose me my licence. Also with the kids I thought perhaps I should give sports suspension a miss. The a Elegance was the less exciting but obvious choice.

Must say though test drove a 2.0 150 SE estate with 16's and normal suspension, expected to be turd but it was unbelievably good. Whereas the performance on my vRS felt flat and meak most of the time (and not 170 horses worth) this thing was genuinely quick and puncy, particularly for a 150hp car particularly a diesel and despite its bottle top wheels and tall suspension drove brilliantly, better than the vRS MK2 IMO. So after expecting mass disappointment and 3 more years in my vRS I ordered the new one. I think the fact it's about 140kgs lighter than the Mk2 vRS courtesy of its less sophisticated rear suspension makes a real difference to the straight line pace, if the brochure is to be believed it's still about 75kgs less than the equivalent mk7 Golf which surprised me but guess the 150hp golfs get multilink.

Anyway time will tell if it lasts any more than 18 months, hoping once I've gotten over the joys of having folding mirrors and auto main beams it'll still have enough going for it....and the tailgating stops haha.

All the best and have a great christmas mate

Paul

Yeah all good thanks Paul!

1er going really well, starting to feel properly rapid now it's got a few k on the clock and loosened up. Still having to get used to the fact nobody will let me out of a junction or merge into their lane lol!

I know what you mean about the urge to change - once it's in your head there is no going back.

The 2.0TDi 150 looks like a great option to be fair. I had a look at one in a Leon and A3 a while back. Defo will have more of a fun 'sleeper' surprise option than the blackline :-)

Post up some pics of your new chariot when you get her!

Tom

Stick some 18s and race blue paint on it and you can convince yourself it's a vRS, apparently, everyone's doing it, seen at least two similar to mine out on the road in 7 months!

Yeah all good thanks Paul!

1er going really well, starting to feel properly rapid now it's got a few k on the clock and loosened up. Still having to get used to the fact nobody will let me out of a junction or merge into their lane lol!

I know what you mean about the urge to change - once it's in your head there is no going back.

The 2.0TDi 150 looks like a great option to be fair. I had a look at one in a Leon and A3 a while back. Defo will have more of a fun 'sleeper' surprise option than the blackline :-)

Post up some pics of your new chariot when you get her!

Tom

Sounds great mate, and yeah guess you must be getting tarred with that ridiculous "BM****er" brush which I've always considered a bit harsh......I blame all those tool sales reps burning around in their ES spec 318d's like they own the UK...bless em hey?!

Got it slightly in the back of my mind that the new one will turn up finally and I'll think "god what on earth have I done" but saw a silver one at work the other day and thought it actually looked really nice, a bit dull compared to a vRS in the right wheel and colour combo but nice. I think it's got a bit of sleeper appeal too, not going to set the world on fire but it'll be capable of giving some warm hatches a bit of a surprise I reckon, was really surprised how well the one I test drove went.......hoping it wasn't mapped haha! Will chuck a picture of the boring white hearse up once it appears :-)

All the best

Paul

Sounds great mate, and yeah guess you must be getting tarred with that ridiculous "BM******" brush which I've always considered a bit harsh......I blame all those tool sales reps burning around in their ES spec 318d's like they own the UK...bless em hey?!

Got it slightly in the back of my mind that the new one will turn up finally and I'll think "god what on earth have I done" but saw a silver one at work the other day and thought it actually looked really nice, a bit dull compared to a vRS in the right wheel and colour combo but nice. I think it's got a bit of sleeper appeal too, not going to set the world on fire but it'll be capable of giving some warm hatches a bit of a surprise I reckon, was really surprised how well the one I test drove went.......hoping it wasn't mapped haha! Will chuck a picture of the boring white hearse up once it appears :-)

All the best

Paul

Nah mate I don't reckon it'll be boring, will do the job nicely -and let's face it the Octy 3 vRS isn't exactly the last word in uber cool street racer styling anyhow.

At least you won't have any boot space issues - I'm slightly nervous the boot on the 1er might be a touch too small once rug-rat arrives soon!

Have a good Christmas with the family,

Tom

I'm looking fowa

Nah mate I don't reckon it'll be boring, will do the job nicely -and let's face it the Octy 3 vRS isn't exactly the last word in uber cool street racer styling anyhow.

At least you won't have any boot space issues - I'm slightly nervous the boot on the 1er might be a touch too small once rug-rat arrives soon!

Have a good Christmas with the family,

Tom

It'll be cool mate, will keep the missus from moaning and the kids from losing baby teeth and puking :-) the vRS set can suck on my folding mirrors too haha (said in jest of course)

Sure the 1er will be fine,get a compact stroller that's the main thing.....City jogger city mini is v good by the way!

Couldn't help having a look at some BMs again......f me how nice would a 335d x drive M Sport touring be?!

Have a great christmas mate