Hi

I'm new here, currently drive a 14 year old Skoda Felicia magic and realised I could actually get something newer with my mobility payments, so although looked first at Roomsters, have now realised I could also afford (well sort of!) something more fun, the Yeti! Going for another Skoda as my current one has been fab, still going well, but starting to need more work than worth at its age, so although be sad to say goodbye, it’s going to have to happen!

 

Anyway, spent last few days reading through numerous threads here, and never really having been car detail minded, am a little confused by a few things still and hope no one will object to some possibly previously asked questions being repeated by this oft confused newbie?!

 

Never considered I'd enjoy driving an automatic, but having test driven both, think I've been more or less instantly converted, so that's one decision made - although means I need to find an extra £395 upfront payment if go for the Yeti over the Roomster - getting the idea from the various threads here that this is something people would consider worth it for the more fun drive than with the Roomster?

 

small Confusion number 1 - spare wheel - this takes up boot space and raises the floor, does it make it level with the sill or higher / lower? Is it acceptable to go to dealers with dog crate and check it actually fits, or is this too crazy to expect them to allow?!

 

Main confusion number 2 - tow bars! I see lots of threads, but my brain exploded when tried to make sense of it, along with having emailed around 30 tow bar fitters to find out quotes. The dealer quote of around £900 meaning I'd not be able to afford the Yeti as I do need to occasionally tow, but at that price, I can't afford the upfront payment for the Yeti :/ 

 

I see in the booklet there are 2 prices, one for prep and one for fitting, both with a Basic price and a RRP, a total of either £541.67 or 650.00 - why are there these 2 prices, and is there a way of having the cheaper one that the other?! Also, as he mentioned around £900, was he talking out of his exhaust pipe?! 

 

I think I understand from the various threads, that it has to be vehicle specific electrics fitted and not some bodge into the loom job, but please, correct me if I'm (quite likely?!) wrong? And this is what makes it more expensive than a generic tow bar fit, which I think was around £120 for my Felicia, including the tow bar and single socket electrics fitted? Can it be done by a tow bar fitting service for a better price, without risking screwing the electrics / warrantee and reprogramming, or is the reprogramming something that can be only done by the dealers?

 

Does it work out to have the tow bar prep done on ordering, and then this make it easier to have the tow bar itself done by a separate tow bar specialist for a better price? Is this possible, or can you only have one if you have both?

 

Basically, I think I'd rather the Yeti to the Roomster, but if I can't find a cheaper tow bar option then I can't afford the upfront payment on the yeti and would end up having to have the Roomster - which I do like for itself, but would rather than the more fun Yeti, as being young and disabled, feel like I need a bit more fun in my life?! 

If anyone could answer my queries in a gentle and simple way, I'd be very grateful

 

AJ

 

I'd bargain hard for the best price including tow bar and any other must haves because once you've signed on the dotted line you've lost any bargaining power, which should be pretty obvious, including testing the crate fits.

Best of luck and hope you can swing it, you won't be disappointed AFAIC.

For negotiating purposes, have an alternative non VW group alternative so he/she thinks you're not stuck with them only.

Re- confusion 1 - spare wheel makes the boot floor level with the sill. It does take up boot space obviously but to my mind worth the sacrifice especially considering the versatility of the back seat configurations for extending stowing.

I would have no apprehension of asking about fitting dog crate, but would take a tape measure armed with dimensions on first visit as this would sort out whether it was worth asking.

Regarding tow bar - as far as I am concerned this is a no brainer - if you have any thoughts of requiring a towbar go for the fully fitted option from new. You will be hard pushed to beat the price (high as it is) as a post fit and it avoids worries with electrics link ups and warrantee.  The towbar prep is a halfway house which will save you some money if post installed but not enough to cover its cost - in my opinion not worth considering. The silly prices quoted for post tow bar installation (900 is at higher end) are not unusual - remember it requires wiring up to main loom and programming in to inform you re-lights and negotiate with rear sensors so not just a bracket and ball.

I have both spare wheel and tow bar and regret neither.

I'd bargain hard for the best price including tow bar and any other must haves because once you've signed on the dotted line you've lost any bargaining power, which should be pretty obvious, including testing the crate fits.

Best of luck and hope you can swing it, you won't be disappointed AFAIC.

For negotiating purposes, have an alternative non VW group alternative so he/she thinks you're not stuck with them only.

When it comes to motability cars there is no negotiation. The price is what it is. Regardless to what other cars you are looking at. You may get a bit of a discount on any accessories you are paying for out of your own pocket.

Re confusion2 as far as I'm aware if you go for the factory fit towbar @ £450. You don't need to add towbar prep. When I ordered my pre fl last August all I paid was £400 for the factory fit towbar. To me its a no brainer to get it fitted at build. There are many horror stories on here about bodged installations.

Hope that helps.

So for a price of £395 on Motability I guess you are going for a Yeti SE 1.2 TSI 105PS DSG. Remember that price is only guaranteed till the end of June when the next 3 month price bracket comes in. It could go up or down in the next three month price bracket. The price is fixed and guaranteed once you order the car. I think if it goes down in the time frame while your waiting you do get the lower price.

 

I would get the towbar fitted added when ordering the car as its cheaper that way. Any accessories like towbar and spare wheel usually have to be paid upfront on the day of ordering and the upfront payment is paid when the car is handed over to you. Well that's what my dealer said to me as I will be ordering a yeti at the end of June

 

Good luck

Edited 22 April, 201412 yr by w1zzer

My local dealer (who I ended up buying from, with absolutely no regrets so far) had no problems with me putting my dog in the back of his brand new, not-even-been-off-the-forecourt, demonstrator to check that she has sufficient space; I took a blanket with me to cover the floor and seat backs but was told not to bother. I would expect any dealer to let you check the dog crate fits and that you can get the crate door open easily - all part of making sure the car suits your needs. If they won't - next dealer please.

 

As regards "I need a bit more fun in my life?" from my experience of my Yeti it's not terribly fast and the acceleration isn't going to burn rubber launching from the traffic lights but I would definitely say it is FUN - it just seems to drive like a lot more car than it really is. And Clarkson liked it.

 

As it is being funded through motability it might be important to you know that it has a really tight turning circle for manoeuvring. (And if you really want to have fun, using the Park Assist if fitted can really freak out your unwary passengers!).

 

I also looked at the Roomster, as well as the MkII Octavia, and the Yeti was significantly the most expensive at the time (blowing the budget completely) but one year down the road for me the Yeti was definitely the right decision.

 

(I don't tow but I would agree with the other posters - get the towing kit included at the ordering stage. Although it is possible you could get it sorted afterwards and save a few pounds (and there even seems some doubt about this) if you have it factory fitted any problems and it is back to the dealer to get it sorted. Retrofitting and especially by third parties opens up the potential for  all sorts of difficulties should problems occur later on).

Perhaps you could speak to another dealer in your area about how much a towbar factory fit is or even ring SKODA up. Given the choice I would go with factory fit because you will get a neat and proper job done especially with the body valence cutout.

Go with a dog crate?  I go with my dog. 

When we very first considered our new car (about 18 months ago) we looked at a lot of options. We visited a Skoda dealer and looked at the Roomster and then the Yeti.

 

Once you have seen the interior quality of the Yeti I very much doubt you will give the Roomster a 2nd look. It feels like a very poor relation in comparison.

 

It took us a further 12-14 months before we finally decided to take the plunge. The only slight downside of Yeti compared with Roomster is the boot isn't quite as capacious. But in every other respect it is a better buy - IMHO.

I've had a Roomster SE 1.2 105 dsg for 3 yrs and have just ordered a Yeti SE 105 dsg. I love my Roomster, but the Yeti seat is a little bit higher so makes entry easier as my mobility reduces. The Roomster is what it is, a van with windows and therefore very versatile. Regarding deposit on Motability, my dealer (Simpsons Preston) wanted it on order not delivery, even though my car will be cheaper as I wanted, well SWMBO wanted, flat red not a metallic.

Drive them both, my Roomsters turning circle is massive compared to my sons BMW 3 series and even my 42 yr old Rover V8, that is the only downside to our Roomster. Also regarding the dog crate, the back seats slide forward independently to increase boot space whilst still able to take rear passengers (dependant on their leg length).

Most of your points have already been covered so I won't add to them except for towbar. Go for factory fit, it's a no brainer, mine was too late for me to add it to the order and I'm still having problems with the after sale fit.

The towbar prep price is for after sale fit and, in my opinion, an excessive price for what no one has been able to define exactly,.i.e. what do you get for you money?

Another thing to research is that I don't think towbar is offered as an option on the 1.2Tsi and the Greenline models.

 

Fred

One problem is after market tow bar fitment. You have to insist that they program the electrics to Skoda specs.

I purchased my Yeti as a show room model, which did not have a tow bar.

Asked the dealer to recommend a fitting company which they did, with me saying 'any problem and it's down to them'

Got mine fitted and wired in showing trailer attached and the bulb check/failure working etc, for £525.

If you get the tow bar fitted after, get in done through the Skoda dealer and then they are responsible for it working correctly.

It is cheaper, easier and better to go for a factory fit tow bar than having a dealer or sub-contractor fit one after purchase.

End of lecture.

re the tow bar issue, I queried one of the companies that sent me a quote about it needing vehicle specific electrics, gave me this response:

 

"Good day and thank you for the enquiry you placed.

We use a 7 way bypass system relay which is european type approved parts and therefore cannot by law invalidate the warranty on the vehicle.

We hope this helps."

 

are they not correct judging from other threads on here?

Ta

Do not, repeat NOT use any company that says that!!

 

The official Skoda wiring loom is a simple fit, especially if ordered at purchase, and can be totally relied on to work all the systems needed with no problems in the future. That cannot be guaranteed with the by-pass relay system. A member on here had a similar system fitted to his car by a dealer and had to have part of the loom replaced after a problem. He had to take it up with SUK as the dealer said it was correct, and they were ordered by SUK to correct it at their cost.

 

The best and cheapest method is to order the car with the factory fit tow bar

Most of your points have already been covered so I won't add to them except for towbar. Go for factory fit, it's a no brainer, mine was too late for me to add it to the order and I'm still having problems with the after sale fit.

The towbar prep price is for after sale fit and, in my opinion, an excessive price for what no one has been able to define exactly,.i.e. what do you get for you money?

Another thing to research is that I don't think towbar is offered as an option on the 1.2Tsi and the Greenline models.

 

Fred

The catalogue says not available on the Greenline. Nothing about the 1.2 and I have read posts where owners have fitted that option.

In the catalogue it has 2 options for the towbar,

 

1. Towbar Preparation (£200)

2. Towbar, removable and lockable (£450).

 

Are these 2 separate items i.e. you have to have both to end up with a tow bar (£650)

I ask the above Q because I already have the Westfalia ball part (j) on my Audi and wondered if it could be used on the Yeti.

 

The preparation must purely be the wiring loom and computer changes.

 

I think the £450 includes the hardware that is bolted to the vehicle.

Re Motability prices...

You pay the price stated in their list. If the price goes down, tough. If it goes up, however, you only pay the price you agreed.

The deposit on order is usually £200. The upfront payment and any options are paid on collection.

You can get a discount on options over the stock vehicle but you'll need to haggle quite hard.

I managed to get £100 off heated seats and screen, and got a full tank to go with it.

Mind you, I do have a very good relationship with my dealer having bought 5 cars from him.

Re Motability prices...

You pay the price stated in their list. If the price goes down, tough. If it goes up, however, you only pay the price you agreed.

The deposit on order is usually £200. The upfront payment and any options are paid on collection.

You can get a discount on options over the stock vehicle but you'll need to haggle quite hard.

I managed to get £100 off heated seats and screen, and got a full tank to go with it.

Mind you, I do have a very good relationship with my dealer having bought 5 cars from him.

Its funny how these Motability dealers all work different? I've always paid my upfront payment and any optional extras on collection of the car and never been asked for a deposit when ordering the car.

 

I spoke to my local Skoda dealer about ordering a Yeti Outdoor Elegance and he wants the optional extras paid on the day of order. no deposit and the advanced payment paid on the day of collection/handover of the new car

In the catalogue it has 2 options for the towbar,

 

1. Towbar Preparation (£200)

2. Towbar, removable and lockable (£450).

 

Are these 2 separate items i.e. you have to have both to end up with a tow bar (£650)

 

Tow bar prep is the wiring loom through the car, the hatch in the rear bumper and the additional fans. it does NOT include the reprogramming.

The second is everything from the above plus the actual towbar mounting, the removeable hook, and the car ready programmed for the trailer at the factory (therefore done correctly!!).

Just because you have a Westphalia hook from your Audi does not mean it will be the right one for the Yeti. There are various different hooks, as Johann proved.

Regarding Motability upfront payments, Simpsons Preston state due to numerous cancellations they now want the payment on ordering. Possibly due to the implementation of PIP I wonder?

I am new to the forum and followed theTowbar threads for my Feb order. What is obvious is that different dealers treat the issue differently.

I wanted a factory fit, was aware that the 13 pin was not fully functioning, and expected to pay extra for the dealer to do the final electrics needed for caravan fridge and battery. This is what I wanted and do not believe it was unreasonable.

Some dealers will do this, mine would not. The reason was that Skoda UK did not supply a suitable "part no kit" to do so. As such I have ordered my car to have a dealer supplied detachable towbar made up from the seperate components with fill in panel, full 13 pin electrics, re-programed as required etc. All will be done in house and be covered by Skoda under the warranty. Cost £700.

 

The towbar prep is NOT suitable if you wish to have battery charging facility and fridge power to a caravan.

 

Colin

Edited 23 April, 201412 yr by eribaMotters

Colin,

 

I am sorry but I have to correct you.

 

Tow bar prep at least gets the main trailer lighting wiring fitted at the factory plus it gets you the properly modified rear bumper and the extra fans. Your method misses that out and will result in the dealer and/or their agent having to strip half of the interior trim of your car being removed, Leaving the risk of it going back incorrectly and rattling. It is much easier to just fit the extra 3 wires needed for the battery/fridge wiring that Skoda provide in a kit.

 

And can we please stop this continual criticism of Skoda for not providing the "extra" wiring for the fridge and battery. They are not the only company not to include this. Even Land Rover no longer include it. It is NOT a legal requirement and it is only the UK market that insist upon it. Our friends in Europe seem to cope perfectly adequately with out it, and have done for many years.