I' ve been watching this forum for some time, waiting for the delivery of my Spaceback. I now have it and so I am posting for the first time.

 

My name is Haris, I am greek and I live in Athens.

The car is a 2014, Corrida Red, Rapid Spaceback in Elegance trim (the highest level in Greece) with the 1,6 TDi - 90 PS engine and the Style Pack.

 

I haven't bought the 105 PS version of the engine, since it's absolutely the same engine as the 90 PS version with different ECU mapping. As I am planning a future remap to 130-140 PS, it made sense to save the 800 Euros Skoda asked for the more powerful version.

 

Modifications done:

Foliatec windows films for UV and heat protection, really indispensables in sunny Greece.

 

Probable modifications for the near future:

1. Cupra R lip in the front bumper. I had it in my A3 Sportsback and I will try it in my new Rapid. I believe it will fit with minimal modifications and it will enhance the sporty look.

2. Skoda engine cover for the 1.6 TDi (missing from my engine bay, thanks to cost cutting from Skoda). I can't stand the look of the engine bay without it and it will also help drop (probably only slightly) the noise levels. I have already ordered it, with a discount from the dealer I purchased the car.

3. Cruise control. I am waiting Skoda Greece to decide which of the two part numbers is suitable for my car, 5JB054690 or 5JB054690A which is marked as suitable for cars with trip computer. I have the trip computer but its commands are on the steering wheel. Any help will be appreciated...

4. Considering an MDI retrofit.

5. Swapping the front speakers for a set of 2-way components by Helix, that I already have from my previous car.

6. Engine remap.

Nice motor,

Thought people were struggling financially in Greece,,thats what we here on News / press in UK.

 

Nice motor,

Thought people were struggling financially in Greece,,thats what we here on News / press in UK.

You are absolutely right! The economic crisis is still very strong in Greece and I am also struggling.

To cut a long story short, it made financial sense for me to replace my old car with a new affordable diesel.

 

In detail: I had a 2007 Peugeot 308 1.6 THP (petrol 150 PS) with 87.000 Km,  that I have bought as a used car 2.5 years ago, that turned to be pretty unreliable, despite being meticulously serviced. I had the chance to find someone who bought it from me at a good price and I was planning to add 2-2.5K Euros for a 4-year old Golf TSi (petrol 122 PS) with half the Km of my ex-308, that would probably be a lot more reliable and a lot easier to sell in 4 years time, than my then 11-year old 308. But having made the calculations, it turned out that in a hypothetical 4-year cycle (buying the car - using it - selling it) it would be cheaper to buy a new affordable diesel with an extended warranty. And this, without counting any unforseable expenses for the maintenance of a used car...

 

As the saying in Greece goes : I am a poor man, so I can afford to buy cheap.

 

End of story!

Edited 11 July, 201411 yr by harisma23

Ya! Haris,

Love your piece of Greek wisdom!!

 

"As the saying in Greece goes : I am a poor man, so I can afford to buy cheap."

 

It sounds very like something we would say in Scotland.(we have an undeserved reputation for being mean!)

 

We are not "mean" just careful with our money ;<) I love my 1.4 TSI DSG Rapid. (albeit it petrol it is still very economical, we pay more for diesel than petrol in UK) I also bought for similar reason to you, i had a 6 year old Renault Megane 1.6 petrol auto (very thirsty) and not very reliable spent many times in repair shop.

 

I have never been to Greece but this autumn we are going for a weeks holiday in Corfu (Corfu Town)

We believe it is a beutiful hotel / stay and look forward to some Greek culture (assuming there is some there??)

 

http://www.booking.com/hotel/gr/aquis-mon-repos-palace.html?aid=348007&label=sppctrip-hotel-499974_xqdz-0e11552a78f41e5dcdfd505e96a70281_pool-couk_slice-99999&utm_source=tripad&utm_medium=SPPC&utm_content=images&utm_term=hotel-499974〈=en-gb&utm_campaign=GB&trip=U5XH-QokLhQAACxHJxMAAAAi#HotelFacilities

 

PS: I will also try to learn some Greek phrases before i go to be polite and curteous ;<)

I will also be there during Scotland's vote for Independence from rest of UK, i have arranged postal vote.

 

End of Scottish tale!

 

Adio. ;<)

Bidey from Perth (Scotland)

Actually the price of diesel in Greece is about 1.3-1.35 Euros/lt, where as petrol costs 1.65-1.7 Euros/lt. Adding that to the lesser consumption of a diesel car, you practically save a lot on fuel money (50%+) by going diesel.

 

As for Corfu, you made a fine choice for your first trip to Greece! Been there once on holidays and I believe it is a very nice island for vacations. The hotel you chose seems also very nice.

Unfortunately I live in Athens, that is 500 Km + a boat trip from Athens, to arrange a meeting...

 

Would really love to visit Scotland (that is the land of darkness, from the ancient greek word "scotos / skotos", which means darkness). I hope that I will make it in the not so far future...

Edited 11 July, 201411 yr by harisma23

Ya Haris,

You would be more than welcome ;<)