Having given a fair amount of time to kicking around the idea of changing my MKII 2010 vRS DSG to the MKIII equivalent, with particular consideration of the extra financial outlay 'v' the uplift in quality/experience/performance etc. I've finally arrived at a decision.

A decision I suspect many have arrived at as well???

Personally I cannot justify the extra outlay in terms of what it will give me. Admittedly I will possess a new vehicle but in my eyes the difference between the MKII against the MKIII in terms of real world benefits doesn't justify the new car's pricing point. I can afford to do it but crucially I don't want to.

This leads me to another consideration which will probably make my current Skoda the last Skoda I will purchase.

For me Skoda was always about value for money - providing a quality product at a reasonable cost but with the benefit of VAG underpinnings/quality etc etc.

Hence I bought my first new Skoda in 1999 - namely an Octavia SLX 1.9 TDI Estate and run it up to 140k miles before selling it to a friend who then took it north of 200k miles before the swimming pool that regularly formed in the passenger front-footwell got too much.

The experience of running that car for nigh on 7 years was a positive one that I would happily have repeated but due to the intervention of various company cars related to my employment (Skoda not being on the company car list), it was only in 2012 when I was offered a car allowance to purchase my own vehicle that Skoda become an option again. The stars aligned and my father who had bought a brand new vRS DSG on my recommendation asked if I wanted to buy his car - in a heartbeat I did.

My experience of running this car has been nothing but positive and when I consider what you get for your money (the actual retail price of the vehicle in 2010 plus my father bought it based in a VAT free offer) compared to the cost of the new vehicle, the cost uplift just doesn't deliver the rational reasons to upgrade from MKII to MKIII.

I'm sure this has been kicked around at length on this forum but Skoda are clearly in danger of pricing their product offerings at a level that is close to established premium marques - where a rational decision making process would dictate that Skoda no longer presents itself as an obvious choice based on the fundamentals that made it a clear choice previously - the MKIII vRS being a case in point.

I am very much in the same camp as you on this one JDR. My local family owned dealer has just advised they will no longer be Skodas main agent so now my only options will be multifranchise ones, the thought of which leaves me cold. Seems to me they are abandoning their core values and as such are likely to loose some core customers too. Whether the new customers they are attracting will remain loyal and this change will make them more profitable as a result who knows, but I too no longer look at Skoda as a dead cert for my next choice and if it fails in true corporate style those who made the decision to take them down that path will be long gone, probably taking a nice pension pot with them.

Ditto my local Skoda dealer - Griffin Mill in Pontypridd lost their franchise with immediate effect from 5th December.

Had a nice letter from Griffin Mill explaining Skoda's decision.

QUOTE -

" I feel it is very important to explain the reasoning behind this as it has been entirely out of our control.

SKODA have reviewed their entire UK dealer network and has put together plan of where they believe the ideal location for each dealer in the country. This plan of new locations is to be fully implemented by 2018 and unfortunately, Pontypridd is not seen as an ideal location. We are losing the franchise particularly early in the process and as a result Cardiff will be the nearest point of representation. We believe that this is the wrong decision and have put forward our case in the strongest possible terms. Cardiff is not a practical destination for many of our customers to have their cars serviced, MOT'd or repaired. Our protests however have not been accepted.

The SKODA franchise has not been removed from Griffin Mill due to any performance issues, be those relating to customer satisfaction or sales performance. On the contrary, at the time of termination, just over a week ago, we were ranked 6th in the UK (out of 130 dealers) for our performance as a dealer. Their decision therefore to terminate the franchise has come as a huge shock and is very distressing for our SKODA team after 14 years of excellent representation."

UNQUOTE.

Ranked 6th in the country and SKODA are binning them because it would appear they are not situated in a prime retails spot in the bright lights and the big city!!

This kind of links with my thoughts about SKODA's perception of their own brand and the shift to higher prices and premium marques, of which SKODA are not and will never be in that group.

Grey Gables near Witney could also be in danger if they want to focus garages inside cities and large towns (local main dealer)

Edited 3 January, 201511 yr by RJMcLean

Going back to the vRS MKII to MKIII conundrum - maybe the MKII will be the last competitively priced/real value product they produce?? Maybe we've had it too good for too long based on the car and it's retail price?? The price gap between the vRS MKII & it's GTI equivalent was quite a difference. Fast forward to MKIII and the price gap seems to be narrowing so why would you buy a vRS over a GTI?? - previously you would because the difference made the vRS a very compelling pound for pound proposition.

Will SKODA's pricing point start pushing buyers into the arms of VW and more expensive purchases?? Is this what the VAG group want?? Up-selling to a more aspirational brand and more expensive purchase whilst keeping revenue within the VAG group.

It would appear the SKODA dealer network is adopting the same approach as it's Volkswagen and Audi siblings??

I normally change my car annually but had the skoda for almost 2 years now because its been an extremely fun & reliable car to drive. Have looked at the MKIII but your right about the price and how much more they cost.. Have started looking at a <2 year old focus st as a possible next purchase

Edited 3 January, 201511 yr by willdaVRs

I'm in the same boat, after owning three Skoda's I'm likely on my last.

 

Skoda have a whole new breed of customers now and loosing the likes of me won't be of concern to Skoda UK in any way, shape or form.

 

Gone are the days of needing to discount. The strength of the brand, their modern model line-up and fresh (but clinical) dealer network now see's them going from strength to strength.

 

I've said it before but I'll say it again, the run out models of the MkII vRS (inc. the Blackline) were the last of the great value Skoda's.

 

If you want VAG quality but without the VW and Audi prices it's time to turn to SEAT, this is where the deals are to be had these days. There are compromises, but then there were the same compromises when Skoda's were really great value.

I'm in the same boat, after owning three Skoda's I'm likely on my last.

 

Skoda have a whole new breed of customers now and loosing the likes of me won't be of concern to Skoda UK in any way, shape or form.

 

Gone are the days of needing to discount. The strength of the brand, their modern model line-up and fresh (but clinical) dealer network now see's them going from strength to strength.

 

I've said it before but I'll say it again, the run out models of the MkII vRS (inc. the Blackline) were the last of the great value Skoda's.

 

If you want VAG quality but without the VW and Audi prices it's time to turn to SEAT, this is where the deals are to be had these days. There are compromises, but then there were the same compromises when Skoda's were really great value.

Agreed. The key consideration around the SKODA brand is a clear distinction within the VAG Group and it's siblings - in my opinion the pricing point and somewhat acceptance that everything they (currently) do delivers results is blurring the thinking at the moment.

Don't forget the journey of how you arrived at a given point and then marginalise the customer-base that helped you achieve it.

Agree with most of the above. My current plan is to run my '10 vRS estate (57k miles) and my '10 Scout (56k miles) until they die.

They are worth far more to me than they are worth (£).

Of course I would love a new vRS or a new 184bhp Scout! But, looking at the prices, a leased Golf R runs them close when you compare value and bang for buck.

Times have changed. I am lucky to have two excellent 4 1/2 year old cars. They are now the definition of the phrase 'keeper'.

Agree with most of the above. My current plan is to run my '10 vRS estate (57k miles) and my '10 Scout (56k miles) until they die.

They are worth far more to me than they are worth (£).

Of course I would love a new vRS or a new 184bhp Scout! But, looking at the prices, a leased Golf R runs them close when you compare value and bang for buck.

Times have changed. I am lucky to have two excellent 4 1/2 year old cars. They are now the definition of the phrase 'keeper'.

Dunc69 - couldn't agree with you more. Mine's now a keeper for sure. All these MKII vRS owners keeping their chariots??? No wonder people are struggling to find used versions and used prices are holding up - everyone is keeping them because the new version isn't worth the upgrade!!

I almost invariably get shut of my car when it's 3 years old and the warranty is done and ash tray is full. OK the last bit is a fib. I've had 4 Octavia's now and I've just MOT'd this one, a FL vRS. What does that tell you.....

I almost invariably get shut of my car when it's 3 years old and the warranty is done and ash tray is full. OK the last bit is a fib. I've had 4 Octavia's now and I've just MOT'd this one, a FL vRS. What does that tell you.....

Everything!!!

You only have to visit the dedicated MkIII Octavia forum to see how few of them have owned a Skoda before!

 

Skoda have turned a corner, as much as my heart says to follow them my head says turn the other way.

Edited 3 January, 201511 yr by silver1011

the above info on the dealer network makes me wonder about one of my local dealers, Turners of Earlstoke. Earlstoke is a tiny village between Devizes and Westbury in wiltshire. My dad plays golf with the owner and last time I heard anything he was on the hunt of a mint mk1 vrs for his collection, no mention of loosing the franchise though

You only have to visit the dedicated MkIII Octavia forum to see how few of them have owned a Skoda before!

 

Skoda have turned a corner, as much as my heart says to follow them my head says turn the other way.

It is what it is - if SKODA can get new punters to spend circa £26k on a car that's not even a marginal upgrade on the FL vRS then good luck to them - but SKODA won't be getting my cash for the MKIII.

My money will be spent on OEM parts to keep my car fetted and in tip-top condition for as long as possible.

the above info on the dealer network makes me wonder about one of my local dealers, Turners of Earlstoke. Earlstoke is a tiny village between Devizes and Westbury in wiltshire. My dad plays golf with the owner and last time I heard anything he was on the hunt of a mint mk1 vrs for his collection, no mention of loosing the franchise though

Don't wish to be the deliverer of bad news but I've quoted/unquoted partial contents of a letter sent to me by my local dealer. There are always two sides to any story and the letter will undoubtedly contain an element of poetic licence from the dealer's perspective.

You only have to visit the dedicated MkIII Octavia forum to see how few of them have owned a Skoda before!

 

Skoda have turned a corner, as much as my heart says to follow them my head says turn the other way.

And there in lies the future for Skoda I guess. Will they be able to tempt enough first time buyers of their latest models with no historic brand loyalty to part with another wedge in 3 years time as their current loyal customers hold on to their money or go elsewhere. Have they turned onto a dual carriageway or down a cul-d- sac.

I guess if the price and package is right for the new breed of buyers now then all things considered it should be the same in three years from now..?

 

I very much like the current model line-up, my issue is I prefer value over a badge. I am no longer in Skoda's target market, but it seems (looking at current sales numbers) lots of others are.

I guess if the price and package is right for the new breed of buyers now then all things considered it should be the same in three years from now..?

 

I very much like the current model line-up, my issue is I prefer value over a badge. I am no longer in Skoda's target market, but it seems (looking at current sales numbers) lots of others are.

Current range doesn't really do it for me. Only one hot version across the whole product range??? And SKODA's decision not have a vRS in the new Fabia range based on their involvement in the WRC to go against the Clio RS/Fiesta ST/208GTI/Citreon DS3/Mini is somewhat baffling. Oh I know - protect sales of the future Polo GTI anyone??

Couldn't have another 'cheap' vRS undermining sales of their premium brands (and that includes the S1).

you say that but is there an ibiza fr in the current range? If there is i'd say there is more to it than simply underminding the polo sales.

I can afford to do it but crucially I don't want to.

 

As someone who moved from a VW into a Blackline I have been delighted with Skoda for the last two years.  I'm now starting to think about what I will do next year when my PCP finishes.  

 

Ideally I would take another Octavia VRS estate but this would be about £5,000 more than the Blackline when I bought it.  I could grudgingly afford this - but I don't want to.

 

The new master plan is to get a Fabia estate - will be big enough for family and dog and would aim for the Elegance version (or whatever it is called) to get some extra toys.

 

This would be way cheaper than the £18,000 I spent before.

As someone who moved from a VW into a Blackline I have been delighted with Skoda for the last two years.  I'm now starting to think about what I will do next year when my PCP finishes.  

 

Ideally I would take another Octavia VRS estate but this would be about £5,000 more than the Blackline when I bought it.  I could grudgingly afford this - but I don't want to.

 

The new master plan is to get a Fabia estate - will be big enough for family and dog and would aim for the Elegance version (or whatever it is called) to get some extra toys.

 

This would be way cheaper than the £18,000 I spent before.

Unless having a new car every 2/3 years is imperative - you could always buy the car outright at the end of the PCP?? If nothing else really floats your boat at the price you'd be happy to pay, then why not?? As previously pointed out by others earlier in this thread, is the FL MKII vRS the best pound for pound car SKODA are likely to produce based on their new direction??

I think so!!

Did,nt know they did a new Skoda fabia elegance,i thought it was a SE?L or something like that, when I spec,d one up to my Blackline levels it was dearer than my Blackline dsg. I think the rising price topic has been hammered,but one point raised did strike me as important leave it six to twelve months and look at the offers and prices then,it will be interesting.I agree SKoda are attracting new customers,but treating loyal customers the same as insurance company's do is a recipe for no brand loyalty at all ie compare and change. Who's up for forming a new bargain comparison web sight

I am very much in the same camp as you on this one JDR. My local family owned dealer has just advised they will no longer be Skodas main agent so now my only options will be multifranchise ones, the thought of which leaves me cold. Seems to me they are abandoning their core values and as such are likely to loose some core customers too. Whether the new customers they are attracting will remain loyal and this change will make them more profitable as a result who knows, but I too no longer look at Skoda as a dead cert for my next choice and if it fails in true corporate style those who made the decision to take them down that path will be long gone, probably taking a nice pension pot with them.

I'm not local to you but I've had dealings with Savilles, near Kidderminster.

I hope that they aren't the ones loosing the franchise, they seemed to be a nice outfit.

 

As for this thread, SWMBO is in the same boat, her FL '11 plate vRS is clean & tidy, some nice options & app. 37k miles, so it's hard to justify spending another £15-18K to get into a Mk3 vRS unless you love the new model, & crucially, we don't!

 

We both think that my '12 plate Superb is a better-built car then her Octy, (& at the price it should be....) but not as fun to chuck around, whereas the new model is quite nice but

still feels a little lacking inside the car.

 

I'm convinced that VW allow Skoda reasonable access to the VAG parts-bin, & that the quality of the running gear & powertrains is as good as the other MQB cars, but there are a few

areas where costs are cut, if only to allow Skoda to sell their vehicles at a (slightly) lower price than the equivalent VW.

 

Since leasing / PCP deals are always about residual values rather than list prices, it's not surprising to find that one can find GTi Golf leasing coats to be cheaper than a vRS.

 

So, another FL vRS that won't appear on Autotrader for a while, leaving me to hope that the Superb 3 is affordable, with decent build quality &  available with a 2.0 petrol lump!

 

DC 

I'm not local to you but I've had dealings with Savilles, near Kidderminster.

I hope that they aren't the ones loosing the franchise, they seemed to be a nice outfit.

 

As for this thread, SWMBO is in the same boat, her FL '11 plate vRS is clean & tidy, some nice options & app. 37k miles, so it's hard to justify spending another £15-18K to get into a Mk3 vRS unless you love the new model, & crucially, we don't!

DC

It is Savilles I'm afraid. TBH it was the experience I had with them and in particular Patrick Sword when considering a Octy vs a Honda Civic that won me over so things seem to be stacking against me buying a mk3 in the next few years with how things are going. With Faintree already moved to Telford my choices are now limited. Savilles will be the main dealer for Renaults and Dacias round here now, but having had a couple of Renaults I'm unlikely to buy one of those again. The hunt now begins to see who I'll chose to do the servicing as I've still got a free one left. I'm beginning to think along the keep it and map it route, especially with Shark's breakthrough on the STS front so I'd be easily able to stick it back to stock if the insurance got silly.