This is generally the same every year with regards to the base price of the cars though. Over the last 4 and a bit years that I've been here, every year has seen a price increase; on average 1 - 2% each January with the odd option(s) (namely metallic) being increased either at the start of the year or at some 

point throughout. 

 

Yes it's a grievance to potential customers as you never know what is round the next corner, what is going to happen on Monday, in February, in 2020? BUT, no manufacturer can make up someone's mind, if a customer is willing to buy there and then and the 'deal' is right for them they will, if the next customer wants to wait and see what the next quarter brings then that is their prerogative (this could work out better OR worse though, a complete guessing game, even from my point of view) - I am not knocking this, just passing comment.

Some of the prices seem a little steep, but then if you look at the competition they tend to be pretty reasonable.

On a Golf estate GT, leather seats are £1875 instead of £400, but the sunroof is still showing as £900 at the moment, and climate control is a £400 option.

 

Yes, you can sometimes get an Audi for the same price as an optioned up Skoda, but that's often an older model like the A4 that's being heavily discounted and is just a standard car with no options.

 

If you do a genuine like for like comparison with other new cars (not nearly new) that aren't run out specials, and that have an equivalent spec, and then take into account the 0% finance I still think that Skoda will be cheaper.

Yes but quite a few Skodas don't have 0% finance now-Yeti, New Fabia, Superb. If you were considering the Superb, a few weeks ago, you could have got 0%, 3 years servicing and £1500 off. Now it is 2.9% interest, no money off and £149 for 3 years servicing, plus probably some general price increases on the car plus options no doubt. I know that price increases and changes to deals are inevitable but as my own car would have cost £2500 more in current money, I would have almost definitely gone with another brand if purchasing now. When calculating the differences on the configurator, there were increases in the price of paint, sat nav, auto lights/dimming mirror, floor mats...the list goes on and on and we're talking big % differences in the cost of these options and they add up to a large final number.

Edited 10 January, 201511 yr by fastestlouigie

Carfile are still quoting 12% discount on O3 Elegance or 7% if taking SUK finance, and still at last years prices, so if you are buying this weekend, get in quick cos I reckon they will increase prices soon, but it will be interesting to see if they are able to increase the discounts now that there is more margin to play with!

For me, the cost definitely wouldn't justify buying an Octavia at the moment. There are so many significantly better cars for similar money that buying the budget member of the family is no longer a sensible option as the savings aren't there. Sure, they're decent cars, but after a year of ownership the cracks really start to show and you realise that you're actually getting an inferior product in so many ways.

 

Still, we all have choices and it's all relative so if you think they're too dear, then negotiate a better price or just walk away. If on the other hand you think that the quality justifies the price, then buy one. Economics is really a straightforward subject.

Serious question - what better alternatives for the same money are you thinking of?

To be fair VAG group tend to raise the prices on everything each year......IMHO its to make more margin on the more popular options as when the car is new they dont know what people will tend to go for. Makes sense with Canton and Winter pack as they are both quite popular.

I like creature comforts and in hindsight (particularly given that I am now likely saddled with the car for at least 9 months) I now kind of wish id spec'd the winter pack and canton (I hate the standard audio particularly) but on the other side glad I chose no major options as it would just have compounded my neg equity position

Well, mine's only gone up £859 or 3.7% which really looking at everything else in life, ain't that bad.

 

I know my house went up way more than that in the last year.

 

Regards

T

I priced an A4 avant Quattro and for similar basic spec it was 34k

The octavia is 26.5k

That's a big difference, I know the cars are different, the a4 is more powerful etc etc But my spec is estate, 4wd, diesel, towbar, satnav, and a few bits..... And 7.5 grand is a lot more for a car that is on older underpinnings and due a facelift!

I'm not saying that I want to pay that, I'd be happier if it was 18k as that was closer to my budget.... But whilst people are still buying them they'll not get any cheaper!

And because of the way that VAG group allocates quota, I can't see it changing :-/

My god just added mine up now: £27,239 RRP

RRP when I ordered: £25,320

£1919 difference. I did order with 3 years free servicing which I've included in that figure. I've ignored the discount I received as I would have probably had the same discount on the price now.

Also had 0% interest so adding that in aswell and its an even bigger saving.

Hopefully the increases in list price will help with residual values when it comes to trade in time!

Hopefully the increases in list price will help with residual values when it comes to trade in time!

Not so I'm afraid Matt, residuals are based on depreciation from OEM new list price, thats why a M09-Y12 Mk2 is cheaper than a M08-Y12 Mk2, VAT free for the last 6 months prior to the O3 coming out, its also why Glasses produce a month by month price. 

 

On the other hand, the time to buy a car for strong residuals is when it has a high list price and you can get a good discount and/or 0% finance hence, my M12-Y13 ordered M03-Y14 delivered on 0% with £1,930 discount should be a strong performer on the residual value, I don't think I'll be handing it back somehow.

Mine appears to have gone up at least £1,200 making it a touch under 30k to replace.

As much as I would like a new vRS, seriously considering a fully loaded 6-8 month old Superb Elegance Tdi Combi for my next car, you get a hell of a lot of motor for much, much less.

I think I've worked out why the prices have gone up so much... there seem to be more and more TV programmes being sponsored by Skoda.  Coincidence?  Or are they having to raise prices to pay for all this marketing?

Not so I'm afraid Matt, residuals are based on depreciation from OEM new list price, thats why a M09-Y12 Mk2 is cheaper than a M08-Y12 Mk2, VAT free for the last 6 months prior to the O3 coming out, its also why Glasses produce a month by month price. 

 

On the other hand, the time to buy a car for strong residuals is when it has a high list price and you can get a good discount and/or 0% finance hence, my M12-Y13 ordered M03-Y14 delivered on 0% with £1,930 discount should be a strong performer on the residual value, I don't think I'll be handing it back somehow.

I understand your logic, but the continuous price rises should also contribute to stronger residuals as the gap between new and used will be even greater and also the massive price rise from O2 to O3 should also drive up residuals compared to a late 2012 early 2013 O2FL. Guess I'll find d out in 18 months or so when I start shopping for a nice Merc E350 or equivalent!

It depends on how you pay for your new cars, but when comparing PCP deals, VW's often aren't much different to that of an equivalent Skoda as they have stronger residual values. When I got quotes earlier last year for a vRS Estate CR with options against a Golf GTD with options, the monthly difference was only about £25 over three years despite the Golf being nearly £3.5K more than the Skoda.

I understand your logic, but the continuous price rises should also contribute to stronger residuals as the gap between new and used will be even greater and also the massive price rise from O2 to O3 should also drive up residuals compared to a late 2012 early 2013 O2FL. Guess I'll find d out in 18 months or so when I start shopping for a nice Merc E350 or equivalent!

Not in pure risduals terms, thats ruled by the Glasses Guide and the only slight other thing that can affect their values are if there is a shortage of second hand car available (supply & demand simples).  However, the private market is something else completely although, Skoda is perceived as a value for money brand and this opinion will have to change prior to the Private second hand market being willing to pay more. 

 

I think your right really, only time will tell and we could both be quids in but, I ain't gonna rely on it also, don't overlook the E250 CDI, cracking engine putting out loads of horses and long term wear and tear dosen't bother us PCP'ers.

 

Regards

T

E350 CDi is a great car. My father in law has one in sleeper Avantgarde trim and is debadged. Doesnt look anything like the 265hp, 457lb/ft fast saloon it actually is....all the while other than maintenance its probably less expensive to run than my wifes ****box 1.6 Astra.

Also in the 2.5 years hes had it I dont think its gone wrong once. It'll be one hell of a used car purchase should he ever decide to sell it.

There are definitely loads of E350 CDIs on the approved used Merc site, 1-2 years old for new vRS money, even in AMG Sport guise. I was looking at used 5 series and A6 before I bought the Octy and was very tempted but the lure of factory fresh model and full warranty,free servicing, etc got the better of me. Next time the heart will win over the head, that is for sure! Had a ride in the latest AMG Line recent!y which got me interested in the Merc, and the next generation Jag XF will also be worth a look in a coup!e of years when they filter onto the used market!

Edited 12 January, 201511 yr by Matt Pez

Skoda are obviously not taking any notice of the current CPI inflation rate - nor can they be included in the basket of goods the Office for National Statistics use.  :no:

My SE has gone up around 1k... Ouch.

I guess that's why the configurator was down over New Year! Strangely when I got quoted on my lease car after New Year, the price was actually lower!

My vRS has also gone up about a grand, making the saving £3300 compared to last year! I ordered mine on tuesday and they honoured the quote. vRS, estate, tsi, canton, sunset glass, pan roof, spare wheel, winter pack