Well, after nearly 4 years of faithful service, I'm trading in my vRS tomorrow. It's being replaced with a 2011 Mondeo Titanium Sport X TDCi in silver.

 

I have no real reason to trade it in, but there are a few largish bills on the horizon and I really fancy a change. It definitely leaves me with a slightly heavy heart, but it's given me good service and I know it will do the same for another discerning owner in the future. 

 

Why a Mondeo? Well, it's slightly larger than the Octavia (which I need) and it drives really, really well. Although it rides on 19" wheels, the ride is better and the handling, to be honest, is on a different level. It's also packed with kit: DAB stereo with 8 speakers + sub, xenons, heater and cooled seats, cruise, MFSW, most of which my car didn't have but which previous cars have.

 

I know that they are seen as common rep-mobiles, but I really like them. Servicing costs are reasonable as Ford have a 4+ scheme for older vehicles and as it's a diesel, the fuel bills should be less. Road tax is also halved, and insurance is cheaper too.

 

One thing I will have spare is a Kenwood DNX521DAB which I will be selling shortly. I haven't decided what to sell it for yet as there aren't any on the second hand market, but if you want a feature-packed head unit which has bluetooth, DAB, Ipod integration in a unit which sounds amazing too, this could be for you. It's plug and play too.

 

I will still visit the forum every so often and it's the best on the net.

 

Having mocked the brand when a schoolboy, I'm a convert. I'll always be a massive Skoda fan.

I have always wondered about the spec on those Titanium X models. Sounds fully loaded, I like the idea of cooled seats.

It's got everything bar sat nav. I've loved having it in my Octavia, but I don't really need it. Besides, it's on my phone!

How do they compare price wise to the Octavia (just ball park)?

Not disimilar. I'm moving from a 57 plate vRS to an 11 plate Mondeo. I guess the Mondeo will lose more over time but it's great value for money. I considered a newer Octavia but there aren't that many about and I wasn't sure it was worth spending money on a newer, but essentially the same, car.

 

The Mondeo is, despite it's reputation, widely regarded as the best large family car, and I can see why.

Thanks. Good luck with it.

Cheers. 

Not disimilar. I'm moving from a 57 plate vRS to an 11 plate Mondeo. I guess the Mondeo will lose more over time but it's great value for money. I considered a newer Octavia but there aren't that many about and I wasn't sure it was worth spending money on a newer, but essentially the same, car.

 

The Mondeo is, despite it's reputation, widely regarded as the best large family car, and I can see why.

Can't argue with you.

 

We still have an Octy2 vRS, & it's quick, economical & very sensible, but all the Mondeo's we've had over the years have been more "fun" to drive,

maybe 'cos they are much more "chuckable" than they should be.

 

Enjoy your Mondy, it's a great car.

 

DC 

I've loved my vRS. It's a really quick car and it handles well. The Mondeo seems to be in another league in terms of the ride and handling mix. It's bigger and heavier though, so that'll take some getting used to. It won't be as quick either, but as 90% of my driving is mundane commuting, the improved refinement will be appreciated.

So, the Octavia is gone - hopefully to a good home and someone who loves it as much as I did. 

 

The Mondeo has, so far, shown itself to be a fantastic replacement. The stereo is great, the car drives really well and it looks good (IMHO).

 

It's slower that the Octavia, but then it's diesel and the vRS was a remapped petrol so I shouldn't be overly surprised! It's fast enough, though. For now.

I moved mine on this year too after 7yr to a bigger slower diesel. I don't regret the move but I do miss that TFSI.

How much did you get for the 57 vrs part ex?

Only £4500 which was disappointing. I guess that I got that as I had haggled a good discount from the Mondeo and they don't give good part ex prices and money off the asking price of the car they're selling. We did have an interesting conversation as he said the factory xenons and Columbus would increase the value. I asked if they cost more when buying and he said yes, domain said that it should have an effect on the used price too. He reluctantly agreed!

I moved mine on this year too after 7yr to a bigger slower diesel. I don't regret the move but I do miss that TFSI.

That's the one thing I do miss so far. My Mondeo isn't slow (it's really quiet too so it's easy to break the law if you're not careful) but it's not in the same league as the vRS. Mind you, getting 650 miles out of a tank is better than the 350 I am used to!

That's the one thing I do miss so far. My Mondeo isn't slow (it's really quiet too so it's easy to break the law if you're not careful) but it's not in the same league as the vRS. Mind you, getting 650 miles out of a tank is better than the 350 I am used to!

 

Honda is much the same. Thought it was wonderful to get 700-800mi from a tank but then I remembered how big the tank is (only 45-50mpg really) similarly no perceptible difference between 50mph or 100mph everything stays the same. seats on the Accord are so much better than the VRS though.

Edited 11 January, 201511 yr by Aspman

Yes, the seats are better in the Mondeo, at least that's my impression. I haven't driven for a long haul yet, but first impressions are good. I think the improved refinement will add to the long-haul comfort.

That's the one thing I do miss so far. My Mondeo isn't slow (it's really quiet too so it's easy to break the law if you're not careful) but it's not in the same league as the vRS. Mind you, getting 650 miles out of a tank is better than the 350 I am used to!

Our last 3 Mondeo's were V6's, so not so much slower than our Octy vRS's, worse on fuel but so much quieter .

 

Our EOS does suffer from wind noise, (many seals between windows & body panels in the folding roof, so not so surprising) but it has 

none of the road noise from the rear which seems to plague the Mk 2 Octy.

 

The Superb is in a different class, but since it was Skoda's "top" car, (& cost a few more pennies) it's intended to be a more relaxing car to drive or be driven in.

 

It's nice to have a choice & we are lucky to have found 3 cars we like, whilst we aren't too old to enjoy them.

 

DC

Our last 3 Mondeo's were V6's, so not so much slower than our Octy vRS's, worse on fuel but so much quieter .

 

Our EOS does suffer from wind noise, (many seals between windows & body panels in the folding roof, so not so surprising) but it has 

none of the road noise from the rear which seems to plague the Mk 2 Octy.

 

The Superb is in a different class, but since it was Skoda's "top" car, (& cost a few more pennies) it's intended to be a more relaxing car to drive or be driven in.

 

It's nice to have a choice & we are lucky to have found 3 cars we like, whilst we aren't too old to enjoy them.

 

DC

I guess that's the thing with the vRS - it's a performance car so it will be less refined. It may be an age thing, but I need the relaxing drive now, though I expect it's because most of my driving is commuting and that's stressful enough!

I did love my vRS and would recommend one to anyone who wanted a quick, entertaining and practical family hot hatch. It's got no peers in that respect.

I guess that's the thing with the vRS - it's a performance car so it will be less refined. It may be an age thing, but I need the relaxing drive now, though I expect it's because most of my driving is commuting and that's stressful enough!

I did love my vRS and would recommend one to anyone who wanted a quick, entertaining and practical family hot hatch. It's got no peers in that respect.

 

Yup +1. the noise and crashy ride on the VRS got a bit wearing in the end, though it did take a long time. Next car was definitely not going to be 'sporty'. Honda is surprisingly nimble you can feel the extra money in the chassis. Big PITA to park though, bigger than most spaces. Mondy will be the same I guess.

Yup +1. the noise and crashy ride on the VRS got a bit wearing in the end, though it did take a long time. Next car was definitely not going to be 'sporty'. Honda is surprisingly nimble you can feel the extra money in the chassis. Big PITA to park though, bigger than most spaces. Mondy will be the same I guess.

Parking sensors do help in tight car parks, & it helps that a Superb isn't as wide as some of it's more modern competitors.

The Mk3 Mondeo estates (3 - off them, must have been mad!), have big windows & small overhangs, + 12 years of ownership made parking seem to be easy.

'Tis true, the Mark 4 is a bigger car but still very usable in the UK.

 

As for noise / ride on the MK2 vRS, can't agree more, but it was a revelation to drive our 1st vRS in Europe.

 

Dutch & German road surfaces are much quieter & smoother than ours, so most of the noise problems just aren't there.

Perhaps Skoda are more influenced by their German masters than we thought, or they should spend more time developing their cars in the UK00,

as I believe some German Brands are doing?

 

DC 

Parking sensors do help in tight car parks, & it helps that a Superb isn't as wide as some of it's more modern competitors.

The Mk3 Mondeo estates (3 - off them, must have been mad!), have big windows & small overhangs, + 12 years of ownership made parking seem to be easy.

'Tis true, the Mark 4 is a bigger car but still very usable in the UK.

 

As for noise / ride on the MK2 vRS, can't agree more, but it was a revelation to drive our 1st vRS in Europe.

 

Dutch & German road surfaces are much quieter & smoother than ours, so most of the noise problems just aren't there.

Perhaps Skoda are more influenced by their German masters than we thought, or they should spend more time developing their cars in the UK00,

as I believe some German Brands are doing?

 

DC 

 

I imagine that there is pressure not to tread on VWs toes when it comes to refinement. I guess it was a "this is what you do - offer value". Seat is the tech brand, Skoda is the value brand,  and VW is the refined brand. But not as refined as Audi. Who aren't as refined as Bentley. 

 

Having said that, I think the lines are blurring. Certainly, without heavy discounting, Skoda are quite pricey these days.

I guess that's the thing with the vRS - it's a performance car so it will be less refined. It may be an age thing, but I need the relaxing drive now, though I expect it's because most of my driving is commuting and that's stressful enough!

I did love my vRS and would recommend one to anyone who wanted a quick, entertaining and practical family hot hatch. It's got no peers in that respect.

It is indeed practical, 6 dining chairs to the tip today, after lugging 4 dining chairs + a flat packed dining table home from a local eBay seller.

 

Who needs an estate car, a sporty notchback is a good substitute ........

 

DC 

Enjoy the Mondeo - I moved to the vRS from a 56 plate Mondeo ST TDCI which I'd had for 5 1/2 years.....nothing wrong with it, just wanted a change!! My dad actually bought my Mondeo of me, so it's still in the family. Big fan of Mondeo's and nearly bought another instead of the Octavia.....but like I said, fancied a change!

 

Hope I'm not breaking any rules here but I found :-

 

http://www.stdrivers.co.uk/forum/index.php

 

to be a great resource for the Mondeo! Still registered there so that if anything comes up with my dad's car I can check it out!

 

PS The forum didn't just deal with ST models.......

Edited 13 January, 201511 yr by Johnny_BoomBoom