So to make a few comments.

 

Without a doubt the MK3 is not great value like the MK2FL. This is my biggest dislike of the new car. I know for a fact that it will not be worth anywhere near what my excellent MK2FL was worth at 3 years old. But in it's defense, it's no different to most new cars.

 

So how is the MK3 vs the MK2FL, is it a massive step forward?, erm no it's not massive but there is improvement in a lot of areas, one is noise, it's quieter than my diesel MK2FL (although it's petro, this time).

 

First thing you will notice is the fuel consumption! Over the 5 years my CR averaged around the 46-48 mark overall. So far the TSi has averaged 29.8 (trip computer), best I've got on a run has been just under 41mpg again from the trip computer.

 

If I'm to be honest, unless you really want a new car, even at your mileage I'd probably stick with my MK2. I only went to the MK3 as I down graded to a Citigo and it was just too small so went back to the Octavia, and my typical mileage/journey's do not suit the DPF on modern diesels.

 

The 230 spec for spec is worth it, but it's not on 0% and only worth it if you want the same spec and the magic diff. The 220 is more than enough for real life usage!!

 

 I down graded to a Citigo and it was just too small so went back to the Octavia

 

 

You couldn't have gone any smaller really! 

I've owned mkI, mkII facelift and now two mkIII Octavias, and in general the last is way best, refining itself during the years.

MkI was the best to handle, whereas these latter ones come with ESC. Ok, you survive with them, but the ones that you can't take ESC off,min hard winter conditions you may get into trouble. Nevertheless, this mkIII 4x4 is the way best car I have ever had - I considered also second hand C-series Merc, but that felt a bit old fashioned, especially when I learned the bad habits with previous mkIII with almost all bits and bobs.

If you are only going to do 12k per year go for the petrol

There has been a lot of talk of the residual value on the PCP, but do you intend to hand it back when it has done 40k miles.

You seem to have decided that 70k miles is the point when you change the car (which is what you appear to have chosen to do this time, so will probably do same again)

Put in minimal deposit (it's at 0% so may as well keep balance in your savings account, and use it for later instalments), then spec it with the options you desire, add the 5 year warranty option then keep it 5 or 6 years (Octy mk 4 is probably 5 or 6 years away anyway)

You will get a car specked as you want it, you will reduce the average depreciation (fall in value) per year and your change will coincide with the mk3 replacement

The only question is do you take the December deal, or gamble on an even better deal in Jan as VW group need to recover their sales drop since emissions scandal, and the finance offers normally only updated quarterly. Get the best deal then ask for the latest £1000 loyalty discount as well.

Edited 9 December, 201510 yr by SurreyJohn