Hi, I'm new to the Forum and just thought I'd introduce myself and how I've come to be here...

 

I am currently in the market for a new car to replace my Ford Fiesta ST-2 and the Octavia vRS III is at the top of my list!

 

I've owned my ST from new for 2 years. It has been remapped, with hardware, to Stage 2 by Collins Performance. It's a great little car, very fun to drive and I'm currently returning 42mpg however personal circumstances (child and dog on the way with the potential for increased milage with work) dictate the need for a bigger, practical, "sensible" car. I will miss the helpful online community and shows however I'm sure to rediscover it here!

 

I really like the look of the Octavia vRS III and decided to pop in to a local dealership for a proper look and test drive where I was left pleasantly surprised by how comfortable, refined and equipped they are. Even small things such as the latch for dropping the rear seats at ease and the centre console arm rest mechanism (over the Fiestas flimsy plastic hinge design) impressed me.

 

Im after a Manual Diesel, my first since I've always owned petrols, so was apprehensive at first but again I was impressed with how quiet it was and how well the car picked up and drove. With my increasing mileage the consumption and comfort over the Fiesta will be most welcome.

 

I'm not too keen on the facelift due out soon so will most likely be looking out for a used car and have registered my interest with several dealerships so I have the best chance of picking up the rite car.

 

The wife also approves although she'd prefer the estate over the hatch. Either way she'll have to put up with me spending more time cleaning and polishing the bigger car over the smaller Fiesta!

 

I hope to be able to give an update in the near future so keep an eye out! In the mean time I'll be having a browse to see what to look out for with a used model, the pros and cons and what to expect from dealerships!

 

Gaz

Hi Gaz I am sure you will enjoy your future Skoda.

Plenty of experience on here !

I would say generally that a hatchback is probably a little more user friendly than an estate unless you need the longer load area.

As I am sure you are aware - there is a huge anti diesel lobby at the moment.

We did buy a 2nd hand diesel fabia last month but we were aware that it was a risky strategy,then again we rarely drive into cities so hopefully we should not get ripped off too much in the next couple of years LOL

@YS53

 

Thanks for the welcome. I'd prefer the hatch, the load space of the estate however would be beneficial for getting the bikes in but on the rare occasion we travel to use them I don't think it's justified (we've got them in smaller cars when needed) and the dog we will be getting is small to medium.

 

I am aware of the pending issues with Diesels but like you we rarely drive in to cities so for us the increased costs of insurance and tax of a Petrol car over a Diesel wouldn't be justified. I hope this is the case anyway!

Hi Gaz

I have owned quite a few estates and Hatchbacks over the years and one of the things I didn't like about estates is that the tailgate did not open very high/wide - although I have not owned a modern estate and that may have changed.

Hatchbacks are just so damned practical LOL.

We will keep our fingers crossed about the next anti diesel cr@p.

 

rgds baz

Hello Gaz welcome to the forum .

After much research I'm beginning to think the Octavia vRS Diesel isn't for me.

 

Too much of a risk buying a diesel car these days, all the scaremongering has taken it's toll. The majority of people I have spoken to have advised me to steer clear.

 

That and the issues highlighted regarding the interior noise, again it's not worth the risk. If there was a definitive solution I'd be happy to still look at the Diesel but there are just too many factors adding up to putme off now.

 

Such a shame as it was ticking all the boxes.

Are you still considering a Skoda?

Possibly. I quite like the Fabia Estate Monte Carlo however I don't think it's got enough grunt for me. 

 

I've not entirely discounted the Octavia.

 

I'm in no rush at the minute to change cars so I'll keep an eye on the diesel situation and  potential solutions to the booming noise. We'll test drive any that come up in the correct spec. I know a couple of people, one with a vRS diesel hatch, one with a vRS petrol estate and neither have any complaints so they can't all suffer the same issue or at least not to the same degree.

 

I've popped the dealership who are on the lookout for me an email regarding the issue about the booming as I said it was a concern but have heard nothing back.

Going to have a look down the MkII Octavia vRS route.

 

Will be keeping an eye out for a mint one with low mileage popping up in a main dealer and get in contact before arranging a viewing/test drive as I'm happy to travel and in no rush to purchase as I still need to get my ST back to standard.

Have you considered PCH? I’m not sure what deals are out there on the car you fancy but by getting the car on PCH you don’t have the worry of residual values, or selling it on in two or three years. I don't think anyone really knows which way the pendulum will swing in respect to diesels but I just thought this option might help allay your worries….