2017 Octavia vrs a dream for many years!

[weeyoyo]

Hi,

 

Guys hope the post wasn't too misleading however I wanted to give you a short description of my personal circumstances and then after doing so I hope you would be kind enough to give me a few bits of advice or personal opinion's

 

Im a 39 fella who until around 10 years ago was fit & healthy. I had a good job and everything was good.

 

Around this time I started to get funny sensations in my legs and began falling a lot. To cut a long story short I was diagnosed with a rare neurological condition which is progressive ( hopefully not to quickly) worst result being I will eventually wheelchair bound. I'm totally accepting of the disease and have great family round me so life is good.

 

Now on to the exciting part, I've decided to order a petrol vrs saloon as I don't do big miles and also want something to look forward to everyday. 

 

Speaking  to my wife who has give me her blessing told me to go for it as life is too short!!!

 

The only thing we are 99% decided on is the colour red.

 

i was wondering could fellow owners tell me what to expect in terms of driving performance ( fun factor) finally as there is quite a few options to go for could you maybe advise on which ones you feel are worth the extra money, and indeed any other tips, links to videos etc will be much appreciated!!!

 

Thanks

 

A

[glosrich]

Welcome.

Have a good long test drive as the ride is firm and some experience a booming noise from the hatchback.

Also don't pay list price, aim for approximately 15% discount. Have a look on broadspeed.com to get a price guide.

Don't go mad with extras as these cars depreciate quite hard and you wont get the value back at resale.

Also look at PCH deals like Simpsons Skoda.

[ahenners]

Welcome! Out of the options I have, I've really come to appreciate the Canton sound system and Winter pack. Could probably live without the other stuff as they aren't sparsely specced as standard and the basics are covered; Xenons, Rear sensors, cruise, Bluetooth etc.

 

One option I'd like to try is the Dynamic chassis control with the adaptive dampers. Quite rare on the pre-facelift as it came as an option late on, but Golf owners with it seem to like it.

Edited 9 April, 2017 by ahenners

[Jaco2k]

Kessy is something that grew on me - after having it for a while, I now get annoyed at having to poke a key out of my pocket and tapping a button to unlock doors. Also, given your condition, might ease your everyday life in the long run.

...might also be a good idea to get DSG as opposed to manual, for the same reason I just stated.

Get the 19" Xtremes as an option - they are much cheaper when you order them with the car. You can then sell them on if you don't like them and get something else

Avoid getting rear camera - had a loaner car with it and it was always dirty, which pretty much made it useless.

[amwphotos]

Hi, sorry to hear about your condition, my dad has chronic back problems and trouble walking so i can maybe assist with a couple of points, for reference I have an Octavia estate 2.0tdi elegance.

 

The estate with the variable height floor is a dream for putting his wheelchair in the boot! And it'll take a reasonable sized electric scooter which really helps if we want to go off on a longer walk that he couldn't otherwise manage.

 

I would also agree with Jaco2k about dsg, good idea and arguably sportier feeling having flappy paddles!

 

All the best to you

[Croat]

Sorry but? Isn't this a bad idea, getting a car while you have leg's probelms? What if suddenly when your driving, your legs "cuts off" in term of you not being able to stop a speeding car while driving, not to mention a sport car? This is a major accident posibility.

[WayTooTall]

Given your condition would DSG, Front Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control be a sensible option.

 

As for the rear camera comment, having retrofitted a camera to my Vrs, a quick blast of the rear washer wiper cleans up the camera nicely.

[Jaco2k]

5 minutes ago, Croat said:

Sorry but? Isn't this a bad idea, getting a car while you have leg's probelms? What if suddenly when your driving, your legs "cuts off" in term of you not being able to stop a speeding car while driving, not to mention a sport car? This is a major accident posibility.

 

Are you a doctor? Do you know in detail the OP's condition? No? So let him have whatever he wants. I am sure that if he would not be in condition to drive a car he wouldn't and no one mentioned if the car is going to have any adaptations or not.

[Croat]

3 minutes ago, Jaco2k said:

 

Are you a doctor? Do you know in detail the OP's condition? No? So let him have whatever he wants. I am sure that if he would not be in condition to drive a car he wouldn't and no one mentioned if the car is going to have any adaptations or not.

 

Not but you don't need to be a doctor to think precautions.

[Croat]

8 minutes ago, WayTooTall said:

Given your condition would DSG, Front Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control be a sensible option.

 

As for the rear camera comment, having retrofitted a camera to my Vrs, a quick blast of the rear washer wiper cleans up the camera nicely.

 

I agree with this! Regarding the health issue, this is a must option. Maybe self parking also?

Edited 10 April, 2017 by Croat

[weeyoyo]

11 minutes ago, Croat said:

 

Not but you don't need to be a doctor to think precautions.

 

9 minutes ago, Croat said:

 

I agree with this! Regarding the health issue, this is a must option. Maybe self parking also?

Hi Croat

 

thanks for you're concern however I hold a full driving licence which entitles me to drive! As the op mentioned you are not a doctor and as I have a very rare condition which I would assume you know nothing about! I have spoken to my consultant who has no concern with my ability to drive as the condition I have would not presently in anyway impede my driving !!!!

 

thanks to the op for the helpful and kind words of advice etc!

[old newbie2]

17 minutes ago, Jaco2k said:

 

Are you a doctor? Do you know in detail the OP's condition? No? So let him have whatever he wants. I am sure that if he would not be in condition to drive a car he wouldn't and no one mentioned if the car is going to have any adaptations or not.

My late wife discovered that she had M.S. & she decided that she would stop driving when the time to do so was obvious. 

If your car is an automatic, of any sort, there are many adaptations than can be fitted to keep you driving, her last car was an Escort auto (1989!) with a left-foot gas pedal, 'cos her left leg worked but the right leg didn't!

 

Hand controls are another option, I / we've driven quite a few convertions at the annual Mobility Roadshows back then, all designed to keep people mobile for as long as possible. 

 

I also agree with the concept of an Octavia Estate with the raised boot floor, once she stopped driving we had a succession of Mondeo estates to carry our collection of wheelchairs &/or an electic scooter, + dog & luggage.

 

To the OP, tea & sympathy of course, & I hope that you will continue to enjoy life, including motoring.  Owning & using a decent car is, IMVHO, a really good idea, go for it!

 

Cheers, DC.

 

[Croat]

16 minutes ago, weeyoyo said:

 

Hi Croat

 

thanks for you're concern however I hold a full driving licence which entitles me to drive! As the op mentioned you are not a doctor and as I have a very rare condition which I would assume you know nothing about! I have spoken to my consultant who has no concern with my ability to drive as the condition I have would not presently in anyway impede my driving !!!!

 

thanks to the op for the helpful and kind words of advice etc!

 

Then best of luck!

[BATVANVRS]

Welcome to the Briskoda fun house & I hope you will enjoy the new car  

[Petunet]

New rear cameras have a cleaning nozzle, no more dirty videos.

Unless you want to.

[weeyoyo]

Again thanks for all the comments re accessories etc, however what is the vrs 230 performance like? Does it give you a good kick in the seat and how is the noise when you floor it ?

[KjetilRos]

3 hours ago, weeyoyo said:

Again thanks for all the comments re accessories etc, however what is the vrs 230 performance like? Does it give you a good kick in the seat and how is the noise when you floor it ?

 

Several YouTube videos with sound and such. 

 

 

[Jaco2k]

4 hours ago, Petunet said:

New rear cameras have a cleaning nozzle, no more dirty videos.

Unless you want to.

 

I learn everyday

[Gerrycan]

I do not own a vRS but summarising opinions I've read over the years if you are looking for a driving experience then there may be better options from more powerful Golf and Focus variants, particularly with AWD or improved front differentials fitted.

The Octavia scores over its competitors with measurably more practicality (internal capacity) with decent performance/handling for the price.

The 230 is considered better than the standard 220 because it has that more sophisticated differential that gets the power to ground more efficiently especially when say exiting a roundabout with a bit of verve. The 230 is relatively rare though and can no longer be ordered new.

 

The DSG gearbox is excellent especially when on the move but some have had issues with its characteristics in stop/start/reversing situations compared to standard torque converter auto transmissions.

I could not identify any problems from my limited experience driving my daughters' DSG Golf gti but it is something you would have to assess yourself when test driving.

Similarly the booming/air pressure complaints do not affect all cars or all people but if you are unlucky enough to end up with one that does have the problem and you are sensitive to the issues then it is insufferable. The problem is not really understood and some have had various simple fixes and others could not identify the real source or fix.

When the stars all align most owners find their Octavia a pleasurable and practical driving experience.

 

I cannot emphasise enough the importance of arranging thorough test drives to make sure the vehicle meets your requirements for now and the future.

Should be fun though!

[weeyoyo]

Hi guys, 

 

Thanks for all the replies! I'm now going to ask you another question which I'm sure has been asked numerous times! 

 

I currently drive max 10,000 miles a year, most of my driving is around the town or a short drive in the evenings with my family, And quite a few runs to tescos or taking the mrs shopping!! Based on this I'm 99% sure that I will go for the petrol, I've never owned one always diesel and I'm really craving the sound & performance!!!! Based on the above would the petrol be you're choice? Thanks 

[themanwithnoaim]

Petrol

 

Nuff said

[Mr Grump]

If you are looking at a 2017 model, are they not introducing a 245 ps version with the facelift ?

Yes petrol for sure, As others have said DSG and Front assist and Adaptive are good options, I would also say the Mudflaps are good for limiting the crud thrown up.

I have enjoyed my 220 PS version with DSG, IMO enough oomph to be useful in passing slower traffic when desired, and can get you into very naughty territory in short order !

Handling is a little on the jiggly side on bumpy roads, as you would expect with stiffer suspension, so If you can afford it DCC might be worthwhile.

The only thing I found, was wanting to exit from junctions sharpish needs restraint, You have to feather in the throttle as it spins up the front tyres very easily even in the dry, with the 230 or 245 I believe both have the E-diff which will help with that.

Edited 23 April, 2017 by Mr Grump

[Auric Goldfinger]

1 hour ago, themanwithnoaim said:

Petrol

 

Nuff said

 

Petrol 230, in Meteor Grey

 

 

Nuff said

[pist0nbr0ke]

3 minutes ago, Auric Goldfinger said:

 

Petrol 230, in Meteor Grey

 

 

Nuff said

 

AURIC!

 

You forgot - "WITH A BLACK SPOILER!" 

[Auric Goldfinger]

8 minutes ago, Auric Goldfinger said:

 

Petrol 230, in Meteor Grey

 

 

Nuff said

 

2 minutes ago, pist0nbr0ke said:

 

AURIC!

 

You forgot - "WITH A BLACK SPOILER!" 

 

..........with a Black spoiler

 

 

Nuff said