My Yeti(s).............................

[pinkpanther]

After spending several months considering options for replacing my current Yeti I thought I'd post up my thoughts on ~120k miles / 5 years owning 3 Yeti's.

 

2009:

My first Yeti was a new 2009 manual 1.2 TSi SE, in Muscovado. This felt like a huge step-up in quality, driving dynamics and styling, compared with the 1.6 petrol Qashqai it replaced. I ran this for 1 year / 10K miles and ended up trading it in for a 1.8 TSi 4x4 Octavia estate, after becoming a little frustrated with the (relative) lack of power, poor fuel economy (~30 mpg), lack of boot space and poor winter / snow performance (I'd yet to discover winter / all-season tyres). The car cost £16k and I got £15k back for it at trade in. Of all the cars I've owned this remains the lowest depreciating car ever, helped no doubt by the long waiting list at the time (a friend actually paid  over the original list price for a second hand 4x4 Yeti, during a particularly snowy winter, such was the demand in the early days). 

 

I was approached by numerous people in car-parks / when re-filling at petrol stations, asking either what it was, or how I was finding it. I've owned a number of cars (>100) and more people asked about my Yeti (in 2009) than any other car.

 

Towards the end of my time with this car the timing chain was beginning to rattle and would have no doubt required replacement (under warranty) before too long. Other than the Bolero being slow to load / read MP3's the car was otherwise faultless.

 

2012:

I ran a petrol Octavia for another 18 months, before realising how much I missed driving a Yeti. I didn't particularly rate the 1.2 TSi engine and so this time opted for a 2.0 TDi (110 BHP) 2WD. This was a pre-facelift Urban special edition. I ran this for 2 years / 45k miles and barring zinc inclusions rated this car highly. Despite similar power / performance to the 1.,2 TSi the diesel was considerably more torquey and consistently delivered high 40's MPG. At this time I discovered both roof-boxes and winter tyres, which addressed the previous short-comings of the original car. The seats in the Urban were the best of any Yeti I've owned / driven, offering good lumbar support, alongside heavier bolstering than the standard seats. I've not come across these particular seats in any other Yeti. The car cost ~£18k and returned £13.5k at 2 years / 45k miles. Again a great result in terms of depreciation / cost per mile. The gearbox was only 5 speed, but it cruised well and 5th gear offered similar revs to 6th in the earlier car.

 

2014:

I fancied a little more power and initially considered re-mapping the 110 BHP TDi. I was a little concerned by the lack of ESP though and instead opted to switch for another (new) 2.0 TDi. This was a 4x4 140 BHP TDi "Tour de France". These were special edition models, released at the time of the race. I initially considered a Superb Tour de France, but after driving one realised they are a bit of a barge and don't drive especially well (compared to the Yeti). I opted to eschew the huge boot / interior space for another Yeti.

 

I've now covered ~65k miles in my current Yeti and barring yet more zinc inclusions, the major issues have centered around the EA189 update (my thoughts / findings here: EA189) . Once I'd had the car remapped I continue to enjoy driving it on a daily basis. The original tyres wore evenly and all 4 were replaced with Michelin Cross Climates at ~40k miles (~2mm remaining). The Cross Climates are again wearing evenly and are at 5mm, after 25 k miles. The car generally returns low 40's MPG (mid 30's in the depth of winter) and the remap (Shark stage 1) has had no discernible negative impact on fuel economy, despite boosting power and torque considerably.

 

The in-car tech is now looking rather dated, but the DAB and Sat-nav have proved useful (and cheap to update) and a big (64 Gb) SD card carries enough music to keep all occupants entertained. The car has performed faultlessly through several winters and has proved mechanically reliable. After the remap it seemed sensible to take it outside the dealer network for servicing and I've found a knowledgeable indie (Autohaus Dolby), who now looks after the car. I've stuck with long-life servicing, but change the oil myself after 10k miles, using a Pela oil extractor.  I plan to get the cambelt / water pump changed at 4 years old and am currently investigating the costs involved in switching to 312 mm front brakes. The car is still on the original brakes all-round, although the rear discs are looking rather shabby / corroded. Other than tyres the only other replacements parts have been front and rear wipers and upgrading the headlights to Osram nightbreakers. I also took the opportunity to switch all the interior lights to LED, with varying degrees of longevity - you definitely get what you pay for! 

 

2018:

I had originally planned to trade this Yeti in, but the advent of the current anti-diesel sentiments / EA189 emissions update have pretty much destroyed the residual value of this type of car. It's current (trade) valuation stands at £6700 - £8300 (I paid £19k in 2014) and I was offered £8500 in part-ex (against an alternative marque - BMW). I test drove all alternatives (3008, Ateca, Kodiak and Karoq) and after driving each car got back in my Yeti and decided none of them were worth the ~£15k I would need to pay,  in addition to the value of my car, to own one. The TDi Karoq I drove was £31k

 

I'm mindful of the potential for costly failures (clutch / flywheel, DPF, EGR, Turbo etc), as the car ages, but hope to see >100k miles before anything big fails. I purchased the full version of the VAG DPF app and understand my DPF is 40% filled with oil ash. I extended the Skoda breakdown cover, as it seemed good value at £90 / year, but other than that am "flying solo" with regards to warranty cover.

 

Looking back the Yeti is / was the best car I've ever owned and I'm more than a little cheesed off there is no longer a direct equivalent, offering such space (within a very diminutive platform), relative performance, all-weather ability, sheer "driveability" and genuinely unique styling (I've owned both pre & post FL cars).

 

I suspect the Yeti and Roomster (I've owned 2 of these as well) represent the last of the truly characterful Skoda's.

Edited 24 March, 2018 by pinkpanther

[Expatman]

1 hour ago, pinkpanther said:

 

I suspect the Yeti and Roomster (I've owned 2 of these as well) represent the last of the truly characterful Skoda's.

You are probably right. Might be worth waiting till late 2019 and see what the new Skoda Vision X looks like. If reports are right then it will be Yeti length and might be a contender. I changed to a new Yeti in 2017 so okay until 2022 - generally keep cars 5- 6 years which seems optimum with regard to maintenance, problems and depreciation.

[Ryeman]

I’m thinking more along the line of the Vitara diesel (or Boosterjet 1.4) which is a real torque converter driven 4WD of similar dimensions. 

[pinkpanther]

4 hours ago, Ryeman said:

I’m thinking more along the line of the Vitara diesel (or Boosterjet 1.4) which is a real torque converter driven 4WD of similar dimensions. 

I did consider a 1.4 Booster-jet Vitara, but the interior is a bit low rent and the engine a little lacking in torque (only around 14 lb/ft more than my 1.0 3 pot SEAT).

[Ryeman]

10 minutes ago, pinkpanther said:

I did consider a 1.4 Booster-jet Vitara, but the interior is a bit low rent and the engine a little lacking in torque (only around 14 lb/ft more than my 1.0 3 pot SEAT).

Yeah, for the luxury touches......but for long term private ownership, give me Japanese, unless you have extra ‘reddies’ IMO.

[eribaMotters]

I was just about to praise the 57 plate Toyota Aygo we owned for 7 years then realised it's a Czech build.

I know our mileage was low, but in 7 years this only suffered a broken glove box clip and slight weep to water pump. Both fixed under warranty in 3rd year.

Reliable, cheap to run and insure and a decent drive. We would have had another if they had not blinged it.

 

Colin

[pinkpanther]

13 hours ago, Ryeman said:

Yeah, for the luxury touches......but for long term private ownership, give me Japanese, unless you have extra ‘reddies’ IMO.

I recall a 24 month old (low mileage) Lexus GS300 I owned several years ago running up a £4k repair bill (ECU, x2 O2 sensors, rear calipers and axle assembly). This was (fortunately) covered under manufacturers warranty, but was a salutary lesson on the potential repair costs I may have faced, when the warranty expired. Renewing the manufacturers warranty was circa £750 / year, illustrating the likelihood of further costly repairs.

 

Japenese/ rated as highly reliable, but failed in a costly fashion  nonetheless.

Edited 25 March, 2018 by pinkpanther

[Ryeman]

One thing I like about the Suzuki we get is the ‘lack’ of park assist.    I’m becoming more attracted to minimalism these days.......I don’t find owners manuals much of a read.

[pinkpanther]

38 minutes ago, Ryeman said:

One thing I like about the Suzuki we get is the ‘lack’ of park assist.    I’m becoming more attracted to minimalism these days.......I don’t find owners manuals much of a read.

Agreed

 

My first Yeti came with park assist and I never found a need to use it, given the Yeti is a doddle to park.

[Ryeman]

24 minutes ago, pinkpanther said:

Agreed

 

My first Yeti came with park assist and I never found a need to use it, given the Yeti is a doddle to park.

I’d like a survey of the % of owners who use p/a.

ever -

or more than once -

[Expatman]

18 hours ago, Ryeman said:

I’m thinking more along the line of the Vitara diesel (or Boosterjet 1.4) which is a real torque converter driven 4WD of similar dimensions. 

Well reviewed car particularly the 1.4 Boosterjet S with Torque converter auto, good reliability record as well.  Interior is a bit low rent with hard plastics everywhere and, sadly, no heated seats available! Looks nice though and probably the best Yeti alternative. I tried them all before buying my last Yeti in 2017, but the Yeti was still the nicest.

[Ryeman]

1 minute ago, Expatman said:

Well reviewed car particularly the 1.4 Boosterjet S with Torque converter auto, good reliability record as well.  Interior is a bit low rent with hard plastics everywhere and, sadly, no heated seats available! Looks nice though and probably the best Yeti alternative. I tried them all before buying my last Yeti in 2017, but the Yeti was still the nicest.

Yeah, they aren’t the most fashionable tool out here but probably the best for affordable go anywhere choices.

The cheapness reminds me of the rugged Wrangler some what in terms of tough rather than plush.

[Expatman]

If I hadn't bought a Yeti then today the Vitara 1.4 S Boosterjet auto would be my choice. All the nice toys, 4 wheel drive, leather and good auto box. Pity no heated seats and no soft plastics on dash but quality product otherwise.

[VAGCF]

Brother-in-law has just bought one and will be picking it up soon so I will be interested in checking it out.

 

As said reviews are pretty good and as it is replacing an elderly SEAT he shouldn't be disappointed with the hard plastics.

 

Good price and 0% swung it.

[kenfowler3966]

Have you monitered the rate of increase in the ash residue? 40% at 65k, and presumably it fails at 100% so at least 160k mile life expectancy?

[Bexhillian]

20 hours ago, Ryeman said:

I’d like a survey of the % of owners who use p/a.

ever -

or more than once -

Never, not even to just try it out. 

(But I do like the beeping front and rear parking sensors and the on-screen diagrammatic) 

[Ryeman]

2 hours ago, Bexhillian said:

Never, not even to just try it out. 

(But I do like the beeping front and rear parking sensors and the on-screen diagrammatic) 

If anyone has an issue with there ability to park I can’t see them mastering the faffing about involved in this gimmick.

[Expatman]

Had p/a on previous Yeti, good talking point but I guess I only used it half a dozen times in 6 years of ownership. Simpler to park it myself! On my latest Yeti I have the rear view camera and that is useful.

[aerofurb]

An excellent opening post, PP.

 

I'm in a similar train of thought. More than happy with the three Yetis I've had. I did look at a 150 4x4 Monte Carlo around 2016 to be TIBET IV but that was the only model not on 0% finance. October arrived, last quarter, hurrah - 150 4x4 MC Yeti on 0% but was promptly (ie at the same time) discontinued!

 

No doubt partly as a result of the diesel bad-press debacle, at 3 years, TIBET III's trade in value was slightly below what was left to pay so I bought it and I'm more than happy with that decision. This L&K has lots off options on it from Skoda and one from Shark.... TIBET I lost 29% after three years at trade in, TIBET II was traded for the FL/0% TIBET III and lost around 25% in 18 months - high initial depreciation and outgoing pre-FL etc.   

 

At the moment (after changing jobs) I now have a 70 mile daily commute replacing the 30 one and MPG has gone from 40 to 47. The extra miles make buying  something new not a sensible choice and I don't really need anything bigger - ie a Karoq.

 

Hopefully, by the end of the year I'll have a 10 mile daily commute so at the moment the thinking is to keep the Yeti for the trips out and buy a used Citigo (Monte Carlo...) for the commuting. 

 

Then, there's whatever the Vision X becomes. Pretty much identical size to the Yeti (slightly longer wheelbase, sharing the platform with the new Rapid) - the only downside would be a sloping rear window losing some of the usefulness of the Yeti (might stay cleaner though....) but that is likely to be my viable Yeti replacement.

 

Loving the Yeti and I'm sure I'll continue to do so for some years to come.   

   

Edited 26 March, 2018 by aerofurb

[pinkpanther]

5 hours ago, kenfowler3966 said:

Have you monitered the rate of increase in the ash residue? 40% at 65k, and presumably it fails at 100% so at least 160k mile life expectancy?

I certainly have

 

https://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/443518-vag-dpf-app/?do=findComment&comment=4995856

[Sad555]

Vision x = Arona ?

[Expatman]

48 minutes ago, Sad555 said:

Vision x = Arona ?

Not according to press reports. Using a longer version of chassis to increase internal space. Only time will tell but as it's 2 years away I don't think it will be an Arona clone.

[pinkpanther]

20 hours ago, kenfowler3966 said:

Have you monitered the rate of increase in the ash residue? 40% at 65k, and presumably it fails at 100% so at least 160k mile life expectancy?

PM'd

[kenfowler3966]

8 minutes ago, pinkpanther said:

PM'd

Thanks

[aerofurb]

Apologies, I missed the bit out in my previous post that Skoda intend to use a lengthened version of the MQB A0 platform for both the 'production Vision X' and the new Rapid. The Arona and T-Roc use the standard length MQB A0 platform.

 

Info on the new rapid here:

 

 http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/skoda/rapid/100638/new-2019-skoda-rapid-to-become-czech-brands-vw-golf

 

Comparison figures gleaned from various sources:

 

	Length	Width	Width	Height	Wheelbase
			(with mirrors)
Yeti	4222	1793	2087	1691	2578
Vision X	4250	1800		1500	2645
Arona	4138	1780			2566
T-Roc	4234	1819			2590
Karoq	4382	1841	2025	1603	2638
Ateca	4363	1841	n/k	1601	2638
Tiguan	4486	1839	2099	1632	2681

 

 

It might need a bit of a Google translate but there's a bit more on the Vision X here:

 

https://www.autorevue.cz/nejkratsi-testovani-v-dejinach-autorevue-ridili-jsme-skodu-vision-x

 

Okay, so the interior is flight of fancy stuff but the outside is no doubt going to be pretty close (hopefully!).

 

 

Edited 27 March, 2018 by aerofurb