those are the ones i have. don't like, they tuck snow into the inside of the rim... :/ but that's a serious snow problem and one you're not likely to face.

 

 - Bret

4 minutes ago, brettikivi said:

those are the ones i have. don't like, they tuck snow into the inside of the rim... :/ but that's a serious snow problem and one you're not likely to face.

 

 - Bret

 

Not as much as you guys have, but when we have snow, it's just as annoying as anywhere else

Small update: I'm going to be test driving a 1.0Tsi Octavia this afternoon, along with a 1.5TSi Octavia DSG. Different gearboxes (I'll be getting a manual) but hopefully enough back-to-back to give me a good idea.

 

I've decided I'm not going to spec any extras, so I'll live with Energy Blue (which seems to look fine in the photos but awful on the configurator!) and a cold bottom!

 

I've found myself leaning slightly more towards the 1.5. I may end up waiting a few months after I get the Octavia to take the plunge with a fun car, so I'm thinking that the 1.5, which has similar-ish acceleration stats on paper to my old Golf GTD - may be a better all rounder, to keep me entertained if its my only car for a while.

 

Looking forward to the test drives!

15 minutes ago, zeddicus said:

Small update: I'm going to be test driving a 1.0Tsi Octavia this afternoon, along with a 1.5TSi Octavia DSG. Different gearboxes (I'll be getting a manual) but hopefully enough back-to-back to give me a good idea.

 

I've decided I'm not going to spec any extras, so I'll live with Energy Blue (which seems to look fine in the photos but awful on the configurator!) and a cold bottom!

 

I've found myself leaning slightly more towards the 1.5. I may end up waiting a few months after I get the Octavia to take the plunge with a fun car, so I'm thinking that the 1.5, which has similar-ish acceleration stats on paper to my old Golf GTD - may be a better all rounder, to keep me entertained if its my only car for a while.

 

Looking forward to the test drives!

 

My idea was since I don't need to drive much/if at all any more, I was going to get something stupid/fun and FAST. 

 

That soon disappeared when I remembered how much money I poured down the drain for 15+ years prior to my current PCH, by buying second hand, paying for MOT, Tax, Breakdown etc. 

 

Thankfully, I will be finished paying off my wifes car next year and then I can put that money towards something a little more exciting and new.

40 minutes ago, gRoberts said:

My idea was since I don't need to drive much/if at all any more, I was going to get something stupid/fun and FAST

That was my plan too. Was all set to order a Golf R until I realised they were phasing out the manual gearbox. So many fast cars (Golf R, Audi RS models, AMG Mercs etc) just don't offer manual gearboxes any more, which is such a shame. I still enjoy that experience and my missus isn't keen on autos either which makes it tricky to swap cars around when mines an auto.

 

Got my eye on an Alfa 159 3.2V6, Subaru Legacy R Spec B, Porsche Boxter S (or Cayman if I can stretch) or a BMW 645i, in probably a year's time. I know they will eat through money on maint, tax, repairs etc, but that's offset by having such a cheap daily driver! And if I end up with an auto (Volvo S80 V8, Audi RS, Audi W12, Passat CC 3.6 V6) then there's still a spare manual car around when needed that can fit the kids in.

 

Everyone's a winner!

13 minutes ago, zeddicus said:

That was my plan too. Was all set to order a Golf R until I realised they were phasing out the manual gearbox. So many fast cars (Golf R, Audi RS models, AMG Mercs etc) just don't offer manual gearboxes any more, which is such a shame. I still enjoy that experience and my missus isn't keen on autos either which makes it tricky to swap cars around when mines an auto.

 

Got my eye on an Alfa 159 3.2V6, Subaru Legacy R Spec B, Porsche Boxter S (or Cayman if I can stretch) or a BMW 645i, in probably a year's time. I know they will eat through money on maint, tax, repairs etc, but that's offset by having such a cheap daily driver! And if I end up with an auto (Volvo S80 V8, Audi RS, Audi W12, Passat CC 3.6 V6) then there's still a spare manual car around when needed that can fit the kids in.

 

Everyone's a winner!

 

I had test drove the 3.2 V6 A6 Quattro a few days before deciding to take the Octavia. 

 

I'm a cheap skate, so want everything for as little as possible. Owning a second hand, luxury car, gets more and more expensive, the longer you own it. 

 

My mum has the A8 V8 4.2, which is an absolute beast (her pet name for it too) and I would love it, however the potential for things to go wrong and the cost associated with it, is just not worth it. Then you think about tax, fuel etc. 

15 minutes ago, gRoberts said:

the potential for things to go wrong and the cost associated with it, is just not worth it. Then you think about tax, fuel etc. 

Yep, with you there, spent a bomb on my old Subaru Legacy R Spec B, and then got none of it back when I sold it.

 

However, I miss the smile it put on my face!

 

People pay lots of cash on all manner of things to put a smile on their face. For me, one of the main things is driving, especially the noise of the engine. Hence get something cheap for now (like the Octavia - I'm talking myself back into a 1.0 now!) and save money for the 3-4k miles a year I'll get in the fun car. The rumble of a V8, or the silkiness of a V6/H6 makes the cost worthwhile!

6 minutes ago, zeddicus said:

Yep, with you there, spent a bomb on my old Subaru Legacy R Spec B, and then got none of it back when I sold it.

 

However, I miss the smile it put on my face!

 

People pay lots of cash on all manner of things to put a smile on their face. For me, one of the main things is driving, especially the noise of the engine. Hence get something cheap for now (like the Octavia - I'm talking myself back into a 1.0 now!) and save money for the 3-4k miles a year I'll get in the fun car. The rumble of a V8, or the silkiness of a V6/H6 makes the cost worthwhile!

 

I suppose on the plus side, I can borrow my mums A8 every now and then to scratch that itch without having to own it

 

That aside, strangely, the 1.4 TSI I have now actually has a nice sound to it when you hoof it, otherwise it's silent. I have no doubt that the 3-pot will sound... 'interesting' but coming from dirty diesels, I just love how quiet and smooth they are.

 

Getting excited now, as I should hear in the next day or so that it's built and awaiting transport

39 minutes ago, gRoberts said:

I suppose on the plus side, I can borrow my mums A8 every now and then to scratch that itch without having to own it

 

Definitely, a good plan! My mum and dad have a hybrid and my in-laws have a Jazz  ... nuff said!

 

40 minutes ago, gRoberts said:

Getting excited now, as I should hear in the next day or so that it's built and awaiting transport

 

Good luck! Keep us posted!

Well that was a total revelation!

 

I drove the 1.5TSI DSG first. It was an SE L so a slightly better spec than the SE Tech. My overall impression from a 15-20 minute mixed test drive was "Meh"...

 

Then I got into a 1.0TSi SE Tech manual - so the exact spec I'll be getting - and....

 

 

 

 

I loved it!!!!

 

Wow! I love the slightly offbeat engine note (reminded me a little of a Beetle a mate of mine used to have, albeit more grown up and sophisticated!), and the car just felt, well, eager!

 

It was a bit like a puppy, jumping up and down, wanting you to play with it. Response was great and the car just felt SOOOO light and nimble compared to the 1.5.

 

So, decision made. The 1.0TSi SE Tech it is.

 

Big shout out to the dealer - Garland Motors in Aldershot. Jordan, the PCH chap had a "chat with his manager" and was able to offer either Candy White or Corrida Red as a free extra. Or I could stick to Energy Blue and get some free mats. All for a grand total of £3,778.16 over 2 years (£2,400 up front and then £59.92 x 23). If that's not a bargain, I don't know what is!

 

So, @gRoberts and @maffyou don't worry about getting the car blind, the engine is great fun, well certainly in manual form.

 

Now I just need to decide on the colour. Was originally going to be Corrida Red all the way, but the Octavia is a big car, and I'm not sure the red works with it, quite...? Maybe its just me. I tried to get a metallic thrown in, but no go 

 

By the way, I also got the official SE Technology spec list (which I couldn't find online) so if anyone's interested, I've attached it.

SE Technology Brochure.pdf

Edited 31 October, 20187 yr by zeddicus

1 hour ago, zeddicus said:

Then I got into a 1.0TSi SE Tech manual - so the exact spec I'll be getting - and....

 

 

 

 

I loved it!!!!

I'm not surprised at all,look up a few of my posts re. 1.0.

It's the old adage "less is more"

I went with the red purely because when picking up my race blue Octavia, both my wife and I immediately locked onto a red one awaiting to be collected and said "why didn't I order that colour?" - since then I've actually only seen about 2-3 red octavias.

 

Really glad you enjoyed the test drive. I honestly think that the smaller engines are setup to give more low down grunt for town driving but they're a bit gutless (you may be able to prove me wrong here) at higher speeds i.e. overtaking at 50+.

 

My wife's Dacia with a 0.9 is amazing around the doors. Makes me a little queazy when she pulls away but on the motorways, putting your foot down literally does nothing without dropping a cog or two first :(

 

glad to hear the dealer was able to cough up some freebies but FYI, I bought genuine mats off of eBay/Amazon for about £15/20 which compared to the cost of another paint job is nothing. 

 

they were big on trying to sell me mud flaps and the life shine products. Don't do it lol.

I think I'm going to go with the red too - the kids have voted and both say red!

22 minutes ago, gRoberts said:

I bought genuine mats off of eBay/Amazon for about £15/20

Good to know. I was just going to buy cheapy ones, but if you got genuine for that price then great! Was never going to take him up on his mats offer!!

36 minutes ago, gRoberts said:

they're a bit gutless (you may be able to prove me wrong here) at higher speeds i.e. overtaking at 50+.

Forgot to say that I managed to get a few mins on a 70mph road and, as long as you use the revs, overtaking was a breeze (managed to get it up over 80 for a spell and no issues). Don't try a single carriageway overtake in 6th at 50 () or you'll stain the seat, but use the revs by dropping a couple of cogs and it seems to a) fly and b) like that!

 

Not sure if the constant thrashing/revving will eventually tire the engine, but as I have a 2 year/8k pa lease, I can't say I really care!

5 minutes ago, zeddicus said:

Not sure if the constant thrashing/revving will eventually tire the engine, but as I have a 2 year/8k pa lease, I can't say I really care!

 

Exactly this 

 

Good to read your thoughts on driving the two back to back, it’s just yet another positive review of the 3 pot. If I did have any lingering doubts they’re pretty much all put to bed now. 

14 minutes ago, zeddicus said:

2 year/8k pa lease, I can't say I really care!

 

My exact thoughts and reasoning. It's a hire car essentially and I will treat it as such :/

 

glad to hear your experience though. Thank you 

3 hours ago, zeddicus said:

Forgot to say that I managed to get a few mins on a 70mph road and, as long as you use the revs, overtaking was a breeze (managed to get it up over 80 for a spell and no issues). Don't try a single carriageway overtake in 6th at 50 () or you'll stain the seat, but use the revs by dropping a couple of cogs and it seems to a) fly and b) like that!

 

Not sure if the constant thrashing/revving will eventually tire the engine, but as I have a 2 year/8k pa lease, I can't say I really care!

 

It does not surprise me that you found the 1.0tsi relatively eager especially with a manual box.

The versatility of the Octavia chassis is remarkable, light enough to be motivated by a 'lawnmower' engine, strong enough to take three times the power, add AWD capability and best(?) internal capacity in its class and all meeting high safety standards.

Our 4yo 1.4tsi estate is our 'Goldilocks' vehicle and if the 1.0tsi was available here (Australia) it would probably be my preferred replacement, at least while we still have the responsibility of transporting elderly dependant in-laws.

 

Policed speed limits and UK congestion mean modern car engines operate most of the time at a low percentage of their performance potential, even the 1.0tsi.

Time will tell but I don't see why they should not be capable of 150k+ mile lives.

 

Our other transport is a 1.3L 15yo Yaris and the other day I turned into the road where we live and picked up speed in 2nd gear to short shift to 4th, but over-revved a bit to just under 4k rpm and a police officer's radar gun clocked me at 50kph in (newly installed) 40kph zone. Incredibly I got off with a caution instead of a A$357 fine and 3 demerit points.

 

Edited 1 November, 20187 yr by Gerrycan

on a 100km/h limited road, drop from 6 to 3 or 4, blip the throttle on the way down, and then plant it. You'll be doing >130km/h before you notice...foot off, cruise re-engaged, back to 6... 

 

I do a lot of single-carriageway A road, and this is definitely my preferred overtaking method now. Mine's loosened up nicely over time.

 

 - Bret

Im considering this deal and selling my tdi mk3 vrs.

Is the 2400 up front at point of ordering or immediately prior to collection??

21 minutes ago, jimmyp2 said:

Im considering this deal and selling my tdi mk3 vrs.

Is the 2400 up front at point of ordering or immediately prior to collection??

 

It's usually around 2-4 weeks after collection.

 

When I ordered directly via Skoda, they took £500 as a deposit, which is returned at the point of collection, plus any additional contributions they may include (i am being paid to take the deal lol)

32 minutes ago, jimmyp2 said:

Is the 2400 up front at point of ordering or immediately prior to collection??

Yep, I agree with @gRoberts, this is paid as part of your first 'payment' so around delivery, not now. I confirmed that with the dealership.

 

No financial commitment at this stage, albeit I am just about to pace my order

3 minutes ago, zeddicus said:

Yep, I agree with @gRoberts, this is paid as part of your first 'payment' so around delivery, not now. I confirmed that with the dealership.

 

No financial commitment at this stage, albeit I am just about to pace my order

 

It is usually a few weeks/a month after collection, depends on the DD date you select when signing the paperwork.

 

 

I used to work for an online PCP/PCH Broker, who has been stung on a number of occasions (their process wasn't all that great) where someone was able to use stolen identities to order a vehicle, have it delivered and then it's ended up on a ship to god knows where weeks/months before the finance company were aware there was an issue. 

 

All they had to pay was a document fee to the broker - £180 for cars worth in excess of £80k. Fun huh.

 

3 hours ago, gRoberts said:

I used to work for an online PCP/PCH Broker, who has been stung on a number of occasions (their process wasn't all that great) where someone was able to use stolen identities to order a vehicle, have it delivered and then it's ended up on a ship to god knows where weeks/months before the finance company were aware there was an issue. 

 

All they had to pay was a document fee to the broker - £180 for cars worth in excess of £80k. Fun huh.

Wow, quite the scam!

 

Update, order about to be placed for a Corrida Red 1.0 TSI SE Tech. I have specified one option (which I couldn't get the dealer to throw in for free!) which is a spare wheel. However, as the dealer gets it at a discount, its only £72.93 added on to my upfront payment, which seems well worth it!

1 minute ago, zeddicus said:

Wow, quite the scam!

 

Indeed - annoyingly, they didn't even do a decent job of it and still managed to get away with it. 

 

7 minutes ago, zeddicus said:

Update, order about to be placed for a Corrida Red 1.0 TSI SE Tech. I have specified one option (which I couldn't get the dealer to throw in for free!) which is a spare wheel. However, as the dealer gets it at a discount, its only £72.93 added on to my upfront payment, which seems well worth it!

 

Sounds good what is the estimated delivery date you've been given?

57 minutes ago, gRoberts said:

what is the estimated delivery date you've been given?

Still waiting to hear following submitting the order form...

 

Have requested mid-March 19 as that coincides with my other lease, hopefully doable!