Yeti, but which one?

[Darthblader]

My wife and I have recently moved to a rural home and need a practical runaround, a 4x4 that can cope with the steep track down to our house (everyone I've met locally has told me to get a 4x4/AWD a bit smartish!).

A sensible load lugger, bicycles, dogs, stuff. Want to buy reasonably low mileage, less than 40000 miles and probably newer than 2013. My high mileage days are behind me (5000 miles per annum?), so economy not really a consideration. Car won't be garaged, might be under a car port at some time, but not this year.

 

So, I can buy what I like (within reason), the world is my lobster! I've always liked the look of the Yeti so I started investigating them. Have to admit to preferring the look of the pre-facelift models, but would be happy with either, but still lots of things to consider.

 

• 2WD or 4WD?     Needs to be 4WD. Decision made

 

• Auto or manual?     I've never driven a modern DSG car, but always hated autos, so fairly certain I want a manual. Open to persuasion!

 

• Petrol or diesel?     Skoda seem to be the only car maker that offer a petrol AWD. Would prefer petrol for a few reasons. Again, open to persuasion.

 

• 1.4L or 1.8L petrol?     I was fairly sure I wanted a 1.8 but alarmed at the reports of big engine failures and I'm having to rethink. If 1.4 then you're into potential  L+K sunroof problems?

 

• Sunroof?     More trouble than they are worth? Do they all leak? Easy fix?

 

• Paint problems? How widespread are they? Does it affect certain years or are they all prone to blistering?

 

The known issues (1.8 motor, leaky sunroof, paint, other?), how common are they or is it just the fact that only bad things are reported, never the good? Very keen to buy, but don't want to buy a pup.

 

Anyone care to give me their thoughts? Thanks.

 

PS looked at a nearly new Karoq but just couldn't fall in love with it. 

 

 

[kenfowler3966]

You cant really get a 4x4 petrol yeti unless you find a rare and historically unreliable 1.8 car.

At 5k a year the diesel is not a good idea as the emission components will never get enough use to keep clear. Any car prior to around 2015 will be euro 5, and will have had the emission fix so that would worsen this potential and expensive unreliability, with the extra 2 year warranty on these parts now expired.

Whilst i love my 4x4 diesel yeti, it doesnt sound like the correct car for you, as you say you need a 4x4.

[wiilydog]

Is 4x4 only needed in the winter? As you might get away with just fitting winter tyres.

[Llanigraham]

I'm always very suspicious when people say they need a 4x4 because of "a steep track". Whilst it might provide some extra traction up hill it does very little down hill. Gravity always wins! 

[Darthblader]

Thanks all.

 

Decision has been made, I'm buying a AWD/4WD, and will fit 'all season' tyres. 

 

Skoda seem to be the only manufacturer who make a petrol AWD.

 

I'd still consider a 1.4 petrol L+K model, but I'd need to feel confident that the roof won't leak, or could be easily fixed if it does.

 

An alternative I'm considering is a VW Tiguan but they only come in diesel flavour, so if diesel, I might as well get a diesel Yeti.

 

I spoke to a local VW independent specialist today. He said under no circumstances should I buy a 1.8L. He looks after a Skoda Octavia which is on its third motor.

 

[Schtum]

38 minutes ago, Darthblader said:

An alternative I'm considering is a VW Tiguan but they only come in diesel flavour, .

 

Quote

 

 

That's not entirely correct. They're few and far between but VW UK did import some 2.0 TSI Mk1 Tiguans and of course, the Mk2 is available with the 1.5 TSI and 2.0 TSI engines.  

 

My wife previously had three Tiguans in a row: R Line 140 TDI,  Match Line 177 TDI and Match Line 184 TDI DSG before her current Karoq SE L 190 TDI and I have a 2016 Yeti SE L Drive 150 TDI.  

 

Although the Mk1 Tiguan and Yeti are on the same floorpan, they're very different cars and feel quite different to drive.  I'd recommend test drives before you make your mind up. 

Edited 29 June, 2020 by Schtum

[Darthblader]

10 minutes ago, Schtum said:

 

That's not entirely correct. They're few and far between but VW UK did import some 2.0 TSI Mk1 Tiguans and of course, the Mk2 is available with the 1.5 TSI and 2.0 TSI engines.  

 

My wife previously had three Tiguans in a row: R Line 140 TDI,  Match Line 177 TDI and Match Line 184 TDI DSG before her current Karoq SE L 190 TDI and I have a 2016 Yeti SE L Drive 150 TDI.  

 

Although the Mk1 Tiguan and Yeti are on the same floorpan, they're very different cars and feel quite different to drive.  I'd recommend test drives before you make your mind up. 

 

Thanks for that. Being a tight Brummie I was looking at late Mk1 rather than Mk2, but maybe I'll have to put my hand in my pocket a bit deeper.

 

Didn't know about the 2.0 TSi. Does it have the same problems as the 1.8?

 

Can you amplify on how the Tiguan and Yeti drive differently, both 2.0 DTI, for example?

 

 

[Darthblader]

PS this is mainly for my wife to drive, and to give things a bit of perspective, her all time favourite car was our old Citroen Berlingo. Brilliant car, now sadly dead.

[Schtum]

Just now, Darthblader said:

PS this is mainly for my wife to drive, and to give things a bit of perspective, her all time favourite car was our old Citroen Berlingo. Brilliant car, now sadly dead.

 

I guess if your wife like the Berlingo she's not really a performance and handling kind of woman.  

 

To some extent it depends on the spec of the Tiguan, e.g. I found the Mk1 Tiguan R Line on 19" wheels with the Sports Suspension to be far too hard for bumpy rural roads; so much so that one spent most of its time with us on 16" aftermarket alloys fitted with winter tyres.

Our two subsequent Match Line models, on 17' and 18' wheels respectively, were more compliant.  The DSG box in the 184 was a 7 speed and very pleasant.  I did test drive a DSG Yeti before buying mine and was less  impressed with its 6 speed version. 

 

The Yeti is more stiffly suspended than the standard suspension Tiguans.  On 17" wheels it's bearable on country roads but I certainly notice a big difference when I drive my wife's Karoq.  Even on its 18" wheels it's much more compliant.  However, if you're a  driver who likes to 'make progress' or even an ageing and responsible hooligan like me, you'll find that the Yeti handles more of a piece and is surprisingly chuckable with very little body roll even when severely provoked. 

 

All round, the Tiguan is a bit larger and more comfortable.  I find the seats to be considerably better.  My Yeti has the heated leather seats with electric adjustment for the driver and I really don't find it comfortable.   On the other hand the Yeti has some useful features which render it more practical.  For example with the Varioflex rear seats, you can very quickly remove the rear ones and turn the car into a useful small van.  

 

HTH

[b1ackb1rd]

So with all the above in mind, I'd be buying a V8 Land Rover

[Darthblader]

53 minutes ago, b1ackb1rd said:

So with all the above in mind, I'd be buying a V8 Land Rover

 

Funnily my nearest neighbour has a LWB Defender and a Tiguan 4Motion ..........

[Darthblader]

1 hour ago, Schtum said:

 

I guess if your wife like the Berlingo she's not really a performance and handling kind of woman.  

 

To some extent it depends on the spec of the Tiguan, e.g. I found the Mk1 Tiguan R Line on 19" wheels with the Sports Suspension to be far too hard for bumpy rural roads; so much so that one spent most of its time with us on 16" aftermarket alloys fitted with winter tyres.

Our two subsequent Match Line models, on 17' and 18' wheels respectively, were more compliant.  The DSG box in the 184 was a 7 speed and very pleasant.  I did test drive a DSG Yeti before buying mine and was less  impressed with its 6 speed version. 

 

The Yeti is more stiffly suspended than the standard suspension Tiguans.  On 17" wheels it's bearable on country roads but I certainly notice a big difference when I drive my wife's Karoq.  Even on its 18" wheels it's much more compliant.  However, if you're a  driver who likes to 'make progress' or even an ageing and responsible hooligan like me, you'll find that the Yeti handles more of a piece and is surprisingly chuckable with very little body roll even when severely provoked. 

 

All round, the Tiguan is a bit larger and more comfortable.  I find the seats to be considerably better.  My Yeti has the heated leather seats with electric adjustment for the driver and I really don't find it comfortable.   On the other hand the Yeti has some useful features which render it more practical.  For example with the Varioflex rear seats, you can very quickly remove the rear ones and turn the car into a useful small van.  

 

HTH

Thanks, very helpful.
 

Whatever I buy would be kept on 17” wheels, ‘all season’ tyres. Never understood the concept of a 4x4 on low profile sport wheel/tyres. Just willy waving nonsense. If you want a sports car then fecking buy one!

 

And it will have a manual gearbox!

[Zib]

With your anticipated mileage, will that be a few longer (>10 mile) journeys, or more shorter ones?  If the latter, any modern diesel may be problematic because the emissions control systems don't have long enough to clean themselves out.  That's why cars in the Channel Islands are pretty much all petrol.  But if the former, then you will be fine, and in your position I'd look for a manual 140 TDI, probably SE or Elegance/SEL spec.  If you rarely drive briskly, then the 110 would be fine.

 

Whatever AWD you get, make sure the Haldex has been maintained properly (or be prepared to get the oil changed asap).  See threads on this forum.

[Expatman]

You need a Suzuki Vitara AWD 1.4 petrol. Reliable and engine has no reported problems, excellent reviews and should do everything you want for a long time. Comfortable too. Get it on All Season tyres and you are all set for whatever the climate throws at you.

[Stubod]

I have had my 1.4 AWD for 2.5 yrs. love the car but originally got it to tow a slightly larger caravan than we had at the time, but then decided we weren't going to bother with another van so I never even got a tow bar fitted. 

 

I find it a nice car to drive and very practical with the option to take all the rear seats out. (Which can be done on minutes)

 

I came from diesels but because of only doing low mileage and reported "dpf" problems decided to go back to petrol. I find the 1.4 engine to be a real peach, almost the same torque characteristics of a diesel, and virtually the same economy! I am able to average about 44mpg, I am not a particularly quick driver and mainly drive on rural roads.

 

Although our sunroof has not leaked I got a bit concerned reading all the reports so I asked our local indy Skoda specialist for his opinion as he sells and maintains quite a few!

 

Bottom line is he takes out the interior and glues all the drain pipes in place so they can't come loose or leak, reckons he has never had one he has sold leak? Therefor I got him to do mine for me and he did find that one of the drain pipes had been "pinched" by the cable tie that secures it, (ie reduces the area of the pipe). He replaced it for me for with a new one for about about £10. I also got our local indy dealer to drain and refill the Haldex at the last service as it is not something main dealers will do as part of a standard service.

 

At the time I purchased it (it was a dealer car that I purchased at 2 yrs old with 7K on the clock),  it was the only car I wanted and I thought I would be looking for weeks as they are fairly rare, but I called around a few dealers to get them to put me on their "waiting list", and one of the dealers actually had this one in stock.

 

Don't really need an AWD 1.4 now and quite fancy an auto so I had thought about changing it for a later 1.2 dsg, (used to all the toys now so it would need to be an SEL Drive, and they are a bit rare as well!)

 

..good luck with your search....

[Darthblader]

13 minutes ago, Stubod said:

I have had my 1.4 AWD for 2.5 yrs. love the car but originally got it to tow a slightly larger caravan than we had at the time, but then decided we weren't going to bother with another van so I never even got a tow bar fitted. 

 

I find it a nice car to drive and very practical with the option to take all the rear seats out. (Which can be done on minutes)

 

I came from diesels but because of only doing low mileage and reported "dpf" problems decided to go back to petrol. I find the 1.4 engine to be a real peach, almost the same torque characteristics of a diesel, and virtually the same economy! I am able to average about 44mpg, I am not a particularly quick driver and mainly drive on rural roads.

 

Although our sunroof has not leaked I got a bit concerned reading all the reports so I asked our local indy Skoda specialist for his opinion as he sells and maintains quite a few!

 

Bottom line is he takes out the interior and glues all the drain pipes in place so they can't come loose or leak, reckons he has never had one he has sold leak? Therefor I got him to do mine for me and he did find that one of the drain pipes had been "pinched" by the cable tie that secures it, (ie reduces the area of the pipe). He replaced it for me for with a new one for about about £10. I also got our local indy dealer to drain and refill the Haldex at the last service as it is not something main dealers will do as part of a standard service.

 

At the time I purchased it (it was a dealer car that I purchased at 2 yrs old with 7K on the clock),  it was the only car I wanted and I thought I would be looking for weeks as they are fairly rare, but I called around a few dealers to get them to put me on their "waiting list", and one of the dealers actually had this one in stock.

 

Don't really need an AWD 1.4 now and quite fancy an auto so I had thought about changing it for a later 1.2 dsg, (used to all the toys now so it would need to be an SEL Drive, and they are a bit rare as well!)

 

..good luck with your search....

If you thinkinking of selling, maybe we should talk, it sounds like exactly what I’m after, a 1.4 manual with a non leaky sunroof .......

 

[paulatthehug]

Quote

Auto or manual?     I've never driven a modern DSG car, but always hated autos, so fairly certain I want a manual. Open to persuasion!

 

My Yeti is only the second automatic I've ever owned (the first being a Range Rover). DSG is not the same beast as traditional hydraulic auto, it's just a manual  gearbox controlled by the car. And in general it does a very good job at it and reads your mind pretty well. The only thing we both found initially, coming from driving a campervan where you had to be pretty binary on the throttle pedal, is that it's very sensitive to changes in pedal position when trying to anticipate your needs.

 

My wife especially found she was more comfortable using manual mode initially but even she now generally leaves it in Drive most of the time.

 

The only time I override the box is when I switch to S mode to overtake, but TBH most of the time you really don't need to.

 

I really like the DSG transmission. I really think it's the future, at least until we all go electric.

[Sad555]

On 29/06/2020 at 11:35, Darthblader said:

Petrol or diesel?     Skoda seem to be the only car maker that offer a petrol AWD. Would prefer petrol for a few reasons. Again, open to persuasion.

Quite a few manufacturers offer petrol

[Darthblader]

20 hours ago, Stubod said:

 

Don't really need an AWD 1.4 now and quite fancy an auto so I had thought about changing it for a later 1.2 dsg, (used to all the toys now so it would need to be an SEL Drive, and they are a bit rare as well!)

 

..good luck with your search....

Not sure I’m allowed to send messages (newcomer!), did you receive the one I sent last night?

[Stubod]

30 minutes ago, Darthblader said:

Not sure I’m allowed to send messages (newcomer!), did you receive the one I sent last night?

Hi, ...apols for the delay... not used to the "inbox", have just pm'd you...

[Clydesdale]

I owned an L&K 1.8tsi 4x4 manual post-facelift from new for 3 trouble-free years. Put Michelin Cross-climates on and it would go anywhere. Best car I ever had - much better than the Kodiaq which replaced it and was good but sole-less. Mind you, my Karoq is like a bigger Yeti - puts a smile on your face!

[Darthblader]

3 hours ago, Stubod said:

Hi, ...apols for the delay... not used to the "inbox", have just pm'd you...

I’ve sent another PM 😀