Fairly regularly on here we talk about what to replace our Yeti with.

 

Mines coming up 14 years old.  I'm fond of it and will keep it until something happens that causes me to re-think it. It's low mileage and nigh on immaculate. It's a DSG.

 

But I was in Exeter today and Marsh Barton in Exter has the biggest collection of car dealers in Europe and it's tempting to pop in to one or the other every now and again.

 

The Skoda showroom is a reasonablr size, not massive, but has  a fair number of models to see.  There were two new Kamiqs in the showroom and having read the reviews and comparisons I sat in one for the first time. I'll be honest and say I won't be buying one - mainly as it's not quite big enough. The seats are definitely lower to the ground when compared to alternatives.  I didn't find it as easy to get in and out of as the Yeti, the boot wasn't tremenously impressive and the interior was a tiny bit oppressive compared to the Yeti.

 

They had no new Karoqs but had a couple of used ones. I sat in one of them and was immediately struck by the extra room behind the wheel, in the rear seats and in the boot. The extra height was noticable too.

 

The base model (SE Edition) has sensible wheels that aren't diamond cut and the tyres are a sensible 215 55 17. Theres no keyless locking, which is fine by me, and the mirrors power fold, which I'm happy with. but It has enough bits and bobs but nothing too extravagant.

 

In short, I quite liked it.  If I had one it would be a DSG 1500 SE Edition and might have a space saver spare wheel given that one is available. Metallic paint is extra if you don't want it in blue  (I don't).  It could well be suppied by Drive the Deal or Carfile. DtD is doing a good discount on them, better than Carfile although you would need to get it on PCP  and cancel it within a week or two to get the best price.

 

I've sat in a Yaris Cross, A Mazda CX30, a Puma, a Kia Niro and a new model Duster and I thought the Karoq seemed the best (for me) so far. Loads of front legroom in particular.  It achieved decent NCAP results in 2017 too, but that will be different now with a new, stricter NCAP regime. It had a nice familiar Skoda feel to it but that's neither here nor there.

 

Apart from the five models I noted in the paragraph above I have also wondered about the Citroen C5 Aircross. Honda CRV and VW T Cross or T Roc.

 

Of all those the ones with a longer warranty are Kia, Toyota and Dacia (the latter two providing extra annual warranty if the car is main dealer serviced).  A manufacturers extended warranty on the Skoda is in the region of £630 (recently up from £570ish). I believe that includes breakdown cover.

 

I'll be happy to hear if any of the above resonates with any of you good people. I'm always happy to get other people views.

 

 

As I have previously posted, I spent over a year looking at replacements, Like you I ruled out the Kamiq. I also fancied a change from Skoda. The car I really liked, (and  wanted), was the Toyota Yaris Cross, particulary after I had a test drive, (I was a bit sceptical about the CVT, but it was fine), However they had only just come out and there was a waiting list of about 8 months. By chance, (review in Which), the Kia Niro dropped onto my radar, (last of the previous models). Had a test drive and really liked it, also very impressed with the self charge hybrid set up, (...again very sceptical initially, but I would not buy another "straight" ICE that was not hybrid). I understand the latest Niro's are actually a bit bigger than the previous models. I also wanted something with a good (7+) year warranty for a bit of piece of mind. 

I have been more than happy with my choice for the 2.5 years I have now had the car, and my next car will either be another Niro, or I may just have anothe test drive in the Yaris to see how it compares!!

All the above makes perfect sense to me, Stubod. I can easily put myself in your position.

 

Luckily I don't have to replace mine in any particular timescale and It may well go on without event for a good while.

 

My neighbour has the previous shape Niro, like yours. He's fine with it. And, as you so rightly say, the new one is quite a bit of an advancement, for better or worse.  It happens that the the three most convenient makes to own (regarding servicing and any warraty issues) are Kia and VW/Skoda. And the fact that Kia have enough confidence to offer 7years warranty I find encouraging.  I have wondered if the new Niro is liable to show its age via the black glossy plastic - I'm not at all fond of that.  I would need to pay return visits to KIa and Toyota but I feel fairly sure I would continue to find the Yaris Cross a bit confined, especially after the open, airy atmosphere in the Yeti. The Karoq did appeal though - size wise it offers a most respectable amount.  However, as you say, it's not a Hybrid and I think I would be even more fond of the Karoq if it were so. Again I say it's a shame the Corolla Cross isn't available here.

We were car shopping the other day.

After 3 years of looking the Yaris Cross was short listed from 5 other models.

Test drove the Yaris and was more than happy with ride (18") wheels as the suspension moped up the road irregularities very well.

 

We drove the car back to our house and then returned to the dealers.

Both of us said this is the car.

The seats were most impressive. The ease to drive was fantastic. Even the handbrake puts itself on when stopped. 

Anyway, what really clenched the deal was a fantastic price along with a 10 year warranty.  Subject to dealer servicing. 

So the GR Sport is now ordered. Only extra was the Safety pack, which includes F&R sensors and camera.

The Yeti will soon be up for sale. After owning from new and under 30,000 miles. MOT & service will be done in late February.

 

 

Edited 17 January, 20251 yr by Carlodiesel

Thanks, Carlo.

Does the GR Sport have any firmer suspension compared to the lesser models?

 

When you mention a good price may I ask if that was from the dealer or from a broker? Drivethe Deal don't deal with Toyota but Carfile do and I see you model has over two and a half grand off list.

oldstan, the GR is supposed to be a sport suspension, but to me was the same as the Excel model with 17" wheels.

Driving you wouldn't notice it was on 18".

I went through carwow and got reasonable offers from around the country, but the dealer stepped up to a price I couldn't find anywhere else.

Carfile was more expensive.

 

 

Thanks for replying to both points.  On the face of it I might have been fearful of going for a "sporty" version thinking it was going to be harsher but am happy to hear that, in your case, that wasn't so.

 

And the information you give regarding Carfile versus the other course is, indeed, worth bearing in mind. I do look at the Carwow videos on Youtube with a bloke who might be called Matt Watson, or something similar .... but always assumed his company could be beaten - but clearly I was wrong (again).

Carlo, For some reason I failed to notice that you're not a million miles from me.

 

Dare I take a stab in the dark and ask if you dealt with SCC @ Roundswell?

 

Many years ago, around 2000, I went to the trouble of importing half a dozen Yaris's From Europe and brought each one back personally on a boat (and once on a hovercraft) and registered them here for personal use .... and some I sold on straight away and made a couple of pounds on each,  and one or two I kept for myself. As it happens when it came to selling the diesel one I advertised it privately and a fellow came to look at it and, long story short, he stole it from under my nose ... carjacked. Not a pleasant experience.

 

At the time I had a Corolla Verso on order from Drive the Deal and the carjacking caused a loss of apetite for owning another new car and they kindly cancelled the deal for me. Ever since then I've held them in high esteem.  I have had a couple of new cars since but would be reluctant to sell privately again.

1 hour ago, Carlodiesel said:

 

So the GR Sport is now ordered.

I think that's a really nicely judged spec. Makes a lot of sense.

Shame they don't have a 4wd version in the UK as well.🤗

@oldstan I’d suggest parking your Yeti next to a Karoq. When my brother parked his Yeti next to my Karoq we were both surprised that the Karoq was lower!  His Yeti has removable back seats my Sportline does not potentially more usable space in Yeti, need to choose Vari Flex seating for Karoq if that’s important.  Yeti boot space is much squarer although Karoq is bigger the curves may reduce the usability, ie tailgate curves across the back and is slopes down.  

Thanks    ^^^^^^^^^^^

 

Yeti = 1691mm high

Karoq = 1603mm high

That's about three and a half inches.

 

I haven't used the VariFlex removable/sliding facility in 14 years.

 

Point taken about boot space - but if I did want or need to change the Yeti for something else then you have to get whatever's available,  given you can't get another new Yeti. More's the pity.

 

I did list some of the other models I had considered and none is perfect. But compared to, say, the Kamiq ( which I had thought might be OK ) it's an improvement.....for me, obviously - I can't speak for anyone else.

 

But the points you raise are pertinent and helpful - ta.

I had the Monte Carlo Kamiq in a strange grey/green colour (which I grew to like)

It was brilliant on petrol and sooo comfortable I loved the performance esp

the acceleration and dsg gearbox. I have had to cut back to a Fabia SE L 1L

which suits me and my reduced mileages.

^^^^^^^^ Ta.      👍

Had a Yeti (1.2 DSG Elegance) now have a Karoq Sportline 4x4.

 

The Karoq out performs the Yeti is every single way, except fuel econmy which is to be expected (1.2 Vs 2.0 4x4).

 

The Karoq is better equiped, better to drive, more responsive and sticks to the road like glue. More room, more comfortable. The best car I have ever driven. My plan is to drive it until they stop making spare parts for it. 

On 16/01/2025 at 21:33, oldstan said:

Fairly regularly on here we talk about what to replace our Yeti with.

 

Mines coming up 14 years old.  I'm fond of it and will keep it until something happens that causes me to re-think it. It's low mileage and nigh on immaculate. It's a DSG.

 

But I was in Exeter today and Marsh Barton in Exter has the biggest collection of car dealers in Europe and it's tempting to pop in to one or the other every now and again.

 

The Skoda showroom is a reasonablr size, not massive, but has  a fair number of models to see.  There were two new Kamiqs in the showroom and having read the reviews and comparisons I sat in one for the first time. I'll be honest and say I won't be buying one - mainly as it's not quite big enough. The seats are definitely lower to the ground when compared to alternatives.  I didn't find it as easy to get in and out of as the Yeti, the boot wasn't tremenously impressive and the interior was a tiny bit oppressive compared to the Yeti.

 

They had no new Karoqs but had a couple of used ones. I sat in one of them and was immediately struck by the extra room behind the wheel, in the rear seats and in the boot. The extra height was noticable too.

 

The base model (SE Edition) has sensible wheels that aren't diamond cut and the tyres are a sensible 215 55 17. Theres no keyless locking, which is fine by me, and the mirrors power fold, which I'm happy with. but It has enough bits and bobs but nothing too extravagant.

 

In short, I quite liked it.  If I had one it would be a DSG 1500 SE Edition and might have a space saver spare wheel given that one is available. Metallic paint is extra if you don't want it in blue  (I don't).  It could well be suppied by Drive the Deal or Carfile. DtD is doing a good discount on them, better than Carfile although you would need to get it on PCP  and cancel it within a week or two to get the best price.

 

I've sat in a Yaris Cross, A Mazda CX30, a Puma, a Kia Niro and a new model Duster and I thought the Karoq seemed the best (for me) so far. Loads of front legroom in particular.  It achieved decent NCAP results in 2017 too, but that will be different now with a new, stricter NCAP regime. It had a nice familiar Skoda feel to it but that's neither here nor there.

 

Apart from the five models I noted in the paragraph above I have also wondered about the Citroen C5 Aircross. Honda CRV and VW T Cross or T Roc.

 

Of all those the ones with a longer warranty are Kia, Toyota and Dacia (the latter two providing extra annual warranty if the car is main dealer serviced).  A manufacturers extended warranty on the Skoda is in the region of £630 (recently up from £570ish). I believe that includes breakdown cover.

 

I'll be happy to hear if any of the above resonates with any of you good people. I'm always happy to get other people views.

 

 

I had exactly the same problem as you - what to replace my Yeti with. Test drove too many possibilities, the Lexus LBX was very nice but my wife found the passenger seat uncomfortable or we would have bought it.

However, was passing a MINI dealer so thought might as well have a look at the new Countryman. Looked good (as long as you can accept that it certainly isn’t mini), took it for a test drive and eventually bought one - Base C model with level 2 option. Had it for 4 months now and really like it, returning 47.5 MPG (brim full to brim full basis). Comfortable, quiet, quick with useful driving enhancement systems including semi automated driving. Only by driving a modern car do you realise how far design and development have moved forward since the Yeti was launched in 2009. 

Try one!

Thanks very much, both. I shall take keen interest in what you've said. 

This topic is helpful and I appreciate the stuff I've read here.

Used to have a Yeti (and wife drove a Roomster for many years), and enjoyed both cars.  I got a very cheap lease deal on a 2016 Yeti, but when it went back (summer 2018) was rather stuck and ended up getting a Seat Arona (this was before Kamiq was launched).

 

But circumstances change, now retired, daughter now lives elsewhere, no dogs, and don't need the space.  So starting to look again for a new car.  What is worrying me is if you look at those who bought when we did (or earlier) they are all happy with their cars, but the threads with those you have 2024-25 cars just seem full of moaning about electronics, software updates, annoying safety systems that don't like UK speed signs and road markings etc

 

So in a complete quandary, if changing will just become source of regret, why can't anyone just offer a comfortable car that's easy to get into, with height adjustable passenger seat (many manufacturers don't so other half has to be standard size) without lots of mobile office connected gizmos.

 

Both Kamiq and Karoq are off my shortlist (too many on these forums highlighting annoying / irritating software), which won't notice on short test drive.  Don't laugh but I quite like the retro look of new Renault 4 which comes out this autumn (and it has same gubbins underneath as car of the year the Renault 5)

Just a case of trying these BEV,s and the Touch Screen stuff to your left if you are right handed in a right hand drive car.

Also are the very small symbols on any switches or touch screens readable. 

 

There is a problem or issue often, like every year with COTY, Motoring Journalists opinions etc, Cars of the years chosen after Journalists have driven left hand drive cars but not from driving right hand ones in the UK because they were not available. 

1 hour ago, SurreyJohn said:

Used to have a Yeti (and wife drove a Roomster for many years), and enjoyed both cars.  I got a very cheap lease deal on a 2016 Yeti, but when it went back (summer 2018) was rather stuck and ended up getting a Seat Arona (this was before Kamiq was launched).

 

But circumstances change, now retired, daughter now lives elsewhere, no dogs, and don't need the space.  So starting to look again for a new car.  What is worrying me is if you look at those who bought when we did (or earlier) they are all happy with their cars, but the threads with those you have 2024-25 cars just seem full of moaning about electronics, software updates, annoying safety systems that don't like UK speed signs and road markings etc

 

So in a complete quandary, if changing will just become source of regret, why can't anyone just offer a comfortable car that's easy to get into, with height adjustable passenger seat (many manufacturers don't so other half has to be standard size) without lots of mobile office connected gizmos.

 

Both Kamiq and Karoq are off my shortlist (too many on these forums highlighting annoying / irritating software), which won't notice on short test drive.  Don't laugh but I quite like the retro look of new Renault 4 which comes out this autumn (and it has same gubbins underneath as car of the year the Renault 5)

Can you go back to a Fabia - either the latest or last of the previous shape ? Every model I've driven over the years has impressed me.  My mum has just given up driving her 1.2 TSi auto and despite being 11 years old was quick enough, smooth and comfortable - with a drivers seat you can Jack right up ! A mature couple had a 10 hour round trip to buy it and were delighted.

Edited 18 January, 20251 yr by Prezafab

I'm looking at all these replies and taking it in.

 

Yes, the presence of the software is something I realise gets mentioned a lot but is something I've not experienced at first hand, not having driven anything other than my 2011 Yeti and my 2011 Hyundai i10 for all this time. I suppose I've been putting it to the back of my mind and hoping it will go away which it won't.

Regarding BEVs, I can say with reasonable certainty that all the time I can avoid having a full electric car then I will. A hybrid sound fine and full ICE is OK but not a BEV.

13 hours ago, Expatman said:

I had exactly the same problem as you - what to replace my Yeti with. Test drove too many possibilities, the Lexus LBX was very nice but my wife found the passenger seat uncomfortable or we would have bought it.

However, was passing a MINI dealer so thought might as well have a look at the new Countryman. Looked good (as long as you can accept that it certainly isn’t mini), took it for a test drive and eventually bought one - Base C model with level 2 option. Had it for 4 months now and really like it, returning 47.5 MPG (brim full to brim full basis). Comfortable, quiet, quick with useful driving enhancement systems including semi automated driving. Only by driving a modern car do you realise how far design and development have moved forward since the Yeti was launched in 2009. 

Try one!

 

 

I just looked at the dimensions of the new MINI Countryman. Blimey! Thats remarkable!

 

It's honestly as tall, wide and long as any of the more obvious candidates spoken about here. I'm amazed.

 

It would be churlish not to, at least, go and have a look.

 

Thanks.

 

Incidentally, what's "semi-automaticdriving"

I see what you mean on the size.

 

Off topic'ish, there are still several Yetis advertised on AutoTrader in the £16-19k bracket. I think that's quite remarkable - a) Because there's still such strong used demand for good ones 8 or 9 years on, and b) People have done low mileage in them but still kept them for years because they liked them a lot!

I shall continue to keep myself aware and informed of the alternatives should my Yeti have to go (for whatever reason) but  think I'll carry on with it and have the occasional maintenance / repair done as and when..   (I did, recently,  fit four new Goodyear All Seasons so would probably feel aggrieved to give them away 😞  )