Just thought I should say hi everyone first as this is my first post, but I'm sure not my last! So hello everyone... And now for the questions i'm afraid!

Right... New job in a few weeks, car allowance etc... So looking at what I can get for my money, and well... Octavia vRS seems to fit the bill quite nicely right at the moment!

Except... I can't find one to test drive... Went to my local Skoda dealer this morning to try and get a test drive in one and his response was along the lines of "sorry, we can't keep hold of em for long enough to keep a demonstrator in"... Whilst I hope that speaks volumes of how good the car is, I'd like to actually have a drive first anyway... I'm based in Coventry at the moment, and don't mind a bit of a drive to go and try one out, anyone know of a demonstrator within 30 to 40 miles?

Also, this car isn't going to get used for lots of business miles (and when it does get used for business, my milage rate i can claim is pretty good) so am considering the TFSi petrol as a possibility over the 170ps TDi... Anyone owned/driven both and care to give an objective view on the one power plant compared to the other?

Also, I would be paying via finance... The guy at the dealer this morning and I talked about the 5.2% offer with free upgrades and free servicing for 3 years deal that is on the Skoda website right now... But at full RRP for the car... Am I likely to be able to get a better deal than this at all?

Oh, and what is Maxidot and do I want it? Likewise, do the 18" wheels look significantly better and do they harm the ride quality at all?

And lastly, what colour?

Cheers in advance for any help guys

Maxidot - YES

18" Wheels - Yes

Colour - Silver... you can't see the scratches on it then

Also in hindsight I probably would have gone for a diesel... petrol's not too bad but it's costing a lot to run the car for me... 'specially cos I've got a heavy right foot

Cheers

What mpg you getting with your "heavy right foot" then? I've seen 36mpg on the combined cycle quoted, and a probable 38 to 40mpg on a motorway cruise so I am told... Is this realistic?

What is MaxiDot then??? How will it significantly enhance my life?

I didn't get a choice of maxidot :(

It's a more advanced version of the trip computer the standard car has... but can show things like contacts from your phone, directions from satnav etc... very useful and you'll be a social outcast like me unless you've got one

"Taking it easy" I get about 46/47 on the motorway... but through town it's usually about 33/35 on average... and about 16 when you boot it in third to get past the tractor that's really bugging you

Buy one... don't think... JUST DO IT

Cheers again...

Doesn't sound too thirsty to be fair, certainly better than the 28 to 30mpg my current car returns with a light foot...

Anybody got any answers for my other questions posted above? Like where to actually get and test drive one in the Midlands (Petrol or diesel, preferably both though)...?

Farmers in Leicester are good for test drives and have usually got second hand and demonstrators

Also, I would be paying via finance... The guy at the dealer this morning and I talked about the 5.2% offer with free upgrades and free servicing for 3 years deal that is on the Skoda website right now... But at full RRP for the car... Am I likely to be able to get a better deal than this at all?

Oh, and what is Maxidot and do I want it? Likewise, do the 18" wheels look significantly better and do they harm the ride quality at all?

And lastly, what colour?

Cheers in advance for any help guys

Just collected my VRS 170 Diesel Estate yesterday and I took advantage of the finance deal free servicing and upgrade package that is on offer from Skoda UK.

Offer applies to all new Octavia (A5) vRS models at participating retailers only and is subject to availability. **Equipment upgrade contains; 18" Zenith alloy wheels, Rear electric windows, Dual zone air conditioning and Jumbo box. Jumbo box includes air-conditioned storage compartment with an adjustable armrest between the front seats and 3.5mm jack socket. Offer applies to model year 07 vehicles only registered from 29 June 2006. Please ask your retailer for full details. *** Free servicing applies up to 3 years or 30,000 miles (whichever is soonest). Retail sales only. Indemnities may be required. Subject to status. Available to over 18’s from participating retailers only for registrations before 31st December 2007 (subject to availability). Škoda Finance is a trading name of Volkswagen Financial Services (UK) Limited, Freepost VWFS. Offer may be varied or withdrawn at any time. Available in the United Kingdom only (excludes Channel Islands).

I was able to arrange the finance on the car even with a discount on the price negotiated through the dealer, if your buying straight I'd be wanting a discount.

I had the chance to try demonstrators both with the 17 and 18 inch wheels and preferred the ride of those with the 17 inch, and visually I'd say you'd be hard pushed to notice the difference on the car, of course as I said this is personal. Going for the 17 inch wheels the dealer gave me an additional £450 discount on the car to cover the upgrade offer.

Fantastic car and your right to have it at the top of your list, only thing I would point out is look carefully at the mileage you'll be doing and make sure the finance package reflects it. It's a great deal at 5.2% apr but with the balloon payment at the end if your likely to be handing the car back at the end of 3 years and go over the agreed limit you could be faced with a large bill.

Final thing the free servicing has a maximum mileage of 30,000.

Good luck.