Well after months of deliberation I did it! I got myself a gorgeous black RS two weeks ago, and everytime I drive it I like it more. Major bonus has been the fact it's a Skoda.

Every one thats looked at it has been impressed and say those familiar words (sure they're familiar to all you Skoda owners?!?!) 'blimey it doesn't look like a Skoda!!!!!'. It drives excellent, the engine is smooth and powerful. I think the steering is pretty sharp, and handles lovely.

I've been impressed with the ride quality, not to hard but hard enough when you need it. Friend of mine has a type R and I let him loose in the RS and he was very impressed with it's all round ability. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I don't have any coil problems?!?!?!? I quizzed the dealer about it and he reassured me that my car was alright....but he would wouldn't he?!?!?

Also gonna keep close eye on the upholstery after reading peoples problems with the drivers seats. It is by far the best car I've owned to drive, and I can't imagine enjoying a car that cost twice the price as much as the beast that is vRS!

Only problem to date is that the parking sensors don't work. The dealer discovered this at the pre-delivery check and they are waiting for replacement parts (two weeks now) to fit.

I had the windows tinted last weekend...it looks the nuts! excellent guy who's done my last two cars. Really sets the car off nice, can't wait to drive it home from work today!

see ya round.

Welcome to the dark side Jeff!

I'd love to know more about the tints. Who did it for you and if it isn't too vulgar a question, how much?

I've always been a sucker for the 'Knight Rider' look.

Welcome to Briskoda Jeff , glad to hear you are enjoying your new car! On the subject of tints , I was thinking of getting them done , but I dont want to get pulled every 5 mins by the feds so do they do such a thing as 'legal' tints , as i dont want to have to take them off the front side windows because Ive been stopped! If they do , are they dark enough to be worth the hassle? Oh , and yes , how much for a good professional job? (any recommended fitting companies between Edinburgh and Tyneside would be a bonus too!!)

Cheers!

The transmission of light, as its referred to in Regulation 32 of the Construction and Use Regs 1894, basically sets out what degree of tinting will be legal. Like so much of this legislation it is so user un-friendly and is of little assistance to the layman.

Windscreens must allow the transmission of not less than 75% of light

Side windows (ie driver/passenger) 70% of light.

Any window behind the driver can be as dark as you wish.

Most of the Constabularies will enforce this legislation by means of devices such as "Tintman" which measures the transmission of light through the glass. The offence is non-endorsable so no points on your licence. The max fine is

Hi All,

The guy that did my windows is called 'Tintmaster' based at London Colny near Watford. They are 'legal' tints according to him and this is the third car I've had him do for me. I've never been pulled. I think there worth doing (of course) with the smoked glass all round, but I don't really like the black out windows....illegal or not.....so it's a personal choice whether you think there worth doing. Martin, the owner of the company, has been tinting for years and does an excellent job. He charged me

Hi Thanx for the info

I was talking to someone at my dealers about tints , they use a place in Newcastle but he said they need the car for three days , or they let you take it home after a full 8 till 5 day at there place with a warning not to open the windows for 2 days after you pick it up...does this seem right? I dont fancy leaving my car in Newcastle for 3 days in an industrial unit I dont know , id much rather have a 'done in one day' deal if its at all possible , and I'd certainly be willing to travel for a good reccomended service (I have hols coming up in early june)

Hi Duncan,

A friend of mine uses a company called Zeibart for which is based in Leith, Edinburgh (along the front where all the garages are if you know it??). They offer (I think!) a full range of window tinting services, I don't have the number for them but could get it if you are interested.

cheers

Hugh

Shugz

Yeah I know where it is , Seafield road isnt it , where the Vee Dub and BMW garage is? Ill have a run up there the next time im at the UCI at Fort Kinnaird!

Hi Duncan,

That's right, it's opposite the BMW/ Mini garage.

cheers

Hugh

I had the windows tinted in my silver RS at the time of purchase and to date I have haven't been stopped by the police. My aren't completely dark anyway so I don't think its an issue.

Later

Duncan,

my guy (tintmaster) recomends you don't open the windows for a minimum of 24 hrs. He has always taken 3 to 4 hrs to complete my cars (Rover 400, Fiesta Zetec S and the RS) and he has always done an excellent job, doesn't look rushed. I guess the longer you can leave them after they've been done the better, but I've never had a problem (so far?!?!?).

Out of interest (may be?!?!?) he did the entire range of Mercedes cars a little while ago for an advertising shoot. Every single one was silver?!?!?!?

Jeff, do you mind if I ask for contact details for 'Tintmaster'? With him being based near Watford, I'm not too far away and you are obviously pleased with his work!

Regards,

Mark D

Mark,

no problem.

contact name: Martin (owner)

company: Tintmaster

workshop tel: 01727827094

Martin's mob tel: 07850836165

You can mention my name if you want (Jeff Maddin). I'm sure they will remember doing my car a couple of weeks ago as a couple of the guys hadn't seen an vRS before and I got the standard 'it's a Skoda!' comment :-).

He's always got some cars there for you to look at before you take the plunge.

good luck....you won't regret it!

Jeff.