<!--EZCODE QUOTE START--><blockquote><strong><em>Quote:</em></strong><hr>And for, completeness, I put George in a Ford Focus C-Max, probably the Ghia, with all the toys.<hr></blockquote><!--EZCODE QUOTE END--><br>
<br>
Not George, but spot on with the vehicle. Soon to be changed for an S-Max with even more toys <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :D --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/happy.gif ALT=":D"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END-->
<p>Maurice</p><i></i>
Company Car change
-
mbellinger
- Posts: 196
- Joined: Mon Oct 18, 2004 9:38 am
Re: Profuse Apologies...
...Maurice.<br>
<br>
I have no idea what an S Max is but if there is any logic it is presumably bigger, faster, and as you say, even more laden with goodies.<br>
<br>
I rented a C Max last year in Germany for a week and was very impressed with how it drove. The interior finish was very good too. Ford seem to be sorting out a lot of these "touchy feely" bits now.
<p>Martin<br>
<br>
1968 Triumph 1300FWD<br>
2002 BMW 320d<br>
2002 Renault Scenic<br>
<br>
</p><i></i>
<br>
I have no idea what an S Max is but if there is any logic it is presumably bigger, faster, and as you say, even more laden with goodies.<br>
<br>
I rented a C Max last year in Germany for a week and was very impressed with how it drove. The interior finish was very good too. Ford seem to be sorting out a lot of these "touchy feely" bits now.
<p>Martin<br>
<br>
1968 Triumph 1300FWD<br>
2002 BMW 320d<br>
2002 Renault Scenic<br>
<br>
</p><i></i>
-
Jon Tilson
- Posts: 1311
- Joined: Sat Mar 08, 2003 8:28 pm
Wrong magazine then....
Obviously the magazine article which IIRC was in CAR around the time of the Skoctavias lauch was wrong then. It certainly has an old A4' ish look about it.<br>
<br>
Can't be write on moderns all the time....boring things too modern cars.<br>
<br>
Graeme are you out of your tree? WTF would you pick a czech VW clone over the mondeo with whiskas?<br>
<br>
Surely a 3 litre 4wd X type has to be the mutts nutts in this class. Ive seen them for south of 7k on the bay, if a bit leggy and in dodgy locations like liverpool. 8 gorilla would surely see you in a clean one near home.<br>
<br>
Jonners
<p></p><i></i>
<br>
Can't be write on moderns all the time....boring things too modern cars.<br>
<br>
Graeme are you out of your tree? WTF would you pick a czech VW clone over the mondeo with whiskas?<br>
<br>
Surely a 3 litre 4wd X type has to be the mutts nutts in this class. Ive seen them for south of 7k on the bay, if a bit leggy and in dodgy locations like liverpool. 8 gorilla would surely see you in a clean one near home.<br>
<br>
Jonners
<p></p><i></i>
ford
only ever had one ford but iv'e had some alfas <br>
real fun drivers cars had a sud tii years ago (yes it was rusty) a 2002 tii used to catch me every morning sometimes i'd be infront somtimes he'd be but it couldnt live with it on the twisty bits if i was in front he couldnt catch it and it was only 1186 cc it pi***d him of though<br>
think i'd be wary about a skoda though what about depreceation they must be on the floor but at the end of the day it's what you like that counts not other peoples choices <br>
<p></p><i></i>
real fun drivers cars had a sud tii years ago (yes it was rusty) a 2002 tii used to catch me every morning sometimes i'd be infront somtimes he'd be but it couldnt live with it on the twisty bits if i was in front he couldnt catch it and it was only 1186 cc it pi***d him of though<br>
think i'd be wary about a skoda though what about depreceation they must be on the floor but at the end of the day it's what you like that counts not other peoples choices <br>
<p></p><i></i>
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Carsreunited
- Posts: 1673
- Joined: Sun Aug 17, 2003 6:45 pm
Re: ford
<!--EZCODE LINK START--><a href="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MITSUBISHI-GALANT ... <!--EZCODE LINK END--><br>
<br>
I bet that goes well.<br>
<br>
<p></p><i></i>
<br>
I bet that goes well.<br>
<br>
<p></p><i></i>
Re: Profuse Apologies...
This is the new S-Max due out end of May <!--EZCODE LINK START--><a href="http://www.ford.co.uk/ie/vehicle_news/v ... ws/-/-/-/-" target="top">S-Max</a><!--EZCODE LINK END-->
<p>Maurice</p><i></i>
<p>Maurice</p><i></i>
Re: Profuse Apologies...
This has become interesting! <br>
<br>
I've spoken to my colleague today who used to have a VRS as a company car doing 30K a year as a sales rep, he had the car for 2 years, it never went wrong, he never had any issues with dealers or servicing and reckoned overall it was the best car he's ever owned (and he has owned some varied motors ranging from a 68 mini cooper, an AC Cobra, BMW 328 and more recently an RS Focus and Smart Roadster).<br>
<br>
My conversation has sparked good memories with him and he's now thinking of getting a new VRS!!<br>
<br>
Jonners - I would love an X-type, and the 3 litre 4x4 is the one to have IMO but the rear seats are dreadful and they are a bit thirsty and underneath they are just a Ford.<br>
<br>
G
<p></p><i></i>
<br>
I've spoken to my colleague today who used to have a VRS as a company car doing 30K a year as a sales rep, he had the car for 2 years, it never went wrong, he never had any issues with dealers or servicing and reckoned overall it was the best car he's ever owned (and he has owned some varied motors ranging from a 68 mini cooper, an AC Cobra, BMW 328 and more recently an RS Focus and Smart Roadster).<br>
<br>
My conversation has sparked good memories with him and he's now thinking of getting a new VRS!!<br>
<br>
Jonners - I would love an X-type, and the 3 litre 4x4 is the one to have IMO but the rear seats are dreadful and they are a bit thirsty and underneath they are just a Ford.<br>
<br>
G
<p></p><i></i>
Re: Profuse Apologies...
Isn't it funny how diverse each of our own stigma are about what the car really is 'underneath'...
<p></p><i></i>
<p></p><i></i>
Re: underpan
Good Point Alun - it would also be dull if we all liked the same thing so its always fun to start a good debate!<br>
<br>
I'm a bit to young to have been driving when Skoda were in full swing making rotten junk and trading on rallying pedigree to appreciate past crimes, I know they've made some dogs over the years but these days when I think Skoda I think of functional well built no nonense cars. <br>
<br>
The eye opener was a few years ago when I was renting out cars instead of having a company funded car. I tried out various fords, vauxhalls, frog's and jap's and by far and away my favourite was a humble no frills Skoda Fabia 1.4 - what I liked was it had no nonsense, no distractions, no gimmickry, no excess, just a simple, functional and incredibly solid feeling chunky little car that was a pleasure to drive and good fun.<br>
<br>
I have a feeling the Octavia will have the same no bull feel to it.<br>
<br>
G
<p></p><i></i>
<br>
I'm a bit to young to have been driving when Skoda were in full swing making rotten junk and trading on rallying pedigree to appreciate past crimes, I know they've made some dogs over the years but these days when I think Skoda I think of functional well built no nonense cars. <br>
<br>
The eye opener was a few years ago when I was renting out cars instead of having a company funded car. I tried out various fords, vauxhalls, frog's and jap's and by far and away my favourite was a humble no frills Skoda Fabia 1.4 - what I liked was it had no nonsense, no distractions, no gimmickry, no excess, just a simple, functional and incredibly solid feeling chunky little car that was a pleasure to drive and good fun.<br>
<br>
I have a feeling the Octavia will have the same no bull feel to it.<br>
<br>
G
<p></p><i></i>
Re: underpan
Just rethinking the X Type, one of the factors mentioned here is depreciation being a concern with the Skoda's.<br>
<br>
But if you can get a 4x4 X Type for the same money that is truly shocking and puts it in the same category as an Alfa 166 as thats another car nudging £30K new.<br>
<br>
The plane Jane Octavias seem to go for Peanuts, but the VRS is fairly rare and is faring much better.<br>
<br>
Whatever I get the company finded finance which is paying for it is fully paid for in 3 years time.<br>
<br>
The cheapest early 99 plain Jane 1.6 Octavia on Auto Trader is going for a grand with near a quarter of a million on the clock. Typically an average 7 year old ordinary model seems to be a shade under 2 grand. Based on that if I buy a low mileage 2002 VRS (the most sought after model by far) I'll guess it'll be worth at least 3 grand in 3 years, maybe more. which is effectively a free asset for me to do with what I wish if I start another finance deal for a replacement car.<br>
<br>
Can't lose really unless it blows up!
<p><!--EZCODE LINK START--><a href="http://www.smifter1971.pwp.blueyonder.c ... >Smifter's Dolomite Sprint Website</a><!--EZCODE LINK END--><br>
<br>
Featherweight 1974 Dolomite Sprint - Soon to be XE'd, NOS'd, Megasquirted and 5 linked Lash up to scare myself (and my wallet) senseless<br>
<br>
2004 Smart Roadster (company car!!) - 698cc of turbo'd adrenaline fuelled rollerskate - destined to classic status thanks to Daimler Chrysler bean counters.<br>
<br>
1997 Audi A4 2.6 to chill out after the above and fill with baby products.....<br>
<br>
2005 Trek 1400 (ok its not a car but still fast) - <br>
a bit like Lance Armstrong but slower and fatter</p><i></i>
<br>
But if you can get a 4x4 X Type for the same money that is truly shocking and puts it in the same category as an Alfa 166 as thats another car nudging £30K new.<br>
<br>
The plane Jane Octavias seem to go for Peanuts, but the VRS is fairly rare and is faring much better.<br>
<br>
Whatever I get the company finded finance which is paying for it is fully paid for in 3 years time.<br>
<br>
The cheapest early 99 plain Jane 1.6 Octavia on Auto Trader is going for a grand with near a quarter of a million on the clock. Typically an average 7 year old ordinary model seems to be a shade under 2 grand. Based on that if I buy a low mileage 2002 VRS (the most sought after model by far) I'll guess it'll be worth at least 3 grand in 3 years, maybe more. which is effectively a free asset for me to do with what I wish if I start another finance deal for a replacement car.<br>
<br>
Can't lose really unless it blows up!
<p><!--EZCODE LINK START--><a href="http://www.smifter1971.pwp.blueyonder.c ... >Smifter's Dolomite Sprint Website</a><!--EZCODE LINK END--><br>
<br>
Featherweight 1974 Dolomite Sprint - Soon to be XE'd, NOS'd, Megasquirted and 5 linked Lash up to scare myself (and my wallet) senseless<br>
<br>
2004 Smart Roadster (company car!!) - 698cc of turbo'd adrenaline fuelled rollerskate - destined to classic status thanks to Daimler Chrysler bean counters.<br>
<br>
1997 Audi A4 2.6 to chill out after the above and fill with baby products.....<br>
<br>
2005 Trek 1400 (ok its not a car but still fast) - <br>
a bit like Lance Armstrong but slower and fatter</p><i></i>
-
Jon Tilson
- Posts: 1311
- Joined: Sat Mar 08, 2003 8:28 pm
X type depreciation...
The top model in any range usually takes the biggest knock.<br>
The X types are 4-5 years old now...Y reg ones or 51 plate. <br>
<br>
They seem to hold a 50% + residual for 3 years old and avarage miles...not too bad then.<br>
It would be my modern of choice...or that bonkers MG with the V8 engine...<br>
<br>
Jonners
<p></p><i></i>
The X types are 4-5 years old now...Y reg ones or 51 plate. <br>
<br>
They seem to hold a 50% + residual for 3 years old and avarage miles...not too bad then.<br>
It would be my modern of choice...or that bonkers MG with the V8 engine...<br>
<br>
Jonners
<p></p><i></i>
VRS report
The plan was to go and have a look/test drive some cars today but seeing as our little one has a stomach bug we are putting it on hold.<br>
<br>
Anyway, whilst out and about in Cardiff in between meetings on thursday, I spotted one sitting on a forecourt. a 52 plate Metallic Balck Hatcback VRS with 59K on the clock. It was a bit over priced at £7.5K seeing as it had a few shopping trolley dings, needed 4 tyres soon (17's too) and had a broken electric mirror and the p/x they offered on my roadster was taking the piss but it was interesting to have a tinker with it (although not a test drive due to limited time).<br>
<br>
It terms of equipment, it has everything you need, climate control, electric everything, 6 cd stereo, bling 17" alloys, trip computer and this one had the optional cruise control and rear parking sensors (useful for the wife!). The brakes look pretty awesome, even the rear discs were vented and looked bigger than the Sierra front discs on my Sprint!<br>
<br>
The seats are good, sort of mock recaro jobs with silver mesh cloth inserts over black leather. Very supportive. Plenty of space for Adults in the back (unlike my A4 which is cramped) The dash is typical german, efficient, simple, easy to use, no frills, Some of the plastics arent up to the quality I'm used to in the Audi but seeing as an equivalent A3 is worth 60% more thats to be expected. Nothing showed the remotest sign of wear bar some of the mesh cloth on the drivers seat had been snagged where it has probably caught on someones clothes. Very good for a 4 year old car. Build quality feels very good. Nothing feels like its going to fall off in a hurry (unlike ford/vauxhalls/pugs/renaults I've driven). Everything bar the smashed electric mirror on the drivers side worked as well as a new car.<br>
<br>
The engine is quite refined for something that is in a high state of tune (180 BHP from 1800cc) and idles very smoothly. Although it doesn't sound like anything special - they could have tuned the exhaust to give a more sporty note like the subtle roar my old GTi-6 made. No rattles, knocks, clicks or whirrs. This particular car though was scheduled for a cambelt replacement and I wouldnt but it unless that was part of the deal.<br>
<br>
In black its quite mean looking, reminds me a bit of an E36 BMW M3 from the front. The back is quite plain in comparison but it looks more like a saloon than a hatchback. The VRS bumpers make it look different to any other Octavia although the front bumper has to be watched on kerbs for clearance.<br>
<br>
Overall its interesting, nothing too flash and certainly doesnt adverise the fact it'll hit 146mph and doesnt shout steal me either. I can see why they appealed to the police so much. I still want to have a drive but the driving experience is not really why I need it - I need to be able to pack a family and luggage in comfort and safety and seeing as the boot is huge and its full of airbags and all the top safety features it'll do the job. The Trip computer was reading 30mpg average which is not bad as its probably had the nuts screwed off it by the dealer and test pilots. The 35-40mpg figure I've been told these are capable of seems possible, though ?I doubt I'd ever see it!<br>
<br>
Overall its a very nice well made car, albiet not as special a car as I'm used to but still a pretty awsome Q car thats economical too. That £400 remap to 212bhp sounds very appealing and would make a Skoda that can probably exceed 150 mph! With a bit more tweaking over 240bhp is possible.<br>
<br>
I'll have to sell the roadster first as I just cant afford to let some dealer make 2 grand profit just to part exchange for my convienience so I'm holding on for a buyer before I look further.<br>
<br>
And the longer I can keep my toy the better<!--EZCODE EMOTICON START ;) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/wink.gif ALT=";)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END-->
<p></p><i></i>
<br>
Anyway, whilst out and about in Cardiff in between meetings on thursday, I spotted one sitting on a forecourt. a 52 plate Metallic Balck Hatcback VRS with 59K on the clock. It was a bit over priced at £7.5K seeing as it had a few shopping trolley dings, needed 4 tyres soon (17's too) and had a broken electric mirror and the p/x they offered on my roadster was taking the piss but it was interesting to have a tinker with it (although not a test drive due to limited time).<br>
<br>
It terms of equipment, it has everything you need, climate control, electric everything, 6 cd stereo, bling 17" alloys, trip computer and this one had the optional cruise control and rear parking sensors (useful for the wife!). The brakes look pretty awesome, even the rear discs were vented and looked bigger than the Sierra front discs on my Sprint!<br>
<br>
The seats are good, sort of mock recaro jobs with silver mesh cloth inserts over black leather. Very supportive. Plenty of space for Adults in the back (unlike my A4 which is cramped) The dash is typical german, efficient, simple, easy to use, no frills, Some of the plastics arent up to the quality I'm used to in the Audi but seeing as an equivalent A3 is worth 60% more thats to be expected. Nothing showed the remotest sign of wear bar some of the mesh cloth on the drivers seat had been snagged where it has probably caught on someones clothes. Very good for a 4 year old car. Build quality feels very good. Nothing feels like its going to fall off in a hurry (unlike ford/vauxhalls/pugs/renaults I've driven). Everything bar the smashed electric mirror on the drivers side worked as well as a new car.<br>
<br>
The engine is quite refined for something that is in a high state of tune (180 BHP from 1800cc) and idles very smoothly. Although it doesn't sound like anything special - they could have tuned the exhaust to give a more sporty note like the subtle roar my old GTi-6 made. No rattles, knocks, clicks or whirrs. This particular car though was scheduled for a cambelt replacement and I wouldnt but it unless that was part of the deal.<br>
<br>
In black its quite mean looking, reminds me a bit of an E36 BMW M3 from the front. The back is quite plain in comparison but it looks more like a saloon than a hatchback. The VRS bumpers make it look different to any other Octavia although the front bumper has to be watched on kerbs for clearance.<br>
<br>
Overall its interesting, nothing too flash and certainly doesnt adverise the fact it'll hit 146mph and doesnt shout steal me either. I can see why they appealed to the police so much. I still want to have a drive but the driving experience is not really why I need it - I need to be able to pack a family and luggage in comfort and safety and seeing as the boot is huge and its full of airbags and all the top safety features it'll do the job. The Trip computer was reading 30mpg average which is not bad as its probably had the nuts screwed off it by the dealer and test pilots. The 35-40mpg figure I've been told these are capable of seems possible, though ?I doubt I'd ever see it!<br>
<br>
Overall its a very nice well made car, albiet not as special a car as I'm used to but still a pretty awsome Q car thats economical too. That £400 remap to 212bhp sounds very appealing and would make a Skoda that can probably exceed 150 mph! With a bit more tweaking over 240bhp is possible.<br>
<br>
I'll have to sell the roadster first as I just cant afford to let some dealer make 2 grand profit just to part exchange for my convienience so I'm holding on for a buyer before I look further.<br>
<br>
And the longer I can keep my toy the better<!--EZCODE EMOTICON START ;) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/wink.gif ALT=";)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END-->
<p></p><i></i>
-
Carsreunited
- Posts: 1673
- Joined: Sun Aug 17, 2003 6:45 pm
Re: VRS report
This one sounds nice.<br>
<br>
<!--EZCODE LINK START--><a href="http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/71493. ... <!--EZCODE LINK END--><br>
<br>
Others here.<br>
<br>
<!--EZCODE LINK START--><a href="http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/list.a ... <!--EZCODE LINK END--><br>
<br>
I figures from your first post that your mind was made up from the start. I like the almost perverse philosophy of owning a Skoda. I spoke to a friend of mine who has driven one and he said it wasn't very pleasant so I'd probably drive one first if I were you.<br>
<br>
<p></p><i></i>
<br>
<!--EZCODE LINK START--><a href="http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/71493. ... <!--EZCODE LINK END--><br>
<br>
Others here.<br>
<br>
<!--EZCODE LINK START--><a href="http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/list.a ... <!--EZCODE LINK END--><br>
<br>
I figures from your first post that your mind was made up from the start. I like the almost perverse philosophy of owning a Skoda. I spoke to a friend of mine who has driven one and he said it wasn't very pleasant so I'd probably drive one first if I were you.<br>
<br>
<p></p><i></i>
Re: VRS report
I'm hoping I like it, because I have no idea of what to get if I don't!<br>
<br>
The car has to fit the following criteria<br>
<br>
-Fast<br>
-Average 30mpg and be petrol engined<br>
-good load carrying ability - therefore saloons are out.<br>
-not be too big. Mondeo size at the most<br>
-not be an MPV or off roader<br>
-have 4 passenger doors<br>
-be less than 5 years old<br>
-cost no more than £7K<br>
-not have a gargantuan mileage<br>
-have reasonable residuals<br>
-not be a Ford, Vauxhall or Rover<br>
<br>
Answers on a poscard!!<br>
<br>
<p></p><i></i>
<br>
The car has to fit the following criteria<br>
<br>
-Fast<br>
-Average 30mpg and be petrol engined<br>
-good load carrying ability - therefore saloons are out.<br>
-not be too big. Mondeo size at the most<br>
-not be an MPV or off roader<br>
-have 4 passenger doors<br>
-be less than 5 years old<br>
-cost no more than £7K<br>
-not have a gargantuan mileage<br>
-have reasonable residuals<br>
-not be a Ford, Vauxhall or Rover<br>
<br>
Answers on a poscard!!<br>
<br>
<p></p><i></i>
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