Dacia Duster.

[Retired]

Hi,

Thanks David for adding so much information regarding Daewoo. We have a local Hyundai dealership and I see lots of Hyundai cars around in fact one of our neighbours runs a new Hyundai i20. We also have a Suzuki dealership nearer town center which seems to do well.

I see plenty of Daewoo excavation diggers on my travels; I notice these because they are real "Tonka Toys".

I didn't even know that Halford's had been taken over by Boots group in 1991 then taken over again in 2002; it's hard keeping track on companies; when I worked at Brook Motors the company was forever changing its name and every Monday morning I wondered what the company would be called that week?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halfords

Kind regards, Col.

[Retired]

Hi,

I'm still playing catch up but am winning at last. Our Toyota Aygo is three years old this August and due to be changed. The Dacia Duster appealed to me initially due to it's relatively low cost for a 4WD but I'm not encouraged by lack of numbers of these on the road?

Last year David kindly informed me of his intention to buy a Skoda Fabia which he now owns and I've been looking into skoda's since and am very impressed by the reviews and what I've seen. Bron also wasn't keen on a Duster but likes the look of the Skoda.

A couple of days ago Bron and I decided to visit our local Skoda dealership it being DM Keith. We were warmly greeted as we entered the showroom and the salesman asked if we had anything in particular in mind; sure we had; we wanted a Fabia Monte Carlo and it must be in Corrida red with a black roof. There was the exact car on display which we looked at then placed our order and deposit the new car being a Skoda Fabia Hatchback 1.2 TSI 105 Monte Carlo 5dr due early July. We think it looks gorgeous but possibly rather in the face for many Skoda owners who seem to like the more subdued colours? We could have possibly got an even better deal money wise on the web but we would rather prefer to spend a bit more with a known and trusted local dealership. The only extras we added were a proper spare wheel and the "Gap" insurance which now has to be offered by law and something we've never heard of previously. As time passes in fact as soon as we drive the new car away from the showroom it starts to depreciate and should we suffer an unfortunate accident the standard comprehensive insurance only pays up to the current value of the car at the time of the accident so this gap insurance bridges the gap between what the car will currently be worth and the price of an identical new car. This was a one off payment covering three years gap insurance.

The lady assistant who deals with the servicing details was on holiday so we will pop back to arrange three year servicing which is yet another bill but for a one off payment servicing will be covered whilst saving us quite a bit of money and giving us peace of mind.

The diesel Fabia would have been a waste of money for us because of our 7,000 miles per year and I won't be worried about a particulate filter blocking up either in fact I think it strange that a few years ago diesel was cheaper then petrol because the emissions were less of an environmental problem so now the environmental problem no longer exists because diesel costs quite a bit more than petrol these days? It could of course also be that so many people now run diesel cars?

It was a dreary wet miserable day whilst we were at the dealers but we accepted a test drive in a Monte Carlo of the same specification as ours. I'm out of touch these days with car specifications and this Fabia is the first ever turbo petrol engined car I've driven. Having driven our little pocket rocket Aygo which is very quick to respond I noticed a very slight lag as I pressed the accelerator; it was only slight but then the Fabia shifted a bit much to my delight. Bron was in the passenger seat the salesman in the rear; we drove home then back to give the Fabia a good try out and we were both very impressed by how well the Fabia rides and how well it is screwed together; it's also quieter than the Aygo. We didn't want a pre-registered car or one of the special deals we wanted the exact car we fancied and blow the cost so now we are looking forward to taking delivery.

In many ways we will be sad to lose the Aygo because in fairness both our Aygo's have been lovely cars with the exception of water pouring into the boot each time I opened the wet hatch.

Kind regards, Col.

[camallison]

Congratulations, fellow (future) Skoda owner. Now we have had our Roomster a little longer, I can say that I am truly impressed with the build and quality too. They may not be all bells and whistles, but they certainly do the job intended, and well too. That slight lag you experienced won't be there when you get used to driving it. I have managed the technique of driving that seems to cancel it, even though ours is a DSG automatic gearbox. Don't ask me how, but it has gone.

Colin

[Retired]

Hi,

Thanks for the thumbs up Colin; it seems on this forum Skoda owners are increasing in pace with lathe owners?

The slight lag I noticed Colin was very slight indeed but I noticed it and as you say it is soon forgotten; Bron and I are looking forward to collecting the Fabia and I'm sure I will be able to carry a lot more and bigger lumps of machinery in it than I can with the Aygo. In fairness to the Aygo it transported two heavy cast iron Myford lathe beds to Halifax and back even though I was plane spotting both ways.

http://www.dmkeith.com/skoda/new-cars/fabia/fabia-carlo

The Monte Carlo shown in the link above comes with lots of kit for the price but all black put me off so I didn't bother asking about it; other Fabia's start at much lower prices but when the small print is read it becomes clear these are the Fabia's with the least powerful engine which would be ideal for those with limited funds or wanting a cheap second car. As with most things its a case of choose and pay.

Given the condition of our local roads together with lots and lots of speed humps I sometimes think an half track would be suitable?

I've been looking out for Dacia Dusters but since starting this thread I think I've only seen six at the most; I wonder if this could partly be due to people not wanting to be seen in such a cut price vehicle? My preferred choice was a Skoda Yeti but this would be rather big just for the two of us and like to garage our car; clearing a foot of snow or having to remove ice from car windows isn't my idea of fun at all.

Kind regards, Col.

[ex 2 Base]

Hello Colin and David nice to see you both at Rufforth yesterday. I didn't buy much mainly because I have so much already. Regarding Skoda cars, we have had two in the passed and both have been very good cars. the first was an original fully blown Skoda very cheap and it never missed a beat. The down side was the plastic dash, it was in two parts and some one along the way didn't apply enough pigment in one section. The engine was overhead valve with carburettor. The second one was also ohv but with fuel injection and more modern ignition system (more to go wrong). The second Skoda went to the South of France several times and on its last trip went via Poland and Czech Republic where it had its one and only major service. Major service, two front tyre, an exhort system all for £126 plus £4 labour, the garage was the most clean and tidy garage I have ever visited and the car was cleaned inside and out. We paid via credit card and got the bill six weeks after returning home, so I can recommend SKoda. Whilst in Dekin -Stat, we were talking the Dutch man who owned the camp site where we staying,he drew our attention to the railway line close by. About every 10 minutes was double decker train load of VW Polo cars was going by, all made at Skoda works. Skoda are big in machine tools lathes etc and made the hub of the London Eye (big wheel) as they have the larger foundry in Europe. So we hope you be as happy as we have been with Skoda.Ted

[Retired]

Hi,

Both David and I enjoyed meeting up with you at Rufforth yesterday Ted; and although David already has met you previously it was good for me to put a face to your name after all we've exchanged quite a few emails you and I. I too didn't really need anything from Rufforth but returned home about £40 lighter with lots of useful items but don't tell anyone because I'm tight. Good luck with your work in Scarborough it should keep you out of trouble for quite a while.

Thanks for your good wishes regarding us buying the Skoda Ted; much appreciated. What a turnaround for Skoda though after enduring many years of jokes; I had never considered buying a Skoda because of Skoda's old reputation until David informed me of his intention to buy a new Fabia which he collected last September and is very happy with it.

Bron and I are most impressed by the Monte Carlo and it will be perfect for us; our immediate neighbour has recently bought a new Skoda Citygo and is over the moon with it having previously owned a Vauxhall Corsa; she is saving a great deal of money on fuel owning the Skoda against the Vauxhall and can't praise the Skoda enough.

I've read many reviews and Skoda owners are a loyal lot all loving their cars; I'm sure we will soon be joining them?

Kind regards, Col.

[Retired]

Hi,

Just an update; Bron and I expected our new Fabia early July but yesterday we received a phone call from the dealer saying they had located the exact Monte Carlo model brand new just docked in Grimsby and would we be interested in collecting in ten days? Of course we would so now the 17th is Skoda day for us which we eagerly look forward to.

Out of interest we have taken the optional 3 year fixed cost maintenance contract; we had three choices of Option 1 Service £13.99; Option 2 Service and maintenance an additional £4.97 (£18.96) or Option 3 Service, maintenance and tyres price not quoted because of our low annual mileage. We accepted Option 2 paid monthly.

The standard servicing charges are 1 year; £169; 2 year; £349 and third year £169. (£687). Three year contract with extra cover £682.56.

I've been flying around trying to catch up but I'm just looking at this Option 2? As there are no personal details I don't mind adding the content; this based on 10,000 miles per annum.

   

I'm not in possession of the full 3 year manufacturers warranty details but now wonder if many of the items listed for the additional cost shouldn't need this extra cover? Anyway for this monthly amount our Fabia is fully covered giving us total peace of mind for three years. The optional "Gap" insurance was also accepted by us. We were also offered paint protection but at what point do we cut off so rejected this. Garages love all these add on charges don't they?

We are keen to to support our local dealer and accept we could have got a better deal by shopping around especially on the web but the next official Skoda dealer is in Colne about 38 miles distant and will have similar pricing?; the prices of Skoda's has recently gone up which we expected because we wanted one?

We could have bought a Monte Carlo at this dealer cheaper (choice of spec) but this is the one we want so don't mind paying extra and we are not complaining in any way.

Kind regards, Col.

[Keithstv]

If my experience of Skoda is anything to go by I doubt if you'll be needing to claim on the manufacturers warranty. My wife has a diesel Fabia, now 5 years old and without a DPF, and the only thing that had to be replaced under the warranty was the instrument panel as the tacho started to read incorrectly. I'm now on my 3rd Skoda, two Octavias and a Yeti and all have been reliable in spite of being the most complex cars I've ever owned.

I don't have the details in front of me but assuming you intend to keep the car for 3 years you should not need to have the cam belt changed. (It's recommended to replace it every 4 years)

I note that you are getting the 1.2TSI. On various Skoda forums it has been reported that earlier versions of this and similar TSI engines have had problems ultimately leading to engine replacement. To be safe, keep an eye on it and if you have to top up the oil and coolant frequently report it to the garage.

I know which garage in Colne you are talking about. I went there enquiring about a Yeti . They wanted twice the deposit that the Bradford dealer wanted and weren't sure if they could actually get one as they were close to their allocation. Next day I went to the Bradford dealer and ordered one. 4 months later I picked it up.

One other point, I don't know how you are paying for the car but the garage wouldn't accept cash, and were reluctant to accept a cheque even from a high street bank. It was either finance or debit card. Just had to make sure there was enough in my account so I could pay by debit card. The same happened last week when we picked up a newish car for my daughter. I believe a debit card is good for up to £30,000 (provided you have enough in the account!!).

Enjoy your new car when you get it.

Keith

[Refugee]

The biggest thing I have bought with a debit card is the house. It was paid when the deeds were picked up.

[Retired]

Hi,

Many thanks for the good news Keith. I've not heard or seen any bad reviews regarding Skoda since I started looking at Skoda last year so felt safe in going ahead. Both Bron and I think the red and black Monte Carlo looks gorgeous.

Yes; we are paying in full without any finance deals by debit card; we like the way we have been treated by DM Keith Huddersfield so didn't bother shopping around; I did a bit of web browsing and found a couple of sites that appeared to save a couple of thousand pounds on the Fabia we like but I simply do not trust such sites. Skoda are doing deals with finance which includes free servicing but we negotiated what we consider a fair discount so all in all we are happy with the deal and even if we did find a dealer offering a much better deal on the same car I've shook hands on the deal so it stands. DM Keith only wanted a £500 deposit up front so this was paid immediately by debit card and the car was ordered.

I've not checked car oil level for the last 15 years; we've owned 9 Micra's and 2 Aygo's in this time and because of our low annual mileage the oil level has never changed and any oil leaks would be immediately picked up on because our car is always garaged. We had plenty of funds available because being a guy the Yeti really appealed to me but I had to exercise restraint because a Yeti would have to live outside on the driveway which would mean lots of snow clearing and ice removal during a normal winter; hardly a compromise though in choosing the Monte Carlo (MC) instead; normally we change our car every three years just as the MOT is due but Bron is so impressed by the MC she is already talking about keeping it longer than three years so I know she likes it.

The Aygo is a very good small car with few gripes in fact the only two gripes I have is the sheer amount of noise on some road surfaces such as long sections of the M1 where we need ear defenders at 70mph and we are unable to verbally communicate with each other; the other gripe is the water feature this being the glass tailgate dropping water directly into the boot if opened whilst the tailgate is wet; this soaks four bags of shopping all at one go but even so I've enjoyed driving these little missiles. I checked the Aygo immediately on its first tankful of petrol and it gave 60.5mpg with gently driving but now with a rather heavy foot it recently reads 56mpg which still isn't at all bad. I've no hesitation whatsoever in recommending one of these Aygo's to anyone wanting a small car and I'll be sorry to see it go; the MC should be even better and more suited to humping aggregate and machinery around?

I've already been checking winter tyre prices for the MC and will keep my eyes open for a spare pair of wheels; we bought winter tyres and spare steel wheels for the Aygo and it's an easy job to swap ready for winter which I can do at home. As next winter bites if it isn't already here I'll post the Aygo tyres and wheels on eBay because they obviously are no good for the MC.

Yesterday I moved the big engineering vise to another bench because it would be only a mater of time before the MC made contact with it; the MC being longer than the Aygo; I just hope I can squeeze the MC into our garage between the machinery and benches? The weather has been so bad today I can't be bothered trying to do anything; I think its finally stopped raining though; I'll now do a bit more research into double glazing.

Bron and I were delighted to dump our mortgage together with the insurance company when I retired in 2000 Refugee; at that time our funds were with the Bradford and Bingley as was our mortgage so a simple pass book did the job and we'll never have another mortgage or take out any further finance deals; we've been ripped off long enough so we are free of such things but we'll never forget how difficult it has been to reach this position.

Kind regards, Col.