Test drive beats the others

[Mendoza]

I've been hunting for a new company car for a few weeks.
Currently driving an Audi A3 that has been the most unreliable car I have ever driven, with over 50 visits to various Audi garages.

Have test driven:

Octavia 2.0 Diesel
SAAB 9-3 150PS Diesel
BMW 520D
Laguna
Lexus IS200d

I will be plumping for the Octavia, either:

1) VRS Diesel (with the free upgrades, plus maxidot)
or
2) L&K 2.0 Diesel (haven't decided on DSG or not yet)

Will be test driving the VRS & DSG models next weekend and will decide then.

It may be because of some shared technology with my A3, but the car was immediately familiar and comfortable to drive, great on general cruising and sound on back roads.

I'm disappointed with the quality of the stereo, but think I'll be happier overall with the car.

I used this forum before joining to do a bit of research during the week and there were plenty of helpful posts.

Will post up again after next week with my final model decision.

Cheers

[mdk1]

Welcome to briskoda.
Think I would be tempted with the DSG L&K

[dstev2000]

I would be tempted by the L&K (hold on, I have been )

But it all depends on what you want out of a car. If you want a luxo-barge then it will be the L&K. If it's a sporty number the vRS gets the vote.

Double check the terms on the free equipment upgrade on the vRS though as I ordered one a few days ago and it was touch and go whether I would get them for free

Welcome aboard by the way

[bengie]

hello and welcome, the octavia shouldn't be any more reliable than an A3/Leon/TT/golf/Bora etc as they share the same mechanicals its really just the body shell and design thats different really.

either way i hope you have better luck with your next car as it sounds like you had terrible luck with the last one

[Ray.Ward]

Originally Posted by Mendoza

Have test driven:

Octavia 2.0 Diesel
SAAB 9-3 150PS Diesel
BMW 520D
Laguna
Lexus IS200d

Not to start lots of arguments here.... I too went through the same thing and its difficult enough to source "automatics" which is probably why I ended up with the DSG - and as it happens the exact car I test drove.

I didn't like the 9-3 - felt too small and power delivery was nowhere near the same as the Skoda engine, of course not forgetting the equipment level.

The BMW is too 'plain' dashwise, but should give lots of room inside.
I have had a Megane and don't really want to go back to the plastic feel again and I didn't think the Lexus was in budget.....

I would be tempted by the Lexus, but again fairly small and depends really on cargo.

I am pleased with my 2.0TDi DSG. I Like the room inside and cabin feel. The torque is useful for heavy loads and think the DSG is the best Auto style gearbox I have ever had the pleasure of using..... having driven Mercedes, BMW, Lexus, Renault, Ford, Rover

As previously stated I would be torn between the styling of the VRs (i love the blue and the reflectors on the bumpers) and luxury to the L+K.

[bahnstormer vrs]

As it will be a Company Car, don't forget your BIK charge. The vRS will be the lower I think, but the DSG g'box will add to the cost on the L&K.

As is said above; Sporty - vRS; Luxury yacht (not barge) - L&K

[Mendoza]

Originally Posted by Ray.Ward

Not to start lots of arguments here.... I too went through the same thing and its difficult enough to source "automatics" which is probably why I ended up with the DSG - and as it happens the exact car I test drove.

I didn't like the 9-3 - felt too small and power delivery was nowhere near the same as the Skoda engine, of course not forgetting the equipment level.

The BMW is too 'plain' dashwise, but should give lots of room inside.
I have had a Megane and don't really want to go back to the plastic feel again and I didn't think the Lexus was in budget.....

I would be tempted by the Lexus, but again fairly small and depends really on cargo.

9-3 was too light on steering for twisty roads - didn't feel safe (but had excellent stereo)
Lexus had a bizarre gear ratio - unlikely to use 6th until you hit 85mph, engine seemed a bit tinny.
Loved the 520d but it's a lot of money for a badge with little spec.

[Mendoza]

Originally Posted by dstev2000

I would be tempted by the L&K (hold on, I have been )

But it all depends on what you want out of a car. If you want a luxo-barge then it will be the L&K. If it's a sporty number the vRS gets the vote.

Double check the terms on the free equipment upgrade on the vRS though as I ordered one a few days ago and it was touch and go whether I would get them for free

Welcome aboard by the way

When I read abou the free upgrades it said it was for retail sales only.

At the garage today the guy said I would also get it on a company lease - will double check if I decide to go for it thoug, cheers.

[Mendoza]

Thanks for the welcome and feedback btw

[bahnstormer vrs]

Originally Posted by Mendoza

When I read abou the free upgrades it said it was for retail sales only.

At the garage today the guy said I would also get it on a company lease - will double check if I decide to go for it thoug, cheers.

As an alternative; as a bone fide Company purchase you might be able to get your dealer to get 'support' for the deal from Skoda Business sales; either to get the dual climate/jumbo & 18s in the deal or perhap 3 years 'free' servicing.

[Bagpuss]

I only noticed the special deal on the vRS after I had placed my order, and signed the lease company paperwork. Given that my delivery was due for the first week of June, I was a little bit miffed that I was going to be paying for kit that others would get for free.

I brought this to the attention of the lease company, and they re-negotiated with the dealer on my behalf.

I've ended up getting free dual zone climate, which the dealer is paying for (as Skoda UK wouldn't). I hadn't ordered the 18's, so didn't bother trying to get them for free.

I'm pretty sure most dealers would be open to negotiation on this, as they usually won't want to upset a business customer.

Bagpuss.

[runboy]

Welcome! Good choice re the Octy, just which model is up to you now!

Loving my 2.0TDI L&K DSG! Fab car, goes well, fuel consumption is fab.

[Mendoza]

Right, went back to the garage today and drove the Diesel vRS & 2.0tdi DSG.

Very impressed by both - especially the vRS.

I've decided DSG is overkill for me as I mostly do motorway miles and like a clutch when I need one.

The vRS was good in town and on motorway, but as I already have a 'weekend' car I've decided to go for a bit more refinement for the commute, so the decision is:

L&K 2.0tdi Manual Hatch
Black Magic Pearl
Light Leather
+Front Parking Sensors

I'll be ordering Tuesday and no doubt checking back here when I get closer to delivery date.

Cheers

[Dr Zoidberg]

I'd be seriously tempted by the Octy Scout if I was choosing a new compancy car now

[Toneboy]

DSG box every time as it gives you the best of both worlds and my 2.0 TDI has enough whomph when I need to get around something quickly.