Octy free spec upgrade

StuartA · 13-07-2007, 16:02

Quote:

Quote:Autowipers: It's rained pretty much non-stop since I got my Octy (two weeks ago) and the auto-wipers work well and much less annoying than a fixed-interval intermittent wipe which wipes when the screen's dry.

Give it time. They will soon get on your T*Ts I have had them for 4 years now and hate them.

I had this feature in my last car, the Peugeot 307 SW SE which I had for four years and it never annoyed me - I always liked it.

Quote:

Quote:Auto-lights: The scenario you suggest never happened once in the four years I used this feature in a Peugeot 307 SW SE.

Then I would suggest they don't work correctly. They should come on in low light.
You will get low light in a car park under a wide bridge or a very overcast day.

You misunderstand me, the auto-lights function worked perfectly (unlike many aspects of the 307 but that's another story). What never happened was the incident involving a large, surly gent in a car park confrontation!

derbyjon · 13-08-2007, 14:02

I've only just realised the free spec upgrade applies to 2007MY only. Would I lose anything worthwhile compared to 2008MY?

lfc4me · 13-08-2007, 14:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by derbyjon

I've only just realised the free spec upgrade applies to 2007MY only. Would I lose anything worthwhile compared to 2008MY?

I don't believe that to be the case. I was told by a dealer that it applied to factory orders too.

**VRStu** · 13-08-2007, 15:13

If you order a factory order now it will be a 2008MY car. I'm pretty sure the offer applies on cars registered before 30th September.

Marcus100 · 13-08-2007, 20:11

My dealer didn't put an end date on the offer.

Will check this out tomorrow.

**VRStu** · 14-08-2007, 09:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcus100

My dealer didn't put an end date on the offer.

That may be so but he will be bound by Skoda Uk's terms. That said he may have enough margin in the selling price to you to cover the cost if he gets his fingers burnt.

It's also possible SUK will extend the offer again.

bigjim73 · 26-08-2007, 21:59

I went into my dealer on Friday to give them insurance details for my new 170 VRS, which I was supposed to be picking up next Saturday, I asked to have a sneaky peak of the car, and you can imagine how gutted I was when NONE of the free upgrade bits are fitted to the car!!!

I ordered the car in June and the free upgrades deal was around then (the dealer virtually wet himself telling me about it.)!
Any one got any suggestions??

Can the parts be retro fitted or should I hang out for another 12 weeks for the right car???

nicanon · 26-08-2007, 23:55

I'm looking to buy a new VRS and have spoken to 3 dealers who have all consulted the national computer based ordering system to check availability of 'free upgrade' stock ie. vehicles already built, in the UK, fitted with the upgrade items and usually also fitted with rear parking sensors and cruise control. Two out of three dealers have offered me a 'free upgrade' car at the basic OTR price less about £1k for cash with almost immediate delivery. As I didn't want any of the 'free upgrade' items I haggled and both dealers offered me additional discount equivalent to the value of the upgrade items, as long as I ordered the car before 30 September ( which I did ).

In other words, it's not a free upgrade ( on the VRS at any rate ), it's a promotion aimed at encouraging sales by offering cars from stock with pre-fitted optional extras ( which Skoda will be making a greater than normal profit on ).

BigJim. I wonder what happened to your order ? If it was in stock in the UK, maybe it was passed to another customer ? If there are no similar cars already in the UK you could be looking at 12 weeks ( see comments elsewhere ) for a new car to be built to your spec.

dstev2000 · 27-08-2007, 00:04

When I ordered SWMBO's vRS there was no badgering about stock cars as the spec list was rather long.

The car also came with the free upgrade items, however the dealer could not guarantee the car would be fitted with them so I ordered them with the car and if necessary they could be haggled over when the time came, that way the extras are guaranteed to be there and it's much easier to fight over them if they are fitted than if they are not!

My life would not have been worth living if the car arrived without them!

Can I ask why you don't want any of the upgrade items??

**VRStu** · 27-08-2007, 09:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by nicanon

In other words, it's not a free upgrade ( on the VRS at any rate ), it's a promotion aimed at encouraging sales by offering cars from stock with pre-fitted optional extras ( which Skoda will be making a greater than normal profit on ).

As I have explained to you before, I think you mis understand the concept of the offer. The items are included in the cost of the OTR price of the new car. So if for instance you had ordered a vRS TDi with no options it would cost you £18570. That car, if registered before the 30th September, would arrive with a Jumbo Box, Dual Zone Climate and 18" wheels as well as 3 years free servicing. You would have still only paid £18570, no one is ripping you off and there isn't any more profit in it, in fact there is less as the dealer has to make a contribution towards the extra's.

It wasn't only available on cars from stock, it was available on cars ordered from the factory - you just weren't in time to take advantage of that.

You don't understand the offer, you weren't able to take advantage and to be honest you didn't really want it. What you have done is negotiated a deal with your dealer for a diferent spec car.

Aspman · 27-08-2007, 10:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by nicanon

In other words, it's not a free upgrade ( on the VRS at any rate ), it's a promotion aimed at encouraging sales by offering cars from stock with pre-fitted optional extras ( which Skoda will be making a greater than normal profit on ).

Nope. No stock in the UK when I ordered. Mine was a factory build.

derbyjon · 27-08-2007, 14:48

I emailed Skoda UK last week to ask them to clear up the free kit offer situation as my local dealer had said I could no longer place a factory order that would qualify for the freebies.

They phoned me Friday afternoon. The offer applies to any vRS ordered and tagged by the end of September. In other words if you walk into a dealer on 28th September, order a factory build to arrive (at a guess) mid December, then providing they complete the paperwork and get your order onto the system by the last day of September you will get the £900 worth of free kit. Skoda UK asked for the name of the dealer and the salesman who'd told me incorrect information so they could educate them.

I ordered a diesel vRS hatch from incoming stock (obviously with the freebies) on Friday evening. My discount from OTR was £1,800 (£2,700 if you count the freebies). On the way down to order it, my local dealer phoned wanting to know when I wanted to go in and order the car. Too late muchachos!

nicanon · 27-08-2007, 15:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aspman

Nope. No stock in the UK when I ordered. Mine was a factory build.

The offer also applies to factory build cars ordered before end of September, according to the dealers I contacted. For those who don't want to wait for a factory built car there are several cars fitted with the upgrade options already in the UK. In the case of the model I was looking for the only cars immediately available had the upgrade items fitted - not so surprising as the eye-catching 'free upgrade' would need a strong element of availability for it to be effective ( effective = selling more cars ).

I chose not to have all of the extras and took additional discount in lieu of the upgrade items I didn't want. I wasn't offered this, I had to ask for it, but having asked both dealers admitted they had the flexibility to offer discount in exchange for upgrade items. So, I'm happy and nobody is being ripped off. But 'free upgrade' ? I would argue that for the offer to live up to its title it should be possible to agree a lowest price ( and I do a mean the lowest price possible ) with a dealer, for a basic car, then ask for the upgrade offer items for free - not so, based on my experience with two separate dealers. If you are in the market for a basic VRS and a dealer gives you his lowest price, then tells you there is currently an upgrade offer which means you get the 18" wheels and the plus pack for free, you will know the dealer hasn't given you his lowest price.

bigjim73 · 27-08-2007, 19:49

Let me clarify

I wanted the car straight away, (not too worried about whether it was an 07 or 57) but there were none in the country with my spec, I only wanted cruise and zenons as extras.

I was told it was a factory order of 10-12 weeks, so it was ordered on June 8th, for delivery on 1st September.

The car has been delivered, and I had a peek at it, but it does not have one of the free upgrade bits on it!

I am sorely tempted to tell the dealer to stick the car where the sun don't shine. But am I shooting myself in the foot, can the extras be retrospectively fitted?

Marcus100 · 27-08-2007, 20:17

Mine, to be collected Sept 1st, has most of the upgrade bits on it apart from 18 inch wheels, but mine has cruise and is a bit cheaper! It came from Skoda stock and at that point, a couple of weeks ago, there were plenty with the option pack as long as you weren't too fussy about colour. That could have changed by now obviously.

**VRStu** · 27-08-2007, 22:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigjim73

Let me clarify

I wanted the car straight away, (not too worried about whether it was an 07 or 57) but there were none in the country with my spec, I only wanted cruise and zenons as extras.

I was told it was a factory order of 10-12 weeks, so it was ordered on June 8th, for delivery on 1st September.

The car has been delivered, and I had a peek at it, but it does not have one of the free upgrade bits on it!

I am sorely tempted to tell the dealer to stick the car where the sun don't shine. But am I shooting myself in the foot, can the extras be retrospectively fitted?

I wouldn't take it if it's not what you ordered. Thinking in resale terms due to the higher number of cars that are fitted with the desirable upgrades yours will probably be worth less.

bigjim73 · 28-08-2007, 10:13

OK, just got off of the phone to the dealer, who I am not going to name at the moment...

He reckons that the VRS upgrade was not available to business customers (which is bull as it is advertised in the business section of the Skoda website)

Conveniently the manager is away for a week so I am told (I ask you, what dealer principle is away from the dealership on one their busiest fortnights???)

I have suggested he contact Skoda UK, or I will !

I have confirmed through another couple of dealers that the upgrade is available until 31st September, (and possibly beyond although none can confirm that) and has been available for the last 6 months. Unfortunately if I have to order another car it will be 8 weeks, and I will have to pay for what I should have got free!!!

What to do???

I'll keep you updated!

sworrall · 28-08-2007, 10:19

if they dont come back to you id play holy hell to skoda uk. i wouldnt want a car thats missing over a thousand pounds worth of free extras when it looks like the dealership has cocked up. (plus i couldnt live without the climate)

motr · 28-08-2007, 10:37

Yes, i'd bypass the dealer and go to Skoda direct. The dealer obviously feels he has done his bit, although, it does state this on the VRS page on the Skoda website:

Offer applies to all new Octavia (A5) vRS models. 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 (model year 07 vehicles only - from week commencing 29/06/06). Model shown is New Octavia vRS Hatchback 2.0 FSI 200bhp at £18,075RRP including optional metallic paint at £350RRP. Retail sales only.

It states from W/c 29th June.

**VRStu** · 28-08-2007, 10:45

I would certainly make sure you have appraised SUK of the situation.

bigjim73 · 28-08-2007, 10:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by VRStu

I would certainly make sure you have appraised SUK of the situation.

This is like a mini saga...

I have just got off of the phone to SUK, who are very helpful, (and scarily cheerful) they have confirmed to me that the deal is also for business users, and has run for the last 6 months.

They also confirmed that when I tell my current dealer to poke his car, that as long as the replacement is ordered and the paperwork is sorted by 30th September then I will still qualify for the free upgrade bits.

My only concern is why did Skoda build it without the bits, do you think the dealer has done the dirty on me and not ticked all the boxes because our transport manager screwed him through the floor to get a good price???

**VRStu** · 28-08-2007, 11:00

It can be a **** up in the ordering system. I know a dealer that has a car without the Jumbo and Dual Zone. The items, although included, still have to be ordered AFAIK.

bigjim73 · 28-08-2007, 13:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by VRStu

It can be a **** up in the ordering system. I know a dealer that has a car without the Jumbo and Dual Zone. The items, although included, still have to be ordered AFAIK.

A **** up in the dealership is the official version, they reckon that anyone ordering a skoda through a business in the first 2 weeks of Q3 will not get the upgrades, apparantly there was an amendment which added them back on after the 2 weeks???

I personally reckon I am being spun a very long line, I have offered to accept the car if the can retro fit the wheels, climate and jumbo box, and add on my dog guard, boot mat and a towbar as goodwill

They are getting back to me tomorrow, so here's hoping!

bigjim73 · 28-08-2007, 16:24

Little birdy just told me that if the upgrade pack is not ordered with the car then the dealership gets a bonus...

derbyjon · 28-08-2007, 17:09

Email confirmation from Skoda UK:

Quote:

I was delighted to learn of your interest in the Octavia vRS.

I can confirm that the vRS upgrade offer is valid on all retail factory build orders that are placed and tagged by the Approved Skoda retailer before the end of quarter 3, 30 September 2007.

I shall contact the Sales Manager at Xxxxxxx to ensure the Sales team is aware of this. Please accept my apologies for any in inconvenience you may have been caused.

Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention and I trust I have been able to clarify this matter.

13-08-2007, 14:02	#52
derbyjon Briskodian Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Leeds Posts: 66 Members Car: Octavia vRS TDI Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Octy free spec upgrade I've only just realised the free spec upgrade applies to 2007MY only. Would I lose anything worthwhile compared to 2008MY?

13-08-2007, 15:13	#54
VRStu Txt Spk Police Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Hampshire Posts: 20,847 Members Car: Audi S3 Thanks: 145 Thanked 999 Times in 895 Posts	Re: Octy free spec upgrade If you order a factory order now it will be a 2008MY car. I'm pretty sure the offer applies on cars registered before 30th September. __________________ Stu Stu's Websites - http://www.fabia-vrs.com & http://www.octavia-vrs.com Stu's Car - 2008 Audi S3 - Ibis White, Black Optics Pack, Privacy Glass, Auto Bi Xenon Headlights, Rain Sensing Wipers, Bose Sound System, Ipod Prep, GSM Phone Prep, Flat Bottom Multi Function Steering Wheel, Electric Folding Mirrors, Acoustic Parking, Cruise Control, Interior Light Pack, Non Smokers Pack. SWMBO's Car - 2008 Seat LEON TDi Stylance, Black Magic, Sports Pack, Rear Parking Sensors. Something for Weekend - A Patio

13-08-2007, 20:11	#55
Marcus100 Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Aberdeenshire Posts: 170 Members Car: Octavia vRS TDi Estate Thanks: 14 Thanked 8 Times in 8 Posts	Re: Octy free spec upgrade My dealer didn't put an end date on the offer. Will check this out tomorrow.

26-08-2007, 21:59	#57
bigjim73 Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Essex Posts: 68 Members Car: 57 Octavia Vrs Tdi Race Blue Thanks: 6 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Octy free spec upgrade I went into my dealer on Friday to give them insurance details for my new 170 VRS, which I was supposed to be picking up next Saturday, I asked to have a sneaky peak of the car, and you can imagine how gutted I was when NONE of the free upgrade bits are fitted to the car!!! I ordered the car in June and the free upgrades deal was around then (the dealer virtually wet himself telling me about it.)! Any one got any suggestions?? Can the parts be retro fitted or should I hang out for another 12 weeks for the right car???

26-08-2007, 23:55	#58
nicanon Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 9 Members Car: Thanks: 4 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Octy free spec upgrade I'm looking to buy a new VRS and have spoken to 3 dealers who have all consulted the national computer based ordering system to check availability of 'free upgrade' stock ie. vehicles already built, in the UK, fitted with the upgrade items and usually also fitted with rear parking sensors and cruise control. Two out of three dealers have offered me a 'free upgrade' car at the basic OTR price less about £1k for cash with almost immediate delivery. As I didn't want any of the 'free upgrade' items I haggled and both dealers offered me additional discount equivalent to the value of the upgrade items, as long as I ordered the car before 30 September ( which I did ). In other words, it's not a free upgrade ( on the VRS at any rate ), it's a promotion aimed at encouraging sales by offering cars from stock with pre-fitted optional extras ( which Skoda will be making a greater than normal profit on ). BigJim. I wonder what happened to your order ? If it was in stock in the UK, maybe it was passed to another customer ? If there are no similar cars already in the UK you could be looking at 12 weeks ( see comments elsewhere ) for a new car to be built to your spec.

27-08-2007, 00:04	#59
dstev2000 Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Back in the Green Posts: 4,036 Members Car: 2 Octavia II's, an L&K combi and a vRS hatch. Thanks: 48 Thanked 168 Times in 153 Posts	Re: Octy free spec upgrade When I ordered SWMBO's vRS there was no badgering about stock cars as the spec list was rather long. The car also came with the free upgrade items, however the dealer could not guarantee the car would be fitted with them so I ordered them with the car and if necessary they could be haggled over when the time came, that way the extras are guaranteed to be there and it's much easier to fight over them if they are fitted than if they are not! My life would not have been worth living if the car arrived without them! Can I ask why you don't want any of the upgrade items?? __________________ MY08 L&K: Black-Estate-Diesel-Sunset Glass-MFD2-W8 Interior light-Colour coded door strips-LED sidelights and Puddle lights-VAG-COM fettled-Lovely! SWMBO's: MY08 vRS TDI - Standard

27-08-2007, 14:48	#62
derbyjon Briskodian Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Leeds Posts: 66 Members Car: Octavia vRS TDI Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Octy free spec upgrade I emailed Skoda UK last week to ask them to clear up the free kit offer situation as my local dealer had said I could no longer place a factory order that would qualify for the freebies. They phoned me Friday afternoon. The offer applies to any vRS ordered and tagged by the end of September. In other words if you walk into a dealer on 28th September, order a factory build to arrive (at a guess) mid December, then providing they complete the paperwork and get your order onto the system by the last day of September you will get the £900 worth of free kit. Skoda UK asked for the name of the dealer and the salesman who'd told me incorrect information so they could educate them. I ordered a diesel vRS hatch from incoming stock (obviously with the freebies) on Friday evening. My discount from OTR was £1,800 (£2,700 if you count the freebies). On the way down to order it, my local dealer phoned wanting to know when I wanted to go in and order the car. Too late muchachos!

27-08-2007, 19:49	#64
bigjim73 Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Essex Posts: 68 Members Car: 57 Octavia Vrs Tdi Race Blue Thanks: 6 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Octy free spec upgrade Let me clarify I wanted the car straight away, (not too worried about whether it was an 07 or 57) but there were none in the country with my spec, I only wanted cruise and zenons as extras. I was told it was a factory order of 10-12 weeks, so it was ordered on June 8th, for delivery on 1st September. The car has been delivered, and I had a peek at it, but it does not have one of the free upgrade bits on it! I am sorely tempted to tell the dealer to stick the car where the sun don't shine. But am I shooting myself in the foot, can the extras be retrospectively fitted?

27-08-2007, 20:17	#65
Marcus100 Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Aberdeenshire Posts: 170 Members Car: Octavia vRS TDi Estate Thanks: 14 Thanked 8 Times in 8 Posts	Re: Octy free spec upgrade Mine, to be collected Sept 1st, has most of the upgrade bits on it apart from 18 inch wheels, but mine has cruise and is a bit cheaper! It came from Skoda stock and at that point, a couple of weeks ago, there were plenty with the option pack as long as you weren't too fussy about colour. That could have changed by now obviously. __________________ 2007 Skoda Octavis vRS TDi Estate, pulling a 2008 Bailey Pageant Series 6 Majestic

28-08-2007, 10:13	#67
bigjim73 Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Essex Posts: 68 Members Car: 57 Octavia Vrs Tdi Race Blue Thanks: 6 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Octy free spec upgrade OK, just got off of the phone to the dealer, who I am not going to name at the moment... He reckons that the VRS upgrade was not available to business customers (which is bull as it is advertised in the business section of the Skoda website) Conveniently the manager is away for a week so I am told (I ask you, what dealer principle is away from the dealership on one their busiest fortnights???) I have suggested he contact Skoda UK, or I will ! I have confirmed through another couple of dealers that the upgrade is available until 31st September, (and possibly beyond although none can confirm that) and has been available for the last 6 months. Unfortunately if I have to order another car it will be 8 weeks, and I will have to pay for what I should have got free!!! What to do??? I'll keep you updated!

28-08-2007, 10:19	#68
sworrall Briskodian Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: North Wales Posts: 725 Members Car: Octavia II VRS Estate CR2.0tdi in Race Blue Thanks: 123 Thanked 39 Times in 35 Posts	Re: Octy free spec upgrade if they dont come back to you id play holy hell to skoda uk. i wouldnt want a car thats missing over a thousand pounds worth of free extras when it looks like the dealership has cocked up. (plus i couldnt live without the climate) __________________ 2008 OctyII VRS Estate CR 2.0Tdi Race Blue - 18" Zeniths - Sunset Glass - Maxidot - Dual Zone - Cruise - Jumbo Box/Rear Elec - Rear park - Active headrests - Curtain Airbags - MFD2 & OEM Bluetooth my flickr Photos

28-08-2007, 10:37	#69
motr Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 455 Members Car: Thanks: 1 Thanked 11 Times in 11 Posts	Re: Octy free spec upgrade Yes, i'd bypass the dealer and go to Skoda direct. The dealer obviously feels he has done his bit, although, it does state this on the VRS page on the Skoda website: Offer applies to all new Octavia (A5) vRS models. 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 (model year 07 vehicles only - from week commencing 29/06/06). Model shown is New Octavia vRS Hatchback 2.0 FSI 200bhp at £18,075RRP including optional metallic paint at £350RRP. Retail sales only. It states from W/c 29th June.

28-08-2007, 10:45	#70
VRStu Txt Spk Police Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Hampshire Posts: 20,847 Members Car: Audi S3 Thanks: 145 Thanked 999 Times in 895 Posts	Re: Octy free spec upgrade I would certainly make sure you have appraised SUK of the situation. __________________ Stu Stu's Websites - http://www.fabia-vrs.com & http://www.octavia-vrs.com Stu's Car - 2008 Audi S3 - Ibis White, Black Optics Pack, Privacy Glass, Auto Bi Xenon Headlights, Rain Sensing Wipers, Bose Sound System, Ipod Prep, GSM Phone Prep, Flat Bottom Multi Function Steering Wheel, Electric Folding Mirrors, Acoustic Parking, Cruise Control, Interior Light Pack, Non Smokers Pack. SWMBO's Car - 2008 Seat LEON TDi Stylance, Black Magic, Sports Pack, Rear Parking Sensors. Something for Weekend - A Patio

28-08-2007, 11:00	#72
VRStu Txt Spk Police Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Hampshire Posts: 20,847 Members Car: Audi S3 Thanks: 145 Thanked 999 Times in 895 Posts	Re: Octy free spec upgrade It can be a ** up in the ordering system. I know a dealer that has a car without the Jumbo and Dual Zone. The items, although included, still have to be ordered AFAIK. __________________ Stu Stu's Websites - http://www.fabia-vrs.com & http://www.octavia-vrs.com Stu's Car - 2008 Audi S3 - Ibis White, Black Optics Pack, Privacy Glass, Auto Bi Xenon Headlights, Rain Sensing Wipers, Bose Sound System, Ipod Prep, GSM Phone Prep, Flat Bottom Multi Function Steering Wheel, Electric Folding Mirrors, Acoustic Parking, Cruise Control, Interior Light Pack, Non Smokers Pack. SWMBO's Car - 2008 Seat LEON TDi Stylance, Black Magic, Sports Pack, Rear Parking Sensors. Something for Weekend -** A Patio

28-08-2007, 16:24	#74
bigjim73 Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Essex Posts: 68 Members Car: 57 Octavia Vrs Tdi Race Blue Thanks: 6 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Octy free spec upgrade Little birdy just told me that if the upgrade pack is not ordered with the car then the dealership gets a bonus... __________________ Mine: 57 Octy Vrs Estate 170, Race blue, cruise & Zenons SWMBO's: 55 Fabia Vrs