Skoda Yeti 1.2 petrol… opinions please
Discussion
Was considering a Duster, but not convinced.
Want something I can keep and use and abuse for a daily 50 mile commute but also clay shooting wagon and general dogsbody.
Needs to ride better than current bouncy as fk Ibiza FR but offer similar mpg with good reliability….
Seems to tick all the boxes to me ?
Want something I can keep and use and abuse for a daily 50 mile commute but also clay shooting wagon and general dogsbody.
Needs to ride better than current bouncy as fk Ibiza FR but offer similar mpg with good reliability….
Seems to tick all the boxes to me ?
I have been an admirer of the Yeti since I first sat in one at the Skoda dealership , we bought the Octavia VRS instead . Some years later an old couple round the corner bought one and he tells me he is well pleased with the Car . Another similar vehicle you may want to look at is the Kia Soul . Inevitably bought buy the same sort of Owner I picked up a one owner example for the sister with a full history and 42,000 miles for £4250 . This replaced a Toyota Aygo which I bought for similar money some years back and what a car that was , faultless apart from the usual consumables . I know next to nothing about the Kia but I was delighted to see many on the Autotrader having covered well north of 100,000 miles . The Dacia seems to have an avid following though personally I struggle with the looks . Perhaps you need to ask questions on the Models Forum to gauge the thoughts and opinions of those currently running the Duster.
ts itself? Or am I thinking of another engine? I'm a big fan of the Yeti.
Currently have two.
2.0l diesel 170 that I tow a caravan with. It's rated to tow 2oookgs so make short work of my 1250kg two berth.
Had that 6 years.
Also have a 2017 1.2 dsg.
This was bought 3 years ago for Mrs easty so I could replace the diesel with a different tow car.
But this hasn't happened as the two of them are just so good for what we need.
Had very little trouble with either of them.
Wonderfully different and capable.
Get one.
Currently have two.
2.0l diesel 170 that I tow a caravan with. It's rated to tow 2oookgs so make short work of my 1250kg two berth.
Had that 6 years.
Also have a 2017 1.2 dsg.
This was bought 3 years ago for Mrs easty so I could replace the diesel with a different tow car.
But this hasn't happened as the two of them are just so good for what we need.
Had very little trouble with either of them.
Wonderfully different and capable.
Get one.
It's probably worth doing your homework on the evolution (or not) of the 1.2TSI engine, so you know what you are looking at. For example, the 1.4TSI changed from cam-chain and direct injection-only to long-life cam belt (because they didn't make the cam chains properly) and mixed direct and port injection (to stop the inlet valves coking-up) in around 2013.
I’m delighted to hear of so many happy experiences of the Yeti but it’s worth bearing in mind that the OP makes reference to only the 1.2 engine variant . Owing to the Yeti no longer being made he will be considering a used vehicle perhaps one that’s been with several owners .
As in all things a good wodge of paperwork showing regular oil changes and service history is imperative as if the oil in particular has been neglected the engine will wear perhaps terminally . Doubtless there will be plenty online about this .
As in all things a good wodge of paperwork showing regular oil changes and service history is imperative as if the oil in particular has been neglected the engine will wear perhaps terminally . Doubtless there will be plenty online about this .
Turn7 said:
Was considering a Duster, but not convinced.
Want something I can keep and use and abuse for a daily 50 mile commute but also clay shooting wagon and general dogsbody.
Needs to ride better than current bouncy as fk Ibiza FR but offer similar mpg with good reliability….
Seems to tick all the boxes to me ?
It will use more oil than fuel.Want something I can keep and use and abuse for a daily 50 mile commute but also clay shooting wagon and general dogsbody.
Needs to ride better than current bouncy as fk Ibiza FR but offer similar mpg with good reliability….
Seems to tick all the boxes to me ?
reddiesel said:
As in all things a good wodge of paperwork showing regular oil changes and service history is imperative as if the oil in particular has been neglected the engine will wear perhaps terminally . Doubtless there will be plenty online about this .
I can't find anything online about this, but I did find:" I would avoid any built before mid 2012. The engines were very heavily revised from mid 2012, larger oil galleries/capacities, better lubrication and new and finally reasonably reliable camchain/tensioner design. Also better ignition leads with protection, pcv valves etc. Of course cars prior to this could be retrofitted with new camchains, but you have to be very careful the correct kit has been used and not just the old style (of which there were at least two variants)."
in the fourth post in this thread: https://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/461939-12-ts...
We leased a Yeti 1.2 ‘Monte Carlo’ in 2017 as it was such a good deal. It fitted into out lives so perfectly that we bought it from VWFS at the end of the lease, so we’ve now run it for 7 years / 30k miles.
I like the fact that it’s not very mumsy and seems to sit apart from the more usual suspects, such as qashquis / sportages. It also drives and handles really well. I’ve driven loads of other crossovers / SUVs and all felt very unconvincing during cornering, leaning uncomfortably onto the outside front tyre and with lifeless steering leaving you with no idea what’s going on. Conversely, I actually find the Yeti quite good fun - you can hussle it a bit and it’s quite rewarding. Honestly, it just feels pretty much like a Golf to me, of which I’ve owned and driven plenty.
It’s no powerhouse but it gets me and the family around well enough, even fully leaden and with a roof box when needed. Tends to average about 40mpg, although you’ll get more if your balance of driving is more towards faster open roads. With the DSG, it’s only pulling around 2400rpm in 7th at 70mph so very relaxing on the motorway.
I’ve not had any mechanical troubles or concerns with my Yeti. I believe the camchain engines could be problematic, but have heard no concerns with the later cambelt (circa post 2015) ones. Just service it in line with scheduling and it’ll be fine.
Any questions, just ask.
I like the fact that it’s not very mumsy and seems to sit apart from the more usual suspects, such as qashquis / sportages. It also drives and handles really well. I’ve driven loads of other crossovers / SUVs and all felt very unconvincing during cornering, leaning uncomfortably onto the outside front tyre and with lifeless steering leaving you with no idea what’s going on. Conversely, I actually find the Yeti quite good fun - you can hussle it a bit and it’s quite rewarding. Honestly, it just feels pretty much like a Golf to me, of which I’ve owned and driven plenty.
It’s no powerhouse but it gets me and the family around well enough, even fully leaden and with a roof box when needed. Tends to average about 40mpg, although you’ll get more if your balance of driving is more towards faster open roads. With the DSG, it’s only pulling around 2400rpm in 7th at 70mph so very relaxing on the motorway.
I’ve not had any mechanical troubles or concerns with my Yeti. I believe the camchain engines could be problematic, but have heard no concerns with the later cambelt (circa post 2015) ones. Just service it in line with scheduling and it’ll be fine.
Any questions, just ask.
trevalvole said:
I can't find anything online about this, but I did find:
" I would avoid any built before mid 2012. The engines were very heavily revised from mid 2012, larger oil galleries/capacities, better lubrication and new and finally reasonably reliable camchain/tensioner design. Also better ignition leads with protection, pcv valves etc. Of course cars prior to this could be retrofitted with new camchains, but you have to be very careful the correct kit has been used and not just the old style (of which there were at least two variants)."
in the fourth post in this thread: https://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/461939-12-ts...
https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/yeti/estate/used-review/n621#what-is-it-like" I would avoid any built before mid 2012. The engines were very heavily revised from mid 2012, larger oil galleries/capacities, better lubrication and new and finally reasonably reliable camchain/tensioner design. Also better ignition leads with protection, pcv valves etc. Of course cars prior to this could be retrofitted with new camchains, but you have to be very careful the correct kit has been used and not just the old style (of which there were at least two variants)."
in the fourth post in this thread: https://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/461939-12-ts...
For some reason I cant get the above link to work but there is a bit about the potential oil issue with the 1.2 Petrol engine here
Edited by reddiesel on Tuesday 28th May 16:14
We've had our 66 plate 1.2 manual for 3 years now. It's a decent family car; wished I'd convinced the Mrs to spend a bit more and get an Octavia estate though. Picked up a low mileage one for 10k when the equivalent aged Octavia were 14+
Handles surprisingly well for what it is, although the oddly wide tyres (225/17/50) are comparatively rare and expensive for anything decent. It's shape/profile is endearing and more interesting than the current crop of soft road-ers, but there is a price to pay for wind noise at motorway speeds and subsequent economy. High 30's, maybe very low 40's is what I get on all season tyres at 70mph for long trips. Around town you can baby it to mid 40's maybe low 50's if you drive like the majority of post retirement age owners.
Boot is decent size but the kids pram obliterates it. The novelty of the yeti is being able to take all the rear seats out entirely. This turns it into a mini van and you get a carrying capacity of the next class size (octavia), albeit you need somewhere to put the heavy seats. It's a decent big box shape too, but there is a bit of a lip on the boot lid/bumper, makes putting bigger/heavier stuff in a two man job due to extra height to lift over.
Reliability wise, ours has been mechanically fine; personally, I don't trust long service intervals so change oil at 9500 or yearly whichever comes first. The ea211 is a bit noisey at start up but other than a stuck turbo actuator (common vag problem) when we first got it, has given no issues and pulls well enough. Power is best described as peppy but the early grunt tails off and it can struggle on steep hills in 6th. I'd say it could use an extra 20 or so bhp from the standard 110. Depending on age, your ibiza FR may have either the same engine or even the slightly more powerful 1.4 version, the yeti has a fair bit more weight to carry around so it does feel a bit more sluggish. Dad has the same 1.2 in a 17-plate fabia estate and it certainly feels a chunk quicker than our yeti.
There are some gripes with interior trim getting a bit rattly but it scrubs up well enough and copes with toddler detritus and general neglect rather well, as long as you don't mind the hard plastic below the dash pad. The cabin feels bright and airy with the taller head height. Fancier models (1.4 L&K) had panoramic roofs which had a tendency to get blocked drains and leak so best avoided. Also, our radio randomly failed about a year into ownership (again fairly common vag thing) so was replaced with a china special android auto/car play unit. The standard SE and up models do have android auto/carplay but it's software locked so needs a dealer code to unlock.
Bare in mind the youngest models at now 7 years old so hardly in the first flush of youth and is based on a random assortment of vag parts bin, mainly mk5 golf and onwards. Objectively I'd say there are better cars available now, even the Karoq that replaced it is technically better albeit a much blander design.
You mentioned bouncy ride being a prime driver to replace your ibiza; whilst the yeti does ride well in the front, and the high riding suspension is composed and compliant over the rough stuff, I've got quite car sick sat in the back with the toddler before as the ride in the rear is quite bouncy/jolty. I might try new dampers, as I've heard these can go on vags at the 50k range. I suspect it might just be less weight on the independent rear suspension designed primarily for the heavier diesel and 4x4 versions with the rear diffs missing from the fwd 1.2s.
If you're set on a petrol yeti, try to find a 15 plate onwards as the earlier pre-ea211 chain driven engines had issues with burning oil and were generally less reliable. The same is true of all small displacement vag group petrols in the mid 2000's really, best avoided!
Overall we've been happy with it, it's not cost a lot to maintain other than usual consumables and works well as a young family car. We chose it over a similar priced fabia estate due to the more practical boot shape and easier to get the then baby in and our of car seat at higher height. If you're after a golf-sized car on stilts at lower cost than equivalent golf, you can't go wrong, personally I'm eyeing up the neighbours octavia vrs estate with great envy...
Handles surprisingly well for what it is, although the oddly wide tyres (225/17/50) are comparatively rare and expensive for anything decent. It's shape/profile is endearing and more interesting than the current crop of soft road-ers, but there is a price to pay for wind noise at motorway speeds and subsequent economy. High 30's, maybe very low 40's is what I get on all season tyres at 70mph for long trips. Around town you can baby it to mid 40's maybe low 50's if you drive like the majority of post retirement age owners.
Boot is decent size but the kids pram obliterates it. The novelty of the yeti is being able to take all the rear seats out entirely. This turns it into a mini van and you get a carrying capacity of the next class size (octavia), albeit you need somewhere to put the heavy seats. It's a decent big box shape too, but there is a bit of a lip on the boot lid/bumper, makes putting bigger/heavier stuff in a two man job due to extra height to lift over.
Reliability wise, ours has been mechanically fine; personally, I don't trust long service intervals so change oil at 9500 or yearly whichever comes first. The ea211 is a bit noisey at start up but other than a stuck turbo actuator (common vag problem) when we first got it, has given no issues and pulls well enough. Power is best described as peppy but the early grunt tails off and it can struggle on steep hills in 6th. I'd say it could use an extra 20 or so bhp from the standard 110. Depending on age, your ibiza FR may have either the same engine or even the slightly more powerful 1.4 version, the yeti has a fair bit more weight to carry around so it does feel a bit more sluggish. Dad has the same 1.2 in a 17-plate fabia estate and it certainly feels a chunk quicker than our yeti.
There are some gripes with interior trim getting a bit rattly but it scrubs up well enough and copes with toddler detritus and general neglect rather well, as long as you don't mind the hard plastic below the dash pad. The cabin feels bright and airy with the taller head height. Fancier models (1.4 L&K) had panoramic roofs which had a tendency to get blocked drains and leak so best avoided. Also, our radio randomly failed about a year into ownership (again fairly common vag thing) so was replaced with a china special android auto/car play unit. The standard SE and up models do have android auto/carplay but it's software locked so needs a dealer code to unlock.
Bare in mind the youngest models at now 7 years old so hardly in the first flush of youth and is based on a random assortment of vag parts bin, mainly mk5 golf and onwards. Objectively I'd say there are better cars available now, even the Karoq that replaced it is technically better albeit a much blander design.
You mentioned bouncy ride being a prime driver to replace your ibiza; whilst the yeti does ride well in the front, and the high riding suspension is composed and compliant over the rough stuff, I've got quite car sick sat in the back with the toddler before as the ride in the rear is quite bouncy/jolty. I might try new dampers, as I've heard these can go on vags at the 50k range. I suspect it might just be less weight on the independent rear suspension designed primarily for the heavier diesel and 4x4 versions with the rear diffs missing from the fwd 1.2s.
If you're set on a petrol yeti, try to find a 15 plate onwards as the earlier pre-ea211 chain driven engines had issues with burning oil and were generally less reliable. The same is true of all small displacement vag group petrols in the mid 2000's really, best avoided!
Overall we've been happy with it, it's not cost a lot to maintain other than usual consumables and works well as a young family car. We chose it over a similar priced fabia estate due to the more practical boot shape and easier to get the then baby in and our of car seat at higher height. If you're after a golf-sized car on stilts at lower cost than equivalent golf, you can't go wrong, personally I'm eyeing up the neighbours octavia vrs estate with great envy...
Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff