As a PetrolHead what have I just done?

[kevinday]

I sometimes think I must be totally mad!

In a previous thread I mentioned my daily driver (Toyota Hilux) had been stolen and now I have just bought a replacement. Well I suppose half a replacement is a better description, because I intend to buy a 'sensible' family car as well (note, I expect to be able to buy a proper sports car, Porsche or similar, in about a year). The 'half' replacement is an 18 month old 4wd with just 17k km on the clock and cost just £3,650. So what is it?? a Lada Niva. This is the 'new' version with a 1.7i engine. Having driven about 100 miles now I can confirm they are rather basic, no power steering etc. Standard spec. includes a heated rear window and a two speed heater blower. The drive train (5 speed box, with hi/lo and 2/4 wheel drive transfer box) is best described as functional, at worst as agricultural, there is enough 'shunt' to keep a 100 wagon train happy! However, value for money it cannot be beaten. This will be used to cart the dogs around (1 German Shepherd and 2 Golden Retrievers) and to get me to the station for work. It will go off-road every day so 4wd is necessary. I am amazed it is actually quite comfortable, the seats are very good. I can watch the rev-counter (yes, it has one) and pretend I am in a sports car I suppose.

Unfortunately I cannot buy the family motor until the insurance company coughs up. For the family motor I am even considering a Skoda! The Octavia is well engineered and much cheaper than the practically identical Passat.

I know you are all going to but don't take the p*** too much (please).

[big rumbly]

Kevin,
try the Octavia RS, a friend in my car club has one, and swears by it (not at it)
Regards
Big Rumbly

[kevinday]

Agreed, but, my wife will drive it, so the TDi is probably a better bet, the 'need for speed' will be satisfied by the 911 (when I get it).

[DIGGA]

Kevin,
Sensible man! As you may have picked up from other threads (see 'Tonka' in News) I'm a dedicated fan of pick-ups & 4x4's. The loadbeds are tailor made for carting home cheap booze, household debris to the tip, and the safe movement of old & incontinent relatives.

Adding a Skoda as the 'sensible' car seems an excellent idea. I mean unless you're a badge snob, what IS the difference between that and any similar spec. VW Audi?

Marcus
& Ocean Haze Griff 500

[McNab]

The 'old' Skoda image is dead and buried now. The Octavia would be an escellent choice IMHO!

[domster]

I quite like that little Fabia, in silver, TDi engine.

There. I said it.

[ZZR600]

The 'old' Skoda image is dead and buried now.



try telling that to thier advertising dept

[domster]

I think they feel they may have been responsible in a post-modern irony kinda way!!!

However, everyone knows that it was getting Volkswagen to build 'em properly that changed the company around.

Cheers
Domster

[Dave_H]

Kevin,

I'm not going to rib you, you had your reasons, and there's nothing wrong with having a Eurobox yawnmobile to do all the boring driving with - even if it's a Skoda, and deep down you're a petrolHead at heart and will get what you want in the end.

In the meantime, maybe Clive from Zertec will make some add ons for the Skoda?

Cheers,

Dave.

[Fatboy]

Just to be a sad Git, the Octavia is actually based on the VW Bora Platform, not the Passat, and if they did a 4x4 turbo saloon (with the TT 225BHP engine), I would most definately want one (though I'd probably buy the Tdi as it's supposed to be great too)

[Roadrunner]

I know it's just your second car, runaround etc, but isn't it worth paying an extra grand or so to get the vw badge? I know there's not actually much difference in purchase price but I bet it's a larger margin come trade in time.

[kevinday]

For the money the insurance company will pay out it will be a 2 year old Octavia (or Pug 206 - the wife's choice) or a 4-5 year old Passat. My money goes to Skoda I think.

[beanbag]

wellll on this alternate badging theme.....I've just bought a Seat Alhambra for the other 'arf. 1.9TDi..my god...never thought I'd own an oil burner. Quite impressed really, sensible price and VW quality.
Still feels like driving a transit van though !!
Beanbag.