Skoda Yeti - and now Tiguan?

[Moodyman]

Petrol, diesel vehicles stink (especially for the poor cyclist stuck behind in traffic )

Indeed. Diesel is a dirty fuel and to make it meet the emissions regulations, there is a lot of wizardry that goes on under the bonnet - extra parts and computer sensors. All it takes is for one of those to fail for the car to bellow out gunk or to go into limp mode.

Running an older diesel can be hard on the wallet and often people will skimp on routine servicing as they view it as an in unnecessary expense.

 

[Bonefish Blues]

As the Yeti is no longer made, I presume you're buying used. In which case here are my thoughts.

I'd get a small engined petrol with front wheel drive.

Unless you're doing many off-road miles, a 4x4 just increases complexity and doesn't offer much in return. Bigger & more expensive tyres, taller & more complicated suspension reduces handling and is more expensive to fix when things go wrong. And on our potholed roads, they will. Example, tracking on a 4x4 usually costs more as they have to align all four wheels, rather than two.

If winter driving is a concern stick winter tyres on for 6 months. They're recommended for temperatures below 7/8 Celsius.

If you must have a Yeti, the petrol will be easier to live with for your mileage.

Alignment should always be all 4 wheels, but in all other respects we're in violent agreement

OP, FWD & All Seasons tyres (on all year, obvs) like Crossclimates and you're good.

 

[Moodyman]

Alignment should always be all 4 wheels, but in all other respects we're in violent agreement

OP, FWD & All Seasons tyres (on all year, obvs) like Crossclimates and you're good.

It's rare for the alignment to be out front and rear at the same time, so on 2 wheel drive cars they will often check where it's out and correct that end. Of course, they happily do all 4 if you're happy to pay, but it's not always required.

On 4x4s, because the 4 wheels are inter-dependent, they need to redo all 4 wheels even if only one side is out.

 

[Bonefish Blues]

It's rare for the alignment to be out front and rear at the same time, so on 2 wheel drive cars they will often check where it's out and correct that end. Of course, they happily do all 4 if you're happy to pay, but it's not always required.

On 4x4s, because the 4 wheels are inter-dependent, they need to redo all 4 wheels even if only one side is out.

Can you explain please?

 

[Drago]

Petrol.

 

[Proto]

Thanks all, very interesting comments and much in alignment with my own thinking.

Our location dictates a 4x4 is required (long (400m) , very steep (20%+), very bumpy, prone to frost/ice). My immediate neighbour, with whom I share the drive, has an ancient ratted Defender and a 4x4 Tiguan. He says he needs 4x4 and I believe him.

Deffo don’t want a DSG gearbox, I’ve never liked auto, or semi-auto. Noisier, clunkier, thirstier, less reliable. I’ve never understood the appeal. I much prefer manual. My wife is off the same opinion.

All season tyres will be fitted as sensible opportunity arises.

And, yep, I think I’ll go for petrol. Autotrader here I come!

 

[Bonefish Blues]

In your position (20%, ice etc) I'd likely be looking at 4x4, not AWD (which is what the Yeti is, never mind its badge ) at previous-gen Suzuki Vitaras, Subaru Foresters et al.

 

[NorthernDave]

The concensous seems to be that you need to be doing 15k a year to make diesel pay now.
I switched from diesel (55mpg) to petrol last year (48mpg, so far) for that reason.

Modern diesels also do not like doing low mileages - several lease companies specifically advise against getting a diesel if you only do low mileage or have infrequent use.

 

[vickster]

Thanks all, very interesting comments and much in alignment with my own thinking.

Our location dictates a 4x4 is required (long (400m) , very steep (20%+), very bumpy, prone to frost/ice). My immediate neighbour, with whom I share the drive, has an ancient ratted Defender and a 4x4 Tiguan. He says he needs 4x4 and I believe him.

Deffo don’t want a DSG gearbox, I’ve never liked auto, or semi-auto. Noisier, clunkier, thirstier, less reliable. I’ve never understood the appeal. I much prefer manual. My wife is off the same opinion.

All season tyres will be fitted as sensible opportunity arises.

And, yep, I think I’ll go for petrol. Autotrader here I come!

I have automatic as unfortunately my knackered left knee won't do a clutch any more! The DSG is a fantastic gearbox, no moise, clunks, no reliability issues.
And I get 35mpg+ in a 180hp car which spends its life doing under 40mph which is no worse than the manual equivalent (it may even be slightly better from memory!)

 

[Bonefish Blues]

I have automatic as unfortunately my knackered left knee won't do a clutch any more! The DSG is a fantastic gearbox, no moise, clunks, no reliability issues.
And I get 35mpg+ in a 180hp car which spends its life doing under 40mph which is no worse than the manual equivalent (it may even be slightly better from memory!)

It is now. It hasn't always been

 

[vickster]

It is now. It hasn't always been

Mine's a 2012, I can't speak to earlier variants - the OP is looking at a car that likely won't be that old

 

[Bonefish Blues]

Mine's a 2012, I can't speak to earlier variants - the OP is looking at a car that likely won't be that old

There were quite well-publicised issues with the early iterations of DSG, which could leave a pause before drive came in (heart-stopping on a roundabout when trying to step off smartly), and they were also keener than they should have been on lunching their internals

 

[vickster]

There were quite well-publicised issues with the early iterations of DSG, which could leave a pause before drive came in (heart-stopping on a roundabout when trying to step off smartly), and they were also keener than they should have been on lunching their internals

But the OP isn't buying an older car so the point is moot Yeti only launched in 2009

 

[Proto]

But the OP isn't buying an older car so the point is moot Yeti only launched in 2009

I’d be buying 2014 or newer, but won’t be buying a DSG.

I always think that auto gearboxes are for people who don’t like driving, and I quite like driving.

 

[vickster]

I’d be buying 2014 or newer, but won’t be buying a DSG.

I always think that auto gearboxes are for people who don’t like driving, and I quite like driving.

Fair enough if that's your view (it's not why I have one)