Seriously looking at a new Skoda

[aslsw]

Yes, that's what I'm trying to do now. Instead of taking the packaging companies' budgets, come up with my own budget - hence my questions. I think they assume that most people don't know how much it costs to run a car and will just take their word on it.

I did actually ring AAMI for a quote, and they quoted just on $900 (ACT). The only difference I can see is the packaging companies offer insurance covering the gap between market value and outstanding lease commitments - but $400 worth?!?

And of course I have to remember that all of these costs are ex-GST aren't they?

[brad]

My lease company seemed quite happy to give me any payment figure I wanted, providing I signed up. (McMillan Shakespeare FWIW).

They don't have a clue half the time. Because they sent the payroll deduction details to the wrong water infrastructure company my lease payments didn't start until 10 weeks after I got the car and have been behind ever since.

I asked them if I could just submit my upcoming rego & greenslip as undeducted claims & therefore reduce my ECM post-tax payment & the reply was that payments only come out of pretax money. So what do they do with the ECM?

[aslsw]

I had the same thing happen with McMillan Shakespeare when I packaged my current car - although only one month's payment when missing. Of course, who has to do all the work to figure it out when these things happen?!?

Yes, both packaging companies I'm dealing with are happy to take whatever budget I give them - I just want to have a budget that is (a) realistic given expected price increases but (b) doesn't build up a huge cash balance. Again, I had a several thousand dollar balance at the end of my last package and it took 4 months to get the money out of them.

[pinzvidz]

Had a look at Dad's MY09 Octavia RS yesterday. All I can say is... WOW!!!

Skoda

First thing I noticed is the newer interior is already there. I think this is the same as the facelift model is getting. Newer instruments, newer climate buttons, newer touch screen stereo (RDS510) and so forth. Bit of a bonus, having all facelift inside, still the old Octavia RS look on the outside (which I feel looks better than the facelift). Also noticed the newer 2.0 TSI engine in the engine bay.

Build quality is absolutely brilliant. Finish and fit is over and above my wife's 3 door GTI. Very impressive.

Functionality is fantastic. Full MFD with all adjustments available, newer steering wheel with controls for MFD and audio.

Went for a drive, a tad softer than the wife's MKV, but still very sharp on twisty roads. Newer TSI engine has a nice note when pushed.

To sum up, a fantastic motor vehicle. 10/10 Skoda!