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**Lima** · 25-04-2010, 10:29 PM

I remember thinking the Skoda pricing was a bit too close when the vRS first came out and compared it to the GTI. Sure there were differences in pricing and likely needs of buyers, but you'd reckon, rightly or wrongly, Skoda would need to be comfortably less than VW if it is to gain serious traction among buyers in the broader marketplace.

**dsgfh** · 25-04-2010, 11:33 PM

Thanks for the info Jake. For someone looking at VAG for the first time (time for a new car to replace the '97 lancer currently in the drive) it definitely gives cause to stop & consider whether you're getting extra value in a particular skoda model vs the VW equivalent that outweighs the risk (perceived or real) of going with a less known brand with fewer official service centers, dealers, etc. & of course, I know that there's a great number of parts shared amongst the group, but come time to sell will others know it if the brand doesn't establish itself.

To be perfectly honest, even with the equipment taken into account, you really have to think there needs to be a discount offered to the early adopters to help establish the brand. There obvious exceptions are the RS & Scout (which needs the DSG option), which fill holes in the VW lineup. Otherwise the differences may be too small for a brand you're not sure will still be in the market in 3-5 years, or that people will recognise even if it is when it comes time to sell.

Having said that, I'm obviously not here because I've completely discounted the idea, but these are the thoughts going through my mind (already confused by the huge number of options available on the market). Of course, I'm sure they're things everyone here considered.

**Jake02** · 25-04-2010, 11:51 PM

Originally posted by dsgfh View Post

Having said that, I'm obviously not here because I've completely discounted the idea, but these are the thoughts going through my mind (already confused by the huge number of options available on the market). Of course, I'm sure they're things everyone here considered.

Meaning that you looked at Skodas and said no? Or said no to VW's in general? I'd still have my RS over a GTI/Jetta 147TSI because I know how much more practical it is over them, and I know that it has had Czech engineering put into the design (how the seats are able to fold flat and how you can tell just how much room they've tried to put into it) and that it's actually European built (can't say the same for a Jetta/Mk V Golf). Having leather seats and not having to wait 3 months was a huge help too!I'm also not a VW driver, whom (especially R36 owners) are known to be abit up themselves (because of VW's great quality/lower prices - than Merc/BMW).

I remember thinking the Skoda pricing was a bit too close when the vRS first came out and compared it to the GTI

I remember reading/commenting on your review the very day I got mine

**dsgfh** · 26-04-2010, 12:28 AM

Originally posted by Jake02 View Post

Meaning that you looked at Skodas and said no? Or said no to VW's in general?

No, meaning it's week 1 of shopping for a new car & Skoda & VW are both possibilities.

I'm not sure Czech engineering is a big selling point though, which is not to insult the Czech, but from what I understand Skoda has really built a name for itself since gaining access to the German parts bins, while more generally the Czech are considered to have an outdated industrial sector. So I suspect that being Skoda & their creative approach, rather than being Czech built, is the big sell. Perhaps they just put as much love into it as they put into their beers

The practicality (esp of the wagon) is the big sell for me. My better half doesn't like to pack light when we go away, and I can only imagine what it will be like with a child in tow. Having more space than many SUV's on the market while barely sipping the fuel (I'm leaning towards TDI) really appeals, but it's certainly being compared against SUV's as we shop.

Unfortunately if I were to go the Skoda route I suspect I'd be on the three month waiting to get the options & colour we'd be looking for. The japanese & koreans do have the advantage of carrying plenty of stock, even if they have lower resale out the other end.

**dodgey** · 26-04-2010, 01:56 AM

Just to buck the trend...

3dr MkV Golf GTI = 2 week wait (because of me taking time over financing), German built. (I would argue that German built = great quality, solid car after 3 years in my GTI though)
5dr Octavia RS Liftback = From November last year and still counting, Czech built.

That said, I'm driving around in a loaner Scout and actually really, really like it. (MY2011 Scout apparently might have DSG as an option)

Perhaps a contributing factor to the Skodas being priced as high as they are and as few as they are could be how popular they are in Europe, and what the factory can churn out to cover that total amount of vehicles. (Hypothesis only)

I did move from a VW to a Skoda though, as the RS is the right car for me for this particular time. I could not justify the MkVI GTI especially when I put all the options I wanted on it. The LCT, pushed the price out of my ballpark.

**Antiplastix** · 26-04-2010, 08:09 AM

The big differance is , for a VW you will pay list price and they will rape your wallet for any extras you get. The Skoda you will get for a $3-4k discount and all the extras thrown in for free.

**dsgfh** · 26-04-2010, 08:18 AM

Originally posted by Antiplastix View Post

The big differance is , for a VW you will pay list price and they will rape your wallet for any extras you get. The Skoda you will get for a $3-4k discount and all the extras thrown in for free.

Thanks for the tip. It's actually a shame this is the case though, since you have to get people in the door first & foremost. After all, not having many people through the turnstile is why the dealers are having to discount heavily in the first place (especially on demo/in stock models). IMHO it would be far better to have a lower sticker price (still leave say $1k to "negotiate") and get people taking a more serious look. Funny really when it's the same dealerships selling both.

At any rate, I'll try to keep sticker shock out of mind while shopping.

**Transporter** · 26-04-2010, 08:49 AM

I think that the problem is in that the Skoda is being sold through the VW network and they don't want to sell more Skodas than VWs. It is like Holden would buy Ford and you'd want to sell Ford cars through the Holden dealerships with the Holden management in charge.

The bottom line is: You can't help those who don't want to be helped.

Here is your answer:
Board of Directors

That doesn't need any comment.

**phaeton** · 26-04-2010, 09:29 AM

Germans controlling a Czech company who would have thought :p

-In other news Volkswagen Group China boss Winifried Vahland will be new Skoda boss by end of year due to Reinhard Jung retiring (its considered a promotion within VW to be assigned to Skoda).

-Also Martin Winterkorn wants Skoda going back to basics after the Superb beat Passat in a German comparo he was furious. (according to media)

-Fabia tipped for next year according to some of my sources.

-Superb wagon next big thing to come this year (maybe Yeti delayed till next year???)

**K1W1** · 26-04-2010, 01:59 PM

Originally posted by phaeton View Post

-Fabia tipped for next year according to some of my sources.

The Fabia will be in NZ in Q3 and strangely enough that's when the Sydney Motorshow is on so I'm getting 4 when I add 2 + 2.

**woofy** · 26-04-2010, 06:43 PM

Superb wagon should be here any minute, I saw one getting about in Geelong earlier in the year so they must be doing some testing/dealer showcasing.

**Jake02** · 26-04-2010, 06:51 PM

Originally posted by woofy View Post

Superb wagon should be here any minute, I saw one getting about in Geelong earlier in the year so they must be doing some testing/dealer showcasing.

The first ones arrive here at the end of this month (eg VERY soon

)

**dsgfh** · 26-04-2010, 07:12 PM

Think it'll be too big for us, but I can't help but be keen to take a peek anyway

**anarchycamp** · 26-04-2010, 09:47 PM

Great post...never realised they were priced that close. Am trying to remember how they are placed (price wise) in the UK, same goes for SEAT I suppose.

Originally posted by Jake02 View Post

I'm also not a VW driver, whom (especially R36 owners) are known to be abit up themselves (because of VW's great quality/lower prices - than Merc/BMW).

haha..not generalising or anything?...im sure VW drivers think the same about Audi drivers right?

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