$500 worth of accessories

[tlli]

Hi all,

I'm getting a my Octavia wagon (1.8 tsi, DSG) this week.
Due to a dealership stuff up, I can get accessories/extras up to $500.

I can't seem to work out what to get!
Unfortunately the dealer won't put the Kufatec basic-plus bluetooth system in as its not done with one of their affiliated audio companies. Also he claimed Skoda headoffice said there was a problem with the unit (BS if you ask me).

So i'm left with the following options:
- Headlight protectors
- MDI kit (would have to pay $160 extra, also is it possible to get the iphone cable off ebay cheaper)
- Roof rack cross bars
- First service free
- boot liner worth $160 (but can get this for $45 from super cheap auto)
- tint (but I think dealer price is $545 and I can do it for $295 from tint professor)

Does anyone have any other recommendations for accessories?

I'm leaning towards the MDI kit, but not sure if its worth it, as you can get a usb charger for a lot cheaper, and use te AUX input for music.

Thanks in advance...

[Transporter]

MDI kit, Roof rack cross bars and Headlight protectors, if it was me.

[team_v]

Reverse camera if you can get it.

Otherwise i would go as Transporter has said.

[tlli]

Good one, didn't think of the reverse camera.
Otherwise I'll look into the MDI kit without the iphone adapter (will ebay that), and I read it comes standard with the usb adapter.

[Inego]

I got the MDI kit and then paid $20-30 on ebay for a genuine VAG cable from the UK - it's the same for VW/Audi/Skoda/SEAT, although they aren't always readily available. Dealer quoted me $90, although I understand that includes USB and one other cable too. I've got a charger/LOD from my old car, but the MDI was just easier (although shuffle isn't intuitive, and scrolling through long lists can be a pain).

I picked up Thule cross bars and feet for around $280 last month. I can't see the point of headlight protectors with polycarbonate covers already.......

[tlli]

See, this is exactly why I can't make up my mind. All the dealer accessories are nearly half the price outside.
The cross bars are $450 from the dealer (wagon already has the rails)!

[Transporter]

I can't see the point of headlight protectors with polycarbonate covers already.......

It is still cheaper to replace cover than headlight.

[Inego]

It is still cheaper to replace cover than headlight.

True, but in 20+ years, including a reasonable amount if gravel driving, I've never lost a headlight, glass or plastic.

And the covers always end up looking dirty and ugly. If I was worried, I'd try a film protector.....

[tlli]

While we are talking about accessories, any of you guys had problems with the Kufatec basic plus system, integrated into Skoda without sat nav?

[dodgey]

While we are talking about accessories, any of you guys had problems with the Kufatec basic plus system, integrated into Skoda without sat nav?

From what I see at other forums, it should be fine

[daft1014]

I got the MDI kit and then paid $20-30 on ebay for a genuine VAG cable from the UK - it's the same for VW/Audi/Skoda/SEAT, although they aren't always readily available. Dealer quoted me $90, although I understand that includes USB and one other cable too.

Hello all,

+1 for the MDI. We really like how ours works with our old 40Gb Ipod. We got a MDI included in the deal when got our car. Only an iPod cable was included. This suited us just fine, but you might want to check if you need a proper USB connection.

I too have a cheap boot protector from supercheap, but I will likely buy the OEM version to get a better fit. The supercheap version is average quality with poor fit.

[K1W1]

Tell them politely that what they have offered is B/S.
Ask for a $500 voucher to be spent as you decide when you decide over the next 12 months. Make sure that the voucher can be split (i.e $200 today, $150 next week then $150 the week after sort of thing).
This way when you get your first service bill of under $300 you will be able to pay for the first service and still have $200 left over for something. You will be able to use the remaining dollars for bits and pieces like a touch up paint stick thing or a Skoda key ring (I assume that they make them) or genuine windscreen washer additive, that sort of stuff. You may even go in and get the MDI fitted later. I paid well under $300 for mine when I purchased the car and even at that price I thought that it was stupidly expensive.
If they won't cop that tell them that you want the Fiscon unit and stand by your request. The only reason they haven't offered it is because there isn't the margin in it that there is in the other stuff. They really haven't offered you $500 at all so far, more like $200-$250 cost to them.

BTW. The MDI kit does not come standard with any cables. Skoda Australia dealers want around $100 for each cable so that will give you some indication of the margins they apply to accessories.

And while I'm at it I would put money on the roof rack cross bars owning the dealership nothing. You will probably find somebody missed out during the roof rack promotion over Christmas. Dealerships have a habit of storing these little extras away for rainy days.

[woofy]

I'd go the MDI, the boot mat btw is still better than the cheap one from supacheap, I've got both and there is a world of difference.

[Maverick]

While we are talking about accessories, any of you guys had problems with the Kufatec basic plus system, integrated into Skoda without sat nav?

The product is poorly implemented and poorly supported. Not worth wasting your money on IMO.

[tlli]

See this is the thing, I can put in a dealer fitted bluetooth system, which he refers to as factory fitted, and integrates into the steering wheel, etc. But this system doesn't show the contacts list on the console. Its $990, compared to the Fiscion which is $880 (but the dealer won't install that one).

He said I can get the $500 credit voucher (assuming it can be split up, but will have to check).
Maverick you are the first one to say the Fiscion is poorly implemented. What have you experienced?

When I hear this I would rather go with the dealer fitted bluetooth system.

Worst case, i'll take the credit and run.
Or I can try for tint + OEM boot liner, and fit the $880 Fiscion at Autofidelity myself.