Before final decision - a few questions

[futureskodaowner]

Hi All,

I've enjoyed reading through posts over the last few months and I must admit the information has seen me very close to purchasing an Octavia. But before I do, I'd like to seek some assistance on a few queries that I might find difficult getting a straight answer from a salesman on!

My concerns with purchasing a Skoda relates to the longevity here in Aust. I know they appear to have invested in establishing the brand here, but I guess brands come and go sometimes. If anyone has any information that may alleviate my concerns here, much appreciated.

Secondly, and much related, I'm also concerned about finding a reliable servicer here in Melbourne (Brunswick/nth suburbs). If anyone is able to provide any information here also, much appreciated.

FYI - I'm looking at a wagon, so if anyone has any recommendations (or notes of things to be wary of!), please also advise!

Thanks.

[K1W1]

My concerns with purchasing a Skoda relates to the longevity here in Aust. I know they appear to have invested in establishing the brand here, but I guess brands come and go sometimes. If anyone has any information that may alleviate my concerns here, much appreciated.

How long is a piece of string? No salesman and nobody in Australia including Skoda management can answer that question and to even think you will get one is crazy.
Skoda is a part of arguably the most successful car manufacturer in the world today. The VW group does not have a history of cutting an running and they have a clearly stated aim of being the worlds number one vehicle manufacturer within the next two years. They aren't going to achieve that aim by withdrawing any section of their business from any market.
The Skoda brand has been in Australia for 4 years now and has taken incremental steps to increase it'sr market presence and sale volumes. VW don't take the Asian flood the market and hope approach, every step is considered and planned. I have absolutely no doubt that Skoda will be here for many years to come and that in 10 years time when the Australian market has really discovered the brand we will be able to sit back with smug looks and say, "We were first".

[K1W1]

Secondly, and much related, I'm also concerned about finding a reliable servicer here in Melbourne (Brunswick/nth suburbs). If anyone is able to provide any information here also, much appreciated.

What is wrong with Richmond Skoda or Bayford Skoda?

[Inego]

The VW group does not have a history of cutting an running

Cough (SEAT) Cough......

Skoda seemed to have a slump here in the first half of last year, but is now going form strength to strength - tactical sponsorships (increasing cycling presence, western Sydney AFL), and now TV advertising, even during Top Gear!

[K1W1]

Cough (SEAT) Cough......

Seat (and for that matter pre mid 1990's VW's) were not imported into Australia by the VW group. They were imported by the franchised distributor Inchcape. That's the same company who still import Subaru into Australia.

VW group did not start importing VW's directly again until late in the year 2000 and look what they have achieved in just over 10 years.

[jayen]

Seat (and for that matter pre mid 1990's VW's) were not imported into Australia by the VW group. They were imported by the franchised distributor Inchcape. That's the same company who still import Subaru into Australia.

VW group did not start importing VW's directly again until late in the year 2000 and look what they have achieved in just over 10 years.

That's interesting - weren't Inchcape involved in Jag imports "way back when" as well? It seems to ring a bell.

Seat, and Diahatsu too if I remember correctly any way because of the VW (engineering/platfrom) connection I don't think you would have a problem getting it serviced anyway. Mine arrives very soon and I'm looking forward to it - only this weekend friends who lived in the UK told me that Skoda is very popular there, so it's not likely that the company will fall over completely and you won't be able to get spares or data.

[theduckster]

Welcome to VWWatercooled, futureskodaowner!

I think you are at the spot I was late January early February when I was wondering whether ordering a Superb was the right purchase to make. I spent some doing some research into the Skoda brand before going to the dealer. After a while I started to get the impression that they taking their time and just doing things slowly. At the end of the day for me it was the car that sold itself for me and I couldn't say that about the other cars I looked at. I can't honestly say that I can find a similar vehicle that even compares to Superb in the area that are important for me when buying a car this time around. If the Octavia is the same for you then it would be a shame to hear you passed on the Octavia just because you have concerns about the longevity of the manufacturer.

I believe that Skoda will be around for some time to come. If they can get the Yeti and Fabia out here in the near future then the brand will from strength to strength quite quickly as they will have a greater range of products in the market place and those vehicles are just as good as the Octavia and Superb in their respective classes. For me slow and steady wins the race. At the moment it seems like a bit of a risk to go with Skoda but in the end I have no regrets so far with my choice.

[futureskodaowner]

All, thanks for your responses....especially theduckster - i think you've hit the nail on the proverbial head...if the car sells itself when i compare it to other makes/models i'm considering, then the decision is pretty much made.

Thanks again for your responses - I might try and come back with an update if we manage to snare a good deal and become skoda owners.

[K1W1]

That's interesting - weren't Inchcape involved in Jag imports "way back when" as well? It seems to ring a bell.

Inchcape may well have been involved in Jaguar imports. Back in the early 1990's they were involved in all sorts of businesses ranging from automotive to insurance to soft drinks. They got themselves in financial do do in the recession of the early 90's (if you are old enough you will remember the "recession we had to have"). As a result they dumped many of their businesses and products within business groups including the VW/ SEAT importation into Australia. That decision had NOTHING to do with VW and in fact was the best thing that could have happened for the VW brand here. It gave VW the opportunity to set up in their own right during 2000 and look what they have done compared to what Inchcape did with the brand in the 1980's and early 90's.

As far as I know Diahatsu is a wholly owned subsidiary of Toyota. I don't think that it's ever had VW involvement but somebody else may be able to confirm that.

[RSOK]

I went thru the same process a year ago, spent 6 months researching and test driving various wagons, and hands-down the Octavia was the best wagon on the market, it's just such a complete package. I'm coming up to 12 months of ownership and absolutely love my car.

Did I care if the Skoda brand wasn't going to last in Oz? No. Why? Firstly, Volkswagen Australia is the importer, so any warranty or servicing concerns can be taken care of thru them, and they ain't going anywhere! Secondly, as I might have mentioned, the Octavia is so good to drive that I wanted it in my driveway and that was that.

[sh|tbmxrider]

Daihatsu used to bring Daihatsu in, but yes, owned by ToMoCo, but were a more independant entity from my knowledge... I know I used to work in the Daihatsu buidling in Dandenong South

[Gnat]

Was in Istanbul last week for work ...... Skoda's are bloody EVERYWHERE there!
.... didnt see an RS but.

[Jake02]

.... didnt see an RS but.

Shame for them that the only RS they sell is the Fabia.

[Damo105]

Shame they didn't introduce SEAT again when they brought in Skoda. They could have set up dual brand dealerships and had a great selection of products.

[Jake02]

Shame they didn't introduce SEAT again when they brought in Skoda. They could have set up dual brand dealerships and had a great selection of products.

Yeah but the sting from Seat last time would still be there, and that they're Seats. Seat lost over 300 million Euros last year whereas Skoda made something like twice that. The common taxi in Madrid is the Octavia not the Leon or Toledo - says a lot to me. I'm not sure that Seat will be around for much longer to be honest... Obviously I hope I'm wrong because they are a great-looking range. Maybe shut down Seat but add a few Seat styling bits to Skodas and produce them in Spain?