Purchase price of a Skoda vRS Octavia Wagon MY11

[zach]

I can't disagree If you check bluefi'sn dyno the stock 1.8TSI engines could be making 127kw/171hp. I don't think buyers should be looking at RS/TDI or bust the 1.8 is a beauty and much better than what the Japanese have on offer.

I came from a 04 Mazda 6 and performance/fuel economy is light and day. Handling is probably on par.

[brad]

I'm having trouble reconciling the price difference for vehicles that are in direct competition. .

Is the mazda6 a direct x-shop of the OctyRS? I would have thought the Octavia in Elegance (or whatever the mid-spec is called) trim would have been the logical competitor and somewhat closer in price.

[zach]

Is the mazda6 a direct x-shop of the OctyRS? I would have thought the Octavia in Elegance (or whatever the mid-spec is called) trim would have been the logical competitor and somewhat closer in price.

absolutely. my 118TSI wagon was $2k less than mazda6 classic wagon

[MurphyTheElf]

Is the mazda6 a direct x-shop of the OctyRS? I would have thought the Octavia in Elegance (or whatever the mid-spec is called) trim would have been the logical competitor and somewhat closer in price.

I'm judging the cars purely on vehicle configuration and performance. Turbo diesel with identical straight line performance and economy figures, wagon, manual, similar peripheral features. Handling and some toys aside, I believe they are in direct competition. Surely nobody is under any illusions that Skoda is in any way a premium brand that attracts a higher price. I'm not having a go - I drive a "premium" VW after all .

[zach]

i think all manufacurers ask a premium price it's how much you can haggle them down. is an omega commodore really worth $40k +orc?

[brad]

As I've never looked at a Maz6 brochure, I wouldn't know what "toys" the Mazda has but I'm surprised there is $10k difference if the cars are similar. When I was x-shopping Skoda against VW, the Skoda consistantly came out on top for features. The sales person was no help with this, i had to sit down with the brochures & audit them.

If I was in your shoes, the $10k would be a show stopper for me. I would then compare the Maz6 to the similar priced Skoda model (Elegance TDI or TSI) and see if the Skoda can compete. If not then I guess mazda is the way to go.

Dumb question but what does your missus like. It's her car isn't it?

[zach]

absolutely. my 118TSI wagon was $2k less than mazda6 classic wagon

how much have you been quoted for the octavia tsi. as a guide a wagon with dsg should be mid $30s which is what you'd pay for equivalent Mazda 6 Classic wagon after discount rrp is prob $40k. essentially there is max a couple $k in it either way.

[MurphyTheElf]

If I was in your shoes, the $10k would be a show stopper for me. I would then compare the Maz6 to the similar priced Skoda model (Elegance TDI or TSI) and see if the Skoda can compete. If not then I guess mazda is the way to go.

I'm doing up a comparison spreadsheet containing the Mazda 6, Passat and Skoda models. I was initially looking at used cars, but there isn't actually that much available - and even then the prices being asked are not discounted as much as I'd expected. I was surprised how cheaply I could get into a new car.

My original used car shopping list also contained the Audi A4 Avant (boot too small), Golf wagon (boot too small), Tiguan (boot too small), Liberty (too thirsty), Forrester (poor quality), Commodore Sportwagon (mixed reviews), Outlander (crap gearbox), Mondeo diesel (better price/specs in my final choices), Volvo V70 (price). I prefer a station wagon over an urban tank (SUV) - so if anybody has any other suggestions, it would help.

Dumb question but what does your missus like. It's her car isn't it?

She likes the look of the Mazda and isn't really too picky - but really wants leather because it's easier to clean, and parking sensors. She's also a greenie so fuel economy is very important, hence the diesel. Also a big boot so it can carry a pram and our Boxer dog - who's a pretty big lad. Best to be able to carry the whole family at once - and this definitely includes our first "child".

I'm the one looking for decent performance - I find few things more dangerous than an underpowered car.

We're off to do some test drives today so I'll check out how far each dealer will budge from RRP. A lower starting point always makes life easier though.

---------- Post added at 04:26 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:01 PM ----------

What a flop! Firstly, there were no Mazda 6 diesels in the state - wagon or hatch. But I did kick the tyres of a petrol wagon - and I have to say the wife and I were both pleasantly surprised with the presentation of the car. Solid thunk when closing all doors and the boot. Cabin was very well laid out with storage, soft touch materials and instruments.

Skoda on the other hand, was a joke. Firstly, I asked the salesman if we could see a 118, and he led me to an RS. I initially sidestepped that issue and sat in the driver's seat - not even close to the quality of the Golf and sub par compared to the Mazda (shock horror). Doors didn't feel as solid and the boot took 4 slams just to close. I then asked if I could see a 118 and he said "this is one". I asked then why it had RS badging all over it and alcantara seats. He still insisted it was a 118 until I told him to go and get a manager. He then admitted he was new to the brand, and later again said he was on loan from another dealership. Hell, the 17 year old that served us at Mazda was more professional.

Salesman aside, I couldn't help but be overwhelmingly disappointed with the Octavia. We didn't take either for a drive, so it's possible that could sway me back the other way. But as it stands now, the Mazda would need a wheel fall off in the middle of the test drive to lose this race.

I implore any Octavia owner (in the eastern states I guess) to take a look at the Mazda 6 diesel and objectively compare it to the Octavia. 118 or RS. I'll have to reserve my full verdict until I drive both in February (the soonest a diesel will arrive in the state).

[zach]

interesting observation, i don't see any difference btw golf and octavia. but you won't be disapointed either way.

[spellbound]

After 3 years in an RS wagon , and now a mk6 GTI , i see very little difference in build quality , the RS was still rock solid at trade time .

The golf is a tad more up market , slightly better plastics , ride is firmer and more focused in GTI , but on a long trip the RS had a loverly compliant ride like peugeot's of old .

Both cars have APR stage one , GTI less weight so a little quicker , but the FL RS with the same tricky diff would be close to the GTI .

RS diesel wagon would be a better drive than the mazda .