Scout or Yeti?

[K1W1]

Except for the more ground clearance, 4wd lock button and less boot space in the yeti body it is the same as the Scout.

Having sat in a Yeti for the first time yesterday they also have one huge advantage over the Octavia/ Scout. It's much more comfortable and easier to get in and out of the drivers seat. With the seat being that little bit higher when you are in confined spaces (or, I don't know this for sure but I suspect I'm correct) wearing a skirt the Yeti would be a clear winner over the other two in terms of access.
I'm not particularly big or at all overweight or unfit but I find the VRS to be annoying to get into and out of in tight spaces, it's one of the things I actually don't like about the car. If you can't open the door fully access is a pain.
As far as boot space is concerned obviously with seats up the Octavia/Scout win over the Yeti in actual volume but I was quite impressed with how big the Yeti is for that class of vehicle. We could certainly have had a Yeti when both our kids were much younger without any problems at all and today it wouldn't be an issue.

[Michelle]

Hey Scoutau! I had a call this morning from the dealer and I've booked in for test drive on Friday. Thanks for the heads up. Hopefully it will be one or the other, but I'm not ruling out something else if they won't do a good deal.

You're spot on, K1W1, having the higher body will make it easier getting in and out. Also makes loading things easier too. It's one of the things I like about the shape of the Rav's, CRV, Yeti etc.

Just have to wait for Friday now!

[scoutau]

The Dealer is selling at Skoda Australia RRP on the road here, no extra added on top for living up here, unlike a few other dealers up here (Toyota +$6k etc.). There are some discounts available but best you discuss with dealer.

The 4wd Yeti Station wagon 103kw 2ltr TDI 6 speed manual on Skoda Aust website is only around $206 more than the Octavia 103 tdi 6 speed manual 2WD wagon! Whereas the Scout 103 TDI 6 speed manual is around $3914 more than the 4wd Yeti 103 TDI 6 speed manual.
Not too sure if Yeti prices shown on website are exact but when I asked dealer when we looked at Scout they said they sounded right.
You do however get the Columbus Media centre with GPS navigation included with the Scout which is a couple of grand as an option.

The boot floor areas in both the Yeti and the Scout are lower than the boot rim so you actually have to lift alot higher to get a load into the Yeti boot.

All in all, all I can say is test 'em, drive them both and then see what you feel. Enjoy.

[K1W1]

The boot floor areas in both the Yeti and the Scout are lower than the boot rim so you actually have to lift alot higher to get a load into the Yeti boot.

I don't recall that from the one I looked at last week. My impression was that the floor of the Yeti was level with the edge of the boot opening or at worst case only a tiny bit below it certainly way less of a difference than in the Octavia hatch backs. Don't forget that Australian spec Yetis have a full size (steel) spare wheel not the little space saver that may have been in the overseas model ones at the Motor Show. Maybe I'm wrong but that was my impression.

Either way the actual floor level of the luggage compartment of the Yeti is higher than the Octavia so whilst things have to be lifted a little higher to get them in you don't have to bend as far to get them back out. There are pros and cons both ways.

[woofy]

I'm curious as to what people are paying now at Skoda....I went in to book mine service next month and ask about extended warranty and was quoted $47k for two RS wagons, one with DSG and sunroof and the other with sunroof and black leather (man). I told them I paid 37k for a blue RS hatch with front sensors and sunroof, and he says those days are long gone. I swear people have been getting them for not that much above RRP....or are Zagames getting a bit cocky now?

[Transporter]

I'm curious as to what people are paying now at Skoda....I went in to book mine service next month and ask about extended warranty and was quoted $47k for two RS wagons, one with DSG and sunroof and the other with sunroof and black leather (man). I told them I paid 37k for a blue RS hatch with front sensors and sunroof, and he says those days are long gone. I swear people have been getting them for not that much above RRP....or are Zagames getting a bit cocky now?

It looks that way doesn't it,
We went to the dealer to get RS Octavia and ended up buying a Golf, after we were put off when quoted $47k without even talking about the options. Not really a good strategy from Skoda, it's more like a suicide mission rather than a plan to sell more cars.

Many car manufacturers maintain almost the same price for a decade now.

[K1W1]

When you even have VW advertising deals on Golfs on prime time television times are tough in the car industry. If the guys are Zagames are that arrogant then buy elsewhere and watch them become unemployed.

[woofy]

I recall George completely cracking it when someone quoted us the list price when I asked what the best price on the Superb was last year....looks like not much has changed. Probably Bayford closing has meant they expect more sales. I really wish someone would open one out Burwood...Glen Waverley way, tonnes of business...It really looks poor when you can now get a Mazda 6 with full leather and a wagon for $35k driveaway before any negotiations now.

[scoutau]

Too many dealers are more interested in their profit or rake-off over the top of the dealer incentives, they need a kick up the jaxie!!!

We have one dealer up here who depends on people not doing their homework. Yes he has some cars at the "Advertised Price" when national campaigns are running but generally it is cheaper for you to fly 1500km South, spend a couple of nights at a hotel whilst getting around the dealers then drive the sucker back 1500 klms, after rego and insurance you still save a couple of thousand dollars off what the local dealer sells them for!!! He won't even give you a price until you've spoken to his finance people!

[ethosguy]

We love our Tiguan 103 (now Oettinger125) TDI we bought almost 3yrs back...even mostly over the park brake.
Almost bought the Scout but nonsliding rear seats cramped me 6' 2" with infant / kids seats, wasnt 5 star crash rated at the time and potential resale hit.

We came from a string of Subarus; the then new Forester felt cheap & nasty (which has carried over to the new Outback) and the petrol outgoing Outback lacked torque, power and refinement, was under sprung & under damped and had the same-ish interior packaging as the Scout. I couldn't be convinced even with 'free' leather and $10k less on road deal.

The Tiguan is a tight for 2 small kids & german shepard touring but the rear seat slides is GREAT! Still no roof boot as anticipated. Super stable on loose surfaces if a bit bland (sooo stable) if you like to play with your car a bit. Mind, 1st gear in the manual is too short for day to day town work...I'd seriously consider the new 7sp DSG.

The Yeti sounds interesting but smaller still???

If you want a more car like motor, go the Scout, if you like the taller package the Tig is brilliant (never mind the electronic park brake...the auto off has benifites) and with such similar DNA the Yeti will no doubt mirror but with a little more quirky character.

Any one of them will make a fantastic & versitile all road motor.