I need to replace my Cordoba which is on its last legs. I initially thought I'd go used and get something like a Tiida or Corolla. The problem is that to get something reasonable in terms of age and km, the price is such that it's not much of a stretch to look at buying new.

I test drove a Fabia and was immediately at home, just like driving my Cordoba but nicer in every way. Thinking I'd like something a touch bigger, I'm now considering an Octavia. A dealer has offered a demo with less than 100km for $25620 with 5 years free servicing. It's the base model, 90tsi manual. How does that sound?

A consideration is that I need a towbar. The last one I bought cost $400 fitted so I was pretty surprised when the dealer quoted $1200 for one on the Fabia, giving electrical complexity as the reason. Ironbull.com.au has an octavia towbar for $395. I'm happy to fit it myself, but this doesn't solve the wiring issue. I'm guessing I can't just tap into the tail lights anymore. Also will a non-Skoda towbar void the warranty?

I'd appreciate your thoughts on these issues.

Thanks,

Leon.