SEAT, Skoda or VW? Which do you favour?
Discussion
Or do you hate all VAG products and prefer something else e.g. Ford?
I sold VWs between 2004 and 2008 and thought they were pretty decent to drive and pretty decent quality for the money at the time but has quality taken a nose-dive since? Modern VWs don't seem to be that well liked on PH and I was shocked to see recently that an entry-level Golf lists at 17k (I think Foci start at 14k, which is significantly cheaper) but I still think I would take an Up/Polo/Golf over the equivalent Seat/Skoda. I still think that although it's not the fastest, the Golf GTI is still the benchmark against which all new hot hatches are judged and VW also have a bunch of other models that don't really have a SEAT/Skoda equivalent.
Yes, the new Leon is a pretty decent (if fairly anonymous) looking car and spec-for-spec a bit cheaper than a Golf but not as much cheaper as I thought it would be (less than 1k). Are they more generously equipped? The Skoda Rapid is a lot cheaper but is it in the same class as the Leon/Golf?
Skoda seem quite well liked and if I wanted something bigger than a Golf, I think an Octavia/Superb/Yeti would be quite high up my list, especially if I was looking for an estate. Don't get me wrong, I think the Passat is still a nice car but it is relatively expensive and there isn't really any equivalent to the Octavia vRS.
SEAT, I still don't really "get". Of the three, VW is the more aspirational "quality" brand, Skoda offres value whilst still offering decent quality but what does SEAT offer? At least they don't all look the same any more and the new Leon is arguably slightly better looking than the Golf but not significantly cheaper and the Golf will still hold its value better. Friends have owned Seats and my abiding memory is very dark interiors and rock hard suspension (in FR spec). The only Seat that has ever really appealed to me was the mk1 LCR. Much better looking than the contemporary Golf (mkIV), significantly more power and much better handling by all accounts.
So what's the PH opinion? SEAT, Skoda or VW? Or do you dislike all of them and would rather have something like a Ford?
I sold VWs between 2004 and 2008 and thought they were pretty decent to drive and pretty decent quality for the money at the time but has quality taken a nose-dive since? Modern VWs don't seem to be that well liked on PH and I was shocked to see recently that an entry-level Golf lists at 17k (I think Foci start at 14k, which is significantly cheaper) but I still think I would take an Up/Polo/Golf over the equivalent Seat/Skoda. I still think that although it's not the fastest, the Golf GTI is still the benchmark against which all new hot hatches are judged and VW also have a bunch of other models that don't really have a SEAT/Skoda equivalent.
Yes, the new Leon is a pretty decent (if fairly anonymous) looking car and spec-for-spec a bit cheaper than a Golf but not as much cheaper as I thought it would be (less than 1k). Are they more generously equipped? The Skoda Rapid is a lot cheaper but is it in the same class as the Leon/Golf?
Skoda seem quite well liked and if I wanted something bigger than a Golf, I think an Octavia/Superb/Yeti would be quite high up my list, especially if I was looking for an estate. Don't get me wrong, I think the Passat is still a nice car but it is relatively expensive and there isn't really any equivalent to the Octavia vRS.
SEAT, I still don't really "get". Of the three, VW is the more aspirational "quality" brand, Skoda offres value whilst still offering decent quality but what does SEAT offer? At least they don't all look the same any more and the new Leon is arguably slightly better looking than the Golf but not significantly cheaper and the Golf will still hold its value better. Friends have owned Seats and my abiding memory is very dark interiors and rock hard suspension (in FR spec). The only Seat that has ever really appealed to me was the mk1 LCR. Much better looking than the contemporary Golf (mkIV), significantly more power and much better handling by all accounts.
So what's the PH opinion? SEAT, Skoda or VW? Or do you dislike all of them and would rather have something like a Ford?
Edited by white_goodman on Thursday 13th November 14:50
I have a 2010 Octavia vRS hatch which I purchased new.
We looked at a few options but the Golf Gti we saw was nearly £9k more (showroom model) for very little benefit and as it was to be a family wagon the larger boot on the Skoda made it a no brainer. I went in expecting to buy the estate as well but it wasn't needed in the end and the hatch has been great for family holidays in France and elsewhere.
I got a good deal as well, no VAT (17.5% at the time) and 0% on a 50% deposit over 2 years.
We have a Focus as well. Previously Audi's, VW's, Porsches, a MINI etc. I buy the car that best suits my needs and wants at the time. The skoda was best value for money and practicality with a modicum of Go. I would consider virtually any car or brand if it met my needs (except Vauxhalls I hate them for no real reason).
We looked at a few options but the Golf Gti we saw was nearly £9k more (showroom model) for very little benefit and as it was to be a family wagon the larger boot on the Skoda made it a no brainer. I went in expecting to buy the estate as well but it wasn't needed in the end and the hatch has been great for family holidays in France and elsewhere.
I got a good deal as well, no VAT (17.5% at the time) and 0% on a 50% deposit over 2 years.
We have a Focus as well. Previously Audi's, VW's, Porsches, a MINI etc. I buy the car that best suits my needs and wants at the time. The skoda was best value for money and practicality with a modicum of Go. I would consider virtually any car or brand if it met my needs (except Vauxhalls I hate them for no real reason).
Sold Skodas when they swapped from MK1 Fabia to MK2 and they just launched the facelifted MK2 Vrs Octavia and the new Superb. And I like them all!
Even the Roomster (although only the Scout 1.9tdi version with optional 17s) as I had one for a few months and was brilliant for everything I chucked at it.
I'm nearly in the market for another daily and I'm looking at Octy 1.9tdi estates. Bigger than the Golf and it doesnt use the B chassis that the Passat uses.
I also dont really get Seat. Most Ive driven seem to be noticably worse condition that an eqivilant VW/Audi/Skoda. I drove an 07 Leon and hated it!
I think I would be after a VW/Audi/Skoda over a Seat any day of the week, btu then they dont really do a motor that fits my needs anyway and maybe thats all it is.
Even the Roomster (although only the Scout 1.9tdi version with optional 17s) as I had one for a few months and was brilliant for everything I chucked at it.
I'm nearly in the market for another daily and I'm looking at Octy 1.9tdi estates. Bigger than the Golf and it doesnt use the B chassis that the Passat uses.
I also dont really get Seat. Most Ive driven seem to be noticably worse condition that an eqivilant VW/Audi/Skoda. I drove an 07 Leon and hated it!
I think I would be after a VW/Audi/Skoda over a Seat any day of the week, btu then they dont really do a motor that fits my needs anyway and maybe thats all it is.
Bullett said:
I have a 2010 Octavia vRS hatch which I purchased new.
We looked at a few options but the Golf Gti we saw was nearly £9k more (showroom model) for very little benefit and as it was to be a family wagon the larger boot on the Skoda made it a no brainer. I went in expecting to buy the estate as well but it wasn't needed in the end and the hatch has been great for family holidays in France and elsewhere.
I got a good deal as well, no VAT (17.5% at the time) and 0% on a 50% deposit over 2 years.
We have a Focus as well. Previously Audi's, VW's, Porsches, a MINI etc. I buy the car that best suits my needs and wants at the time. The skoda was best value for money and practicality with a modicum of Go. I would consider virtually any car or brand if it met my needs (except Vauxhalls I hate them for no real reason).
I get that. The vRS stands alone in that respect. If I was single (or we were still just a couple), I would probably get the Golf or one of its less practical 3 door rivals. For a family with 2+ children, the Golf is possibly just a bit too small at times and that's where the Octavia vRS really scores and like you say, you would have to really want the Golf to pay 9k more! I don't think I would even consider a Leon Cupra though. Focus ST, Astra VXR, Megane Renaultsport yes. I'm sure the Leon Cupra is a perfectly decent car, it's just not on my radar! We looked at a few options but the Golf Gti we saw was nearly £9k more (showroom model) for very little benefit and as it was to be a family wagon the larger boot on the Skoda made it a no brainer. I went in expecting to buy the estate as well but it wasn't needed in the end and the hatch has been great for family holidays in France and elsewhere.
I got a good deal as well, no VAT (17.5% at the time) and 0% on a 50% deposit over 2 years.
We have a Focus as well. Previously Audi's, VW's, Porsches, a MINI etc. I buy the car that best suits my needs and wants at the time. The skoda was best value for money and practicality with a modicum of Go. I would consider virtually any car or brand if it met my needs (except Vauxhalls I hate them for no real reason).
white_goodman said:
..if I wanted something bigger than a Golf, I think an Octavia/Superb/Yeti would be quite high up my list, especially if I was looking for an estate.
If all three made (virtually) idential cars at the same price i'd probably buy the VW just based on the brand - i have an old camper and i've had lots of association with vws in the past.Trouble is, they don't. I would love to have another GTI but i need space for the family, so the vRS is closest thing to a GTI-estate. It's a bonus that the skoda is also significantly cheaper than the GTI.
This segment is just about to get more interesting though, with a potential cupra estate (ST), golf r wagon and octavia vrs 280 allegedly in development.
I'm not too fussed really.
VW, I find really dull but you know that they will just work and not really annoy you whilst you own them. There's nothing gimmicky to get on your nerves.
Skoda are I brand that I think you buy with your head - very sensible, good value but pretty dull. Some of their designs are odd - the Fabia and Rapide being two that stand out.
Seat - not really sure. The first Leon was a good looking car especially as an FR or Curpra and good value. I never undertsood how they managed to take the A3 dash and make it look so awful. The second gen Cupra was an awful loking thing. The current one is smart but totally bland.
As for the pricing, I think all modern cars are scarily expensive. I am due to order a new company car soon and I couldn't believe how little Golf my monthly amount would stretch to (on a managed service). So much so that I may drop down a size of car to get something small and petrol. The Polo Bluemotion GT or A1 with the same engine are on my radar becaus I think I'd rather have one of those with a few options that a 105hp Golf TDi.
VW, I find really dull but you know that they will just work and not really annoy you whilst you own them. There's nothing gimmicky to get on your nerves.
Skoda are I brand that I think you buy with your head - very sensible, good value but pretty dull. Some of their designs are odd - the Fabia and Rapide being two that stand out.
Seat - not really sure. The first Leon was a good looking car especially as an FR or Curpra and good value. I never undertsood how they managed to take the A3 dash and make it look so awful. The second gen Cupra was an awful loking thing. The current one is smart but totally bland.
As for the pricing, I think all modern cars are scarily expensive. I am due to order a new company car soon and I couldn't believe how little Golf my monthly amount would stretch to (on a managed service). So much so that I may drop down a size of car to get something small and petrol. The Polo Bluemotion GT or A1 with the same engine are on my radar becaus I think I'd rather have one of those with a few options that a 105hp Golf TDi.
thelawnet said:
Skoda were ranked 4th best car dealers by Auto Express (behind Lexus, Honda and Porsche). Seat bottom, VW second from bottom. Top three cars in their survey for owner satisfaction were all Skodas - the Yeti, Citigo, and Superb.
Says enough I think?
Do you think that Skoda always do well because people have lowish expectations? Whereas if you see VW as a premium brand and don't get the service that you believe you should get you get frustrated.Says enough I think?
I can't comment because I've never had a Skoda. A chap I work with loves them and keeps buying them and is always happy with their service.
Court_S said:
Do you think that Skoda always do well because people have lowish expectations?
There's certainly an element of that. However, from my very limited experience (I've used one of each dealer) I've found Skoda dealers to actually be better as well. In the wider sense, Skoda beating VW could certainly be explained purely by expectations but I think the fact that Skoda dealers come almost top and VW dealers almost bottom has got to be more than that?
Edited by kambites on Thursday 13th November 16:10
When we were looking to replace the family Passat (TDi 170 Sport Estate) Skoda did have a niche the others didn't. The VRS TSI Estate. We liked the Passat and it served us well for 5 years but when the time came to change we wanted petrol, some decent performance and good level of space and kit. A year ago there was only the Mk3 Skoda (with the Focus ST Estate as the only competition) that fitted our wants and needs. Since we've had it the service from the dealer has been brilliant, better than VW ever was and you do get that real value for money feel.
As a car I generally prefer VW's offerings but when it come to putting my hand in my pocket I'm not so sure.
As a car I generally prefer VW's offerings but when it come to putting my hand in my pocket I'm not so sure.
white_goodman said:
SEAT, I still don't really "get". Of the three, VW is the more aspirational "quality" brand, Skoda offres value whilst still offering decent quality but what does SEAT offer?
I see Seat as the brand for younger drivers, hence the funky styling cues and sporty hatchbacks..Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff