[shankar.balan]

Originally Posted by bharatbits

Skoda, Yeti, 2012 - this combo is telling me stay away.

Skoda and Yeti --- after 2015 is still ok.
Skoda and 2012 --- must be Rapid, Laura or Superb. Relatively more numbers sold than Yeti
Yeti and 2012 --- must not be a Skoda to consider buying it. Not possible.

Compass petrol is also a no. Look for used diesel XUVs, Hexa, Innova 2016 onwards.

These statements made by you are far too general and sweeping. And to me, unfair, because of that very reason.

I place the following below for consideration, as an EX- fully paid up member / customer/ user of the Skoda Yeti. And I will clearly assert my authority on this based on my own experiences AND the fact that I have indeed stepped up time and again on this Forum to help other Yeti owners with various things on their vehicles.

My Yeti when bought was a 2011 Nov 29 Reg. Manufactured in May 2011.
Used carefully, even used hard on trails and some hilly 4x4 dirt tracks and stones and things, but always with care. Always serviced on time, unstinting on resources spent on preventive maintenance each year. Sold on 28 Nov 2019. Hence 8 solid years of enjoyable, trouble free ownership. In the last 4 years, I ve been constrained by time and travel and hence could not drive it as much as I used to before.

Before selling it onward, I had (in its last service) also got its battery, timing tensioner and water pump and all that stuff changed, at considerable expense. I had spent around 66700 on that service if that is any indication of the care lavished upon that vehicle. This is a job to be done either when one reaches 1 lac Kms OR 8 years age. The Haldex Fluid was to be changed every 4 years. The battery too. All done. Recorded. Available in the Service History.

The new owner, is indeed a lucky guy, as per me, because he ought not to face any trouble in the foreseeable future. Another thing, my Yeti, when sold, was still on its FIRST, Factory Fitted Clutch. Now that is an important thing because people who dont know how the Yeti is to be handled, end up burning their clutch quite easily.

This was avoided, in my case, because I am a highly experienced and extremely careful driver who “nurtures” the vehicle - basically I don’t “ride” the clutch and “lug the engine” and no one other than me and very occasionally, my Dad, ever was allowed to drive that Yeti. Other than ONE very experienced “ferry” driver from the Skoda Workshop, who used to take it up and down for servicing.

So basically, what I am saying is, that if a car, however old, is maintained well and has an honest service record the way mine did, then there ought not to be any reason for worry.

Now, our friend here, Mr NAVANEO is looking at a 4x2.

Inherently this is a lighter vehicle and less complex because it does not have the complicated Haldex 4WD system and some of the bells and whistles that come with that.

The 4x2 is somewhat like a Hatchback Laura in a sense, because it develops the same 110BHP and has a nice light clutch, when compared to the 4x4 140BHP and heavy clutch. The 4x2 gets off the traffic light Grand Prix starting grid also much faster, being 2WD and Front Wheel Drive. However, it does bring all the other features and advantages of the 4x4 in a small, neat, strong and solid package.

I do not exaggerate for a moment, believe me, when I say that even though the Yeti was first unveiled in 2009 end and has been on sale in India since late 2010, which is around 9 years ago and discontinued sometime in 2017 after one face lift, even today at the end of 2019, if you pit one of the early ones, performance wise or luxury feel, fit, finish, finesse, plus feature for feature and sheer quality against its brand new/ younger competitors from the Japanese, Korean, Indian and Chinese manufacturers, it will still likely come out the winner. Just because it is actually engineered solidly and is actually a clever vehicle, without being gimmicky. This was always a vehicle for an evolved and mature market - also where the weather conditions would “exercise” many of its features (like Winter Snow and Ice and Slush and stuff). It was not really appreciated in a slowly maturing, “real estate” and “gimmick” focused market like ours.

Like I said before, I still feel sad and regret I had to let it go, but I just didn’t want to manage the Manual Transmission and Heavy Clutch of my 4x4 version, in the Bangalore traffic any longer. For your information, it is very sad, but I had to sell it for Rs 6.25 lacs which is the Indian market’s stupid valuation for an “excellently kept” Yeti. What people dont know, in others words, they will never be able to appreciate!

And I sold it direct to a Private Buyer. I could just as easily have sold my Gypsy for 4.5 lacs and kept the Yeti. But I didnt - and why? Because the Gypsy, though Manual, has a light clutch and is anyway my “beater”. I do use the Gypsy as a real utility vehicle whereas I would always take more care of the Yeti because of its more “luxe” nature. And for my type of usage patterns, I wanted and needed one “Small Luxe AT hatch” and one “Beater” vehicle.

So let NAVANEO the Buyer, decide what he wants to do, basis all these opinions and experiences that he can refer to here on this Forum, in ref to the car he likes. And as I ve said before, I say again, I have given him two solid references from the Service Side at Vinayak, whom he can contact and meet personally and clear any and all doubts he may have about the vehicle he has his eye on.

Cheers

[breakneck]

i own a 2012 yeti 4x4,which has done 195000 km.it hasn't thrown any tantrums and has been absolutely reliable.service cost has been in the range of 10-12k every 15000 km,parts are expensive but well built and don't need frequent changing,like the clutch on my car was replaced at 105000 km and cost Rs 68k,front suspension was changed in the last service which cost 35k.i would suggest to go for the 4x4 if you travel out of town frequently,the clever haldex system can take you up steep slippery inclines/declines like no ones business.
i was looking to upgrade but haven't found anything as comfortable,practical,capable(except for the vw tiguan which is way more expensive).

[aveoman19]

The Yeti is a great car. Compact on the outside, tough built, safe, responsive, well put, no nonsense comfortable mini SUV that just got lost amidst the "kitna deti hai", "chrome everywhere", gadgets and gimmicks focussed market. The slightly quirky and oddball styling didn't help with its sales. The superb (no pun intended) combination of a comfortable and matured ride along with good grip and decent handling make it an absolutely wonderful vehicle to drive. There is no need to worry about the manual ones. As with all cars, one should be wary of the seller. If the previous owner took great care of any car, there is no need to worry. Mechanically, especially when it comes to the engine and transmission, it isn't too complicated. Basically a generic VW/Škoda/Audi/Seat engine and transmission combo. Therefore, parts availability shouldn't be an issue. Anything and everything can be ordered online. Preventive maintenance and good care is all what one has to look out for. If they are in order, then go ahead.

[VKumar]

Originally Posted by navaneo

Yeti

Hi Navaneo, the day I bought my Laura, my uncle took his Yeti; back in 2013. Although I badly wanted to own the Yeti for being an extremely versatile vehicle and being very practical too; the looks were not approved by the decision making authorities.

A few experiences I would like to share (Since I got the Yeti serviced thrice):
It's the best built thing money can buy under even 25 lac, more than 1.7 lac kms and the car has not a single squeak or rattle (This car used to do Delhi-Lucknow runs at an idiotic frequency and in the hands of a chauffeur who used to do unmentionable speeds with sirens blowing, during SP government days in UP):

• Service costs are quite high at 60k kms, 120k kms services - and ahead. Be ready for bills in the vicinity of 30-45k (No major replacements involved, this is cost for minor ones) even for every alternate service (else service bills will be around 15k) once it crosses 120k kms (I am talking of 4x4). There will always be something to be replaced
• Clutch will be hard, but don't replace it until slippage occurs, VAG diesels have a hard clutch. If you replace it, new one will start getting hard again within 10-15k kms, and will be back to same hardness at 25k kms max. The car I am talking of, is still on the factory clutch as there is no slippage and in 95% of its life; it has seen only highways and expressways, or city premises - following the escort vehicles - so very less clutch usage
• In second and third gear, drive hard to check for the slippage in clutch and a kind of 'kat kat' noise from the front. If that comes, they will ask you for some suspension job
• Park the car on smooth surface, start the engine and turn the steering left and right and try to listen for some metallic grinding noise, if it is there - the struts will require some job whose name I have forgotten
• No matter how old it is, the steering will always have a slight feeling of tightness and direct connection
• Look for screeching noise in power windows too, thoroughly check one touch functionality and if there is screeching noise - especially in front ones; then it won't go by simple cleaning and lubrication

But yes, own one and you will love every bit of it. The likes of Creta etc feel obsecenely expensive in front of what a Yeti was back then. Built is wonderful and highway manners are simply outstanding. Ideally, for a Yeti which has mostly seen the highways; 60-70k kms is nothing and there will hardly be any wear and tear in the key components. The spares which are expensive; are well put together to last long - and the ones which are cheap (Do VAG cars even have cheap spares?) will need replacement even for stupid reasons at times.

My Verdict:Well, get her man, you can't find anything better; experience her before she is lost in the sea of these 'India Specific' vehicles! - This video sums up owning a Yeti very well:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQV0ZWkHqnw

[navaneo]

Thanks everyone for the valuable input.

@fine69 - I typically look for value for money buys in the segment that I buy and do my research as much as possible before shortlisting. My current need is for a SUV with a small footprint (and decent boot space ). I would prefer an automatic (not a must though) but really hate AMTs ( I also have a nano XTA for the city and absolutely hate the driving experience ) In fact I want to replace the nano and hence this search. The Civic is mostly used by my wife and we have a driver for that. This vehicle will be for personal use and self driven. I value driving pleasure over everything else. The Yeti ticks a lot of my requirements, although its a manual. Unfortunately I dont see too many automatic options for my requirements.

@shankar - Would it be possible to message me the phone numbers of the service engineer, if you have it? I live in Banashankari and the visit to mahadevpura will literally be a weekend getaway with 80% time spent on the road I can call them and get some of my doubts clarified .

[shankar.balan]

Originally Posted by navaneo

@shankar - Would it be possible to message me the phone numbers of the service engineer, if you have it? I live in Banashankari and the visit to mahadevpura will literally be a weekend getaway with 80% time spent on the road I can call them and get some of my doubts clarified .

Please PM me your number and I will Whatsapp you the details of Prem and Pravin. However, I would suggest take that Yeti to Mahadevapura early - get there by 0845 on Saturday morning and meet these guys and show them the vehicle - drag that present owner there.

Nothing like a full face to face. And it enables you to build relationships with the service guys. Use my name freely. I actually know them very well for 8 years. And I both like and trust them. Nice people.

I accompanied the chap who bought my Yeti, to the Mahadevapura workshop so as to ensure that he took the car with complete peace of mind. Yes, I invested half a Saturday. But my conscience is clearer and I am happier because of that. I made him drive there. I was pleased with the way he was handling the car and especially the clutch. He didnt stall it as I thought he would, except once. And the only other comment I have on his driving is that if I were him I would downshift a little sooner than he does, for greater torque and power, given the conditions in which we drive in Bangalore. In fact his driving display was one of the reasons I said OK to give him my Yeti.

You as a buyer, can easily insist upon this visit to the service centre, from your seller. Whats in your favour is that the Yeti doesn’t have many takers in the market because people simply do not understand what sort of vehicle it is and therefore make all sorts of stupid assumptions. Typically and sadly, I may add, in these trust deficient times, unfamiliarity with something, tends to breed doubt and suspicion.
So you have leverage. Because the seller will typically NOT let go of a genuine buyer.

[itwasntme]

Originally Posted by shankar.balan

Nothing like a full face to face. And it enables you to build relationships with the service guys.

I made him drive there. I was pleased with the way he was handling the car and especially the clutch. In fact his driving display was one of the reasons I said OK to give him my Yeti.

Because the seller will typically NOT let go of a genuine buyer.

Superbly captured. I also turned down a host of buyers for my 2012 Polo and my 2011 Cruze based on their attitude and driving 'skills'.

[iTNerd]

The Yeti, being very well engineered and built, would be easily road worthy for two and more decades of motoring, if well looked and maintained with genuine parts. Most of common consumables and spare parts and the TDi 2.0 engine are from the common bins, that were used across many VW cars - Skoda Laura, Superb, Jetta, Passat, Golf, Tiguan, Audi A3, A4, A6, Q3, Q5, TT, 8P, Seat Exo etc. to name a few. So, sourcing these parts should not be a big issue.

I don't think you will get any better car at this price point in the pre-own market. And if you stay in one of the big metro city, spares should be readily available. So, my advise is, if you are not the type of person with herd mentality and want a no-nonsense do-it-all car, buy it, own it and enjoy it! Of course, don't forget to buy a VCDS cable to scan errors and pin-point the source of the problem when certain parts come to fail, as this will prevent Skoda Service Centers from scamming you!

P.S. My Yeti 4x4 is soon to be 8 years old with 69K kms, service once a year from FNG and I am really happy, won't sell it ever.

[navaneo]

Originally Posted by shankar.balan

Please PM me your number and I will Whatsapp you the details of Prem and Pravin. However, I would suggest take that Yeti to Mahadevapura early - get there by 0845 on Saturday morning and meet these guys and show them the vehicle - drag that present owner there.

Thank you Shankar. I dont think I have PM privileges yet (at least I could not figure it out ). I took the car to a trusted mechanic today (FNG) and he gave it a thorough check (long test drive plus a 30 minute engine bay check). He is convinced about the authenticity of the vehicle ( bodyline, Odo reading etc). However there is one problem that he said can be figured out only by the authorized service center. There is a hissing noise when turbo kicks in. There is absolutely no drop in power. He believes it may be nothing but its best to get it checked at the ASC. Other than that the brake pads have worn out and need to be replaced and the suspension is stiff. The suspension problem could also be because the previous owned has shoed the vehicle with 215/65 R16 tyres ( I felt it looked bigger than required but not sure if its the right size). But overall he was not too concerned about it.

For now, I am planning to get the vehicle checked at the ASC on saturday ( Vinayak Skoda - Okhlipuram) and will keep you posted on how that goes. In the meanwhile please do let me know if there is anything else I should specifically check for.

The waterpump/timing kit seems to be OK. Clutch/Engine problems were not noted

[hummer]

Skoda Yeti is exclusive, slow aging and always a head turner SUV (my opinion). Very well built and just right sized for the cities like Bengaluru.

When I sold my Nissan Terrano, I was on the look out for a pre-owned SUV, YETI came first on my list, even after reading horror stories of Skoda ASS, I was inclined towards YETI.

My respect to YETI increased after watching a top gear program where a helicopter landed on Skoda YETI, so to console myself, I was only reading positive feedback on Skoda.

Unfortunately, I badly wanted an automatic SUV and YETI has only MT versions.

If I had enough energy left to drive MT at Bengaluru traffic, I would have closed my eyes and bought a YETI to keep for couple of years atleast.

[shankar.balan]

Originally Posted by navaneo

. He is convinced about the authenticity of the vehicle ( bodyline, Odo reading etc). However there is one problem that he said can be figured out only by the authorized service center. There is a hissing noise when turbo kicks in.

The suspension problem could also be because the previous owned has shoed the vehicle with 215/65 R16 tyres ( I felt it looked bigger than required but not sure if its the right size). But overall he was not too concerned about it.

For now, I am planning to get the vehicle checked at the ASC on saturday ( Vinayak Skoda - Okhlipuram) and will keep you posted on how that goes. In the meanwhile please do let me know if there is anything else I should specifically check for.

The waterpump/timing kit seems to be OK. Clutch/Engine problems were not noted

The 2WD 2 litre 110BHP Yeti does have a slight TURBO WHISTLE as compared to the 4WD which has the typical low growl of the 2 litre engine with the Turbo Whistle per se being much less perceptible. I am not sure this hissing noise you are referring to is the same or not.

These 215/65/16 tyres are exactly the same size I had put on my Yeti in 2016 March as the first change of tyres. The stock tyres it comes with are Goodyear Excellence 205/60/16 which is not so great.

I also put in Rogerab Suspension dampers, which really help on the lousy roads and speed breakers of Bangalore. These make a BIG difference. I had no problems with my Suspension or even the Shock Absorbers. Effectively with the 5mm increase in sidewall, with the 215 size tyres and the 5mm increase in profile too, the vehicle wheel wells were way better filled. And the ride and handling was great. I used Falken Wildpeak Tyres. The Rogerab suspension dampers added another 5mm of height.
Effectively then, the Yeti height increased by 10mm overall. But it worked brilliantly for the last 4 years because I just became much more fearless with these horrible Bangalore roads. And the performance on the highway also, was not compromised at all.

Have the dashboard display and instrument panel looked at as also the AC and Blower when you go to the workshop. Pay them and have them take the car up on the ramp to check under the vehicle for any damages etc.

Otherwise you should be good.

All the best.

[navaneo]

Dear all, just a quick update. I had to let go of the deal unfortunately. Took the vehicle to Vinayak Skoda for a thorough check. I was told that the fuel pump system had a major issue and estimated cost for replacement was ~2.5 lakhs. Additionally all break pads and discs needed replacements. Probably an FNG would have given a lower quote for repairs but I did not want to buy a vehicle with a laundry list of repairs to be done ( although the engine/gear were in decent shape). My search will continue. Thank you everyone, especially Shankar, for providing invaluable input on buying a great vehicle

[condor]

Originally Posted by navaneo

... the fuel pump system had a major issue and estimated cost for replacement was ~2.5 lakhs.

Did they tell you how was this diagnosed ? Curious to know, since your FNG mechanic also was not able to identify it, but ASC has.

[shankar.balan]

Originally Posted by navaneo

Dear all, just a quick update. I had to let go of the deal unfortunately. Took the vehicle to Vinayak Skoda for a thorough check. I was told that the fuel pump system had a major issue and estimated cost for replacement was ~2.5 lakhs. Additionally all break pads and discs needed replacements. Probably an FNG would have given a lower quote for repairs but I did not want to buy a vehicle with a laundry list of repairs to be done ( although the engine/gear were in decent shape). My search will continue. Thank you everyone, especially Shankar, for providing invaluable input on buying a great vehicle

Good. Am glad you went and checked. Now, keep looking for a good Yeti - there will invariably be some good ones in the market. But try and hunt up a relatively lower mileage one if you can. And insist always on service record and even then, take it along to the Service Centre and have it checked thoroughly.

I dont know if you have considered it, but another option for you is a good Duster. Dusters are very tough and probably more “beatable” than the Yeti.

[Safeer]

Wow - it is heartening (positive sense!) to see loyal Yeti owners-(ex and current) joining hands and giving advice - pros and cons of owning Yeti. Mostly in the affirmative.

I too can vouch for Yeti being an owner of pre-owned 2011 Elegance 4*4 one, since 2017. It is an amazing vehicle. I for one, keep changing cars - but unable to find a suitable lateral upgrade (owned Octavia Mk1, Mk2 (MT and DSG), Innova, 8th gen Civic AT - still have Civic). I am scared to venture into the Big German territory and its safe to stay up to VW - given my budget! Also always get my vehicles serviced at Authorised Outlets - Tafe, Vinayak, Whitefield Honda (for Civic!).

So @ navaneo, all the best for your Yeti hunt! Perseverance pays.

On a side note, guess we ought to have a Yeti owners team within TBhp- if there is none at present!
@ shankar.balan definitely should be a honorary member of this club, though he has sold his Yeti! Cannot thank shankar.balan, pramod, ITNerd threads etc. enough for their valuable inputs regarding ownership and upkeep of Yeti.