[PlatzdaTurbo]

Originally Posted by iliketurtles

Hiya Platzda. No problem answering, don't think I've mentioned this anywhere in any case. I'm getting a consistent 10.5 KMPL (give or take), always measured tankful to tankful.

The AC is on 100% of the time and most of my driving is done in Andheri East's cesspit of traffic, so you can say it's about 90% city and 10% highway driving, approx.

I haven't measured highway mileage as such, so there's that.

Ditto then. In bullcrap traffic the skoda returns pretty much the same.

A tip though, if you havnt discovered already that is ....it isnt difficult to yield a figure of 20 + kmpl (way above) in these cars on combined city + highway drives. Try it if you haven't and then capture the silly grin plastered on your face in a selfie when it works !

[iliketurtles]

Originally Posted by PlatzdaTurbo

Ditto then. In bullcrap traffic the skoda returns pretty much the same.

A tip though, if you havnt discovered already that is ....it isnt difficult to yield a figure of 20 + kmpl (way above) in these cars on combined city + highway drives. Try it if you haven't and then capture the silly grin plastered on your face in a selfie when it works !

Not surprised to hear that really, I'm just glad mileage isn't in single digits

There have been times when I've tried to max out the mileage and easily hit 20+, even saw something in the 40's when I was coasting once, but where's the fun in that! I'd rather drive for the fun factor!

I'm amazed and delighted at how frugal the 2.0 TDI is, no doubt about it.

[vishal.jayakuma]

Originally Posted by BackInTheFold

My $0.02: Please get the 2015 Jetta. At this time of the year, there is very limited upside in getting a 2014 MY. You also get a marginal bump up of 10 BHP for waiting.

Also, word from a friendly dealer is that there are really no new Jetta's around. So please check doubly carefully on the date of manufacture on any "great deal".

Good luck!

That's true.
But I can't wait that long to get a car. Besides right now, Jetta is at 22L OTR. New car will have a price hike, and since there's no substantial change, I'd rather use my money for the Octavia. Actually all this will happen once i get rid of my Civic , which has been taking quite a toll on the economy of our family. Repairs have reached 6 figures comfortably.
What's your take on the Octavia at the moment?

Originally Posted by iliketurtles

Thanks Vishal! Glad you enjoyed reading it



Solid choice, you can't go wrong with either of them really. The Jetta and Octavia have been popular choices this year, and for good reason too.



The Pirellis are doing very decently. I crossed 11111 kms today and noise levels are not too bad, drivability is great as they're slightly performance oriented, but the sidewalls are quite soft. For reference, I had Michelin XM1's on my City before this and only had some puncture issues when nails pierced the tyre tread. They were largely fuss-free tyres. With the P1's, I have had a sidewall bubble, I know not how, and I have been very wary since they didn't honor the warranty for it (as expected). If softer sidewalls are a concern for you, I'd say avoid the P1's. They're great if you drive on good roads though.



Check with Vagtune, they might be your best bet. If they don't have it, you'll just have to order it in! It's not that big a deal though, is it? I'd rather spend money on a remap at some point!



I'd agree with this. The 2015 vintage is not too far away and unless you absolutely want a 2014 one and can get a huge discount (read 2 lakhs or more) on it, I don't think you should go for a 2014 one. DSG's are sold out across the board from what everyone says, so getting big discounts on the manual variants are highly unlikely right now.

Happy shopping, and hold your horses. The 2015 Jetta is almost here!

I'd like your opinion on the new Octavia too.
So I'm from Chennai, and Lal Enterprises quoted 10,250 for the Michelin Primacy 3ST, 8000 for the Pirellis and a buyback of 5000 per tyre for the Goodyears (<100km).
What about Yokos?
Which one should be the final deal?

[iliketurtles]

Originally Posted by vishal.jayakuma

I'd like your opinion on the new Octavia too.
So I'm from Chennai, and Lal Enterprises quoted 10,250 for the Michelin Primacy 3ST, 8000 for the Pirellis and a buyback of 5000 per tyre for the Goodyears (<100km).
What about Yokos?
Which one should be the final deal?

I like the new Octavia a whole lot. I had in fact booked the TSI even before the Jetta, but there was no chance of getting it anytime quickly. In fact, there was no clue about availability beyond the fact that it will take some months. The same was true for the TDI.

Like GTO pointed out, if it's the diesel you want, go for the Jetta. If it's the Petrol, go for the Octavia. Simple as.

The Jetta TDI is cheaper than the comparative Octavia, and gets a better suspension at the rear plus paddle shifters, but is dated on the interior, whereas the Octavia feels richer. The Octy also has a sunroof, if you're into that! Even so, the Jetta TDI is my pick of the two.

As for the tyres, please don't go for the Good years. Michelin and Pirellis are both good choices, but seeing how you said soft sidewalls are a concern, I'd plump for the Yokos. By all accounts, it's a bit more durable than either of the Michelin or Pirellis. The latter two aren't bad choices, but I do have questions over their softness, is all.

[PlatzdaTurbo]

Originally Posted by vishal.jayakuma

I'd like your opinion on the new Octavia too.
So I'm from Chennai, and Lal Enterprises quoted 10,250 for the Michelin Primacy 3ST, 8000 for the Pirellis and a buyback of 5000 per tyre for the Goodyears (<100km).
What about Yokos?
Which one should be the final deal?

My Laura TDI came with Goodyears. The tyre pressure monitor raised an alarm WEEKLY & no i am not exaggerating. On Mumbai's roads (haha!) the goodyears were sitting ducks. They were actually a liability.

Then a few months ago i changed to Yokohamas. The TPM hasnt beeped ever since.

I rest my case.

[vishal.jayakuma]

Originally Posted by iliketurtles

I like the new Octavia a whole lot. I had in fact booked the TSI even before the Jetta, but there was no chance of getting it anytime quickly. In fact, there was no clue about availability beyond the fact that it will take some months. The same was true for the TDI.

Like GTO pointed out, if it's the diesel you want, go for the Jetta. If it's the Petrol, go for the Octavia. Simple as.

The Jetta TDI is cheaper than the comparative Octavia, and gets a better suspension at the rear plus paddle shifters, but is dated on the interior, whereas the Octavia feels richer. The Octy also has a sunroof, if you're into that! Even so, the Jetta TDI is my pick of the two.

As for the tyres, please don't go for the Good years. Michelin and Pirellis are both good choices, but seeing how you said soft sidewalls are a concern, I'd plump for the Yokos. By all accounts, it's a bit more durable than either of the Michelin or Pirellis. The latter two aren't bad choices, but I do have questions over their softness, is all.

Yes that's true. But Octavia is also appealing. I still want to go for the Jetta right now and not wait for the face lift.
What about the new Superb? Is it worth pitting in the extra 10 lakhs for it? My parents would love the space it offers though.
I'm in a real dilemma.

Originally Posted by PlatzdaTurbo

My Laura TDI came with Goodyears. The tyre pressure monitor raised an alarm WEEKLY & no i am not exaggerating. On Mumbai's roads (haha!) the goodyears were sitting ducks. They were actually a liability.

Then a few months ago i changed to Yokohamas. The TPM hasnt beeped ever since.

I rest my case.

That's true. Yokos have a rreputation for being reliable. But what about tyre noise and the ride on the Yokos?
Lal Enterprises in Chennai keep mentioning Hankook. What about them?

[iliketurtles]

[quote=vishal.jayakuma;3590862]Yes that's true. But Octavia is also appealing. I still want to go for the Jetta right now and not wait for the face lift.
What about the new Superb? Is it worth pitting in the extra 10 lakhs for it? My parents would love the space it offers though.
I'm in a real dilemma. /QUOTE]
If waiting is an issue, that almost rules out the Octavia unless you can get your hands on one quickly!

The Superb is, well, Superb. Tons of space and equipment and a truly premium car for the price. But it is different from the Jetta in that it is not as much a car for the self driven, it's best enjoyed from the cavernous back seat. Frankly, I wouldn't splash the extra cash for it since I would much rather enjoy the car behind the wheel and it's too much of a stretch from the Jetta. The Superb is from a class above, and it feels it.

List out your priorities in terms of what you absolutely must have from a car and see which car most fulfils it. That's the best way to go about it, else your heart will keep on leading you astray!

[PlatzdaTurbo]

Originally Posted by vishal.jayakuma

That's true. Yokos have a rreputation for being reliable. But what about tyre noise and the ride on the Yokos?
Lal Enterprises in Chennai keep mentioning Hankook. What about them?

Tyre noise is significantly lesser than the Goodyears i had but that is relatively speaking. These arent intrusive but if you want absolute silence , might as well opt for some michelin comfort specs. Lets not talk bout ride ... the car in question is a Laura

I remember considering hankooks too. INCREDIBLE VFM ! But i decided to opt for Yokos instead as handling , durability and grip was a priority for me over price. They could be good but i have no experience with them.

[vishal.jayakuma]

I have a query.
I found the ECS pedals to be an extremely good replacement for the stock ones.
Does anyone know where to source aluminium inserts for the door pads?

[iliketurtles]

Originally Posted by vishal.jayakuma

Does anyone know where to source aluminium inserts for the door pads?

I reckon alibaba and ebay are good places to look, but make sure you're confident of the quality before you buy it!

Here's a sample link.

[iliketurtles]

As Sheryl Crow crooked, the first cut is the deepest.



Long story short, I was travelling down a narrow road when the two rickshaws ahead of me just stopped in the middle of the road, as they are wont to do to get a customer. I had kept ample distance and stopped well in time. The girl in the Wagon-r behind me didn't. What you see is the resultant cut in the rear bumper where she rear-ended me.

So, anyone have any tips? Go to VW itself or go to a friendly neighbourhood shop? I'm averse to the latter option as the quality of work is often questionable. If anyone can point me in the direction of a good one I'm game to give it a try.

[graaja]

Originally Posted by iliketurtles

As Sheryl Crow crooked, the first cut is the deepest.

Long story short, I was travelling down a narrow road when the two rickshaws ahead of me just stopped in the middle of the road, as they are wont to do to get a customer. I had kept ample distance and stopped well in time. The girl in the Wagon-r behind me didn't. What you see is the resultant cut in the rear bumper where she rear-ended me.

...

Oops. That must have hurt! I would say visit VW. This may require a replacement of that body part.

[Chethan B G]

Originally Posted by iliketurtles

As Sheryl Crow crooked, the first cut is the deepest.


So, anyone have any tips?

I would suggest to live with it. After-all bumpers are for this very purpose. If the cut portion that has gone a bit inside, is pulled out; the cut itself will not be glaringly visible.

[humyum]

Originally Posted by iliketurtles

As Sheryl Crow crooked, the first cut is the deepest.

Attachment 1315914

Long story short, I was travelling down a narrow road when the two rickshaws ahead of me just stopped in the middle of the road, as they are wont to do to get a customer. I had kept ample distance and stopped well in time. The girl in the Wagon-r behind me didn't. What you see is the resultant cut in the rear bumper where she rear-ended me.

So, anyone have any tips? Go to VW itself or go to a friendly neighbourhood shop? I'm averse to the latter option as the quality of work is often questionable. If anyone can point me in the direction of a good one I'm game to give it a try.

If you don't mind a little scar remaining on the bumper, you can go to a local denting painting wala and they heat the bumper and stitch it back into place. Costs 100 rupees at max. I have done that with my Swift's rear bumper. Of course a small scar remains, but you can add a team-bhp sticker over that and VOILA its fashion again.

[iliketurtles]

Originally Posted by graaja

Oops. That must have hurt! I would say visit VW. This may require a replacement of that body part.

Oh yes, it hurt quite a bit. Really bummed me out no end. My first thoughts went to a bumper replacement too, but in retrospect I felt then that's a bit extreme. Would cost about 10-12k too, maybe more!

Originally Posted by Chethan B G

I would suggest to live with it. After-all bumpers are for this very purpose. If the cut portion that has gone a bit inside, is pulled out; the cut itself will not be glaringly visible.

Sadly, it would still be. It's quite a prominent cut and I really wouldn't be able to live it. Seeing it would be quite painful everytime!

Originally Posted by humyum

If you don't mind a little scar remaining on the bumper, you can go to a local denting painting wala and they heat the bumper and stitch it back into place. Costs 100 rupees at max. I have done that with my Swift's rear bumper. Of course a small scar remains, but you can add a team-bhp sticker over that and VOILA its fashion again.

Yup, this is what I did eventually it's something that popped up amid quick searches and it made sense. I do want the scar to not be there though and my trusted bodywork guy said that he'd do a paint job and ensure it'll look as good as new, so that works for me. Still anxious though, and I hope the surgery (so to speak) is scarless!