Audi A6 - No spare wheel!
Derek C
alloy wheels and heated leather seats. A few days later he checked in
the boot and found that there was no spare wheel. So he went back to
the dealer to complain about this and was told that spare wheels
didn't come as standard, but they could sell him a spacesaver wheel
and tyre for £600! How bloody ridiculous is that?
Silk
I think you may mean £60. I think that's what they are for my Skoda and
it's effectively the same brand. I know they like to mark up identical
items in the more "upmarked" brands, but a factor of 10 is pushing it
methinks. Although nothing would suprise me with Audi. Overpriced and
overrated.
The Revd
>On 13/08/2011 14:41, Derek C wrote:
>> An acquaintance of mine recently purchased a brand new Audi A6 with
>> alloy wheels and heated leather seats. A few days later he checked in
>> the boot and found that there was no spare wheel. So he went back to
>> the dealer to complain about this and was told that spare wheels
>> didn't come as standard, but they could sell him a spacesaver wheel
>> and tyre for �600! How bloody ridiculous is that?
>
>
>I think you may mean �60.
�600 sounds far more likely. Have you seen what Audi charges for
alloy wheels?
> I think that's what they are for my Skoda and
>it's effectively the same brand
It's anything but the same brand.
> I know they like to mark up identical
>items in the more "upmarked" brands, but a factor of 10 is pushing it
>methinks. Although nothing would suprise me with Audi. Overpriced and
>overrated.
As opposed to the Skoda: underpriced, yet still overrated.
Derek C
I think even £60 is too much for a skinny steel spacesaver wheel and
tyre. A friend and I were travelling up to Scotland a few months ago
in his Jaguar when he suffered a rear wheel blow-out on the motorway.
One tyre was totally wrecked, but all we had was a spacesaver spare
wheel. The AA man who turned out to help advised us not to travel at
more than 50mph or to travel more than 50 miles on it. We still had
400 miles to go, so had to visit a tyre depot to get a new tyre
fitted! We would have been totally stuck in the Audi. Audis and
Jaguars are supposed to be prestige cars, so why spoil the ship for a
halfpennies worth of tar?
BTW I once hired a small car in Spain which didn't have a spare wheel,
but a temporary foam repair kit. That would have been absolutely
useless in the above scenario. Can't remember if it was a small Seat
or a Nissan Micra now.
Silk
> £600 sounds far more likely. Have you seen what Audi charges for
> alloy wheels?
You obviously don't know what a space-saver spare is, you dumb cunt. For
about 60 quid, you get a full size spare on the Skoda, although it is a
steel and not an alloy.
>
>> I think that's what they are for my Skoda and
>> it's effectively the same brand
>
> It's anything but the same brand.
VAG. Audi is just a big Seat with the same cheap Jap HiFi style interior.
>
>> I know they like to mark up identical
>> items in the more "upmarked" brands, but a factor of 10 is pushing it
>> methinks. Although nothing would suprise me with Audi. Overpriced and
>> overrated.
>
> As opposed to the Skoda: underpriced, yet still overrated.
Skoda are priced about right for what you get. Although I'd prefer it if
they were cheaper.
The Revd
>On 13/08/2011 16:25, The Revd wrote:
>
>> Ł600 sounds far more likely. Have you seen what Audi charges for
>> alloy wheels?
>
>You obviously don't know what a space-saver spare is, you dumb cunt.
I know exactly what a space saver is, you black bastard.
>For
>about 60 quid, you get a full size spare on the Skoda, although it is a
>steel and not an alloy.
What relevance does the cost of Skoda steel wheels have to the price
of Audi alloy wheels?
>>> I think that's what they are for my Skoda and
>>> it's effectively the same brand
>>
>> It's anything but the same brand.
>
>VAG. Audi is just a big Seat with the same cheap Jap HiFi style interior.
No, it isn't. Just because VAG bought Skoda, it doesn't mean the cars
are of the same quality. Otherwise it'd be VASG not VAG.
>>> I know they like to mark up identical
>>> items in the more "upmarked" brands, but a factor of 10 is pushing it
>>> methinks. Although nothing would suprise me with Audi. Overpriced and
>>> overrated.
>>
>> As opposed to the Skoda: underpriced, yet still overrated.
>
>Skoda are priced about right for what you get. Although I'd prefer it if
>they were cheaper.
A typical pikey sentiment.
Ret.
> BTW I once hired a small car in Spain which didn't have a spare wheel,
> but a temporary foam repair kit. That would have been absolutely
> useless in the above scenario. Can't remember if it was a small Seat
> or a Nissan Micra now.
Becoming more and more common. The current VX Meriva does not have a spare
wheel.
--
Kev
Mortimer
news:70dba4b0-8e46-4c9d...@w18g2000yqc.googlegroups.com...
I'd like to see the EU mandate that in order for a car to be roadworthy it
needs to have a full-size spare wheel which can be driven at normal speed
with no distance limitation, although maybe steel where the rest of the
wheels are alloy.
When I was choosing a new car, I rejected several which had no spare wheel
(eg Honda Civic) and eventually realised that I'd have to take the risk with
a space-saver wheel because not a single one of the cars I was interested in
had a full-size wheel. I do a lot of long journeys on Sunday nights, so if I
was to have a puncture I'd be stuffed: if my wheel is good for 50 miles and
there are still 200 miles to go, there's no garage open on a Sunday night.
When I asked one garage salesman how people avoided being stranded
overnight, he said "if you're that worried you could buy a full-size wheel
and keep it in the boot but it won't fit in the recess in the floor of the
boot".
Silk
> On Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:20:41 +0100, Silk<m...@privacy.net> wrote:
>
>> On 13/08/2011 16:25, The Revd wrote:
>>
>>> Ł600 sounds far more likely. Have you seen what Audi charges for
>>> alloy wheels?
>>
>> You obviously don't know what a space-saver spare is, you dumb cunt.
>
> I know exactly what a space saver is, you black bastard.
>
>> For
>> about 60 quid, you get a full size spare on the Skoda, although it is a
>> steel and not an alloy.
>
> What relevance does the cost of Skoda steel wheels have to the price
> of Audi alloy wheels?
They have a lot of parts in common, so it's a fair comparison.
>
>>>> I think that's what they are for my Skoda and
>>>> it's effectively the same brand
>>>
>>> It's anything but the same brand.
>>
>> VAG. Audi is just a big Seat with the same cheap Jap HiFi style interior.
>
> No, it isn't. Just because VAG bought Skoda, it doesn't mean the cars
> are of the same quality. Otherwise it'd be VASG not VAG.
They share the same parts bin.
>
>>>> I know they like to mark up identical
>>>> items in the more "upmarked" brands, but a factor of 10 is pushing it
>>>> methinks. Although nothing would suprise me with Audi. Overpriced and
>>>> overrated.
>>>
>>> As opposed to the Skoda: underpriced, yet still overrated.
>>
>> Skoda are priced about right for what you get. Although I'd prefer it if
>> they were cheaper.
>
> A typical pikey sentiment.
Only pikeys are clueless when it comes to finances.
Silk
I don't miss it with my current car. If I get a puncture, I call the AA.
I can't be arsed getting dirty changing a wheel.
bolta...@boltar.world
Silk <m...@privacy.net> wrote:
>> Becoming more and more common. The current VX Meriva does not have a
>> spare wheel.
>
>I don't miss it with my current car. If I get a puncture, I call the AA.
>I can't be arsed getting dirty changing a wheel.
It can also be bloody dangerous trying to do it yourself on a busy road
or motorway especially if its a offside blowout.
B2003
Silk
Indeed. If I'm somewhere safer, I can always call a mobile tyre fitter
out and kill two birds with one stone.
There was a time when getting dirty was part of having a car. Thank
goodness those days are long gone, for me at least.
Silk
When I asked one garage salesman how
> people avoided being stranded overnight, he said "if you're that worried
> you could buy a full-size wheel and keep it in the boot but it won't fit
> in the recess in the floor of the boot".
He should have said, "book into a hotel".
Bod
Derek C
Just in case I had misheard it, I checked with my friend and he
confirmed that it was £600. I suggested that he found a proper wheel
at a scrapyard for a fraction of the price.
Ret.
That's not the case with all cars. I replaced the space-saver wheel that
came with my Rover 75 estate with a full-sized alloy and it fitted into the
spare wheel recess perfectly...
Having said that - I don't think a full sized wheel would fit into the
recess on my current Golf - at least not without raising the boot floor.
--
Kev
Mortimer
news:9ao63c...@mid.individual.net...
I'd rather do the job and be on my way again in a few minutes rather than
having to wait an hour or so for the RAC/AA to do it. Anyway, I'd feel
embarrassed about calling them out for a job that I'm perfectly capable of
doing myself.
The only time I called out the RAC for a puncture was when I couldn't undo
the tray that held the spare wheel underneath the boot: it was a crappy
design with the head of the retaining bolt having a very wide notch (like an
oversized wood-screw head) into which a flattened end of the wheelbrace
fitted. The bolt had rusted onto the threaded part attached to the cage, and
I couldn't get enough purchase on the bolt because the wheelbrace kept
slipping out of the notch. It would have been so much better if the bolt had
had a hexagonal head the same size as the wheel nuts.
Once the RAC man had managed to free the spare wheel, I had the old wheel
off and the spare on in a few minutes.
Mortimer
news:4e4783ab$1$16817$a826...@newsreader.readnews.com...
> Mortimer wrote:
"if you're that worried you could buy a full-size wheel and keep
>> it in the boot but it won't fit in the recess in the floor of the
>> boot".
>
> That's not the case with all cars. I replaced the space-saver wheel that
> came with my Rover 75 estate with a full-sized alloy and it fitted into
> the spare wheel recess perfectly...
>
> Having said that - I don't think a full sized wheel would fit into the
> recess on my current Golf - at least not without raising the boot floor.
Yes, the recess on the Golf is too shallow to take a full-size wheel
(solution, VW to make the recess deep enough!). You can get a modified
carpet which has a lump in it to accomodate the full size wheel which then
protrudes into the boot space by a few inches. Of course they charge the
earth for this carpet and for the full-size wheel.
The problem with space-saver wheels in that they make a very naive
assumption that punctures only happen during garage opening hours and that
you have time to wait while they repair/replace the tyre. A spare wheel
should be self-contained and a complete substitute for the running wheels,
so you can get the puncture replaced at a time which is convenient, rather
than doing it immediately.
Ret.
I agree.
--
Kev
Silk
I don't.
Puntures are rare enough these days for it not to be too much of a problem.
Silk
> "Bod" <bodr...@tiscali.co.uk> wrote in message
> news:9ao63c...@mid.individual.net...
>> On 13/08/2011 20:51, Silk wrote:
>>> On 13/08/2011 19:49, Ret. wrote:
>>>> Derek C wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> BTW I once hired a small car in Spain which didn't have a spare wheel,
>>>>> but a temporary foam repair kit. That would have been absolutely
>>>>> useless in the above scenario. Can't remember if it was a small Seat
>>>>> or a Nissan Micra now.
>>>>
>>>> Becoming more and more common. The current VX Meriva does not have a
>>>> spare wheel.
>>>
>>> I don't miss it with my current car. If I get a puncture, I call the AA.
>>> I can't be arsed getting dirty changing a wheel.
>
> I'd rather do the job and be on my way again in a few minutes rather
> than having to wait an hour or so for the RAC/AA to do it. Anyway, I'd
> feel embarrassed about calling them out for a job that I'm perfectly
> capable of doing myself.
It's what they're there for. I have to wear smart clothes most of the
time and it's easier to call someone out than find somewhere to have a
good wash.
Bod
Just carry a pair of gloves and a knee pad, simple.
mick
>> On 13/08/2011 14:41, Derek C wrote:
>>
>>> An acquaintance of mine recently purchased a brand new Audi A6 with
>>> alloy wheels and heated leather seats. A few days later he checked in
>>> the boot and found that there was no spare wheel. So he went back to
>>> the dealer to complain about this and was told that spare wheels
>>> didn't come as standard, but they could sell him a spacesaver wheel
>>
>> I think you may mean ￜ60. I think that's what they are for my Skoda and
>> it's effectively the same brand. I know they like to mark up identical
>> items in the more "upmarked" brands, but a factor of 10 is pushing it
>> methinks. Although nothing would suprise me with Audi. Overpriced and
>> overrated.
>
> Just in case I had misheard it, I checked with my friend and he
> at a scrapyard for a fraction of the price.
I will sell him a car plus 'five alloys' for that, yes my car came with
a full sized alloy spare when new.
--
mick
NM
> Mortimer wrote:
> > "Derek C" <del.copel...@tiscali.co.uk> wrote in message
My spare for the Smart fits in the door pocket.
NM
> On 14/08/2011 11:40, Ret. wrote:
>
>
>
> > Mortimer wrote:
Most punctures are caused by lack of maintenance, if you look after
them correctly you will never get a puncture unless it's something
freaky (like running over some penetrating sharp object as Concorde
did). even a nail takes time to work it's way in, checking regularly
for embedded foreign objects and running the correct inflation avoids
almost all problems.
NM
> On 14/08/2011 12:41, Silk wrote:
>
> > On 14/08/2011 10:49, Mortimer wrote:
Together with the hi-viz vest (available to grasp from within the
car), torch, socket and extension, hammer, screwdriver/lever.
swarfega, clean rags, warning triangle and flashing beacon plus of
course if in France, the original log, book a copy of your insurance
certificate and the MOT plus a letter from the registered owner
permitting you to drive and of course don't forget your first aid kit.
Maybe it is easier to call someone out.
NM
If you live well rural that is not always a realistic option unless
you have time to waste.
The Revd
>On 13/08/2011 19:46, The Revd wrote:
>> On Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:20:41 +0100, Silk<m...@privacy.net> wrote:
>>
>>> On 13/08/2011 16:25, The Revd wrote:
>>>
>>>> Ł600 sounds far more likely. Have you seen what Audi charges for
>>>> alloy wheels?
>>>
>>> You obviously don't know what a space-saver spare is, you dumb cunt.
>>
>> I know exactly what a space saver is, you black bastard.
>>
>>> For
>>> about 60 quid, you get a full size spare on the Skoda, although it is a
>>> steel and not an alloy.
>>
>> What relevance does the cost of Skoda steel wheels have to the price
>> of Audi alloy wheels?
>
>They have a lot of parts in common, so it's a fair comparison.
No, it's not. Steel and alloy wheels are completely different.
>>>>> I think that's what they are for my Skoda and
>>>>> it's effectively the same brand
>>>>
>>>> It's anything but the same brand.
>>>
>>> VAG. Audi is just a big Seat with the same cheap Jap HiFi style interior.
>>
>> No, it isn't. Just because VAG bought Skoda, it doesn't mean the cars
>> are of the same quality. Otherwise it'd be VASG not VAG.
>
>They share the same parts bin.
No, they don't.
>>>>> I know they like to mark up identical
>>>>> items in the more "upmarked" brands, but a factor of 10 is pushing it
>>>>> methinks. Although nothing would suprise me with Audi. Overpriced and
>>>>> overrated.
>>>>
>>>> As opposed to the Skoda: underpriced, yet still overrated.
>>>
>>> Skoda are priced about right for what you get. Although I'd prefer it if
>>> they were cheaper.
>>
>> A typical pikey sentiment.
>
>Only pikeys are clueless when it comes to finances.
Pikeys like you.
Bod
You are joking, of course?
Simon Finnigan
But when it is a problem, it can be a major one. Say you're driving 100
miles to an airport for a family holiday, at 5AM. Can't use a space saver
to go the full distance, can't get a new tyre fitted, so you run a risk of
losing out on the holiday.
Silk
> Together with the hi-viz vest (available to grasp from within the
> car), torch, socket and extension, hammer, screwdriver/lever.
> swarfega, clean rags, warning triangle and flashing beacon plus of
> course if in France, the original log, book a copy of your insurance
> certificate and the MOT plus a letter from the registered owner
> permitting you to drive and of course don't forget your first aid kit.
> Maybe it is easier to call someone out.
Tust me, it is.
Silk
> You are joking, of course?
Been there, done it. I had a puncture on the way to a customer site. I
managed to limp to the site, called a mobile tyre fitter and they were
out and changed the tyre before I'd finished the job. Another time,
puncture on an A road in the middle of nowhere, called AA out, they were
there withing 30 minutes, towed me to my next destination and I called a
tyre fitter out. On both occasions I had a full spare in the boot.
Silk
> If you live well rural that is not always a realistic option unless
> you have time to waste.
Shit happens. Punctures are rare enough for it not to bother me.
Silk
> Most punctures are caused by lack of maintenance, if you look after
> them correctly you will never get a puncture unless it's something
> freaky (like running over some penetrating sharp object as Concorde
> did). even a nail takes time to work it's way in, checking regularly
> for embedded foreign objects and running the correct inflation avoids
> almost all problems.
Thanks. Saved me the bother typing it.
Silk
> But when it is a problem, it can be a major one. Say you're driving 100
> miles to an airport for a family holiday, at 5AM. Can't use a space saver
> to go the full distance, can't get a new tyre fitted, so you run a risk of
> losing out on the holiday.
No one died because they missed a flight.
Silk
> My spare for the Smart fits in the door pocket.
You can fit the whole car in the door pocket.
Simon Finnigan
But they can lose thousands of pounds of holiday, for a single example. You
may be happy to lose thousands of pounds for the sake of a proper spare,
but I'll bet most people aren't.
Ret.
Actually - yes they do. You will find the same switchgear, the same engines,
the same gearboxes, etc. etc. in VWs, Audis, Seats, and Skodas. Audi may
refer to its twin clutch autobox as the S-Tronic - but it's the same box as
VWs DSG - and same auto box is put into Seats and Skodas.
--
Kev
Silk
> Actually - yes they do. You will find the same switchgear, the same
> engines, the same gearboxes, etc. etc. in VWs, Audis, Seats, and Skodas.
> Audi may refer to its twin clutch autobox as the S-Tronic - but it's the
> same box as VWs DSG - and same auto box is put into Seats and Skodas.
The price you pay for the same item is based on the customer's perceived
gulability. It's the old, "they saw you coming" routine.
Silk
You take your chances in this world.
Ian Dalziel
<simonf...@hotmail.com> wrote:
What happens to the space saver in the 51st mile? Does it evaporate?
--
Ian D
Silk
> What happens to the space saver in the 51st mile? Does it evaporate?
Presumably.
Nick Finnigan
>
> The price you pay for the same item is based on the customer's perceived
> gulability. It's the old, "they saw you coming" routine.
Do you know that the word "gulability" is not in any dictionary?
Nick Finnigan
>
> The problem with space-saver wheels in that they make a very naive
> assumption that punctures only happen during garage opening hours and that
> you have time to wait while they repair/replace the tyre.
I've had to fit my space saver twice since January. It is enough to get
me home from work and drop the proper tyre in at the mechanic downtheroad
and then to and from work the next day. Even though...
Simon Finnigan
You take your chances, I'll get a proper spare to make life a lo easier if
I do have a puncture.
Simon Finnigan
Probably not, but going twice over the quoted lifetime is asking for more
trouble. Will the tread wear down to an illegal level?
Nick Finnigan
>
> them correctly you will never get a puncture unless it's something
> freaky (like running over some penetrating sharp object as Concorde
> did). even a nail takes time to work it's way in, checking regularly
> for embedded foreign objects and running the correct inflation avoids
> almost all problems.
I get punctures at least once a year caused by penetrating sharp objects
and the tyre deflates in a few miles. Yes, they are particularly bad roads
along which I drive to work.
Nick Finnigan
> Ian Dalziel<ianda...@lineone.net> wrote:
>>
>> What happens to the space saver in the 51st mile? Does it evaporate?
>
> Probably not, but going twice over the quoted lifetime is asking for more
> trouble. Will the tread wear down to an illegal level?
No: the tyre might get a bit warm if fitted to the front and you do cover
than 50 miles per journey at 50mph without the TG Eyjafjallajoekull mod.
Ian Dalziel
<simonf...@hotmail.com> wrote:
In a hundred miles? I think it's more likely to evaporate.
--
Ian D
Mike P the 1st
dipped his quill in the best Quink that money could buy:
>On 14/08/2011 13:15, NM wrote:
>
>> My spare for the Smart fits in the door pocket.
>
>You can fit the whole car in the door pocket.
Luxury ...... you can fit a Smart in my wife's handbag !
Mike P the 1st
Silk
My wife's handbag is like the TARDIS.
Silk
> I've had to fit my space saver twice since January.
Try driving on the road.
Silk
I've saved myself the cost of the spare wheel option and the extra fuel
I would have used carrying the fucker around unnecessarily.
Silk
You should move somewhere less pikey.
Silk
Yes. My PA typed that message. She's now been fired.
The Revd
wrote:
>The Revd wrote:
>> On Sat, 13 Aug 2011 20:49:53 +0100, Silk <m...@privacy.net> wrote:
>>
>>> On 13/08/2011 19:46, The Revd wrote:
>>>> On Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:20:41 +0100, Silk<m...@privacy.net> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> On 13/08/2011 16:25, The Revd wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> £600 sounds far more likely. Have you seen what Audi charges for
>>>>>> alloy wheels?
>>>>>
>>>>> You obviously don't know what a space-saver spare is, you dumb
>>>>> cunt.
>>>>
>>>> I know exactly what a space saver is, you black bastard.
>>>>
>>>>> For
>>>>> about 60 quid, you get a full size spare on the Skoda, although it
>>>>> is a steel and not an alloy.
>>>>
>>>> What relevance does the cost of Skoda steel wheels have to the price
>>>> of Audi alloy wheels?
>>>
>>> They have a lot of parts in common, so it's a fair comparison.
>>
>> No, it's not. Steel and alloy wheels are completely different.
>>
>>>>>>> I think that's what they are for my Skoda and
>>>>>>> it's effectively the same brand
>>>>>>
>>>>>> It's anything but the same brand.
>>>>>
>>>>> VAG. Audi is just a big Seat with the same cheap Jap HiFi style
>>>>> interior.
>>>>
>>>> No, it isn't. Just because VAG bought Skoda, it doesn't mean the
>>>> cars are of the same quality. Otherwise it'd be VASG not VAG.
>>>
>>> They share the same parts bin.
>>
>> No, they don't.
>
>Actually - yes they do. You will find the same switchgear, the same engines,
>the same gearboxes, etc. etc. in VWs, Audis, Seats, and Skodas. Audi may
>refer to its twin clutch autobox as the S-Tronic - but it's the same box as
>VWs DSG - and same auto box is put into Seats and Skodas.
Exactly the same specs?
Nick Finnigan
That would required the other traffic to cope with just half of it.
Simon Finnigan
It explains a lot that you have sex with your Tyres.....
Silk
> Exactly the same specs?
Yes. Apart from the badge, an Audi Q8 is *exactly* the same car as a
Skoda Fabia.
Silk
> It explains a lot that you have sex with your Tyres.....
Only a dirty and very warped mind would think of something like that.
ARWadsworth
> On 13/08/2011 21:03, bolta...@boltar.world wrote:
>> On Sat, 13 Aug 2011 20:51:39 +0100
>> Silk<m...@privacy.net> wrote:
>>>> Becoming more and more common. The current VX Meriva does not have
>>>> a spare wheel.
>>>
>>> I don't miss it with my current car. If I get a puncture, I call
>>> the AA. I can't be arsed getting dirty changing a wheel.
>>
>> It can also be bloody dangerous trying to do it yourself on a busy
>> road or motorway especially if its a offside blowout.
>
> Indeed. If I'm somewhere safer, I can always call a mobile tyre fitter
> out and kill two birds with one stone.
>
> There was a time when getting dirty was part of having a car. Thank
> goodness those days are long gone, for me at least.
Why? Does you present car not have a back seat or are you too old for that
sort of thing:-)?
--
Adam
The Revd
A Q8??? LOL
What about real Audis?
Silk
Identical, all of them.
Silk
> Why? Does you present car not have a back seat or are you too old for that
> sort of thing:-)?
Car upholstery is a bastard to clean. ;-)
Ret.
> On 14/08/2011 15:21, Ret. wrote:
>
>> Actually - yes they do. You will find the same switchgear, the same
>> engines, the same gearboxes, etc. etc. in VWs, Audis, Seats, and
>> Skodas. Audi may refer to its twin clutch autobox as the S-Tronic -
>> but it's the same box as VWs DSG - and same auto box is put into
>> Seats and Skodas.
>
> perceived gulability. It's the old, "they saw you coming" routine.
No, you're wrong, it's based more upon how the car is put together and how
it drives. Whilst VW's Golf, Seat's Leon, Audi's A3 and Skoda's Octavia all
share the Golf floorpan and all use the same engines and gearboxes etc. They
all drive very differently, have varying levels of ride quality, have
varying levels of NVR suppression, etc. and so there are good reasons for
choosing one over another and for being prepared to pay extra in order to
get the particular qualities you want.
--
Kev
Ret.
No, of course not, and I am certainly not suggesting that there is no
difference between, say, a Golf, a Leon, an A3 or an Octavia. But they do
indeed share the same parts bin.
--
Kev
Ret.
Whilst you are right to suggest that all VAG group cars share the same parts
bin, you are wrong to suggest that the cars are identical. They are not.
For example, in a recent 'What Car?' comparison test, the VW Golf was
described as being 'streets ahead in every area' when compared to the Audi
A3 (and two other non VAG cars).
--
Kev
Silk
You've fallen for it as well then.
Ret.
Not at all. If you believe that each of those four cars above all drive and
ride identically - then you are clearly unable to effectively judge the
capabilities of different cars.
--
Kev
The Revd
Nah, impossible.
The Revd
wrote:
>The Revd wrote:
>> On Sun, 14 Aug 2011 15:21:31 +0100, "Ret." <kev...@yahoo.co.uk>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> The Revd wrote:
>>>> On Sat, 13 Aug 2011 20:49:53 +0100, Silk <m...@privacy.net> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> On 13/08/2011 19:46, The Revd wrote:
>>>>>> On Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:20:41 +0100, Silk<m...@privacy.net> wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> On 13/08/2011 16:25, The Revd wrote:
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Ł600 sounds far more likely. Have you seen what Audi charges
Then presumably the better cars in the family use more/better parts!
GT
news:542964f1-c2ee-4e0d...@l37g2000yqd.googlegroups.com...
An acquaintance of mine recently purchased a brand new Audi A6 with
alloy wheels and heated leather seats. A few days later he checked in
the boot and found that there was no spare wheel. So he went back to
the dealer to complain about this and was told that spare wheels
didn't come as standard, but they could sell him a spacesaver wheel
and tyre for £600! How bloody ridiculous is that?
Just get an old 2CV wheel - there about the same size!
Actually, a few manufacturers are doing this now - Honda do it - you just
get a can of deoderant to spray into the flat tyre to fix it! Fine for a
small nail hole, but anything else and you're knackered!
GT
news:j26med$rsj$2...@speranza.aioe.org...
> On 13/08/2011 20:47, Mortimer wrote:
> When I asked one garage salesman how
>> people avoided being stranded overnight, he said "if you're that worried
>> you could buy a full-size wheel and keep it in the boot but it won't fit
>> in the recess in the floor of the boot".
>
What if the blow out happens when you are not in a hotel car park?
Zimmy
> Then presumably the better cars in the family use more/better parts!
Nope. I replaced my golf rear wiper motor with the same one from an Audi
A3, I also replaced my Golf central locking motor with the same one from
a Passat.
I also replaced a Mondeo rear parking sensor with exactly the same one
from a Renault so some parts are even shared across brands/groups.
If you think you are getting better quality components by paying a lot
more for an Audi, etc, think again. You are paying for the badge and the
looks (if you like them).
Z
Ret.
And, if What Car? is to be believed, the Golf is better than the A3 in every
aspect...
In their Golf/A3/BMW1 series/Honda Civic comparison test the A3 came third:
"The A3 finishes 3rd. It has the image and quality to match everything at
this price, but it simply doesn't have the ability. It's competent in most
areas and holds its value well, but falls significantly short of the Golf
and BMW for refinement and driving fun."
--
Kev
ianp...@googlemail.com
<del.co...@tiscali.co.uk> wrote:
>An acquaintance of mine recently purchased a brand new Audi A6 with
>alloy wheels and heated leather seats. A few days later he checked in
>the boot and found that there was no spare wheel. So he went back to
>the dealer to complain about this and was told that spare wheels
>didn't come as standard, but they could sell him a spacesaver wheel
>and tyre for £600! How bloody ridiculous is that?
Absolutely ridiculous in my view that all cars do not come with a
serviceable spare. I've been looking to change my old 5 series with
something that will come out of the garage next winter and VERY few of
my shortlisted have even got a spacesaver. Most opt for an aerosol of
gunk. The nice BMW salesboy pointed out that the weight saved by not
having a spare wheel/jack/brace makes such a tremendous saving in fuel
by not carrying something you 'never' use. I pointed out that I
usually have at least one puncture a year in one or other of the
vehicles ( usually hawthorn hedge cuttings but sometimes more violent)
and I don't want to write off a perfectly good repairable tyre each
time. This was met with disbelief. I asserted that he'd been very
lucky not to get a puncture in his tricycle - he clearly wasn't old
enough to have progressed to a bike. I proceeded to determine whether
there was indeed space for a spare (there isn't) but noticed the
existence of a jack, wheel brace and compressor system which probably
weighed about the same as a full size spare. I enquired why the
vehicle had a jack and brace. He couldn't answer but pointed out that
95% of their customers take tyre insurance at 'around' £500 under
which you can replace 3 punctured tyres over a 3 year period. I
pointed out the premium was rather excessive if no one ever got
punctures.....
I left and will not be buying a BMW.
I don't actually mind having to pay for a full size spare providing
there is space to put one. If other people are daft enough or their
circumstances make it that they are happy not to have a spare then so
be it but I do not understand how car makers can afford to alienate
such a large part of the global market - no one in USA or Oz is going
to ever buy a car without a serviceable spare. And somewhere to put
it. Surely?
Please reply to group - email address is not monitored
Ian
Silk
> And, if What Car? is to be believed, the Golf is better than the A3 in
> every aspect...
You get more for the money with a Golf. But you get even more if you go
for the Octavia. The Octavia is better than the Golf in every respect
and it's cheaper.
Silk
> Not at all. If you believe that each of those four cars above all drive
> and ride identically - then you are clearly unable to effectively judge
> the capabilities of different cars.
>
They drive as near identically as makes any difference.
Simon Finnigan
My A6 and the wife's octavia both have full alloy spares in the boot, which
makes life so much easier when you gt a puncture, or need a single tyre
changing for any other reason. Use the spare and get the other tyre
changed at a time to suit you.
Derek C
>
> My A6 and the wife's octavia both have full alloy spares in the boot, which
> makes life so much easier when you gt a puncture, or need a single tyre
> changing for any other reason. Use the spare and get the other tyre
> changed at a time to suit you.
>
Did they come as standard? If not how much did you have to pay for
them?
A puncture is a reasonably predictable occurance, so in my opinion a
car should come with a usable spare wheel that is compatable with the
other wheels and tyres, and can be driven at high speed, even if it is
steel and the normal wheels are alloys.
Derek C
Ret.
Sigh...
It most certainly is *not* better than the Golf in every respect. The
Octavia has a 4* NCAP rating. The Golf has a 5* rating, The Octavia has
(SFAICS) just four airbags as standard (Curtain airbags are extra even on
the Elegance). The Golf has seven airbags as standard.
The Golf is renowned as being 'best in class'. The Octavia is not.
The Octavia is a very good car and is very good value for money. It
certainly has more room than the Golf - but it is not as refined as the Golf
and it does not drive as well as the Golf.
The Golf has been What Car? small family car of the year for the past three
years running. If the Octavia is better in every respect - then why has it
not won these accolades for three years running?
What Car? Small Family Car of the Year 2011:
"Volkswagen's recent TV ads for the Golf ring uncannily true. Other small
family cars may be 'like a Golf' but none is quite as good.
The latest Golf has won this category for the past three years and that's a
fantastic achievement when you consider how many new models have been
launched during that time. The fact is that none has yet managed to better
its stunning all-round abilities.
Over the past 12 months, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta has tempted us with its
delectable looks and fine engines. More recently, the new Focus gave us
serious food for thought, thanks to its sharp handling and keen pricing.
After re-assessing what the Golf had to offer, however, we were in no doubt
that it's still a clear winner.
Despite being older than many of its rivals, the Golf continues to lead the
way in key areas. Crucially, it remains brilliant to drive, with a mix of
supple ride, sure-footed handling and responsive steering. There's no more
refined car in this class, either, particularly if you choose our favourite
engine, the 1.4 TSI petrol.
We realise that the majority of buyers choose the 1.6 TDI diesel
alternative; its blend of smoothness and more than 60mpg fuel economy is
certainly appealing. However, we think that the 1.4 TSI is a better bet for
private buyers, and 45.6mpg is hardly thirsty.
Inside, the Golf more than lives up to its classy image. Every control
operates with solid, well-engineered precision and the materials throughout
are first-rate.
The cabin is impossible to fault for comfort and ease of use, too. There are
fuss-free controls just where you want them to be, supportive seats and
enough adjustment to allow anyone to get comfy, so this is a car that's well
suited to drivers who cover a lot of miles. The packaging is similarly well
thought-out, with plenty of space for people and luggage.
A series of price rises means that the Golf is starting to look rather
expensive, but we think it's still worth every penny. Its desirable image
means that it holds its value better than most rivals, while Match trim
means that there's no need to raid the options list.
We've said it before, but it bears repeating: for many people the Volkswagen
Golf is all the car you'll ever need.
A third consequtive victory in the mid-price category suggests that the
Volkswagen Golf's position here is set in stone.
Far from it. This year in particular it faced a strong challenge from the
new Ford Focus, which gave it a real fright thanks to its sensational
handling, keen prices and excellent refinement. The Alfa Romeo Giulietta's
beguiling blend of style and value ruffled a few feathers, too.
Once again, though, the Golf's exceptional all-round abilities were enough
to keep it at number one. Where some rivals are brilliant in a couple of
areas and so-so in others, the Golf is outstanding in every single one.
No rival strikes such a sweet balance between driver appeal and comfort, or
is as impressively refined. Then there's the Golf's cabin, which is simple
to use and oozes class.
Add to that a punchy, silky-smooth engine and low ownership costs, and the
VW's position here is thoroughly deserved. True, it's rather pricey to buy,
but Match trim provides lots of kit and the Golf holds its value well."
The Octavia was a contender - and it did well - but it didn't win...
Note: "Where some rivals are brilliant in a couple of areas and so-so in
others, the Golf is outstanding in every single one."
--
Kev
Ret.
Not according to professional reviewers they don't...
--
Kev
Silk
> Silk wrote:
>> On 15/08/2011 16:54, Ret. wrote:
>>
>>> And, if What Car? is to be believed, the Golf is better than the A3
>>> in every aspect...
>>
>> You get more for the money with a Golf. But you get even more if you
>> go for the Octavia. The Octavia is better than the Golf in every
>> respect and it's cheaper.
>
> Sigh...
I think it's more a case of whatever car you own is better than every
other car. Firth is correct in this respect.
I accept there are cars better than the Octavia, but the Golf isn't one
of them. It's cramped, underspecified and expensive.
When I was shopping for my current car, I had a look at a Jetta which,
as we all know, is a Golf with a boot. It was *exactly* like the Octavia
to drive, but several thousand quid dearer for the same spec. Even
taking depreciation into consideration and looking at total cost of
ownership, the VW was still vastly more expensive.
IMO, VAG have shot themselves in the foot trying to make out Audi is a
brand to compete with the likes of BMW and Mercedes Benz. It's not in
the same league. The Audi is, like VW, simply an over-priced Skoda with
a badge.
I couldn't give a toss what some motoring rag says. In the end, it's my
money and I'll make up my own mind.
Silk
> On Aug 15, 5:29 pm, Simon Finnigan<simonfinni...@hotmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> My A6 and the wife's octavia both have full alloy spares in the boot, which
>> makes life so much easier when you gt a puncture, or need a single tyre
>> changing for any other reason. Use the spare and get the other tyre
>> changed at a time to suit you.
>>
>
>
> Did they come as standard? If not how much did you have to pay for
> them?
My last Octavia (06 plate) had an alloy spare as standard. My current
one (59 plate) would have been something like 50 quid for the option of
a steel spare.
Silk
According to my own experience, they do.
Ret.
Oh well - you must be right then. What do paid professional car reviewers
know about anything...
--
Kev
Silk
What do paid professional car
> reviewers know about anything...
>
Ret.
> On 15/08/2011 17:52, Ret. wrote:
>> Silk wrote:
>>> On 15/08/2011 16:54, Ret. wrote:
>>>
>>>> And, if What Car? is to be believed, the Golf is better than the A3
>>>> in every aspect...
>>>
>>> You get more for the money with a Golf. But you get even more if you
>>> go for the Octavia. The Octavia is better than the Golf in every
>>> respect and it's cheaper.
>>
>> Sigh...
>
> I think it's more a case of whatever car you own is better than every
> other car. Firth is correct in this respect.
I certainly don't make that claim. My Rover 75 was a good car - but I never
tried to suggest that it was a great car. The only time I took issue was
when Filth et al tried to suggest that it was a bad car - which it
demonstrably was not.
As you well know - he tries the same game with you in relation to your
Octavia.
>
> I accept there are cars better than the Octavia, but the Golf isn't
> one of them. It's cramped, underspecified and expensive.
It is roomier than the Audi A3, roomier than the BMW 1 series, roomier than
the Honda Civic. It's boot space is average for the class. My Golf Match is
hardly underspecified. It has 7 airbags, ESP, air-con, leather
multi-function steering wheel, front and rear parking sensors with optical
parking indicator on the ICE screen, it has rain sensitive wipers and
automatic headlights. It has an am/fm/dab radio, built in bluetooth
telephone connection, media input from iPod/usb/SD card. The only thing I
miss from my top-spec Rover 75 is the full climate control. The air-con
works well enough - just requires a bit more fiddling with.
>
> When I was shopping for my current car, I had a look at a Jetta which,
> as we all know, is a Golf with a boot. It was *exactly* like the
> Octavia to drive, but several thousand quid dearer for the same spec.
> Even taking depreciation into consideration and looking at total cost
> of ownership, the VW was still vastly more expensive.
Read any review of the Jetta and you will find that it is often described as
'boring' to drive and own. What Car? only gives the Jetta four stars against
five for the Golf. Car magazine states the Jetta is unworthy of the Golf
lineage...
Top Gear rates the Golf very highly ("All the car you'll ever need"). Of the
Jetta it states: "Apologies, we're struggling to stay awake with this one.
The Jetta is VWs Golf-based saloon, and is so boring it makes PWCs AGM look
interesting."
All of which tends to prove my point. If your Octavia drives exactly the
same as a Jetta - then it is nowhere near as good as Golf!
>
> IMO, VAG have shot themselves in the foot trying to make out Audi is a
> brand to compete with the likes of BMW and Mercedes Benz. It's not in
> the same league. The Audi is, like VW, simply an over-priced Skoda
> with a badge.
>
> I couldn't give a toss what some motoring rag says. In the end, it's
> my money and I'll make up my own mind.
As you have every right to do. And you are also entitled to your opinion. I
am also entitled to argue that your opinion is flawed. The Octavia is a good
car - just not as good as the Golf (apart from boot space...). Yes, VWs are
a little more expensive than some other cars - but as always - you get what
you pay for...
--
Kev
Ret.
Are you suggesting that the world's motoring journalists are all being
bribed by VW to give the Golf stunning reviews?
--
Kev
Silk
> Top Gear rates the Golf very highly ("All the car you'll ever need"). Of
> the Jetta it states: "Apologies, we're struggling to stay awake with
> this one. The Jetta is VWs Golf-based saloon, and is so boring it makes
> PWCs AGM look interesting."
They are the same car, so that's a load of crap. The only difference
between the Golf and the Jetta is the body style.
>
> All of which tends to prove my point. If your Octavia drives exactly the
> same as a Jetta - then it is nowhere near as good as Golf!
All three are as near to being the same car as it gets without actually
being the same car.
>> I couldn't give a toss what some motoring rag says. In the end, it's
>> my money and I'll make up my own mind.
>
> As you have every right to do. And you are also entitled to your
> opinion. I am also entitled to argue that your opinion is flawed. The
> Octavia is a good car - just not as good as the Golf (apart from boot
> space...). Yes, VWs are a little more expensive than some other cars -
> but as always - you get what you pay for...
So what's so inferior about the Octavia compared to the Golf? Are the
wheels not as round?
Silk
They've been accused of worse. Why not?
The Revd
>On 15/08/2011 12:45, The Revd wrote:
>
>> Then presumably the better cars in the family use more/better parts!
>
>Nope. I replaced my golf rear wiper motor with the same one from an Audi
>A3, I also replaced my Golf central locking motor with the same one from
>a Passat.
VW and Audi differ from the other brands such as Skoda and Seat.
>I also replaced a Mondeo rear parking sensor with exactly the same one
>from a Renault so some parts are even shared across brands/groups.
>
>If you think you are getting better quality components by paying a lot
>more for an Audi, etc, think again. You are paying for the badge and the
>looks (if you like them).
I'd rather have an Audi than a Skoda regardless.
The Revd
It's a Skoda.
<snigger>
Silk
> It's a Skoda.
> <snigger>
I think you've hit the nail on the head there. The older the man, the
older the prejudice.
GT
news:34745810335118494.643059...@news.individual.net...
I believe that spare wheels are not a legal requirement, but if you do carry
a spare, it has to be road worthy. Therefore, unless you can prove it just
punctured or that you are transporting a treadless spare to the garage for a
new tyre, then its technically illegal to carry it in that state! On the
other hand - who would ever know?!
GT
My 52 plate alfa has a space saver, my '99 Fiat Marea had a space saver. My
fathers Avensis has a space saver. My old neighbour's Civic had a can of
deoderant. Our old Datsun Bluebird and a 'G' Renault 21 had a proper spare,
its only the last 10 years or so that they've cut back on car costs/weights.
Ret.
Seems strange, then, that VAG are happy for those same motoring journalists
to be critical of the Audi A3 then doesn't it?
It also seems strange that motoring journalists across the world from the UK
to the USA, South Africa, Australia, etc etc are all prepared to take
backhanders without a single one being prepared to stand up and point out
this bribery...
I would have thought that the other manufacturers would be objecting if they
got wind that the Golf was being promoted by supposed independent testers.
It also doesn't explain why those same journalists are happy to slag off the
Jetta...
Sorry Silk, the notion is a nonsense. They give the Golf rave write-ups
because it is a very good car.
--
Kev
Simon Finnigan
Given that paid professional hi-fi reviewers claim that paying £150 for a
HDMI cable improves the picture quality on your TV, I'd say it's worth
considering the idea that reviewers don't know anything about the subject
they write on.
Simon Finnigan
I've found the golf interiors to be horribly cheap looking. The wife
fancied a golf so we had a look round, and they all seemed no better than
the polo she used to drive years ago. Ditto with the passat, looking at 2-3
year old models they seemed very cheap on the inside n
Simon Finnigan
Yes officer, I changed it five minutes ago. I defy you to prove otherwise
:-)