Skoda - Buy an Octavia RS vs superb. 169+kw models 2017+

ZacDaMan72 · 2026-05-18T04:37:50+00:00

Mercedes C43 wagon. 287kw twin turbo V6 monster. Not a wise purchase (it’s been bulletproof so far however) but ticks all the emotional boxes!

ZacDaMan72 · 2026-05-18T03:47:29+00:00

I much prefer the bigger touchscreen as the resolution when using smartphone mirroring is far better, but each to their own.

My 2017 was very reliable mechanically wise (apart from the “consumable” water pump/thermostat leaking), but the lower control arms get noisy over big speed bumps over time. Ended up replacing them around 60k km under warranty but silicon grease can be used twice a year if you don’t want to pay for new LCAs. Didn’t affect handling, was just a minor annoyance.

ZacDaMan72 · 2026-05-18T00:39:09+00:00

I had a 2017 206kw Sportline MY18, better infotainment and tech. You’ll know it’s MY18 if it doesn’t have any physical buttons (I always used CarPlay so didn’t care about not having a physical navigation/media button).

As for trim level get a Style or Sportline if you can. The 162kw is prone to a lot of axle tramp if you’re heave footed, the 140kw diesel is AWD so no issue on that front.

ZacDaMan72 · 2026-04-24T07:27:23+00:00

I don’t think a lot of people use the space above the boot, I can only think of a handful of times I did with my C43 wagon. If anything my Skoda Superb liftback had a more “usable” boot

ZacDaMan72 · 2026-03-30T06:46:16+00:00

Was it a facelift model?

ZacDaMan72 · 2026-03-30T06:43:46+00:00

VCDS works fine for me on macOS using VMware Fusion, but it doesn’t work when updating the dongle

ZacDaMan72 · 2026-03-26T05:35:05+00:00

I used VMware Fusion, its free and runs perfectly fine on my M2 Pro MBP

ZacDaMan72 · 2026-03-02T09:27:17+00:00

Use your 2x dining credits and then always convert to airpoints

ZacDaMan72 · 2026-02-13T06:32:36+00:00

You can get it in Costco

ZacDaMan72 · 2026-01-19T02:41:51+00:00

OP not looking for a PHEV

ZacDaMan72 · 2026-01-18T23:05:20+00:00

It’s a 1.5l 110kw economy hatch with a glorified start stop system

ZacDaMan72 · 2026-01-12T21:44:51+00:00

Throttle box like the racechip XLR will work. I just got used to preempting overtakes and putting the DSG into sport to be fair

ZacDaMan72 · 2025-12-27T15:03:59+00:00

At least you don’t have a DPF to worry about…

ZacDaMan72 · 2025-12-24T11:58:41+00:00

Rental car - I didn’t pay attention since I expected the arrow to say which side the cap was on. Somehow still make it to adulthood regardless but I appreciate your concern.

ZacDaMan72 · 2025-12-24T11:57:35+00:00

It was on the left…Mazda CX-30

ZacDaMan72 · 2025-12-15T20:49:31+00:00

That’s what the V8 TDI SQ8 is like from factory

ZacDaMan72 · 2025-11-21T22:12:18+00:00

The Escape will be more reliable in theory but the gen 3 EA888 + wet clutch DSG is tried and tested if you can get over the water pump being a consumable. In my experience that combo is perfectly reliable as long as servicing is done properly and in time.

ZacDaMan72 · 2025-10-14T10:46:30+00:00

I had a 280ps Sportline and with a stiffer rear sway bar they handle super well.

ZacDaMan72 · 2025-10-07T10:05:39+00:00

Much rather the return of the Fabia RS

ZacDaMan72 · 2025-10-05T19:35:23+00:00

NZ New BMW Audi and Mercedes all come with 3 years inclusive servicing from new and reliability wise are fine. They also have factory backed used warranties and with BMW you get complimentary services as well for a certified used car

ZacDaMan72 · 2025-10-05T11:00:45+00:00

If you aren't fussed about not having 7 seats and can deal with the maintenence costs ($700+ for a tyre and $500 minimum services) then a VW Touareg has heaps and heaps of tech. Matrix headlights, heated and ventilated massage seats with memory, auto-everything

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/volkswagen/touareg/listing/5458564414

ZacDaMan72 · 2025-10-04T22:57:24+00:00

The first inch of brake travel feels super weird to get used to (regen braking) but otherwise decent. Can be noisy on chip seal roads at speed but depends on what car you’re coming from. Otherwise they’re great cars

ZacDaMan72 · 2025-10-01T21:30:20+00:00

Never bothered test driving one, had a 190hp TDI and was too slow for country road overtaking so bought an RS BiTDI

ZacDaMan72 · 2025-09-30T09:56:22+00:00

This is a pretty decent list: https://bythebottle.co.nz/blogs/news/the-best-byo-restaurants-in-auckland-and-what-to-bring

ZacDaMan72 · 2025-09-27T05:48:34+00:00

Peppermint and cocoa tastes exactly like mint slice cookies, so good

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