New car - it's a Skoda!

Only my second post - it's been a while since my first but I keep forgetting.

I've bought a new car since my last (first) post. I traded in the old Renault Scenic I had (120k on the clock - showing signs of tiredness) for a newer Skoda. I know, I know "it's a.. Skoda!" but believe it or not it's a fantastic car. I would, without hesitation, compare it to the Audi A4 I had a few years ago. It's well put together, feels very solid and drives brilliantly. It's got a bit of oomph being the 1.8T, seems to hold the road well as I went for the 4WD model and it's still got plenty of space for pedal bikes and dining tables because it's the estate model (or "Combi" I was informed last night - apparently that's czech for estate in the same way that "Avant" is german for estate!)

Jane is still telling me where to turn, but powering her is a little more awkward because the cigarette lighter is behind the hand-brake. A few minutes ebaying came up with a 3m extension which runs round the back of the drivers seat, along the sill and up the side of the dash - Jane now sits closer to my right-hand and in a far easier position to use. From the same seller I also bought a double adaptor so my little boy can still power his DVDplayer when we go on long journeys (the scenic had an extra power outlet in the back - it's little touches like that really do make a car sometimes - whereas the Octy has an extra outlet in the boot, I guess that will be useful for a powered coolbox, or a compressor/tyre inflator device.)

I've made a whole bunch of new friends over at www.briskoda.net and found out plenty about the car and the brand. I've so far replaced the drivers grab-handle with a sunglasses holder (essential after the scenic) and also installed a VW Polo-sourced single-din cup-holder/coin-holder to make better use of the space below the radio - or above the radio now as the cup-holders fouled the gear stick.

Next job is to install my Nokia car-kit (just waiting for the blade antenna to turn up - another ebay bargain!) and then I'll think about the serious mods - like upgraded Anti-Roll Bars (ARB's to give them their proper name) and maybe, just maybe, have it "breathed" on by one of the tuners who specialise in the VAG engines - the 150bhp of the standard 1.8T can be remapped to around 230bhp with very little effort - amazing!

If you drive a Skoda, come and have a lurk or a chat - they made me feel welcome so I know they'll make you feel welcome.

New blog!

So this is what it's all about. Blogging - read some, follow a few, thought I'd try my own (but only because I had to sign up before I was allowed to post a comment against someone elses!)

A little about me; I'm a gadget freak and an eBay-aholic. The two go very well together I find. Unfortunately I never seem to have enough cash to satisfy either craving. My latest gadget is an upgrade to my aging iPaq 3760 - a shiny new Axim X51v. Great! Not only a new PDA but a Sat-Nav system as well. Fantastic!! Now I can find my way home from work every night. I no longer have to remember where to turn or which juction to come off the motorway, I let "Jane" tell me. She even reminds me when I actually reach home. I thought about changing the voice to "Jeurgen" and wondered if that would allow me to learn a new language? I'd at least be able to tell any Germans I met that they should "bear left then stay in the right lane" - might come in useful.