How it Feels to Lose my Skoda

"Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge)" (thejonnyedge)
04/28/2014 at 09:08 • Filed to: SKODA, SKODA OCTAVIA vRS, DRIVING SPIRIT, LOSING MY CAR, SADNESS

Isn't it funny how attached we drivers get to our cars? After just 5,000 miles of driving my vRS, I've formed a close friendship with her. It's sad that friendship is about to come to a premature conclusion.

Many of you may know from reading some of my other posts that I suffered a nasty back injury around the start of the year. Recovery has been very slow, I suffer from a connective tissue disorder that means I heal twice as slowly as an ordinary person. Recovery time? Six to twelve months. The truth is; I need a more comfortable car now.

I've really tried very, very hard to be able to get back into my vRS, and actually I've succeeded and been able to drive her on a few occasions. Unfortunately my experience of driving her has been painful and stressful. Equipped with sporty seats and a lower than average ride height, just being able to get in has been a painful challenge, and being 6ft 2 doesn't help much either. Once squeezed in, the firm ride has been uncomfortable, and very painful for my back after just twenty miles or so. All of this means I simply don't drive her, and that means I'm left stuck at home. So, I've taken the decision to change my car for another, and lose the car I love.

Call me mushy, soppy, emotional, or whatever, but the 5,000 miles I spent in this car covered some of the best times of my life. This is the car that me and my girlfriend toured the south of England in. Showing her around was a privilege, and being able to take her to some of the most beautiful places in the world in such a great car was truly special. We even drove through a safari park and laughed when these guys climbed all over the car...

Monkey business aside (couldn't resist that line!), I worked really hard for this car. Getting this car was a culmination of a good two years of working hard at my job, passing a qualification, and slowly discovering what I wanted from a car. When push came to shove, I negotiated a tight deal to be able to afford it after I was present for the world unveiling of the car back at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the summer of 2013.

I'm a big believer in the Skoda brand, they're easily VAG's best brand, and they make absolutely excellent cars that people vote for year after year as the best in the country. This car was the embodiment of both my belief in the brand, and my personal taste in cars. An affordable hot hatch with plenty of oomph, a great look, and my colour scheme and specification.

So this is a farewell to my Skoda Octavia vRS. It safely took me and the love of my life around some of the most beautiful places in England, it got me cool compliments from work mates like "wow, nice car!", and it always truly felt like my car . My style, my way, my Skoda. It's hard to really put my finger on, but in memories, moments, and feelings this car was very special indeed. I'm very sad to see it go with all of those things still wrapped around it.

I believe I've replaced it with something rather good, but perhaps a little embarrassing. I'll be looking forward to sharing that with you all very soon, but until then; Farewell vRS! You've been a wonderful car, for a truly wonderful time of my life.

DISCUSSION (18)

Makoyouidiot > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge)
04/27/2014 at 15:28

Comfy a priority? Sounds like time for a Jaaaaaaaaaag.

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > Makoyouidiot
04/27/2014 at 15:30

Ah man, I'd love a Jaaaaaaaaaag! I need something higher up though unfortunately. Hey, maybe I'll get a Jaaaaaaaaaaag next year. Never say never!

KirkyV > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge)
04/27/2014 at 15:40

Yeti?

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > KirkyV
04/27/2014 at 15:43

....was the other car I would have picked! However, they had in stock something better for me, something taller. I'm looking forward to sharing it with you guys, but it's a little embarrassing. It's not really me, but it was the most comfortable for me and easiest to use, and it has potential!

duurtlang > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge)
04/27/2014 at 15:52

Roomster?

Kinja'd!!!

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > duurtlang
04/27/2014 at 15:54

It's just a Fabia with a van body and big windows. I did consider a Yeti though!

Your boy, BJR > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge)
04/27/2014 at 16:05

NOOOO!!!!! NOT THE SKODA!!!! WAIT!

Kinja'd!!!

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > Your boy, BJR
04/27/2014 at 16:15

I know, I know! It feels horrible... like I've stabbed her in the back.

I can put you in touch with the dealership if you want!

Your boy, BJR > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge)
04/27/2014 at 16:56

That would be cool, but I'm in the ol' U.S. of A.

RotaryLover > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge)
04/27/2014 at 22:27

You could get one back when you'll be fully recovered, no?

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > Your boy, BJR
04/28/2014 at 06:15

Ah no! Well, I think you'd need to be a millionaire to export it so we might just have to let it go this time... :(

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > RotaryLover
04/28/2014 at 06:16

Oh yeah! I really hope so at least, give it a year or so and I don't see why that can't happen. There might even be a special edition vRS by then.

I also want to look at those new TT's when they're out!

Makoyouidiot > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge)
04/28/2014 at 08:42

Hmm, pray for their SUV to hurry through the pipeline? Or better yet, get a Range Rover!

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > Makoyouidiot
04/28/2014 at 09:08

Stay tuned, I have something pretty cool coming!

Svend > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge)
04/28/2014 at 14:27

Sorry to hear that fella, she looks great. I dread the day I'd have to give up my Skoda Superb II.

Have you looked at other cars or thought about the Yeti or Superb IIFL? The ride is great on 16s and 17s without being wollowy. Sure they are not performance like Octy vRSs but they do have a little poke to them.

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > Svend
04/28/2014 at 16:47

Cheers mate, she is great indeed.

I did consider Yeti's and Superb's, but there was something a bit special (if not a bit OTT) at the dealership and it was taller for me.

Yeti came second place, but I never got close to getting one. It wouldnt' have been quite right for me.

Stay tuned for the car I did buy though, I'm hoping to do a series of articles on what it is like to own etc etc, I think it could make good reading? We'll see I guess!

RotaryLover > Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge)
04/28/2014 at 18:48

I really wish we had Skodas here....You're lucky!

Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge) > RotaryLover
04/29/2014 at 07:00

They're great cars, and I keep telling my dealership about you guys across the pond who really like Skoda!