Right guys, my parents are looking at getting a Skoda Yeti with a budget of 8-9k. I've been looking into them and from what I've found out they seem to be pretty good cars, and will be ideal for my parents as they intend to pull their caravan with it.
I've found a couple of 4x4 ones along with some 2WD ones. What's the Haldex system like and is it reliable? Am I right in saying it's basically a FWD set up that automatically sends drive to the rear wheels when needed? What can I look out for if we go and view a 4x4 one? Or would it be better to just steer clear all together and find a FWD one?
I think don't think my dad is too bothered about it being 4x4 but if the right car came along and it was a 4x4 would it be something that would put you off?

 

I believe it's a reliable system as long as it's been serviced correctly. Mainly front wheel drive that sends power to the rear accordingly, similar to an Audi S3.

 

What year?

Some pre 2012 VAG engines had an issue with heavy oil usage due to rings / pistons failing.
Affects Yeti and all VAG cars.
If it's pre 2012 check if it's had a new engine.
It's a known issue and in the UK, Vag aren't very forthcoming with sorting it out.
In the U.S.A they fitted new engines free.

My Son / Daughter inlaw ended up paying Ł2k towards a bill of Ł5000 for VAG rebuilt engine fitted to their 2011 Yeti 2 years ago.
It had 60,000 miles on it.

4 x 4 was good, they live in an area subject to early snow and drifts.

 

You would be extremely surprised at the time these cars are in 4wd, more like 70%, most think they are fwd until its needed.

 

You can buy haldex controllers to make them more rear biased, I have seen the VAG world run 500 bhp and more through them. Some say it is is not a proper 4x4 but I was very impressed with the v6 tt that I drove and there are millions in circulation across many brands.

 

Super reliable - good choice of car also

 

I wonder if u can get these for the mk4 golf v6, my mate has one of those

 

Thanks for the replies guys. We went and looked at a 2WD one yesterday that my dad found, and it was a bit of a shed to be honest. Showed my dad some that I found on ebay, autotrader etc and he liked the look of this one

I would've put a link to the advert on autotrader but couldn't work out how to do it!!

I spoke to the dealer and it sounds good. Think my dad is gonna ring them back tomorrow and put a retainer on it so we can go and view it next weekend.

 

Yes, miltek do them but there are others.

 

Sweet thanks mate I've let him know