The car takes longer to defrost, which is a setback. Yes, the Skoda Citigo is a very reliable car. We found a 2014 example with under 20,000 miles in SE specification for 4200, which is very good value. In a Volkswagen Group car this is usually caused by the plastic membrane between the door structure and the door trim becoming perforated. WebSkoda Citigo Problems | Weaknesses of the Used Skoda Citigo I 1,478 views Dec 1, 2021 11 Dislike Share MasterCarsPro Should you buy a used Skoda Citigo 2012-present? Now keep up to date with the latest updates, offers and news. Avoid the automatic gearbox with the Skoda Citigo - its a poor example of the breed and makes it much less fun to drive. So at Haynes, we knew that to continue offering a great product, we needed to take a brand-new approach - nothing less than a reinvention of the repair manual. I teach Design and Technology, this seems like really bad design! To me, cars are a blessing that made life more convenient. Considering how small the Skoda Citigo is, youll be surprised at how much room it offers. In the rear there is not quite as much space available, but it is still good for a car of this size. Drains get blocked, water gets inside the car. The price of a used Skoda Citigo on carwow starts at 5,399. We want to be very clear about this, but we know that our new product will enable many thousands of you to continue maintaining your vehicle and troubleshooting problems in a DIY environment. Clear, localised wiring schematics for key vehicle features, with wire and component trace functionality for fast, efficient, first-time fixes. Steering rack and steering column replaced under warranty but problem returned after 12 months. I would watch and check the carpets and mats? Its also important to note that it was actually the Volkswagen Up that was tested, as Euro NCAP decided the amount of identical design and equipment meant a separate test was not required. 5 November, 2019 in koda Citigo, Yesterday after yet another deluge of rain, I got into my car to drive home- heard a whooshing noise (it was dark so couldn't see without using a torch), then tons of water came in on the left hand side. Thank you- I do have heated seats so hope no damage done there. You can choose between three- and five-door bodies, and although the whole range comes with petrol engines, theyre all economical and ideal for getting around town. Also worth checking the drain holes in the door bottoms. Help please. Any dirt or mud that is on the windscreen gets in there too, and this can build up and block the drain tubes. The Polo traces its roots back decades Peugeot e-208 vs Renault Zoe Which is better. Instead, Haynes Autofix is based upon workshop data with added DIY tutorials full of general tips and techniques. Even so, you might be surprised that the Skoda Citigodoes come with plenty of smaller storage areas for mobile phones, wallets or bottles of water. When you use the wipers to clear the windscreen, most of the water will run down into the scuttle/plenum. I don't have Amazon prime. Courtesy light now keeps lights on all the time. When your 2012 Skoda Citigo isnt going fast enough to ram it through from the front the electric cooling fan draws cooler air through your radiator. The Rapid Alert System enables quick exchange of information between 31 European countries and the European Commission about dangerous non-food products posing a risk to the health and safety of consumers. WebEven so, you might be surprised that the Skoda Citigo does come with plenty of smaller storage areas for mobile phones, wallets or bottles of water. and SEAT Mii electric) doesnt have autonomous emergency braking (AEB) even as an option feels behind the times. Only if there are a couple of giants in the front will taller rear-seat passengers find legroom rather tight. My 30 year old VW Westfalia campervan had a few leaks, but she was 30 years old, I didn't expect it with a new car! Every version of the car comes with four airbags, anti-lock brakes and stability control, but one option you may well want to consider is the City Safe braking system. For Sale. As is typically the way within the Volkswagen Group of brands, the Skoda take on things is to prioritise value, and frequently the Citigo was the cheapest contender of the three when compared model-for-model. Told easy to replace by pushing/pulling out with hinge base coming out last?? Again, its not big-car comfortable because it has a short wheelbase, but its one of the best in the city car class, dealing with imperfections regardless of size, which is a real bonus in everyday driving. All Skoda Citigo versions are fitted with a tyre repair kit as standard, but a temporary spare was available as an option, so if you are buying a used Skoda Citigo it is worth enquiring whether this option was selected. You should experience very few problems when visiting a Skoda dealer. WebIf you're having problems unlocking your SKODA Citigo fuel cap, watch Andy Hurley, Aftersales Manager at DM Keith SKODA Leeds, show you how Once the injectors have been removed inspect them for any rust build-up, cracks or damage and replace if necessary. Its pleasingly simple and makes it easy for drivers of all experience levels to jump in and just get going. Understand your job quickly and learn the best way to tackle each one. Some of the signs of timing chain issues are engine misfires, engine idling, and a rattling sound when starting the engine.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'luxurycarsa2z_com-box-4','ezslot_9',106,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-luxurycarsa2z_com-box-4-0'); Many Skoda Citigo users have reported this problem to the manufacturer but they have not recalled the cars yet. Pls help. Probably leaf debris - do you park outside within 10m if trees? 31 owners have reviewed their car and noted advice on any problems they have As above, when the car starts there is a spinning sound, which goes when you engage the gears. Better still, that feeling continues even after you get beyond the city limits, and no matter where you go, the Skoda Citigo is an enjoyable car to drive. Will get some pics tomorrow morning but I've finally purchased those dehumidifier pad things as recommended on the other thread on Amazon prime so hopefully that will help. Most importantly, though, they are both exceptionally cheap to run. We do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of any of the information. This is usually caused by gears that dont fit well together. S trim gets a CD player with a USB port and twin speakers, while SE and above adds to this a colour display, four additional speakers and Bluetooth but removes the CD drive. What other cars are similar to the Skoda Citigo? Only does short journeys but regularly and tends to be smelling by the Clicking from steering when turned from lock to lock, rattling from steering on rough road. You can only have your Skoda Citigo with petrol engines, and both the 60hp or 75hp versions are fine for getting around town which is where the Citigo is at its best. The Citigo first went on sale in 2012 and shares its underpinnings with the Volkswagen up! Bad luck; I think you are right that some drain holes have got blocked. Powered by Invision Community. Year: 2016. Imagine how life was before the invention of cars?? Whats more important is that both versions of the engine respond well when you need them to which makes this a fairly relaxing and enjoyable car to drive. Then more water this eve on the drivers side. carwow is covered by the Financial Ombudsman Service (please seewww.financial-ombudsman.org.ukfor more information). S models get a single backrest, whereas SE and above get a 60/40 split seat, so you can carry more luggage and still have a rear passenger. This is a tiny car, but youll be amazed at just how much space there is inside, The Citigo can teach some genuine family cars a thing or two about making good use of the space inside. My previous Touareg leaked into the tailgate. real mileage, potential traffic accidents damages, odometer rollback, repairs, etc. The tests have become stricter since then, but you can also add a City Safe system for 355 that will brake automatically for you in an emergency. Its size means youre always aware that its not a luxury saloon, but it never feels out of its depth even out of the city. Five-door models have easier access to the rear seats, but getting into the back of the three-door is not too difficult either. For more detailed and in-depth analysis of the Skoda Citigo, read the. Find out in our Skoda Citigo review. I have tried using the aircon in winter and that has helped last winter, but this one, with all this rain, I think a cloth/towel is the best help. Skoda offered the Skoda Citigo in Greentech form on SE and Elegance models, which added stop/start, lowered suspension and low rolling resistance tyres. However, the tests have become much more stringent and more focused on intelligent driver aids since then, and its in this respect that the Skoda has fallen short. It was a relatively inexpensive way of adding these functions to the car, although the fact that it is removable puts it at risk of theft. Whether youre cruising or battling through urban traffic, the Skoda Citigo inspires confidence. Its not a million miles from being a rectangular cuboid, with only the sloping windscreen and a slight curve at the top of the tailgate as a concession to good looks and aerodynamics. Privacy Notice and Cookie Policy | The cheapest Skoda Citigos we found date back to 2013 and 2014, with the lowest price currently around 4000. The Skoda Citigo in entry-level S trim is pretty light on equipment. As for latter Skoda Citigos, S models do get ESC but still do without air conditioning, whereas SE models get alloy wheels and the upgraded audio system including Bluetooth which are welcome additions. Its more obvious in the lowest specification S model, but even then the quality of the materials and the standard of build is good. However, there are only two seats in the back of a Skoda Citigo, so theres never the option of squeezing in a third passenger even on the shortest of journeys. Also, if it had something to do with the ECU signal . When we first began selling manuals in the 1960s, vehicles were simple to maintain and there were relatively few models on sale. But if youre on a budget and want a more economical and cheaper option, the Skoda Citigo is the better choice. Somewhat cramped for leg room space in rear seats. Engine starts ok. rear indicators not working but the front does therefore the flash rate with the dash repeater flashes as twice the speed. All trademarks and copyrights remain property of their respective owners. Common problems of the 2015 Ford Fiesta PPMY Index and Problem Occurrence Trend We are registered with the Information Commissioner, registration number ZA187892, it details the purpose for which we process personal data. Not only is there plenty of room in the front with a height-adjustable drivers seat on most models theres also room for a couple of six-footers in the back. The Skoda Citigo has been around now for almost ten years and the good news is that it's proved to be a very reliable city car, with no major common problems reported. Of the two, the later system is preferable, as apart from anything it will benefit from regular updates and the ease of use. It's not just leaves that can block the tubes. Dealers are polite and reasonably priced, while problems are few and far between. I cleared the drains, and the car dried out after a couple of weeks. carwow is the trading name of carwow Ltd,which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for credit brokingand insurance distributionactivities (firm reference number: 767155). Expectations for driver aids have moved on and the fact that the Citigo (and the Volkswagen e-up! You can visit your distant friend, relative or even rush to the grocery store a few miles from your home with a lot of ease. Its bloody raining again here. Loss of engine power on your Skoda Citigo Surprisingly speedy and manoeuvrable. Owner Reviews. The instructions are no longer step-by-step and are best-suited to confident home mechanics or professionals. Car chooser, The Skoda Citigo is one of the best city cars on sale, with big-car features and low running costs, although its not quite as cheap as you might expect. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue. All these can achieve a claimed 68.9mpg and 96g/km CO2 output. carwow is a credit broker and not a lender. If youre having such a problem, it is vital to have a mechanic inspect and diagnose your car.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'luxurycarsa2z_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_4',105,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-luxurycarsa2z_com-medrectangle-3-0'); The timing chain problems on the Skoda Citigo are connected to the engine. Based on Weekly overview reports of RAPEX notifications, published free of charge in English on https://ec.europa.eu/rapex, European Union, 2005 2023. By submitting, you agree to our privacy policy. Skoda Citigo iV electric reliability & problems Batteries and electric motors are more reliable than petrol or diesel engines since they have far fewer moving parts, Itll take 251 litres, which is more than enough for a few bags of shopping, and, very handily, there are four bag hooks built into the sides of the boot to make sure you dont tip your weekly supplies all over the boot as soon as you turn out of the supermarket car park. Our tool goes far beyond what commonly available fault code What is the other thread on Amazon? Or, search by vehicle system or commonly requested solutions. Love my car, 2014 reg. Two The only challenge with the Skoda Citigo is the cost of spare parts and maintenance.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'luxurycarsa2z_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_13',112,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-luxurycarsa2z_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); Skoda is among the most reliable car brands in the market. Older and more experienced drivers can enjoy insuring their Skoda Citigo for as little as possible alongside fuel bills that are amongst the lowest in the class. Henrif Also windows de misting is an issue for me, has been for a while. This is available on every model except the most basic S and, for 355, gives you a system that monitors that area in front of the car and automatically applies the brakes if it thinks that a collision is imminent. So, Skoda should work on this as its an issue during winter. Retrofitting a set of speakers into a car that did not come with them can sometimes be possible if the audio system installation does not require lots of trim cutting and adaptation. Not only are Skoda cars popular for their reliability, but it is also under the Volkswagen Group, which is known for manufacturing some of the most reliable cars in the market. is part of Haymarket Automotive, a division of Haymarket Media Group Haymarket Media Group 2023. Theres also not a lot to choose between the fuel economy of the various engines, with every combination of power output and gearbox capable of claimed economy of well over 60mpg. Monte Carlo models have sporty looks inside and out, or you can add some sharper looks to your car by choosing the. WebThe most common causes of injector problems are poor maintenance and general wear and tear of the injectors in your vehicle. As for gearboxes, the standard five-speed manual is all youll need. A defective fuse can produce a voltage flashover into the vehicle interior. Many drivers say that the gearbox is slow and jerky most of the time. The later system allows you to connect your smartphone and use the integrated cradle and use the dedicated app called Move&Fun, offering much the same features and a few more but direct from your smartphone. The only decision you have to make is how much power you want 60hp or 75hp but both have more than enough power to whisk you around town without a problem, and they certainly feel quicker than their 0-62mph times suggest. How successful was it? No obviously signs of anything leaking. Modern cars are equipped with dozens of sensors and ECUs (control units). I had the same problem with my last small car - a Fiat Panda that I bought secondhand. New Renault 5 electric hatchback: specs, range, price and prototype review, Affordable Tesla Model 2 electric hatchback is coming. It doesnt matter what colour or trim you choose for your Skoda Citigo, you can be sure of one thing: itll come with a three-cylinder 1.0-litre engine. Skoda CITIGO (NF) PHASE 1 - 5D 2011-11->2017-09, Discover which Haynes Manual is best for you, Wiring diagrams for engine management, ABS, ESP and air conditioning, Retrieve data from the vehicles engine management/ CAN-Bus system to diagnose faults and component errors which have generated fault codes, Enter fault codes and see their description with suggested components to test. It's quite a common fault on other makes of car, not just Skoda. Drains get blocked, water gets inside the car. It could be the scuttle/plenum, sunroof, doors, boot. On some cars, it damages ECUs and other expensive electronics. link to Peugeot e-208 vs Renault Zoe Which is better. It might be classed as a city car, but if you can fit all the people and luggage you need into a Skoda Citigo then theres a good chance it can fit into your life. The door bins and glovebox are reasonably roomy, and most models also have pockets on the side of the front seats. Some owners have reported lighting problems, too, signalled by dashboard warning alerts. In the front, youll easily get a couple of six-foot adults, although you should note that the most basic models dont have height-adjustment on the drivers seat, and the steering only adjusts for height, not reach. Land Rover Range Rover HEV: Vehicle not able to start, Honda FIT and HR-V: Defect in the audio display and rear-view camera, Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0). I called the dealer I bought from and they said- never heard of such an issue, and would be 80 to have a look, plus then whatever extra to solve the issue! Today, the first step when servicing a car is to plug a diagnostic tool into the OBD (on-board diagnostics) system of the vehicle. There also arent any ISOFIX points on the front passenger seat, although you can switch the passenger airbag off if you want to strap a child seat in with the seatbelt. "The Skoda CitigoSkoda Citigo gets you straight away with a good first impression as soon as you open the door, because the design and layout of the cabin is inviting, rather than instantly reminding you of how much money you havent spent.". For a car of this size and cost the Skoda Citigo offers a level of refinement that is useful above the class standard, and is big part of it being an easy car to live with. The full-width plastic strip below the wipers is supposed to channel water away, but the problem is that it is also the air intake for air circulation, so I bet that is how water gets into the cabin, but then again, a pollen filter should block it to some extent. Web1. I do still think its a design fault! 2021 In the real world you should expect to beat 50mpg without little effort, and possibly over 60mpg if you drive the right way. This was a separate screen that fixed to the top of the dash and provided Bluetooth for streaming and phone calls, satellite navigation and a trip computer. You can test this by letting your car idle long enough for the engine to heat up. Clear the drains, and there's a good chance that your problem will stop. Even the common-recalled model can be a good choice, and vice versa. The Volkswagen Polo is a subcompact family hatchback designed to benefit from the very same qualities as the VW Golf but in a more sensible, smaller package. Therefore, if properly maintained and cared for, the Skoda Citigo can easily clock over 200,000 miles. As with many of its rivals, the Skoda Citigos engines are all three cylinder, and while that means a fraction more noise than four cylinder offerings it actually adds something to the driving experience. That was the "dangerous" one, as there are electronic modules below the boot floor and under the seats. WebSkoda Citigo owners reviews If you wish to know more about eventual problems of a specific car (e.g. In the real world you should expect to beat 50mpg without little effort, and possibly over 60mpg if you drive the right way. But if you compare it with mainstream cars like Kia Picanto and the Hyundai i10, you will notice that it is slightly costlier to maintain.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'luxurycarsa2z_com-leader-3','ezslot_16',115,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-luxurycarsa2z_com-leader-3-0'); The Skoda Citigo and Volkswagen Up are based on the same platform. and SEAT Mii. Incredible discounts on new cars this March! The City Safe was optional on the rest of the range, and was Skodas name for Automatic Emergency Braking, so is a worthwhile addition if you can find a car with it fitted. No time in the day to check it (I am a school teacher and breaks are very short). Another trio, this time the Peugeot/Citroen/Toyota triplets in the form of the 108, C1 and Aygo offer a similar low-cost but big value take on the city car, although they are not quite as sophisticated to drive or a cabin thats as nice to be in. The Haynes Manual has inspired and helped DIY repairers for more than 60 years, but todays modern vehicles come with new challenges that can only be tackled by a digital product. Again, given how small it is, the Skoda Citigo is impressively practical. The Skoda Citigo may be relatively old now compared to some of the competition, but its strengths remain - its easy to live with, easy to drive and very good value. Since the Skoda Citigo is a low-priced car, theres little cash to lose in the end. The Citigo was safety tested byEuro NCAPway back in 2012 and again in 2019, this time receiving only three stars out of five. This gets a little extra kit, including metallic paint, as well as black or white alloy wheels and tinted rear windows. Its a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine regardless, you just get to choose a 60PS or 75PS output. Type the details of your issue in plain English and receive back a range of suggestions to resolve the issue. All content is viewed and used at your own risk. "The Skoda range is filled with cars that are low-stress, with a comfortable ride and secure handling, and even though it is comfortably the smallest car in the range, the Citigo hits the same standards.". Citigo Greentech. Steering rack and steering column replaced under warranty but problem returned after 12 The timing chain problems on the Skoda Citigo are connected to the Measured by the old economy system the Citigo range claims between 62mpg and 68mpg combined under official figures.". if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'luxurycarsa2z_com-banner-1','ezslot_12',108,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-luxurycarsa2z_com-banner-1-0'); Another issue that forced the manufacturer to recall some Skoda Citigo models is damaged battery cells. I haven't had time to look at the problem as when I get up its dark and when I leave work its dark. The company came fifth overall in the 2020 manufacturer rundown, and is the highest-rated maker from the all-conquering Volkswagen Group. If they are blocked then water flowing through the doors could drain into the car. This might cause fire and lead to an accident. The three cylinder engine may be a busy-sounding thing, particularly if you try to hurry it along, but it is actually a relatively-refined unit. One of the main reasons for choosing a Skoda Citigo is the low fuel consumption. The Skoda Citigo has been tested by Euro NCAP on two occasions, once when the car was first introduced in 2011, and again in 2019 when it was relaunched as a pure electric model. On the earliest Skoda Citigos we would suggest skipping the basic S trim, as although it might make for a cheap car it was not massively popular because it had so little equipment. The 60hp unit will be fine for most people, and only if you spend a lot of time on motorways or faster roads will you really want the extra power of the 75hp version. At higher speeds the latter starts to make itself known, but not unreasonably so - you can take on a lengthy motorway journey without having to stop frequently to give your ears a break. The Skoda Citigo has the body structure, mechanicals and basic interior layout as the Volkswagen Up and SEAT Mii, while the exterior is basically the same with some detail changes to distinguish the three. The damaged battery cells can cause a short circuit that can lead to a fire.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'luxurycarsa2z_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_10',109,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-luxurycarsa2z_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); If you own a 2016 Skoda Citigo model, you should expect to experience this problem. Rattles immediately l turn the car on. WebEnter a fault code and follow the instructions to test components in order, and establish the likely cause of a problem. Sign up for a new account in our community. VED car tax: What is the annual road tax on a Skoda Citigo? Further costs savings are made in the engine department, which is reduced to two simple and almost-identical options. The Commission nor the car-recalls.eu does not take any responsibility for the accuracy of the information provided. It might not feel like youre swimming in equipment, but what there is feels of good quality, which prevents you feeling like you couldnt afford a proper car. The major controls are mounted centrally and high up by the driver, with a display screen sat on top depending on the model you choose. If youre ready to spend and desire a small city car that performs better and it is more comfortable, the Volkswagen Up is the better choice. It could be the scuttle/plenum, sunroof, doors, boot. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'luxurycarsa2z_com-leader-1','ezslot_11',110,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-luxurycarsa2z_com-leader-1-0'); Unlike most cars, the Skoda Citigo doesnt come with heated windows. It could be the scuttle/plenum, sunroof, doors, boot. Note: Autofix is a worldwide product. Any suggestions please? Guess I do need to maintain it a bit more. View super-high-quality diagrams of key components, with exploded views. However, if youll be regularly driving the Skoda Citigo on the motorway, then its worth going for the more powerful engine. My main issues with the bluetooth on the garmin are that it can be flaky to connect (very My previous Panda leaked until I cleared the scuttle drains. Disclaimer: BRISKODA is not an official SKODA site and is not affiliated to SKODA in any way. Its no secret that the Skoda Citigo is designed to be a great little car to drive around town; and, the good news is that the designers have done a fine job. We have a comprehensive Privacy Policy. The suspension is also nice and comfortable, meaning you dont feel the lumps and bumps that litter our city streets. The Skoda Citigos boot is one of the largest youll find in a car of this size. And, on most models, many of the functions are controlled through an app on your smartphone, which can be mounted in a holder on the dashboard. Copyright Autovia Ltd 2023. At low to medium speeds noise from other sources is kept well in check. Whats more, for a limited time, the first month is free. For a new generation of vehicles, welcome to an all-new repair guide. It's a good idea to check the drains every year. Water can damage these modules, which are expensive to replace. Visit the Official SKODA Website. Specs. If you're looking for the small electric car version, you need our Skoda Citigo-e iV review. I originally thought it was maybe just the residual water i had on my shoes, but i'm sure this is not the case. The Skoda Citigo is not an exception as it is also pretty reliable. Problems solved during Skodas recalls do not usually determine the reliability of the vehicle itself. review sections over the following pages. Mid-table scores for comfort and practicality were more encouraging, while top-10 places for reliability, running costs, handling, ride quality and ease of driving all helped to secure that 11th position. Likewise, the boot is one of the biggest youll find in a car of this size. Well even suggest other jobs to take on in conjunction with the one you have chosen. Our 2021 Driver Power best manufacturers survey resulted in a 12th place finish for Skoda. The feeling of space is boosted by the slim dashboard and the large glazed area, increasing the amount of light coming into the cabin. What is the difference between a recall and a service campaign? Measured by the old NEDC system the Citigo range claims between 62mpg and 68mpg combined The fan has sounded a bit dodgy this week so fingers crossed all ok. Safety equipment includes a head-thorax side airbag a first in any Skoda, let alone the smallest one and the City Safe Drive (CSD) brake assist system. All non-English texts are machine translated. I don't think that the Citigo has any design faults as such, you just need to keep the drain tubes clear so that water can run away safely. The content owned by the EU on this website is licensed under the. Under the terms of Annex II.10 to the General Product Safety Directive (2001/95/EC) responsibility for the information provided lies with the notifying party. But, if you do want the very best economy, go for one of the GreenTech versions, with start/stop and brake energy recovery. Is it expensive to maintain the Skoda Citigo? I wonder if there is any info in the handbook? That said, this is a city car, and how it performs against the clock isnt relevant. However, it is good to be informed for what problems the manufacturer has recalled most often. SKU:ZO6814830 This is still a cheap car remember - but it does an excellent job of hiding that fact from you as much as possible.