I know people tend to find forums like this when they have a problem but seems to be a lot of people on here unhappy with their new Superb , i wonder if thats really the case

My order is a few weeks from delivery and I am seriously thinking about walking away from it and buying something else

I have an electrical fault with my Elegance 170CR DSG, which has now been diagnosed to a specific ECU, which is on order from Europe. I'm pragmatic enough to accept that - with new models - the amount of R & D and fault-finding becomes truncated in order to get the model out there, so, in effect, new customers can become involuntary test-beds. I'm not suggesting that this is right, or that I'm happy with that position, just that I understand it.

My dealer (Caffyns at Tonbridge, Kent) have been at pains to resolve it and their after-sales manager (Teresa) has explained, in detail, the wearying process a dealer must go through in order to get the makers to sign off on warranty jobs. The car has spent five days at the dealer, which is irritating (Teresa might smile at that description if she reads this!), but in the end I'll have a fabulous, great-value-for-money, luxurious and comparatively rare vehicle, which I'm delighted I bought.

With the amount of electronics within the vehicle, I look upon it as I do any new electronic gear (computer, LCD TV, etc.) - it either goes for ever, or goes wrong fairly swiftly. Most of the niggles on here have been electronic, as far as I can remember - no surprise overall, but still not a delight, either. Would I buy another one, given the opportunity now and knowing what I now know? Absolutely, without any hesitation whatsoever!

Ray

I nearly cancelled my order through frustration on the dealer, but I am loving the car and have hit no real glitches as yet

How would I improve it

1) More functionality on Columbus unit

- Sat Nav audible alarms for POI's as with TomTom

- Better random play from HDD

- Bigger HDD....lol

2) Boot release button on Drivers door

3) Saloon part of boot to be 2 inches higher

- I had to put 3 large suitcases in which I managed with a bit of manipulation and rotation

4) Park assist to engage a bit easier

but other than that i'm loving it, but its not been 4 weeks yet

I know people tend to find forums like this when they have a problem but seems to be a lot of people on here unhappy with their new Superb , I wonder if thats really the case

My order is a few weeks from delivery and I am seriously thinking about walking away from it and buying something else

I think most people could live with some things going wrong in a new model provided they knew they would be fixed without any hassle. Although there are undoubtably some bad dealers out there, there are many good ones also. They aren't really the problem. The main problem is the poor customer service you will get from Skoda UK - that's if you get any service at all, or any response to requests for help. All they're interested in is protecting Skoda UK's own profit; it won't matter how high up the management tree you go. Forget about the spurious 'Customer Satisfaction Surveys'. They were probably surveys of people who have never had any need to get any help.

Skoda UK's 'customer service' people and 'management' all come from the same mould as VW; VW, Skoda and Audi all have the same address at Milton Keynes - probably not surprisingly. Check how happy VW customers are. I wouldn't be surprised if they all go through the same 'fob off' training and get moved around the various marques. Whenever you hear 'customer services' think 'Fob Off Department' and you'll be on the right track.

Will you be any better off going with another marque. Who knows. You need to find a car that you're happy with - or at least one with other compromises you're prepared to live with (if they're obvious from the outset). A year ago you'd be struggling to come near such good value for money as the Superb, but in the current climate it might not be the same. 'Flick a coin'. Don't get me wrong, I think the car has a lot going for it - but it ain't perfect.

If you plan to take the Superb give a lot of thought to what to do at handover. Check the forum out for all the reported problems and raise them with the dealer, make a list of issues to check at handover and questions to ask the dealer. Make sure the seats are 'comfy' and you can live with them - they might not improve even after you've found the most suitable driving position and adjustments for you (the seats are smaller and harder than the Octavia's). I would recommend you go and sit in some comparable Volvos, Saabs, Fords (at least) 'shortly before' you go along to the handover. Get commitments from the dealer about any 'potential issues' BEFORE handing over any money. DON'T let the dealer get 'the paperwork' out of the way first to improve the delivery experience and 'feel good factor'. Take your time.

As SOON AS you've handed over the money Skoda UK's attitude will change - and you'll be on your own. Forget about treating customers fairly - that will no longer be a consideration.

Overall I am very pleased with mine and do not regret the choice for a minute (except maybe part of me would like the 170 CR Elegance instead of a 140 PDI SE, but that is being greedy really ! ).

IMHO it is far better than the Mk 1 I had (which itself was a nice car - well equipped and went well, just a little old fashioned looking)

Problems? Not really - in my case I simply don't like the smell the upholstery gives off but the car itself? Brilliant !

I think most people could live with some things going wrong in a new model provided they knew they would be fixed without any hassle. Although there are undoubtably some bad dealers out there, there are many good ones also. They aren't really the problem. The main problem is the poor customer service you will get from Skoda UK - that's if you get any service at all, or any response to requests for help. All they're interested in is protecting Skoda UK's own profit; it won't matter how high up the management tree you go. Forget about the spurious 'Customer Satisfaction Surveys'. They were probably surveys of people who have never had any need to get any help.

Skoda UK's 'customer service' people and 'management' all come from the same mould as VW; VW, Skoda and Audi all have the same address at Milton Keynes - probably not surprisingly. Check how happy VW customers are. I wouldn't be surprised if they all go through the same 'fob off' training and get moved around the various marques. Whenever you hear 'customer services' think 'Fob Off Department' and you'll be on the right track.

Will you be any better off going with another marque. Who knows. You need to find a car that you're happy with - or at least one with other compromises you're prepared to live with (if they're obvious from the outset). A year ago you'd be struggling to come near such good value for money as the Superb, but in the current climate it might not be the same. 'Flick a coin'. Don't get me wrong, I think the car has a lot going for it - but it ain't perfect.

If you plan to take the Superb give a lot of thought to what to do at handover. Check the forum out for all the reported problems and raise them with the dealer, make a list of issues to check at handover and questions to ask the dealer. Make sure the seats are 'comfy' and you can live with them - they might not improve even after you've found the most suitable driving position and adjustments for you (the seats are smaller and harder than the Octavia's). I would recommend you go and sit in some comparable Volvos, Saabs, Fords (at least) 'shortly before' you go along to the handover. Get commitments from the dealer about any 'potential issues' BEFORE handing over any money. DON'T let the dealer get 'the paperwork' out of the way first to improve the delivery experience and 'feel good factor'. Take your time.

As SOON AS you've handed over the money Skoda UK's attitude will change - and you'll be on your own. Forget about treating customers fairly - that will no longer be a consideration.

chris - that is a very good posting. exactly how I am feeling now. skoda UK are utterly useless. I am threatening rejection and they refuse to reply to my mail. you would think they woudl get in touch asap to try and avert the possibility of rejection

My local dealer are being great. They are as frustrated as I am . I wish I had bought the car there now and if i decide to stick with skoda will seriously considere regarding their efforts buy purchasing from there next time (its not that Allams are not good its just that they are 200 miles away !)

i am now going to call skoda UK - wish be luck !!

Chris, I could not have summed up my feelings about the Milton Keynes boot boys better.

I have a Mk1 Superb bought from a dealer at 2 years old. It's fine.

All contact I have had with MK has been a potential raid on my wallet - these people are the originators of the 4 year VAG cambelt change scam (which applies nowhere else on the planet). The recall trick has been used in an attempt to get perfectly good vehicles back to the dealers (it seems VAG "don't know" which PD engines were fitted with the potentially leaky LUK tandem pumps) - no doubt other "problems" of a revenue earning nature would then be "discovered".

For me, the biggest crime of all was the release of the Mk1 Superb with the Passat's rainwater leak problem (plenum drains + pollen filter seal). To release for sale as a "new" model a vehicle with a serious pre-existing design fault is a crime. The fact that vehicles like mine have not been recalled for this problem speaks volumes - I wish our spineless Govt would properly protect the consumer from thieves of this kind.

I'm really pleased my purchase was a second hand vehicle and that due to Forums such as this one, I have been able to address the design problems these vehicles have. Had it been a new vehicle involving a much larger sum of money and a "don't touch" warranty restriction for 3 years, I would have been hopping mad.

VAG really need to sort out their UK representation, although if you look at the American Passat sites, VWoA seem to be no better. The Internet is littered with VW owners disatisfied with MK "policies". So, no new-car money to VAG from me.

rotodiesel.

I`m quite happy with my car, only one problem :

Tyre noise inside the car. Like I told before, we mainly use tyres with studs on wintertime, and those studs make the road surface very rough especially at spring time. And that tyre noise is quite strong.

This is mainly a problem here, not in mid-europe, where roads are made from a different stuff, and the surface is much more quieter. :thumbdwn:

I guess I am lucky or maybe its just that I've got the SE with less toys to play up but my car does exactly what it says on the tin so far. Really chuffed with it, loads of room, feels and drives like a much more expensive motor. bargin IMHO.

@ Chris, Jonathan and Roto

To Chris and Roto I agree to the point that no more agreement could be squeezed out.

To Jon, it might not have been you, but when I was having problems and SUK and the local dealer both shut the door in my face unless I wanted them to continue at my expense, you'll understand why I was so annoyed, it may not have been you but there were a few ppl here giving me a hard time for saying poor things of Skoda, I've just recently cancelled a Passat order, the car I looked at had too many bad points for a car 15 mths old, I can't believe it was even on a VW main agent's site tbh, would you offer a car for sale that had a known DSG issue and an off centre steering wheel? I know I wouldn't, that car would've been in the shop for repairs before I let the public see it, and given the VAG high and almighty corp image it suprises me that they would retail a car that at least 75 different uncaring ppl had rented, the dealer themselves were fine, I've no issue with them tbh, I wasn't mugged off or forced to have it, but I think the salesman was a bit embarrased after we came back in off test given the poor quality of the car and even went as far as to confirm the DSG wasn't right, after the charade with Skoda there was no way I was chancing that VW would sort this car out to my satisfaction, I think if you can you need to reject that car Jon, it might make them sit up and think when they are down on market share, then again perhaps not Osterich's always keep the thinking matter underground don't they.

And before war breaks out, it's not that I don't like VAG cars, it's purely the no back up go away attitude of the parent company that I don't like.

Mine's a CR170 Elegance DSG and I am very pleased with it - no problems at all except associated with the tow bar electrics - a known problem with Skoda's official parts, awaiting a factory fix to be retro fitted. My e-mails with Wendy at Skoda UK always get a prompt telephone to confirm receipt and subsequent reply with sensible answers via letter post, so no complaints there. The car came via James of Allams, Epsom - no complaints there either! Hopefully the tow bar electric fix will be available soon - I am pressing for a definite date.

The vehicle performs impressively when solo or towing a large twin axle caravan, something its main rivals can not do. DSG makes for very relaxed driving, especially when towing. Consumption around 47mpg solo and 27 towing averages, the latter with a 56 to 60 target towing speed in 6th gear on main roads. Previous car was Toyota Avensis but I would certainly recommend the Superb II in comparison.

Brian

I know people tend to find forums like this when they have a problem but seems to be a lot of people on here unhappy with their new Superb , i wonder if thats really the case

My order is a few weeks from delivery and I am seriously thinking about walking away from it and buying something else

I guess I am lucky or maybe its just that I've got the SE with less toys to play up but my car does exactly what it says on the tin so far. Really chuffed with it, loads of room, feels and drives like a much more expensive motor. bargin IMHO.

My thoughts exactly. My 'poverty spec' S Superb is hardly lacking in standard kit, however, it avoids a lot of the electrical gizmos of higher spec models which appear to be causing their owners random problems.

Oh Yes.

Not had much time to play with all the bells and whistles but all good so far.

Put the DSG (1.8TSI) to "s" by accident the other day.......... nearly had to go to A & E for whiplash! :eek:

I have been used to Diesel turbo's, lot's and lot's of fun and it sticks well for a big car. Use with caution!

Well to update my own thread , i'll be satisfied with the car if they fix the alarm , its only gone off a few times but already the local birdlife has copied it and thats very annoying !!!

http://briskoda.net/superb-ii/any-1-9-tdi-pd-owners/143208/#post1714729

I am with you Caravan Man, i have the same proplem with the electrics and my man at Skoda UK rings up every week with up dates. They are getting closer to solving it.

We're up to 5k miles now and just back from a week in France with four adults, one baby plus loads of luggage and associated baby paraphernalia. The Skoda was superb in its touring role and perfect at carrying lots of people and luggage. It cruised quietly, smoothly and economically on the French autoroutes and drove enjoyably on the routes departmentales. The Satnav worked perfectly on French roads and linked in with their traffic warning system without issue.

I love the DSG flappy paddles for back road driving and the wife leaves it in D and forgets it has gears. The one downside is a slight reluctance at low speeds to change gear, leaving it lugging in a higher gear or hesitating between. Using the paddles avoids that.

We were using three drivers, so the the three-memory driver's seat facility was perfect. The memory card facility was great for a holiday, lots of music taking up very little space.

We are taking our Superb to France next month nice to hear the sat nav works ok

We are taking our Superb to France next month nice to hear the sat nav works ok

It certainly does!

We went from Calais, through Belgium, into Germany, then Switzerland, finishing up in Northern Italy without a single problem.

Details and pictures of the trip are here if you're interested.

Ray.

Nearly 7 months in, 10k miles and so far so good. I can't fault the comfort (6'4" driver), economy, road holding for it's size or its cavernous boot.

I've had a couple of issues, headlights pointing to the stars upon collection which didn't become apparent until I had dazzled a few drivers at night and my fog lights misted up, everything was put right by my local dealer; Claybank of Eccles - they are fantastic. I couldn't get my damned phone to connect and had multiple profiles which they deleted for me.

We are off to the Vendee in a little over a week and am really looking forward to the drive, turning on the cruise and following the satnav. I will be trying to see how far I can get on one tank and taking it relatively easy.

I think most people could live with some things going wrong in a new model provided they knew they would be fixed without any hassle. Although there are undoubtably some bad dealers out there, there are many good ones also. They aren't really the problem. The main problem is the poor customer service you will get from Skoda UK - that's if you get any service at all, or any response to requests for help. All they're interested in is protecting Skoda UK's own profit; it won't matter how high up the management tree you go. Forget about the spurious 'Customer Satisfaction Surveys'. They were probably surveys of people who have never had any need to get any help.

Skoda UK's 'customer service' people and 'management' all come from the same mould as VW; VW, Skoda and Audi all have the same address at Milton Keynes - probably not surprisingly. Check how happy VW customers are. I wouldn't be surprised if they all go through the same 'fob off' training and get moved around the various marques. Whenever you hear 'customer services' think 'Fob Off Department' and you'll be on the right track.

Will you be any better off going with another marque. Who knows. You need to find a car that you're happy with - or at least one with other compromises you're prepared to live with (if they're obvious from the outset). A year ago you'd be struggling to come near such good value for money as the Superb, but in the current climate it might not be the same. 'Flick a coin'. Don't get me wrong, I think the car has a lot going for it - but it ain't perfect.

If you plan to take the Superb give a lot of thought to what to do at handover. Check the forum out for all the reported problems and raise them with the dealer, make a list of issues to check at handover and questions to ask the dealer. Make sure the seats are 'comfy' and you can live with them - they might not improve even after you've found the most suitable driving position and adjustments for you (the seats are smaller and harder than the Octavia's). I would recommend you go and sit in some comparable Volvos, Saabs, Fords (at least) 'shortly before' you go along to the handover. Get commitments from the dealer about any 'potential issues' BEFORE handing over any money. DON'T let the dealer get 'the paperwork' out of the way first to improve the delivery experience and 'feel good factor'. Take your time.

As SOON AS you've handed over the money Skoda UK's attitude will change - and you'll be on your own. Forget about treating customers fairly - that will no longer be a consideration.

HEAR HEAR.

Based on previous experience from Land Rover , VW, and Mercedes i dont see any manufacturers being especially customer focused thats why its so important to have a good dealer

A late and brief comment. Over 4 months and 4000miles, with one exception, my Superb II CR170 Elegance DSG has been perfect - no faults at all, far better than my previous Toyota. I am very pleased with it and can recommend it to others. The one exception is my well documented problem with tow bar electrics, which I am promised will be sorted with a new rear loom in the next couple of weeks, though I have little confidence it will be! If I had a wish list of improvements, a little more give in the suspension would help over the appalling state of most local roads; full post code operation for the Columbus sat nav; indicator volume adjustable (I don't have the best ears). The car is also an excellent tow-car.

Of course Skoda UK after care is hopeless and the dealer hasn't been much better - that's a people training and skills issue and these days it's the norm for most businesses I'm sorry to say. My local Ford dealer was even worse and Toyota not much better.

Brian

170DSG Elegance spec and 10000 miles of totally fault free driving my car is a business tool that I actually really enjoy driving just for the fun of it. Break in gently and build up to full chat driving and its sweet as a nut and damn near silent at normal speeds. I really do like the car to be in as do others and its head and shoulders better than my previous Company Car a Passat. When I read the niggle lists that some fellow drivers put on here I have to ask the question is it all really justified on a moan per pound basis try getting good service and reliabilty from Mercedes these days lets try to convince Skoda UK to get with the program on customer service and they would have an unbeatable package.

TOTALLY AWESOME

I had my super superb last week and I love it,no problems as of yet but smooth as silk and the wife ain't bad either but to be serious folks I tried a lot of cars over the last month and the superb although long is a winner I did look at a lot of the add ons and engines and I am bit of a cheap skate I plummed for the s 1.9tdi in silver and no extras and I love it the 1.9 is a proven engine loads of low power and high mph so I am pleased as pigs in s~it*:thumbup: