Have owned Skodas before and have a Mark IV VW Golf now (175k miles and still 60+ MPG). I've seen a really good value (2006) Skoda Superb 105 Classic for sale - about £4,000. It says that it has done only 50,000 miles, but when I called the guy he said that it has NO service history. He bought it at an auction (to re-sell), which was a finance company sale - so he said that he can't stand over the mileage - in fact he said that he doubts that it has only done 50K miles.

Should I still think about buying it and book it in for a good top-to-toe service - or should I just forget it totally?

I always go to the same garage - one which has proven to be really good, and fair prices, but the car is miles away from this garage, so can't really get it there on a test drive. I haven't a glue about the "greasy bits" of cars - so really not sure either what to look for, or what to do....?

Does anyone have any advice on this?

Many thanks

G

Edited 30 September, 201015 yr by Garydunl

If the engine is a 1.9 then that is a good start...its a dam sight more reliable than the 2.0 tdi for starters if your contemplating long term ownership. Also you should check the condition of the car generally and the interior for wear, and match that to the mileage...if it looks worn and tatty then i would assume the mileage is a lot more, Have a look under the bonnet, and one can generally get an impression of the way the engine has been looked after, and of course check that everything works and check front passenger carpets for dampness, as the convenience module sits there, and all sorts of problems manifest from water ingress. but most of all, as you point out the car is miles away,personally i would have serious doubts about buying it. There must be other similar superbs much closer to where you live ? and dont be sucked in by the cheapish prices....would be much better to pay a bit more and of course get service history for that peace of mind.

My superb 2.0 tdi is presently laid up, awaiting funds to get it back on the road, and if you saw it, you would think it was virtually new, and couple that with the genuine mileage of 38k, the conition of the interior and exterior matches the mileage, but i intend to keep it and get it fully functioning again and use it just purely getting to and from work.....but thats in a few mths time when funds allow...and maybe i might just sell it, as there cant be many luxurious saloons with that low miles, and tbh, it is a nice car to drive. Like roto said, its a pity they didnt get the oil pump issue sorted, as the car would be similar in reliability compared to the 1.9 !!

If the engine is a 1.9 then that is a good start...its a dam sight more reliable than the 2.0 tdi for starters if your contemplating long term ownership. Also you should check the condition of the car generally and the interior for wear, and match that to the mileage...if it looks worn and tatty then i would assume the mileage is a lot more, Have a look under the bonnet, and one can generally get an impression of the way the engine has been looked after, and of course check that everything works and check front passenger carpets for dampness, as the convenience module sits there, and all sorts of problems manifest from water ingress. but most of all, as you point out the car is miles away,personally i would have serious doubts about buying it. There must be other similar superbs much closer to where you live ? and dont be sucked in by the cheapish prices....would be much better to pay a bit more and of course get service history for that peace of mind.

My superb 2.0 tdi is presently laid up, awaiting funds to get it back on the road, and if you saw it, you would think it was virtually new, and couple that with the genuine mileage of 38k, the conition of the interior and exterior matches the mileage, but i intend to keep it and get it fully functioning again and use it just purely getting to and from work.....but thats in a few mths time when funds allow...and maybe i might just sell it, as there cant be many luxurious saloons with that low miles, and tbh, it is a nice car to drive. Like roto said, its a pity they didnt get the oil pump issue sorted, as the car would be similar in reliability compared to the 1.9 !!

Profit is a reward for taking a risk.

If you want this car then you've got to use your head. If it has a 2.0 litre diesel engine walk away. If it's a 1.9, have a very careful look.

There are easy ways to see if a car has been cared for - at that mileage does it have 4 tyres of reputable manufacture, evenly worn and in good condition? Are they or the wheels scuffed? Are the pressures correct (measure them) and the caps fitted? Is the interior in a decent state? Cigar lighter/ashtrays unused?

Use your eyes, ears and nose and don't forget to check REALLY carefully for water ingress - do a Forum search. The running gear will probably be OK if the correct oil has been used and it has not been allowed to run too low or too long. If you think lubrication has been neglected, factor in £500 + labour for a new camshaft and followers. The rest of a 1.9 unit generally survives.

Don't buy it because it's there, don't buy the first one you see and above all, walk away if your gut feel is not right. There are plenty of these cars around so get exactly what you want - including trim options.

rotodiesel.

Have owned Skodas before and have a Mark IV VW Golf now (175k miles and still 60+ MPG). I've seen a really good value (2006) Skoda Superb 105 Classic for sale - about £4,000. It says that it has done only 50,000 miles, but when I called the guy he said that it has NO service history. He bought it at an auction (to re-sell), which was a finance company sale - so he said that he can't stand over the mileage - in fact he said that he doubts that it has only done 50K miles.

Should I still think about buying it and book it in for a good top-to-toe service - or should I just forget it totally?

I always go to the same garage - one which has proven to be really good, and fair prices, but the car is miles away from this garage, so can't really get it there on a test drive. I haven't a glue about the "greasy bits" of cars - so really not sure either what to look for, or what to do....?

Does anyone have any advice on this?

Many thanks

G

And if you know any one with Vag-com you should be able to check the mileage

Radiotwo

Edited 1 October, 201015 yr by RADIOTWO

If its a Repo, check all the door locks are the same, the repo guys have to get in somehow; and check the oil colour, if they werent paying the finance there is a good chance they werent servicing it properly either; assume the worst and factor in a FULL service and get all the 50-75k service bits done.

A DVLA check might give you some indication of mileage, @ over 4 years old it must have an MOT, does that list the mileage??

A Superb has only one door lock operable with a key.

All diesels have jet black engine oil from day one. VAG thoughtfully fit these engines with black dipsticks so that you can't see the oil level in poor light - genius design.

If you exercise common sense and logic and take a completely detached view about the car, it's dead easy to spot a dog. Don't be afraid to have a really good poke around. The dealer who sold me my Superb let me have it unaccompanied - ideal for a really good look.

rotodiesel.

Hi Guys - thanks a million for all the replies - very useful all of them...!

I've had a good look around to see what eles is on offer - and spotted another car - same model, just about 1 yr older and 72K miles with a full service history and still in and around £4k. It's even further away than the 1st - but all in the same direction - so if I'm able to go and see one - I'll travel on and see the other too.

Again folks - thanks a million for the advice - very much appreciated!

G

Hi Guys - thanks a million for all the replies - very useful all of them...!

I've had a good look around to see what eles is on offer - and spotted another car - same model, just about 1 yr older and 72K miles with a full service history and still in and around £4k. It's even further away than the 1st - but all in the same direction - so if I'm able to go and see one - I'll travel on and see the other too.

Again folks - thanks a million for the advice - very much appreciated!

G

Some pics would be handy, could then cast an eye at seats etc to guess the miles.

A Superb has only one door lock operable with a key.

All diesels have jet black engine oil from day one. VAG thoughtfully fit these engines with black dipsticks so that you can't see the oil level in poor light - genius design.

If you exercise common sense and logic and take a completely detached view about the car, it's dead easy to spot a dog. Don't be afraid to have a really good poke around. The dealer who sold me my Superb let me have it unaccompanied - ideal for a really good look.

rotodiesel.

Thanks for that info, I have never had the honour of driving one, so I was talking generalities.

Hi All

Thanks again for all the replies and advice. The second car I found online was sold when I called about it, so decided not to travel to see the "50K miler" one. I think given the fact I know so little about this area, it's probably best avoided - especially if I can find other cars with a good service history (even if they do have a few more miles).

Again, many thanks!

G