Was due to pick up my new superb combi today (4x4 DSG with 140 diesel).

The technicians at the dealership noted some minor corrosion around the suspension at the pre-delivery check. In discussion with Skoda New Zealand they are replacing a number of components, including CV boots and some parts of the suspension. The mechanic at the dealership seemed to think this was a bit of overkill though.

I had them put it up on the hoist today and all I could really see was quite a lot of salt spray, presumably from some stage during the transport.

They gave me the option to take the vehicle and bring it back in when the parts arrived, but I've decided to hold off accepting delivery of the vehicle until the work is completed. :'( They are going to waterblast the underbody as well to get rid of the salt spray.

We don't have any salt put on our roads here. I am assuming that this type of issue would be pretty much par for the course for any car being driven in Europe in the winter?

Any comments much appreciated.

Will attach a couple of photos once I can figure out how to do this with my browser, though theres not much to see other than the salt.

Edited 4 February, 201115 yr by kiwi jim

How do they bring them to NZ? If it's on a roll on roll off, I suspect this would account for a lot of salt spray, as driving them around a docks with on and off a ship is likely to do.

Would a short time driving around normally during a spell of rain not wash off the salty surface. Our cars in Britain have to endure far worse every year on a day to day basis during winter.

Pressure washing under the car could run the risk of water penetrating areas which are greased and not designed to endure water at high pressure.

Thanks for your comments. We have no experience at all here with the effects of salt on the roads and therefore don't tend to see any corrosion on the underbody. As you have pointed out, any vehicle in Europe would be subjected to far worse conditions year in, year out. I think Skoda NZ are just being very cautious due to local market perceptions.

In relation to transport, the vehicles would come here on container ships I imagine.

Other than that, the vehicle looks fantastic and I'm looking forward to taking delivery.