Hey guys picking up a 2002 Skoda Superb 1.9 130 TDi tomorrow.

What should I look out for?

Sent from my iPhone using klatapaT.

Pedestrians

Ok well in the absence of a sensible answer I'll try again. Well the good news is you're going for the right engine. The Superb is never going to handle anything like a sports car but I see you have a Mini Cooper so you're already used to coping with disappointment. The Superb does nothing outstandingly well, but does everything pretty well. They're good cars.

Other than regular stuff you could check:

- History, in particular timing belt changes. Supposed to be by 80k. If it's not done or imminent negotiate a price to have it done before you drive away.

- Again history. It probably wont say but check oil specification. VW 507 00 and VW 506 01 for the variable service regime and 505 01 for fixed.

- Check everything electrical. Lights, courtesy lights, mirrors, heaters etc to try and ascertain if the CCM has sustained damage due to water ingress.

- Check for damp carpets, especially under and around front passenger seat and footwell for the same reason.

- CV joints. Check for grease being spewwed out into wheel arch, suspension, wheel etc.

- Excessive noise when driving. Loud knocks over bumps (esp at front), excessive road noise through wheels (bearings).

- If it has custom alloys check for uneven tyre wear.

- Look for signs of water ingress at base of doors, especially in the front. It tends to run in behind door facia and over the rubber seal into footwell.

- Check central locking on all four doors and boot.

- Lastly take a torch with you. Open bonnet and remove battery cover. Have a look around to see if there's any water pooling underneath. I'd say remove the entire plastic cover that sits at the base of the windscreen but you may feel awkward doing that on a test drive. There are two rubber drainage plugs inside what are called the plenum chambers. Sometimes they get blocked with leaves and detritus. It causes the chambers to fill with water and drain into the cabin causing all sorts of issues. If they're clear of standing water then you should be okay. If you buy the car, search the forum for "water ingress problem" and follow instructions.

I'm sure someone will be along shortly to correct all the mistake I will have made.

Good luck.

edit: Oh yeah, if you check service history and the timing belt was replaced, make sure the water pump was replaced at the same time.

Edited 29 July, 201213 yr by allclownsareevi

I think looking out for pedestrians is a pretty sensible answer....

Rob :-)

Depends on where you live to be fair Rob