I'm considering buying a newish estate car, to replace my trusty Mondeo wagon.

New-shape Mondeo's are too large (mostly the width over the door mirrors) to comfortably fir in my garage, so I've been

considering a V70 or a Superb Estate.

Pricewise either car in SE Lux or Elegance trim level with diesel engine & automatic transmissions & about 1 year old

are close enough to allow me the luxury of choice based on quality, capabilities & driving impressions.

So far I've driven a few Superbs & found them to be a quality car, but with no real character.

Maybe the V70 will be similar, & I intend to find out soon, but I'd be grateful for any advice / assistance from the Superb community here in Briskoda.

TIA, David C.

TBH they are both similar cars. Both with do the same job without any fuss.

Superb + points.

-Rear Leg Room. (Still nothing to worry with the Volvo but Superb is the winne

-More Value for money.

-Slightly cheaper to run/service.

Superb - points.

-Resale value will be less than Volvo

-Slightly Lower image status.

-A little less perceived quality ( the use of some cheaper plastics etc).

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk whilst in a taxi rank

I considered a XC70 before the 4x4 Superb Estate i bought.

Volvo, altho lovely, couldn't touch the Skoda on Price / Value for money. - I'm still in my 20's (just!) and got enough jip for buying a Skoda, let alone a Volvo!

Next time round, i will consider the volvo again - the D5 engine was great, but much less economical than the 170 VW unit and the boot's were of similar size. - Volvo door's always close nice!

Al.

all i can tell you is i traded my Mercedes v6 320cdi estate for my 170 superb estate and i would say it is a far Superior car than the Mercedes. Volvo are nice but i think the dash is too busy my daughter has just sold her c70 coupe T5 gt nice car but she had a lot of problems with it.have a test drive in the elergance then you will be sold.

bill

Agree with everything posted above, but would also add that Volvo are now Chinese owned. Taking everything else into account as well of course, I'd rather buy European than Chinese (I know, components etc. may well be sourced from China, but the company is still European).

Thanks to all who replied, I've taken all your thoughts on board.

We've tried one V70 so far, local to us but a bit older than we really want & no winter pack.

I've had a V70 (older model) back in 2004 & a winter pack, especially in this weather is essential!

The 6-speed Aisian-Warner auto feels smoother than a DSG & is probably more reliable, this car had a 175hp diesel which

seemed quite adequate, with a nice feel to the car, but no real excitement, as expected...

Since we are retired, our annual mileage has declined so fuel costs aren't too important, comfort, quality & capability perhaps more so.

We probably need to arrange a back to back comparison between a V70 & a Superb Estate on the same day.

Thanks again & watch this space!

DC

You say that now you are retired your mileage has reduced.

Have you considered a 1.8TSi petrol with DSG. Yes the mpg will increase but fuel is c8 pence a litre cheaper. I went from 48mpg on an Octavia VRS 170hp diesel to 38mpg in my Superb

One I found on Auotrader seems about £3k to £4k cheaper than equivalent 170hp diesel.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201212264729544/sort/priceasc/usedcars/body-type/estate/transmission/automatic/fuel-type/petrol/maximum-age/up_to_2_years_old/engine-size-cars/1-7l_to_1-9l/model/superb/make/skoda/onesearchad/used/onesearchad/nearlynew/onesearchad/new/postcode/nn35hs/radius/1500/page/1/advert-type/standard-listing?logcode=ucnnp

Thanks PowerMalc.

I can see where you are coming from re. running costs, but I fear that a 1.8 TSi might feel a little gutless after a V6 Mondy or a petrol vRS.

If I wanted a petrol Superb I'd go for a 2.0 litre, but they are rare.

I'd also worry that the 7-speed, dry clutch DSG might not cope too well with a loaded Superb.

As for driving 400+ miles to Ayr to buy a car, especially from that dealer chain, it would have to be a real bargain!

Since my Volvo preference is for a diesel auto, it would seem sensible for any Suberb comparison should be with another diesel.

Thanks again for your thoughts & advice, they are most welcome.

Regards, DC.

With regards to your first point...

I came to my Skoda 1.8 Petrol from a V8 Jaguar XJ.

I assure you that I do not feel the TSI is at all `gutless`

Regards.

Mike.

Also briskoda is better than the Volvo oc

If the Mundane-o estate is too large, chances are both the Skoda and Volvo are as well . . . . .

Perhaps I'm wrong, but I've driven some Superbs, all with DSG, 1.8 &2.0 TSi, & 170 hp diesel. They were all very civilised cars but with no "sparkle"

in their performance. The 1.8 is indeed capable but can't compare with my V6 Mondeo, or the remapped vRS or 'er indoors EOS.

A D5 V70 is OK, helped by a torque convertor automatic rather than a DSG, & I'm think that a remapped 2.0 TSi could do the job too.

None of this is about economy, more that I'd sooner spend some capital on another car before I get too old to enjoy it!

If I thought that I'd ever be able to sell it I'd look for a V6 Superb, & have remapped to boot!

Also. I'm stating that the current Mondeo is too large over the door mirrors for our garage doors, but a V70 & a Superb will fit, just.....

My Mk3 Mondeo is smaller, (of course) but it has much smaller door mirrors than most modern cars, including my current vRS.

As for "Mundano" that's kinda rude, I wouldn't have had three Mk3V6's if I'd felt that they weren't fun to drive, well equipped & verycivilized

vehicles.

Some people might still feel that Skodas are just "VW's for mean people", to quote Richard Hammond.................

I don't really agree with the sentiment, but there is a grain of truth there, IMVHO.

Anyway, thanks again for your comments, I'll make a decision after I've found one or two cars that I actually like......

DC

Just back from some comparision drives, but with mixed feelings.

Two different D5 V70's, an R-Design & a SE Lux. I prefer the less sporty but better equiped SE Lux, (more sound insulation & goodies,) but

neither very inspiring to drive. Good performance from the 205 bhp engines, if a bit too gruff in the R-Design but the car would take a while for me to

feel comfortable driving quickly. Probably down to steering feedback & driving position?

As for the Superb, (140 bhp diesel DSG), a bit sluggish, but a very easy car to live with.

I felt very much at ease during quite a decent test drive, (some controls similar to my Octy so that must help a little) but it didn't feel like a large

car at all. Very much a contender, but a little more power would be preferable, easily solved by spending more cash!

Surprising perhaps, but the DSG was very smooth, & better than the 6-speed Geartronic in the Volvo, especially in traffic.

We went out in the Mondy, so that we would be driving simlar sized vehicles & wouldn't compare them with the smaller but faster Octy.

So, an interesting day out, with a little added confusion....,

Volvo also make a smaller estate car, the V60, built on the same EUCD platform as the V70, but somewhat smaller.

As an estate car somewaht useless, being more of a "lifestyle tourer" but it could be an interesting replacement for the vRS Octy.

Horribly expensive as a brand new car, even with dealer discounts & Volvo marketing allowances, but there are 2012 cars around for app £21K,

cheaper than a new Octy vRS & with the 6-9 month wait.

It would mean that the Mondy stays in the family for another few years, but that's not a problem, the mileage is very low for it's age & it would be our "spare" car.

So, it's a definate no to a V70, & I think I going to have a Skoda in the family for quite some time, but which one?

Watch this space..............

DC

I have both a superb 1.8tsi estate and a mondeo st220 v6 so I can give you my opinion of both. Performance wise, the superb is not sluggish in any way, especially with a turbo, so needs less revs to get the performance compared with the normally aspirated st220. The mondeo handles far better as you would expect but then the superb is much more comfortable and quieter. I get almost 40mpg from the superb but this drops to around 30mpg when just doing short trips. The build quality of the superb is better and even se trim feels plush.

Hope this helps

I have both a superb 1.8tsi estate and a mondeo st220 v6 so I can give you my opinion of both. Performance wise, the superb is not sluggish in any way, especially with a turbo, so needs less revs to get the performance compared with the normally aspirated st220. The mondeo handles far better as you would expect but then the superb is much more comfortable and quieter. I get almost 40mpg from the superb but this drops to around 30mpg when just doing short trips. The build quality of the superb is better and even se trim feels plush.

Hope this helps

Sir.

Thanks for your thoughts, very interesting & I find myself agreeing with them..........

My Mondeo is the, (quite rare) Ghia X version, so a little softer than your ST 220, & down on power too.

!t's got the optional 18" rims & has been treated to a remap (220 bhp & 200 ft/lbs) so it's as good as it's going to be unless I invest in

a less restrictive exhaust system & some suspension mods.

I can't comment on the 1.8 TSi, but your descriptionof it's characteristics could equally apply to the 2.0 TSFi lump in my Octy vRS, both before &

after its remap.

Perhaps it's ironic that my comfortable, "gentlemans shooting brake" has a far more "sporting"& high revving engine thatn my sports hatch.....

Maybe I should consider a 3rd option, neep the Mondeo, & replace my vRS with a 2.0litre TSi hatch as the daily driver?

It would cost a little more to run than the Octy but it would be a much more civilised car, with the possiblity of giving it a remap if I felt the need?

Probably no more expensive than an Octy3 vRS , & available much sooner too.

Thanks again for your thoughts, David C.

Just go for the V6 Superb estate! Keep it under warranty for 5 years and move it on. It will definitely sell......not as easily as a diesel obviously but there are so few about that there will always be a buyer! I believe the VAT free offer is still on so that would give you a loaded V6 Superb estate for around £28K or £29K or less. If you want a bit of sparkle you will definitely get that......and they're cheap!

I have previously owned a V70 estate, and a Mondeo estate . I now have the Superb estate SE 1.8 tsi 4X4 and I can tell you it is better by far in lots of things.

1) Great value for money.

2)Space Rear passengers and boot.

3)Reliability both Volvo and Ford let me down.

4)Tyre ware Volvo 11 k on fronts

I chose the SE estate 1.8 tsi For the following reasons.

1) I only do about 8 K miles/year

2)I did not need satnav ,leather/electric seats,18" wheels, headlamp washers, and exon lights.

I did add the following

1)Metalic paint cappaccino(easy kept clean)

2)mudflaps front and rear(stops chips)

3)Chrome strips on doors (for car park bumps)

4)rubber mats to hold water(snow off shoes)

5)Heated wiper nozzles(and they work)

6)insulation under bonnet( for fast heat up)

7)Spare wheel (you get all jack up tools as well)

8)Changed headlamp,and DRL's bulbs for white exnon bulbs.

Hope this is of some use to you on your decision.

......

Just go for the V6 Superb estate! Keep it under warranty for 5 years and move it on. It will definitely sell......not as easily as a diesel obviously but there are so few about that there will always be a buyer! I believe the VAT free offer is still on so that would give you a loaded V6 Superb estate for around £28K or £29K or less. If you want a bit of sparkle you will definitely get that......and they're cheap!

Ditto,

Got a fully loaded V6 Estate new for a shade under £30K Jan 2012 and it is awesome. Just had 18.5K mile service for under £150, returns 29.4 and a bit MPG and at service still had 6mm tread on all tyres.

4x4 has proved itself this last 10 days - very useful.

Only issue I have is my much bemoaned lack of low-end torque (can be retrified by re-map) and road tax not cheap.

But I drive it every time I can it is without doubt the best car I've ever owned.

Ditto,

But I drive it every time I can it is without doubt the best car I've ever owned.

Crikey, I didn't think there were any Superbs around here and now I see another V6 in Purley! I'm only up the road from you in Carshalton Beeches. Hope yours ain't black. Going to have to flog it now and get something else! Got mine in 2010 for just under £27K but that was with a £555 goodwill gesture from Skoda for missing HHC!

If when talking about the Superb being sluggish on the test drive, are you talking a new car or a used one? I drive a 2.0 TDI 6 speed DSG and as it got a few miles under its belt, it has gained a nice sparkle to is as I guess it has just about been run-in at 27,000 miles on the clock.

Thanks for all your thoughts & advice.

I did post a reply a couple of evgs. ago but it never appeared on this forum?

I've managed a comparision test drive between a 2.0 TSi & a 170 CR diesel, both elegance trim & have decided that I'm going to

search for a nice, low mileage 2.0 TSi.

Based on the recorded fuel consumption between the two cars on the test drives, (about 15 miles on the same route, a mix of town traffic & A roads, starting from cold,), 32 mpg versus 41 mpg, & my current actual mileage of app 7-8k miles, the difference in fuel cost, & VED will amoiuntto less than £300 PA. Not enough, in my personal circumstances to warrent driving a diesel.

But, I'll always accept thats my / our thinking, others will prefer a diesel for economy or other reasons.

As for looking for a V6 & keeping it long enough to numb the pain of the anticipated depreciation, in different circumstancews I might well be tempted. But, as the Mondeo V6 is staying in the family & is in good enough condition to justify spending money on it to keep it running, & to possibly enhance it's performance, there's no need for another V6 in my life!

I hate to admit it but the 4 cylinder TSi is well insulated from the cabin, (much quieter than the diesel, especially at town speeds.....) & it has

no problem shifting the Superb at reasonable cruising speeds.

I've also got used to 4 cylinder engines again, what with driving 'er indoors EOS + my Octy vRS, so as long as there's a V6 around to play with, I'll be happy!

One last thought, driving to & from the dealer, across N. London there & M25 on the way back, reinforced my decision to go from the vRS to a Superb.

I'll loose quite a bit of performance but will gain refinement & hush, + I can return a driving style more suited to an elderly gentleman...........

With luck I'll find the car I want very soon, once that happens I'll come back with one last update!

Been an interesting week or two, but at least we now know what we want to be driving for the next few years.

TTFN, David C.

Good choice me thinks. I'd have gone for another 2.0 TSi had it not been for fact I wanted to give 4x4 a bash so I've ordered 1.8T. I'll be keeping my vRS so stil have something to play with if I need to blow off some steam.

Oh - and glad you've seen the light with petrol vs Diesel. Really struggled to see how it made sense with your intended milage to have Diesel.

Enjoy.

Good choice me thinks. I'd have gone for another 2.0 TSi had it not been for fact I wanted to give 4x4 a bash so I've ordered 1.8T. I'll be keeping my vRS so stil have something to play with if I need to blow off some steam.

Oh - and glad you've seen the light with petrol vs Diesel. Really struggled to see how it made sense with your intended milage to have Diesel.

Enjoy.

Thanks for your comments.

I'd always prefer a petrol engine, but the 5-cylinder Volvo lump has it's attractions, plus there aren't that many used petrol V 60's / 70's

out there.

I'll miss the vRS, it's surprisingly nippy but the ride quality isn't too good, my neck always aches after a trip in it.

I look forward to enjoying the more relaxed drive in a Superb, & I'm sure that I'll find a nice one soon.

DC

_{Well, the deal is done.....}

_{I should be collecting a newish Superb later this week.}

_{It drives nicely, not too many miles & with a few nice toys including flappy paddles!}

_{I'm looking forward to a few years of civilised motoring, & if I want to revisit the vRS}

_{Octavia's performance I'll have to borrow the EOS instead.}

_{Thanks for all your help, DC.}

Just collected me (on Thursday) a new Estate - I've gave my Superb to my dad, so always have access to 4x4 if i needed - and got a cracking deal on a PreReg 2013 model Merc E250 CDI AMG Sport. (2.2 twin turbo, 7 speed auto, paddles etc) It's quick and very refined...

Still, LOVE my Superb tho!

Al.