Looking at a Brand New - 2.0TSI SE-L EXECUTIVE ESTATE. Advice ?

[whiteswan]

Hi

 

Not been around since 2012 when I placed an order for a new superb but cancelled it because of dealer problems !

 

So I am now looking to change my vehicle once again - I have had a Volvo V70 for the past 3 years which has been excellent.

 

However my car is on Motability and they don't do the V70 anymore on the scheme.

 

I have narrowed it down to 3 vehicles - the Superb in the thread title - a Volvo XC60 (Boot not really big enough for wheelchair - so this is looking less likely) - BMW 3 Series Estate or Mercedes c class estate.

 

I am far from a badge snob - and after looking at the C Class Estate today the boot part again seems small - think I have been spoilt by the V70.

 

I haven't managed to get to a Skoda Dealer yet - is the Superb Model in the thread title recommended ? I only do 6000 miles a year - mainly to doctors, hospitals, clinics etc - so thought a petrol model would be better - although diesel models are available - here is my selection of Superbs...................click link below.......

 

http://www.motability.co.uk/cars-scooters-and-powerchairs/search/cars/?subType=1&originalTotalRows=8&allowance_type=DLA&web_rangemake=Skoda&web_model=Superb&web_car_type=Estates&web_transmission=Semi-Automatic&web_transmission=Automatic&Find=

 

Any thoughts would be appreciated - only stipulation I have is that it has to be an automatic.

 

Thanks In Advance.

 

Dave

 

 

[IanJD]

For sure at 6000 miles/year you'd be better with a petrol -- not just overall cost but also quieter, engines are a better fit with the DSG auto box than diesels, no NOx or particulate problems if you're worried about that.

 

Given that you're mostly in town the 1.4TSI would be the best bet -- the 2.0TSI is great if you want to go really fast but I guess that's not the case, and costs more to buy and run.

 

Whether you go for the SE or the SE L Executive depends on how much you want to spend on more equipment.

 

I'd say this would be a very good car for you, the estate luggage area is *truly* massive, far bigger than the V70...

Edited 25 July, 2016 by IanJD

[whiteswan]

Thank you for the reply - the Volvo has a huge boot space so if the Superb is bigger then that's awesome.

 

I think I'll go for the se l executive as it has the larger info screen doesn't it - along with the sat nav and powered tailgate ?

 

My Volvo is a 1.6 - and whilst its fine most of the time - with a lot in the back it can struggle a bit - so probably go for a 2 litre.

 

Does anybody know what the current build/wait time is ?

 

Dave

[dodsi]

My order for a 150 diesel SE Business hatchback was ordered on 30th April, currently is build week 31 (first week August) and delivery some weeks after.

Be prepared to wait.

The 2.0 petrol will be sufficient - the 1.4 would surely be underpowered or you must have to rev it to get the big old bus to dance.

But then my other car is a 325i so I would say that.

[killie97]

Hi Dave - as a disabled driver with a disabled wife, I can reassure you that you could not choose better than a Superb Estate. I will be picking up my third Superb on Friday, and can't wait. Mine is a 190 bhp diesel estate auto S.E.L. The space is humungous, and we have a boot hoist for my wife's chair, and an electric transfer seat to assist her from chair to car seat. I also have Jeff Gosling hand controls fitted. The car itself is spacious and extremely comfortable with electric driver seat and boot opening. If you need any fore info just let me know. Cheers and good luck making your choice.

[whiteswan]

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply - looks like a 3-4 month wait.

 

That could be a problem as my current car Motability lease expired back in May - but I was given a 6 month extension until November - now PIP has been granted I spoke to Motability this morning who tell me if I choose another car it must be delivered before end of November - or I will be without a car until its ready.

 

I am hopeful at getting to a dealer tomorrow (Manchester or Rochdale - we are in the middle of them both)

 

Hopefully they will have a car to look at.

 

Dave

[micloi]

How about this? http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201607135801527/sort/atcustom/radius/1501/make/skoda/model/superb/page/1/adPos/10/postcode/ox26nn/usedcars

Or this

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201604193132073/sort/atcustom/radius/1501/make/skoda/model/superb/page/1/adPos/8/postcode/ox26nn/usedcars

Edited 25 July, 2016 by micloi

[Enobar]

The only thing which has come up from another member on this forum who is in a wheelchair is the tailgate closing - the KESSY system allows you to close from the key fob where the cars without it can't. It is a source of frustration for that member (as I can imagine it would be) so it's worth keeping that in mind when/if you order.

Edited 25 July, 2016 by Enobar

[MBIII]

Not sure if it is necessary however I recall a thread here discussing that, from factory, the electric boot cannot be closed remotely (can only be closed via the button at the bottom of the boot lid, which will rise quite high if the boot lid is opened fully).

If it concerns you then it may be worth checking with the dealer if that is still the case, or if they can program in some remote closing for you.

Good luck with the search!

[Rainmaker]

Micloi, the OP uses the Motability disabled drivers' fleet, which is far cheaper than other options (due to being VAT exempt). Because the OP is asking about a Motability lease renewal I doubt he'd be interested in AutoTrader options. Just a heads up mate.  As for the comment someone made about presuming the OP wouldn't care about straight line speed or sportiness... why? I'm disabled and you'd pry a decent motor from my cold, dead hands.

 

OP as you can see by my profile on the left (unless you're on a mobile), I have the SE-L Executive 2.0 TSI 220ps hatch. For us the hatch was ample (it is HUGE, bigger than most other estates despite being a 'hatch'), and the 220 engine is an absolute peach. We do about 12k miles a year and it's perfect for our needs. This forum has a 220ps thread and a 280ps thread (with lots of cross-talk), which are both full of info if you care to look down the last couple of pages (or search) and read them. 

 

Fuel economy is also reasonable on the 2.0 TSI 220ps. We do double your mileage and it's at least 75% short, local runs from cold. We pay around £30 to £35 a week (pro rata from a full tank) in V-Power or Tesco Momentum 99 RON fuels - which are recommended for this engine for maximum power and economy. At 6k a year just get the biggest engine you can and enjoy it.

 

The advanced payment is reasonable again this quarter, being £1,595 for the 1.4 TSI DSG SE-L Exec estate and £1,995 for the 2.0 TSI DSG SE-L Exec estate.  Either way it's a very capable machine. It's a large, relaxing car that will swallow a lot of passengers and luggage and remain very refined. You may wish to get electric adjustment for both front seats if the passenger has back difficulties, as it is WAY more adjustable and easier to get really comfy.

 

Be wary of the 3 series imho. It's a great car, but on Motability you're stuck with the 320d or 320i, neither of which are particularly spritely to drive and they have VERY low seating. As a disabled person (like myself) you may well struggle to get in and out. Please go and test one, you'll be shocked at just how low the entry is and how much you need to 'pour' yourself into it compared to other cars. It's great when you're driving a higher powered 340i or something - low H-point, very involving.... But for A-B disabled transport that will quickly become wearing as you struggle get in and out. Just a heads up.

 

Either way, definitely forget the diesels in your situation. They're pointless and much less refined. If we can help with any questions - whether about the car, engines or accessibility/mobility, just shout.

 

EDITED TO ADD: Just seen the replies posted while I was typing. The boot is a good point if both passengers are wheelchair users. You can have the dealer set the boot to only open to a particular height (by pressing the button while the boot is still opening - it'll 'freeze' at that point and only open that high in future). Might be a useful workaround for you if that's an issue. You didn't mention needing a virtual pedal closure, or similar, so probably not an issue for you? Also do consider upgrading to colour Maxidot (the smaller secondary computer screen in the dash), and add the flappy paddle gear change on the steering wheel. It's only £85 and well worth it!

Edited 25 July, 2016 by Rainmaker

[micloi]

I assumed that practically new cars (just over 100 miles each) sold by Skoda dealers could be registered under the motability scheme, apologies if I was wrong!

[Rainmaker]

I assumed that practically new cars (just over 100 miles each) sold by Skoda dealers could be registered under the motability scheme, apologies if I was wrong!

 

I don't think so mate, but it's worth an ask if it saves a wait!

[whiteswan]

Hi

 

No it has to be a brand new car - hence the wait time is important.

 

The "virtual peddle closure" - is this on the boot where you wave your foot under the car ? How does this work when caked in dirt/mud ? Is this an "extra"

 

Good point about remote boot open/close - my V70 has remote open of the tailgate - but not closing.

 

I have been reading up on the bmw estates and think that's off the list as well.

 

Hopefully get to a dealer today.

 

Dave

[r08shaw]

I came to my Superb from a C Class estate and the difference is huge.

 

The C Class really is a small car on the inside. The boot is quite shallow due to the load cover. The recepticle that it rolls into at the back of the boot reduces the height towards the back of the boot, behind the rear seats. There have been times when I've had to remove it to fit things in. I imagine that this may be tricky if you for a wheelchair user as its quite heavy and also fiddly to slide onto the fittings on the back of the rear seats.

 

The boot on the Superb is great, what is it, 650 litres IIRC. The SE-L trim level is also boasting lots of kit/tech.

 

I wouldn't consider a C Class again, due to the limited space inside. I'm 6'2" so anyone sitting behind me didn't have any room. The Superb allows my 6'3" friend to sit behind without being cramped.

 

 

 

Get the Superb!! :-)

[azAZ9@]

The boot on my L&K 2016 estate closes remotely with the key making a loud beeping noise as it does so!

[whiteswan]

Hi

 

I went to ROCHDALE Skoda this morning and really wish I had not of bothered.

 

As we entered the showroom a happy salesman cheerfully greeted myself - I explained I was a Motability customer and his smile dissappeared.........."I'll have to go and get the lady who does Motability " - he went away - came back a few minutes later and said "she's out on a test drive" and that was it - just left standing there.

 

I spotted the Superb Estate in the showroom so went to have a look - despite feeling very uncomfortable - it is a BIG car - the bootspace looked awesome - and whilst there were many staff sat at desks, sat in offices surrounding the showroom (not one of them was with a customer) - I couldn't find anybody to answer just a few questions I had - eyes hit the floor when I tried to make eye contact with somebody.

 

I have a theory - and its happened to me before.

 

Before I became poorly I always wore shirts, pants, tie, shoes etc..........however since I cannot tie laces or do buttons up correctly I have had to start wearing jogging pants and trainers t-shirts etc - more casual clothing - and the way that people treat you in a social situation based on your clothing is amazing.

 

Not another word was uttered to myself during the entire 15 mins or so onsite - I even went outside looking at other cars - but nobody approached me.

 

It hasn't happened for a while until today - even in the Mercedes showroom yesterday at Eastlands in Manchester they were very welcoming and answered lots of questions for myself.

 

Its a shame because I wouldn't use this particular Skoda Franchise (?) now whatever happened - there is another one in Manchester which is probably same distance away - so I may try that one next week.

 

But not a good start I'm afraid.

 

Dave

[Rainmaker]

Hi

 

I went to ROCHDALE Skoda this morning and really wish I had not of bothered.

 

As we entered the showroom a happy salesman cheerfully greeted myself - I explained I was a Motability customer and his smile dissappeared.........."I'll have to go and get the lady who does Motability " - he went away - came back a few minutes later and said "she's out on a test drive" and that was it - just left standing there.

 

I spotted the Superb Estate in the showroom so went to have a look - despite feeling very uncomfortable - it is a BIG car - the bootspace looked awesome - and whilst there were many staff sat at desks, sat in offices surrounding the showroom (not one of them was with a customer) - I couldn't find anybody to answer just a few questions I had - eyes hit the floor when I tried to make eye contact with somebody.

 

I have a theory - and its happened to me before.

 

Before I became poorly I always wore shirts, pants, tie, shoes etc..........however since I cannot tie laces or do buttons up correctly I have had to start wearing jogging pants and trainers t-shirts etc - more casual clothing - and the way that people treat you in a social situation based on your clothing is amazing.

 

Not another word was uttered to myself during the entire 15 mins or so onsite - I even went outside looking at other cars - but nobody approached me.

 

It hasn't happened for a while until today - even in the Mercedes showroom yesterday at Eastlands in Manchester they were very welcoming and answered lots of questions for myself.

 

Its a shame because I wouldn't use this particular Skoda Franchise (?) now whatever happened - there is another one in Manchester which is probably same distance away - so I may try that one next week.

 

But not a good start I'm afraid.

 

Dave

 

While I agree about the clothing to some extent, once they know it's Motability they also know it's a 'guaranteed sale' and you'll be treated very well. However unfortunate, the salesman was entirely correct. Only Motability trained staff can deal with Motability customers, and as such he was right to tell you it's that person you need to deal with. It was, however, wrong of him not to offer you a brew and/or an appointment. To be fair though, I'd generally always make a prior appointment before turning up at a dealership - not necessarily if I just want a preliminary look at the car 'in the metal', but certainly if I expected to interact with staff. 

 

Whereabouts are you based? Simpsons Skoda Preston are generally excellent to deal with, and I've had no troubles with Alan at Lightcliffe Skoda in Warrington. Lookers Salford seemed OK too, though I didn't end up visiting in person after a few calls (due to finding a test drive more suitably located for me). I only offer those three suggestions as you talk about heading to Manchester. It's definitely worth trying again, it's a decent motor and generally the dealerships are very good. As I said, perhaps just make an appointment next time, as with just one Motability trained staff member, it's easy to miss them if you turn up ad hoc.

[Paul007]

Dave

Try Simpsons at Colne near Burnley. Can't help their customers enough and they understand disability, motability and how the system works. I bought from their Preston branch and wouldn't go within 10 feet of the place again as they were completely the opposite.

[whiteswan]

Thank you for the advice - I rang Skoda Manchester earlier to make an appointment with Motability Specialist there - he was busy so he is ringing me back.........hopefully ;-)

 

Dave

[whiteswan]

Not too sure what time Manchester Skoda close today - but not had a phone call back from the Motability specialist.

 

Maybe they don't make much money on these deals so are not that bothered.

 

Dave

[D-Cunningham]

I know people who live in Greater Manchester who travel to Mitchells in Chester because their reputation is very very good. I've used them myself and can recommend them. It seems odd having to travel out of Manchester to get good service but there are plenty of satisfied customers who do. Just a thought. 

[old newbie2]

Hi

 

Not been around since 2012 when I placed an order for a new superb but cancelled it because of dealer problems !

 

So I am now looking to change my vehicle once again - I have had a Volvo V70 for the past 3 years which has been excellent.

 

However my car is on Motability and they don't do the V70 anymore on the scheme.

 

I have narrowed it down to 3 vehicles - the Superb in the thread title - a Volvo XC60 (Boot not really big enough for wheelchair - so this is looking less likely) - BMW 3 Series Estate or Mercedes c class estate.

 

I am far from a badge snob - and after looking at the C Class Estate today the boot part again seems small - think I have been spoilt by the V70.

 

I haven't managed to get to a Skoda Dealer yet - is the Superb Model in the thread title recommended ? I only do 6000 miles a year - mainly to doctors, hospitals, clinics etc - so thought a petrol model would be better - although diesel models are available - here is my selection of Superbs...................click link below.......

 

http://www.motability.co.uk/cars-scooters-and-powerchairs/search/cars/?subType=1&originalTotalRows=8&allowance_type=DLA&web_rangemake=Skoda&web_model=Superb&web_car_type=Estates&web_transmission=Semi-Automatic&web_transmission=Automatic&Find=

 

Any thoughts would be appreciated - only stipulation I have is that it has to be an automatic.

 

Thanks In Advance.

 

Dave

Hi.

 

My late wife (she had M.S. & therefore was the mobility customer), decided long-ago that we needed a largish estate car to carry us, an electric scooter, a normal wheel-chair, luggage & a small dog...........

 

That's when we replaced our '91 Cavalier Hatch with a Mondeo Ghia Wagon, & had 2 more with Mondeo's until we decided to experiment with a 2.4D V70, albeit only for 9 months 'cos she passed away.

 

You can't beat a decent sized estate car for your particular needs, they are just too useful!

 

FWIW, I ran 2 more Mondeo Wagons for myself, even though I didn't "need" the space, but I've now compromised by buying a Superb Hatch.

 

As for your original question, the new Superb 3 estate is a great car, the 2.0 TSi's DSG's are more fun to drive than the diesels but for a private buyer are probably going to suffer from high depreciation.

(Which is why I'm keeping my 4-year old Superb & we bought a Golf Estate, which is mostly big enough for ordinary life.)

 

But, with a Motability rental, depreciation is not your problem, you pays yer money & they take the risk! 

 

Sorry about the waffle, but unless you fancy the even bigger Mk.5  Mondeo estate, a new Superb will probably be a good choice for you & yours.

 

I've read about the problems you've had re a Skoda dealer, from our 13 years in dealing with motability sales persons, it's a really good idea to phone

before visiting & ask to speak to said specialist.  You should get a very quick "vibe" from how they handle the conversation & / or treat your queries.

 

We had our ups & downs, but once we found a salesman that knew his job, he got all our repeat business + personal recommendations.

 

Happy Hunting, David C

[whiteswan]

Thank you so much for all the replies  -I really appreciate them.............

 

With lack of response from Skoda Manchester and the awful experience in Rochdale I am going to back away from Skoda as an option.

 

I completely understand why people are travelling to Preston/Chester etc but its not an option for me as I work so my time is precious.

 

I need a local dealer I can work with - Hatfields in Bury with my Volvo have been awesome !!

 

I am going back to Mercedes tomorrow to see exactly what I can get in the back of the C Class Estate.

 

Once again thank you all for the time taken - I really appreciate it.

 

Dave

[Wardy]

It's such a shame to see car decisions made on the strength of dealer performance - but I guess it's no surprise as it's often the customer's only access point to the brand!

 

I think you'll find the C Class estate very small by comparison. An Octavia estate will outdo it for space.

 

RRG Rochadale do get a good reputation, but I completely understand why you've been put off based on that experience. The Lookers dealerships around Manchester (City Centre, Stockport and now Irlam) are fairly mediocre in my opinion.

 

I'd echo the recommendations of Mitchells at Ellesmere Port, Simpsons at Colne and also Alex Lawrie at Liverpool. I know you arguably shouldn't have to travel to access the Skoda brand, but it really does pay to do so. That's based on 12 years of experience with the brand now. Get in touch with them by phone or email first, to minimise wasted time at possible, then look at a weekend visit when you're hopefully not working

[Rainmaker]

It's such a shame to see car decisions made on the strength of dealer performance - but I guess it's no surprise as it's often the customer's only access point to the brand!

 

I think you'll find the C Class estate very small by comparison. An Octavia estate will outdo it for space.

 

RRG Rochadale do get a good reputation, but I completely understand why you've been put off based on that experience. The Lookers dealerships around Manchester (City Centre, Stockport and now Irlam) are fairly mediocre in my opinion.

 

I'd echo the recommendations of Mitchells at Ellesmere Port, Simpsons at Colne and also Alex Lawrie at Liverpool. I know you arguably shouldn't have to travel to access the Skoda brand, but it really does pay to do so. That's based on 12 years of experience with the brand now. Get in touch with them by phone or email first, to minimise wasted time at possible, then look at a weekend visit when you're hopefully not working

 

It also illustrates how heavily it depends on the time/day you happen to go. For example I find Alex Lawrie in Bootle/Liverpool the worst dealer I've had the misfortune to deal with. They were my designated Motability service centre for a few months but they were so consistently poor I asked Motability to transfer us to Warrington. I even gave them TWO second chances when we wanted to renew leases (i.e. 'buy' two new cars) and they were so disinterested it was actually funny. I ended up walking out in the end, both times, after staff were so rude to us. 

 

OP, I respect your decision, but I would add to the above and encourage you to err on the side of caution. Don't cut your nose off to spite your face, as it were, in losing out on your ideal car based on one or two shoddy franchisees. Most car dealerships are one man band types, they're not run by the car make themselves. It would be a shame to lose out on such a handy car for the sake of a p*** poor dealer. I fully respect and understand your position regards time and work etc, but perhaps it would be worth a Saturday jaunt to one of the more highly recommended dealerships with a firm appointment, just to see? Either way, very best of luck to you and your lady wife. I hope you get something satisfactory.