So I have heard today and my Superb Mk III Estate is at the dealer, and they want m to push the button for prep and delivery for next Thursday. I would like to ask the forum for guidance on what I need to make sure happens. How do I need to sequence these?

 

It is a 150 model diesel with the 7 speed auto and is a keeper for me.

 

I want:

 

1 The extended warranty.

2 Perhaps the extended maintenance plan ... is this worthwhile?

3 What type of inspection do I need to do, and using which materials?

4 Is it worth having any coating or detailing done? If so do I need this at the dealer? They will not allow a third party in. I am not a ‘put black badges on it and do it with a £1500 ceramico-doodah coating so it looks cool in the company car park’ type. But is there a pragmatic and practical balance? The dealer seems to do a £499 thing. Comments welcome?

5 The Plan is to switch to Cross Climate tyres, probably on a different set of wheels.

 

All comments welcome, especially identifying elephant traps to avoid.

 

Cheers

 

Ferdinand

 

 

1.No

 

2.No

 

3.Spend as long as necessary checking, inspecting everything with a fine toothcomb. Be a nerd. Don't be bullied or hassled or rushed.  Look from every angle, look for paint defects or evidence of accident damage. Check all doors, boot, bonnet, open/shut properly and the shutlines acceptable. Check seats for damage and work properly.  Check mileage. Check its on the service regime you want, you can have either, don't be told otherwise and if in doubt leave it on variable as you can come in for service whenever you decide. Make sure you get a full explanation/tuition about everything. Mine took about 40 minutes. Check everything is there to the right spec, spare wheel/tools, umbrellas, all options ordered. Ask for a copy of the PDI report. Check all transport blocks have been removed. (Ask and check PDI). Check fluid levels all correct. Unless you really want them to, don't allow them to sign you up for Skoda Connect. You have up to 3 months to decide whether to register for a years free infotainment (from date you join).

Finally, kick the tyres to give the impression you are a professional (that last one's a joke..)

 

4.No

 

5.Good luck with that one.

 

6. You missed this one, demand a set of free car mats.

 

Maybe make a checklist so you don't forget anything!

 

Edited 19 October, 20187 yr by xman

With his usual succinctness, @xman has hit the nail on the head. But perhaps a bit of meat on the bone might help.

 

1. The factory extended warranty does potentially have some benefit, but that bird has flown as it needs to be arranged at order time. There is little merit in dealer warranties - wait until the third year then research the best after-market warranty add-ons. No point in doing it yet, as the best ones today won't be the best ones three years from now.

 

2. I'm really sceptical of the "service plans" - I've seen no real benefit from them, though others might disagree. Check out the deal - in particular check exactly what you will get for your cash; is it limited only to the dealer you buy it from; is it transferrable to future owners etc. Get it all in writing, and if they won't put it in writing, don't take it.

 

3. Xman called this one exactly right. Put a checklist together (there are plenty online as templates). Mine included all external panels, fluid levels, interior etc. I still managed to miss the fact that the torch was missing from the boot, though I did notice one umbrella missing from the driver side door.

 

4. Spend a happy hour or several on the "car care" section of this site re protecting the car. There are several dozen ways of doing it. My only very strong advice is to never under any circumstances accept the dealer's offer. Frankly, two coats of Turtlewax on top of the factory protection would do you better. FWIW I took mine back to the bare clear-coat using Bilt Hamber Paint Cleanser and put on two coats of Soft 99 Fusso Dark as a sealant, Poorboys Black Hole Glaze to make it pop and hide small blemishes, and Meguiars Ultimate Wax to lock it all in. The only limit is on how much effort you want to put in.

 

5. I presume you are planning to replace the wheels and tyres at some point. Fair enough, though personally I would have chosen the wheels I wanted from the off, then had the tyres replaced when I was ready. TBH anything would be better than the P7s it will likely turn up on, but it's going to be an expensive swap whatever you do.

 

6. Enjoy

The extended Warranty has to be done before the car is first registered.

 

The Skoda UK configurator says now it needs to be done at the time of ordering.

Question that, have it confirmed that it can not be done before the car id first registered, do not take the salespersons word on that, 

or the configurators.

 

Tell the Dealership what you want the Services at, left on Variable / Flexible as they received it set or changed to fixed.

Depending on your use / annual mileage.

http://volkswagen.co.uk/owners/servicing/regimes

 

Edited 19 October, 20187 yr by Offski

Thank-you for these replies guys. Very much appreciated. Reprising, and with a couple of further points:

 

1. Extended warranty. @BriskodaJeff, @Offski  I had a conversation about this when placing the order, and I made my intention to have the extended warranty to the dealer by email back in August, which was confirmed as doable on the day before registration:

"I will probably also want to do the full extended warranty when we come to just before registration."

 

Reply:

If you remind me regards to warranty this can be done on the day before the car is registered but has to be done before registration, I will make sure from this end but no harm in double checking"

 

So from my point of view this is part of my contract on my order placed back in July. I will remind them and see what happens. I expect them to honour what was said in writing.

 

It presumably has not been registered yet, as I have not signed any forms.

 

2. @xman I get 2 years servicing as part of the package when I placed the order anyway (which I had temporarily forgotten about), so that should be OK.

 

3. I am a very good nerd if on a nerd-out session, though it might be more like 2 hours than 40 minutes.

 

4. Cheers both. Talked to my local Chips Away today, and they quoted £250 for what sounds like a thorough clean and treatment which takes a morning to do. Will need to research a bit more.

 

5. Yep - I will probably wait for the first tyres to wear down, or get a second set of alloys off Ebay and fit Cross Climates, then switcheroo by season for a year or two to use the delivery tyres.

 

6. I have actually already been refused free mats (and a paint treatment) before I placed the order; they said no. I will try again, however.  I would also like a boot protector, but I do not expect that to be forthcoming either without spondulicks changing hands.

 

********* Bonus Questions **********

 

7. Is it less expensive to order a third (or third and fourth) key now rather than later? Since it is a long term car, that may be worthwhile for me.

 

8. I am not sure about my likely usage, though since it is 2 years free servicing it may be worth doing the time / distance based option anyway at the start.

 

Cheers

 

Ferdinand

 

 

Edited 19 October, 20187 yr by Ferdinand2000

Mine (SEL) came with 3 keys as standard, the car has 3 driver profiles which can be assigned to the different keys. Might be different for more basic spec cars. Ask.

 

I expect extra keys will be expensive whenever you buy.

 

Edited 19 October, 20187 yr by xman

1 minute ago, xman said:

Mine (SEL) came with 3 keys as standard, the car has 3 driver profiles which can be assigned to the different keys. Might be different from more basic specs. Ask.

 

I expect extra keys will be expensive whenever you buy.

 

Mine is also an SEL. Will ask the question. Thanks.

Why are you wanting a second set of wheels to fit Cross Climates? Doing that would mitigate one of the biggest cost savings and conveniences (E,g; the major benefits) of having all-season tyres. If you’re wanting to buy a second set of wheels then make the ‘inconvenience’ worth it and get dedicated Winter tyres fitted to them. 

 

Personally, one set of wheels plus all-seasons are the way to go 

1 hour ago, penguin17 said:

Why are you wanting a second set of wheels to fit Cross Climates? Doing that would mitigate one of the biggest cost savings and conveniences (E,g; the major benefits) of having all-season tyres. If you’re wanting to buy a second set of wheels then make the ‘inconvenience’ worth it and get dedicated Winter tyres fitted to them. 

 

Personally, one set of wheels plus all-seasons are the way to go 

 

I am reluctant to throw away £500 or £600 of standard fit tyres I have just paid for. Equally I would prefer not to be forced to use them for the first 2 (say) winters when not optimal. Equally again, I am not especially keen on 8 tyre swaps on my alloys every year. One resolution would be to get a second set of (pre-owned?) wheels for one set of tyres and sell them on again when the OEM tyres have run out.

 

It is a way of getting to the setup you describe economically.

 

Just thinking about options.

 

Cheers

F

Edited 20 October, 20187 yr by Ferdinand2000

6 minutes ago, Ferdinand2000 said:

 

I am reluctant to throw away £500 or £600 of standard fit tyres I have just paid for. Equally I would prefer not to be forced to use them for the first 2 (say) winters when not optimal. Equally again, I am not especially keen on 8 tyre swaps on my alloys every year. One resolution would be to get a second set of (pre-owned?) wheels for one set of tyres and sell them on again when the OEM tyres have run out.

 

It is a way of getting to the setup you describe economically.

 

Just thinking about options.

 

Cheers

F

How about getting the Cross Climates in advance and asking the dealer to fit them for free, before you drive the car away. Keep the OE tyres and sell them ‘as new’ on here, eBay or similar? 

 

Granted you’ll lose a bit of cash on the tyres but you will recoup that when you’re not paying a tyre fitter in a few months time. 

23 minutes ago, penguin17 said:

How about getting the Cross Climates in advance and asking the dealer to fit them for free, before you drive the car away. Keep the OE tyres and sell them ‘as new’ on here, eBay or similar? 

 

Granted you’ll lose a bit of cash on the tyres but you will recoup that when you’re not paying a tyre fitter in a few months time. 

 

I will ask that question too.

 

(I think I may already have asked, however, earlier in the summer. Though that may have been about supplying different tyres and the dealer keeping the oem ones).

 

 

Edited 20 October, 20187 yr by Ferdinand2000

A set of new alloys (17") will cost about £720 iirc, 18" alloys will be considerably more, probably close to £1000. A set of 18" crossclimates fitted will be £700. Then you have storage issues.

 

You might get £100 for your discarded newish P7s.

 

From the high mileage thread its reasonable to assume crossclimates could last 35,000 miles on the front and maybe 90,000+ on the back. So work out how long that is on your usage, if swapping, do you want to end up riding around on 5 year old tyres?

 

I also prefer all seasons but the realist in me says I've spent enough, I managed without winter/all seasons for over 40 years. And that included at least 4 trips to eastern europe in severe snow/ice and minus 20 temperatures. Where I live really bad winters are still only 1 in 5 or more years and rarely last more than a week or two.

 

So the all seasons will go on when these are worn out which might be quite a while. Hopefully the price might have dropped when more choice is available for 18".

 

And lastly if one set of tyres is a different size to another, insurance will want to know.

 

Another tip on the sealant on top of the general don't do it, the kit costs £80 and they charge silly money for it, and it's never applied properly as they forget the 24 hours to cure. My mum just took delivery of a brand new car from Toyota, and we didn't get it, and I just spent a few hours on Detailing World, chose what product I wanted to use and spent two days doing it myself. Best thing I did, was I asked the dealer NOT TO WASH THE CAR before delivery. It may confuse them, but if their valeters haven't been anywhere near the paint, there'll be a hell of a lot less swirling, and whatever protective coat is applied, will bond to the paint much better.

 

Did my mum's Yaris this way, picked it up and it had only been hot jet washed (which is fine by me), I got it home and safe washed, decontaminated and clayed the car, then applied two coats of Fusso Coat and left to cure with at least 12 hours between coats. The beading and shine is insane, and she said yesterday a bird has crapped on the paint work... raining today (not heavily either), I went out with some quick detailer, couldn't even find where the bird had left it's mark as the light rain has just washed it off! That's the kind of sealant you want on it! 

 

Skoda standard metallic finish has an excellent top coat lacquer. Shiny. Lasts the lifetime of the car. Why put extra snake oil on top?

 

You still have to wash it from time to time either way.

The coats make washing easier and protect the lacquer. Mine's been done and the paint is silky smooth with a deeper shine than when I picked it up (Business Grey, so a dull colour anyway)...  It's hardly snake oil... the Lifeshine which dealers offer is, but a decent protective coat that's been applied well is anything but...

^^^ You would think then it could go on to all their cars, Demonstrators, Management Cars that are going to be Ex Management cars, 2 year lease cars that will be back in the showrooms in 2 years.

After all it costs less than they charge for 2 litres of oil @ rrp,  and the car is getting washed and polished after the PDI to be handed over to a new owners.

it is the Ultimate "Up-selling".

Having worked in a dealer, imo what they charge for a lifeshine is crazy money!  Its nearly all profit for them. Its no better than any other wax u can get from halfords lol.  It doesnt last any longer than any normal wax either.  I have used hydrosilex on mine, a diy ceramic based coating which so far i am really impressed with, and main thing easy to apply.  Water beads up really nicely and gives a nice shiny gloss. Even after rain etc. 

9 hours ago, Goblin said:

The coats make washing easier and protect the lacquer. 

 

So what about protecting the coats? 

25 minutes ago, Adrian55555 said:

Having worked in a dealer, imo what they charge for a lifeshine is crazy money!  Its nearly all profit for them. Its no better than any other wax u can get from halfords lol.  It doesnt last any longer than any normal wax either.  I have used hydrosilex on mine, a diy ceramic based coating which so far i am really impressed with, and main thing easy to apply.  Water beads up really nicely and gives a nice shiny gloss. Even after rain etc. 

 

"Polished to within an inch of it's life"

 

Ceramic.....mmm......tasty....

 

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceramic

When my Dad ran his Dry Cleaners and Laundry they did Waterproofing for coats and clothing.

Window Cleaners and Roofers apply Water Proof / Easy Clean Coatings for Cash Money.

School Clothes come with Teflon Coatings.....

 

Why are all vehicles not leaving the Factory with easy to clean, keep looking nice and protective coatings?

Doh, 

they do,  Paint and Lacquer.  Which can be repaired.   Now water based and lighter but still gives protection, even the Reds & Orange ones these days....

Best thing with the hydrosilex stuff is u can use it on pretty much all surfaces, glass, headlights, non painted trims, alloys etc

Sounds like silicone spray to me. Keep away from brakes.

 

I remember folk who covered their new 3 piece suite in plastic, to stop it getting dirty. Worked but was very sticky and slippy when you sat on it.

Edited 22 October, 20187 yr by xman

Yeah, i did alloys off the car.

 

https://uk.hydrosilex.com

 

Thats the stuff. Was sold out for a long time before they released it in uk.  So far i am really impressed with it. For something that is soo easy to apply.  Yes there are probably better products that give better results but i doubt they will be as easy.  

Edited 22 October, 20187 yr by Adrian55555

Cheers all.

 

I have some answers.

 

1. Extended warranty

Confirmed. Need to be sure this is factory warranty.

 

2. @xman I get 2 years servicing as part of the package when I placed the order anyway (which I had temporarily forgotten about), so that should be OK.

Confirmed. Requires fixed schedule. Fairy nuff.

 

4. Cheers both. Talked to my local Chips Away today, and they quoted £250 for what sounds like a thorough clean and treatment which takes a morning to do. Will need to research a bit more.

Still thinking. May self do.

 

5. Yep - I will probably wait for the first tyres to wear down, or get a second set of alloys off Ebay and fit Cross Climates, then switcheroo by season for a year or two to use the delivery tyres.

The tyres are Conti somethings. I think that is one of the better ones?

 

********* Bonus Questions **********

 

7. Is it less expensive to order a third (or third and fourth) key now rather than later? Since it is a long term car, that may be worthwhile for me.

Three keys confirmed.

 

8. I am not sure about my likely usage, though since it is 2 years free servicing it may be worth doing the time / distance based option anyway at the start.

As discussed above, will be Fixed Option.

 

Ferdinand

 

 

 

 

Edited 22 October, 20187 yr by Ferdinand2000

20 hours ago, Goblin said:

 The beading and shine is insane, and she said yesterday a bird has crapped on the paint work... raining today (not heavily either), I went out with some quick detailer, couldn't even find where the bird had left it's mark as the light rain has just washed it off! That's the kind of sealant you want on it! 

 

 

I can confirm similar experience with plain factory lacquer (cost £0), which might get washed 4 times a year with a capful of turtle Wax car wash. Bird crap, even 2 week old baked on, removed with a wet sponge, using H2O, can't see any marks.

 

Recently, on sons recommendation, used local immigrant run hand car wash, lots of suds and mysterious chemicals sprayed on, comes up showroom condition in under 5 minutes with glossy shiny tyres even! All for a fiver.

Edited 22 October, 20187 yr by xman