Hi guys. 
I’ll shortly be in the market for either an Octavia or Superb II estate, Budget max of £4-5k.
 

I’m just after some buying advice for a Superb. I’ve previously had a Fabia SDI, an Octavia 4x4 1.9TDI and 3 A4 Avants - 2 of which were 1.9TDIs and my current car is a 2.0TDI (140BHP) so I’m not new to VAG by any means but I’ve never had anything newer than a 2008… hoping to get at least a 2010 if not newer this time. 
 

I’ve seen a 2014 Superb Combi Greenline with 140k on the clock for just under £4K. What kind of stuff do I need to be aware of if I went to look at one like that? 
 

Are running costs much different to an Octavia? Not just economy but tyres, parts etc? Which model of Superb is likely to be cheapest to run (if there is much difference)?

 

I need comfort, space and reliability… and no hint of any form of sports options!
 

Also, how much would I be talking for an aftermarket towbar fitting? 
 

Any and all advice welcome, thank you! 
 

 

 

Edited 13 June, 20223 yr by alessio92

The Greenline is going to be a good bit slower than your current car, it's only 105 bhp. It rides lower than the standard model so if you spend a lot of time on rougher roads you might run into some ground clearance issues, especially if the springs/dampers are tired. There's a good chance they will be tired on a car with that mileage, especially if they haven't been changed before now.

 

Any of the TDI options are robust provided they have been maintained properly. You will see varying opinions on the EA189 emissions update but provided the DPF has been allowed regenerate properly when needed and the car is otherwise properly maintained it's not really an issue. EGR valves can fail after the update but it tends to be within a year or so of the update, so if the car has had the update check the service history for EGR replacement - VAG were replacing them FOC within a 2 year period of the update being done so there should be a paper trail for this.

 

If you want proper integrated towing electrics, expect to pay £400-500 depending on the kit you get and whether you fit it yourself or not. This gets you deactivation of the rear parking sensors when a trailer is attached, towing mode on the ESP system, integration with the alarm so that the alarm will go off if someone unplugs the trailer while the alarm is set. Detachable swan neck is a nice touch too on the OE style towbar.

I have commented about this in similar topic:

 

I’m daily driving with Superb II Greenline with 105hp 1.6TDI engine and with 5 speed manual transmission.

In my opinion this is the best car ever:

- reasonably slow, gives you a smooth ride

- fuel efficency is very good with that size of the car

- NO dual-mass flywheel

- very low maintanance cost

- unique passenger side dimming mirror

- lots of space front, back and in trunk

- accesories retrofitable from Passat B7 (HBA etc)

There is no similar car with that fuel consumtion, space, simplicity and features like Superb II Greenline.

 

Biggest issues with this motor is pre-facelift injectors, which can fail. 

 

If you want to understand how good is VAG 1.6TDI CAYC engine, then look this video (with subtitles): 

 

I have a Mk2 Kombi 4x4 (diesel, 170 ps).

 

Comfort and space (cargo and passengers) are excellent, but ive been somewhat disappointed with reliablity - but I put it down to bad luck, rather than any universal issue.   I like the car overall and intend to get another superb when its time. The power, ride and 4x4 grip are all great.

 

We often use a large roof box on ours and you wouldnt know its there.

 

The columbus head unit is a pain in the ass, always doing something weird and takes ages to boot etc.  More trouble than its worth tbh, I pine for the days having an RDS EON Radio Cassette head unit lol.

 

I get low 40s mpg combined.

 

Note that (of the age of vehicles you will consider) diesels are likely to fall foul of new LEZ rules in cities, whereas petrol models should be unaffected.

 

Eg, my Superb is a 2011, and as of summer 2023, I wouldnt be able to take it into the local city centre, due to the new low emission zones.  (I dont often anyway, but something to be aware of).