Buying Advice

[Hilly81]

Hi all! I’m new to the forum having browsed anonymously a lot over the years. I currently drive a Seat Leon ST with the 1.4ACT. It’s a lovely car if a little small at times. I don’t really need a new car, but a change in recent circumstances and a little inheritance money means I want a new car. 
 

Been looking at Octy 245 Eststes as well as Superbs in 220 and 272/280 flavour. I have found this car: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303165302790?fromSavedAds=true&advertising-location=at_cars&sort=datedesc&postcode=ch661np&radius=1500 which in the face of it looks a decent deal. But a look at its MOT history suggests it’s had issues: https://www.check-mot.service.gov.uk/results?registration=Km68uuk

 

Anyone any thoughts on these emissions issues? Decat? Sports cat perhaps? It has an MOT bit my gut instinct is avoid. Appreciate any input. 

[Ootohere]

Welcome.

 

My gut instinct would to be to avoid as well.

You have no idea what has been done to it engine management wise. 

 

?

What does the service history show?

Has the haldex been serviced twice? 

Edited 15 April, 2023 by toot

[Hilly81]

Not seen any history but it’s not been serviced since May last year. I have sent a bunch of questions to the dealership to try and get more information. The more I look at it the more I think avoid. This will be a long term purchase so needs to be as bulletproof as possible. 

[cnc]

Go with your gut instinct and avoid.

 

It failed an MOT in December 2021, then again in August 2022 yet covered 13k miles during that time (presumably driven illegally as no MOT), then a further 3 months further on failed another MOT, and once again in February it still failed another MOT. All emissions related, looks like its been messed with and could be a whole load of trouble in the future.

 

I really wouldn't bother asking any questions to the dealer, just forget about this car and look for another one, there will be a nice car for you out there, you just haven't found it yet.

 

Try to find one in the Skoda network that has a Skoda used car warranty.

 

Good luck with your search.

[Hilly81]

It’s funny you should say that… https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304066019700

[cnc]

4 minutes ago, Hilly81 said:

It’s funny you should say that… https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304066019700

That looks like a much better idea 

[SkudMissile21]

17 hours ago, Hilly81 said:

It’s funny you should say that… https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304066019700

That’s where I got my 67 plate (2018) 280 from. Very good sales experience though can’t comment any further as they are too far away for me to have been back since! Warranty is a must though as there’s so many things that can go wrong on these and end up costing a fortune…. (I’m on my 3rd year of warranty and it’s been well used shall we say!)

[Hilly81]

2 hours ago, SkudMissile21 said:

That’s where I got my 67 plate (2018) 280 from. Very good sales experience though can’t comment any further as they are too far away for me to have been back since! Warranty is a must though as there’s so many things that can go wrong on these and end up costing a fortune…. (I’m on my 3rd year of warranty and it’s been well used shall we say!)

Yikes! That doesn’t sound good. I think I have decided on an Octy 245 estate anyway. I really want an estate and not a hatch and there is much more availability with the Octavia. Thinking of this but wary of Cazoo:  https://www.cazoo.co.uk/car-details/75b474da-de5f-5b95-b3d2-0937f04fe3d0/

[SkudMissile21]

Apart from the alternator failing which led to a total breakdown on the way to the dealer (and a 2 week nightmare to get fixed with no loan car…) mine has just had the usual electrical failures like door locks and window switches which have all been covered. I’ve spent about £850 on the two years extended which has more than been saved with the alternator and a door lock this year alone.

the 280’s are fantastic cars though - you wouldn’t regret getting one over a 245 front wheel drive octy for sure! (I’d never want to go back to fwd now)

[dunc69]

56 minutes ago, Hilly81 said:

Yikes! That doesn’t sound good. I think I have decided on an Octy 245 estate anyway. I really want an estate and not a hatch and there is much more availability with the Octavia. Thinking of this but wary of Cazoo:  https://www.cazoo.co.uk/car-details/75b474da-de5f-5b95-b3d2-0937f04fe3d0/

I like that Cazoo highlight every tiny scratch and mark, so that you can be ‘eyes open’ to what you are buying from a distance.  
 

Very few second hand cars have no marks at all, so it is a good idea.  
 

The Octy is a really nice drive, and quick enough at 245.  
 

I like the red and black wheels. 

[Hilly81]

3 minutes ago, dunc69 said:

I like that Cazoo highlight every tiny scratch and mark, so that you can be ‘eyes open’ to what you are buying from a distance.  
 

Very few second hand cars have no marks at all, so it is a good idea.  
 

The Octy is a really nice drive, and quick enough at 245.  
 

I like the red and black wheels. 

On the face of it, it looks a solid car. Serviced recently and will be MOT’d as it runs out soon. Looks to have front parking sensors which are not listed in the blurb. They have also offered me £12980 for my Leon which is top money. 
 

I have just found myself going down a rabbit hole of Cazoo horror stories but I did the same with Carshop when I bought my Leon and they ended up being great. I will pay for an extended warranty but given their eye watering financial losses, I’m not sure they will be around in 2-3 years time. 

[dunc69]

1 hour ago, Hilly81 said:

On the face of it, it looks a solid car. Serviced recently and will be MOT’d as it runs out soon. Looks to have front parking sensors which are not listed in the blurb. They have also offered me £12980 for my Leon which is top money. 
 

I have just found myself going down a rabbit hole of Cazoo horror stories but I did the same with Carshop when I bought my Leon and they ended up being great. I will pay for an extended warranty but given their eye watering financial losses, I’m not sure they will be around in 2-3 years time. 

Yep, so go for it.  You’ll love it.  Perhaps buy a warranty elsewhere?  Skoda or Warranty Wise?

 

As ever do you research as regards what the warrant actually covers. 
 

Or instead, put £50 per month to one side and dip into the fund if needed? 

[EnterName]

On 15/04/2023 at 15:30, Hilly81 said:

Hi all! I’m new to the forum having browsed anonymously a lot over the years. I currently drive a Seat Leon ST with the 1.4ACT. It’s a lovely car if a little small at times. I don’t really need a new car, but a change in recent circumstances and a little inheritance money means I want a new car. 
 

Been looking at Octy 245 Eststes as well as Superbs in 220 and 272/280 flavour. I have found this car: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303165302790?fromSavedAds=true&advertising-location=at_cars&sort=datedesc&postcode=ch661np&radius=1500 which in the face of it looks a decent deal. But a look at its MOT history suggests it’s had issues: https://www.check-mot.service.gov.uk/results?registration=Km68uuk

 

Anyone any thoughts on these emissions issues? Decat? Sports cat perhaps? It has an MOT bit my gut instinct is avoid. Appreciate any input. 

Test drive both to make sure what your preference is. The 272/280 Superbs are real gentlemen's rockets, but their day-to-day MPG can be challenging, if fuel economy is any concern to you.

The vRS 245 Octavia is much more "sporty" and the handling and ride reflect this. They're cars with very different characteristics, so it's worth trying both.

That Superb with the dodgy MOT history is definitely one to avoid. It sounds like it's a right lemon.

[dunc69]

13 minutes ago, EnterName said:

Test drive both to make sure what your preference is. The 272/280 Superbs are real gentlemen's rockets, but their day-to-day MPG can be challenging, if fuel economy is any concern to you.

The vRS 245 Octavia is much more "sporty" and the handling and ride reflect this. They're cars with very different characteristics, so it's worth trying both.

That Superb with the dodgy MOT history is definitely one to avoid. It sounds like it's a right lemon.

Agreed, sound advice this.  They are quite different to drive. 
 

Same excellent engine & gearbox and big practicality.  

[DoDaniel]

Having bought a Superb 280 2017 plate from Cazoo, maybe I can weigh in with my experience to help.

 

Purchasing the car and collecting was an absolute breeze, but I was always wary of buying a car without having seen in person before hitting buy. They have a 7 day money back guarantee, so if it isn't as you expected, you can hand it back if needed and they also have a 3 month warranty, something which I exploited heavily.

 

An absolute must if you are thinking of buying the car is to book it in for a health check at your local Skoda/Marshal garage, same day you pick up the car if you can. I believe this is a free/cheap service and well worth it, especially if you're thinking of taking out a warranty with Skoda called the all in (2 year service, MOT and warranty). The reason I got this done was because I wanted hard evidence if something was actually wrong with the car. Also check that they actually have the service history. I was lead to believe that it had the history present, but it actually turned out to be a couple of stamps in the book and a certificate that they had done an oil change, so I was understandably a bit upset by that as I like to have proper documentation stating what's been done. If they claim they have also done an oil change, make you check the level before driving off, mine was 1Ltr down on the dipstick and they filled it up before I drove off. They must not have checked it after filling it up and maybe didn't account for some staying in the filter.

 

Anyway, after Skoda did the checks, turns out I needed the following doing:

Front pads/discs

New rear left taillight (water ingress)

New Battery

Broken rear passenger vent

Missing spare key

 

Much arguing with Cazoo later, they honoured it and replaced/sorted all the highlighted faults within the first month of ownership. But you really do have to keep badgering them to get it sorted. Channel you inner Karen and ask for the manager if you're not getting anywhere, 1st line support are unable to authorise any works and just send you in circles.

 

Since then, car has been faultless! (knock on wood)

 

Anyway, I hope that helps.

[Hilly81]

12 minutes ago, DoDaniel said:

Having bought a Superb 280 2017 plate from Cazoo, maybe I can weigh in with my experience to help.

 

Purchasing the car and collecting was an absolute breeze, but I was always wary of buying a car without having seen in person before hitting buy. They have a 7 day money back guarantee, so if it isn't as you expected, you can hand it back if needed and they also have a 3 month warranty, something which I exploited heavily.

 

An absolute must if you are thinking of buying the car is to book it in for a health check at your local Skoda/Marshal garage, same day you pick up the car if you can. I believe this is a free/cheap service and well worth it, especially if you're thinking of taking out a warranty with Skoda called the all in (2 year service, MOT and warranty). The reason I got this done was because I wanted hard evidence if something was actually wrong with the car. Also check that they actually have the service history. I was lead to believe that it had the history present, but it actually turned out to be a couple of stamps in the book and a certificate that they had done an oil change, so I was understandably a bit upset by that as I like to have proper documentation stating what's been done. If they claim they have also done an oil change, make you check the level before driving off, mine was 1Ltr down on the dipstick and they filled it up before I drove off. They must not have checked it after filling it up and maybe didn't account for some staying in the filter.

 

Anyway, after Skoda did the checks, turns out I needed the following doing:

Front pads/discs

New rear left taillight (water ingress)

New Battery

Broken rear passenger vent

Missing spare key

 

Much arguing with Cazoo later, they honoured it and replaced/sorted all the highlighted faults within the first month of ownership. But you really do have to keep badgering them to get it sorted. Channel you inner Karen and ask for the manager if you're not getting anywhere, 1st line support are unable to authorise any works and just send you in circles.

 

Since then, car has been faultless! (knock on wood)

 

Anyway, I hope that helps.

That’s great stuff. Thanks!

[Hilly81]

Bought the Octavia. Couldn't justify the extra cost (Initial and running) of the Superb and the Octavia ticks all the boxes. Collect on the 29th.

 

Undecided whether to get an inspection done at my local Skoda or my current VAG specialist (Who I trust) Unit20 in Neston. Pretty sure I'm going to go with the 'All In' deal as well as at £840, it looks good value although I would rather get my servicing done at Unit20 than a dealer ultimately. 

[DoDaniel]

Nice one, the Octavia looked to be in good condition. I'm sure you'll enjoy it!

 

The main reason I got my inspection done at the Skoda garage was because I had always planned to go for the All In package and part of it they do an inspection for a couple hours, but if you trust your local VAG specialist, then it's totally up to you. It's just a case of getting that 2nd opinion on the car so you can go back to Cazoo if anything is needed.

 

Plus, weigh up your options, to me a warranty sounded good piece of mind along with the servicing and MOT's, and that cost's £29 a month for 2 years. But you could equally put the same amount in savings and use it for servicing/MOT at your local VAG specialist.

 

Either way, I hope you enjoy the car mate. Do post back and let us know how you got on with collection etc.

[Ootohere]

@Hilly81Is it the just under 43,000 mile Octavia vRS you have bought.

 

Is it Serviced to the Manufacturers Recommendations, Guidelines or even schedule so far.

So not just Oil & Filter & pollen filter, spark plugs and brake fluid but also the VAQ Diff serviced? 

All documented?

[Hilly81]

46 minutes ago, toot said:

@Hilly81Is it the just under 43,000 mile Octavia vRS you have bought.

 

Is it Serviced to the Manufacturers Recommendations, Guidelines or even schedule so far.

So not just Oil & Filter & pollen filter, spark plugs and brake fluid but also the VAQ Diff serviced? 

All documented?

That’s the one. As it’s an online purchase from Cazoo, I have no idea. I probably won’t be able to see the history until I pick it up but I will ask if I can see it in advance. I will be checking if the VAQ oil change has been done. If it hasn’t, I doubt I will be able to get Cazoo to sort it but will try. It’s not the end of the world if I get it done at my Indy to be honest. What is it, a £100-150 job?

[Ootohere]

@Hilly81The Service history will make the difference when going for any Warranty Plan.

If everything checks out for the 'All in plan' then you just be sure of the T&C's and if they might take your money but then knock back any claims because Servicing is not to the manufacturers specifications.

 

Plenty Approved used Skoda have not been serviced to the Manufacturers Guidelines, Recommendations, Schedules or Specifications but they still warranty for 12 months or 24 months.  that is a different kettle of fish though.  They are simply clever and ignore their own T&C's.

[EnterName]

On 18/04/2023 at 19:16, Hilly81 said:

That’s the one. As it’s an online purchase from Cazoo, I have no idea. I probably won’t be able to see the history until I pick it up but I will ask if I can see it in advance. I will be checking if the VAQ oil change has been done. If it hasn’t, I doubt I will be able to get Cazoo to sort it but will try. It’s not the end of the world if I get it done at my Indy to be honest. What is it, a £100-150 job?

If it's had Skoda servicing, a VAG specialist (and Skoda dealers, of course) should be able to check its online service history for you.

[the_wiley]

On 15/04/2023 at 15:30, Hilly81 said:

Hi all! I’m new to the forum having browsed anonymously a lot over the years. I currently drive a Seat Leon ST with the 1.4ACT. It’s a lovely car if a little small at times. I don’t really need a new car, but a change in recent circumstances and a little inheritance money means I want a new car. 
 

Been looking at Octy 245 Eststes as well as Superbs in 220 and 272/280 flavour. I have found this car: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303165302790?fromSavedAds=true&advertising-location=at_cars&sort=datedesc&postcode=ch661np&radius=1500 which in the face of it looks a decent deal. But a look at its MOT history suggests it’s had issues: https://www.check-mot.service.gov.uk/results?registration=Km68uuk

 

Anyone any thoughts on these emissions issues? Decat? Sports cat perhaps? It has an MOT bit my gut instinct is avoid. Appreciate any input. 

I was going to view that car in June 2021. I even have photos of it back then with 17,508 miles on the clock!

Edited 21 April, 2023 by the_wiley
typo

[Hilly81]

You see, now I'm torn. It's all agreed for collecting for me to collect the Octavia from Cazoo this Saturday. But I have just found this. Almost exactly the same age, Not too far away so I can go and actually have a look. A shed load of extras over the other car! 19s. Reverse Camera. Winter Pack. Canton. ACC. Etc, Etc.... I actually like the white as well. It's over a grand cheaper. 77k miles though which is nearly double the other car. I have no real idea on the longevity of the EA888 engine. I guess it will boil down to history and if the diff/brake fluid etc has been done as well. Thoughts?

 

Edit: Apologies, I should probably go with this in the Octavia section!

Edited 25 April, 2023 by Hilly81
Addition

[DoDaniel]

Whilst the spec on that one is much better, the millage is very high on that car for a MY 2019. Plus, checking the MOT history, it appears to have some pending suspension and brake issues on the horizon. Unless the seller can confirm they have resolved those issues and provide paperwork stating so, might be worth giving it a miss in my opinion.