Hello all! I'm going to view a 2017 Skoda Superb this weekend, at a dealers a couple of hours drive away.

 

It's retailing at just under 12k, and has been serviced at the dealers. It's had 2 owners, with a 'Previously full Skoda history and just serviced by us in preparation of the sale. MOT to 22nd February 2024'.

 

Checking the MOT history online, the only advisory is a worn tyre needing replacement soon.

 

I'll be a cash buyer, and will be part exchanging my decripit 15 year old current car for an agreed £600/700, with faults described over the phone.

 

It's tricky for me to get the dealers, arranging child care for a little one at home; if I could part exchange and drive away on the same day that would be easiest, to prevent a return trip, but I'm unsure if that's the wisest.

 

Please can you advise what I should be looking for / what would be reasonable to negotiate for?

 

Also, I've only ever owned my current car, and am not sure how the part exchange process works, or how to pay on the day (bank transfer?) / sort new insurance (transfer to new vehicle via current insurer on the day, or buy temporary insurance?) etc. 

 

Any tips much appreciated!

Thanks,

Amber

Not sure how to edit, but in case it's relevant it has done just under 65k miles, and is a 1.4 TSI ACT SE petrol model.

54 minutes ago, Amberberry said:

Hello all! I'm going to view a 2017 Skoda Superb this weekend, at a dealers a couple of hours drive away.

 

It's retailing at just under 12k, and has been serviced at the dealers. It's had 2 owners, with a 'Previously full Skoda history and just serviced by us in preparation of the sale. MOT to 22nd February 2024'.

 

Checking the MOT history online, the only advisory is a worn tyre needing replacement soon.

 

I'll be a cash buyer, and will be part exchanging my decripit 15 year old current car for an agreed £600/700, with faults described over the phone.

 

It's tricky for me to get the dealers, arranging child care for a little one at home; if I could part exchange and drive away on the same day that would be easiest, to prevent a return trip, but I'm unsure if that's the wisest.

 

Please can you advise what I should be looking for / what would be reasonable to negotiate for?

 

Also, I've only ever owned my current car, and am not sure how the part exchange process works, or how to pay on the day (bank transfer?) / sort new insurance (transfer to new vehicle via current insurer on the day, or buy temporary insurance?) etc. 

 

Any tips much appreciated!

Thanks,

Amber

Is it a Skoda dealer you're buying from? If so, that's some peace of mind.

First thing I'd do is do a vehicle check, you can use something like "Car Vertical" which will check loads of stuff.

You've done the MOT check which is great. For a 5-6 year old car, it should be sailing through MOTs without so much as an advisory, IMO.

 

Before you travel, have you had a car video of the vehicle? I mean has the salesman taken a video of them going round the vehicle, drawing attention to any issues that might prevent a sale. (I think the videos are useful at winkling out any issues the salesman wouldn't point out if you were looking at the car in the flesh, as if you can say "I want money off for this problem!", they can say "Well it was in the video!".

 

Have you driven any very similar cars? Do you know what a "normal" 2017 Skoda Superb sounds and drives like?

 

If in doubt, fork out the cash for a full online vehicle check. It's a good investment and can pay for itself many times over.

(I once bought a car from a colleague at work which later turned out to be a rebuilt write-off. I wish I'd done a car check first. That said, it was a car for the Mrs, it was a punishment car after she'd just written off her car, then my car, and frankly I wasn't in a particularly "I must make sure I get her the best possible car I can." frame of mind at the time. )

 

Also, if it has a cambelt, that should have been changed at 50K miles.

 

Edited 22 June, 20232 yr by EnterName

25 minutes ago, EnterName said:

Is it a Skoda dealer you're buying from? If so, that's some peace of mind.

First thing I'd do is do a vehicle check, you can use something like "Car Vertical" which will check loads of stuff.

You've done the MOT check which is great. For a 5-6 year old car, it should be sailing through MOTs without so much as an advisory, IMO.

 

Before you travel, have you had a car video of the vehicle? I mean has the salesman taken a video of them going round the vehicle, drawing attention to any issues that might prevent a sale. (I think the videos are useful at winkling out any issues the salesman wouldn't point out if you were looking at the car in the flesh, as if you can say "I want money off for this problem!", they can say "Well it was in the video!".

 

Have you driven any very similar cars? Do you know what a "normal" 2017 Skoda Superb sounds and drives like?

 

If in doubt, fork out the cash for a full online vehicle check. It's a good investment and can pay for itself many times over.

(I once bought a car from a colleague at work which later turned out to be a rebuilt write-off. I wish I'd done a car check first. That said, it was a car for the Mrs, it was a punishment car after she'd just written off her car, then my car, and frankly I wasn't in a particularly "I must make sure I get her the best possible car I can." frame of mind at the time. )

 

Also, if it has a cambelt, that should have been changed at 50K miles.

 

That's ever so helpful, thank you!

If the advert states that it has a previously full Skoda history, and it's also just been serviced by them, I'd take that to imply that the cambelt will have been changed, but I'll obviously check and request they do it if not. Is it normal and ok / expected, to ask for them to put on a fresh MOT, and fix any advisories? And presumably, can I only ask all of this after I have had the test drive, thus possibly necessitating me having to go home and return at a later date?

 

It's not at a Skoda dealership, no. The advert doesn't mention a warranty even, but they do have positive feedback on Autotrader.

 

I've never driven a similar car, no, only my tiny one, so I'm going in a bit blind.

 

There's no video tour available, just photos.

 

I'll definitely pay for the online check - thanks for the recommendation!

33 minutes ago, EnterName said:

Is it a Skoda dealer you're buying from? If so, that's some peace of mind.

First thing I'd do is do a vehicle check, you can use something like "Car Vertical" which will check loads of stuff.

You've done the MOT check which is great. For a 5-6 year old car, it should be sailing through MOTs without so much as an advisory, IMO.

 

Before you travel, have you had a car video of the vehicle? I mean has the salesman taken a video of them going round the vehicle, drawing attention to any issues that might prevent a sale. (I think the videos are useful at winkling out any issues the salesman wouldn't point out if you were looking at the car in the flesh, as if you can say "I want money off for this problem!", they can say "Well it was in the video!".

 

Have you driven any very similar cars? Do you know what a "normal" 2017 Skoda Superb sounds and drives like?

 

If in doubt, fork out the cash for a full online vehicle check. It's a good investment and can pay for itself many times over.

(I once bought a car from a colleague at work which later turned out to be a rebuilt write-off. I wish I'd done a car check first. That said, it was a car for the Mrs, it was a punishment car after she'd just written off her car, then my car, and frankly I wasn't in a particularly "I must make sure I get her the best possible car I can." frame of mind at the time. )

 

Also, if it has a cambelt, that should have been changed at 50K miles.

 

 

Here's a link to the advert:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202306038102493?atmobcid=soc3

1 hour ago, Amberberry said:

2017 Skoda Superb

What size tyres? There have been complaints about the 18" and 19" cars riding hard, but 17" are comfortable, and I guess 16" will be more so.

1 minute ago, Paws4Thot said:

What size tyres? There have been complaints about the 18" and 19" cars riding hard, but 17" are comfortable, and I guess 16" will be more so.

Good question, it doesn't specify on the advert, and there are no close-ups of the tyres in the photos. Would it be a deal breaker if it has 18" or 19" tyres? Or just a reason to bear in mind if the ride seems uncomfortable?

4 minutes ago, Amberberry said:

Good question, it doesn't specify on the advert, and there are no close-ups of the tyres in the photos. Would it be a deal breaker if it has 18" or 19" tyres? Or just a reason to bear in mind if the ride seems uncomfortable?

I'd prefer smaller wheels (reason stated, and yes I have tried 17" cars), and wonder what a vendor who doesn't specify the wheel size is trying to hide.

13 minutes ago, Paws4Thot said:

I'd prefer smaller wheels (reason stated, and yes I have tried 17" cars), and wonder what a vendor who doesn't specify the wheel size is trying to hide.

That's interesting, thanks, I'll keep it mind when I go to view. 

Looks a tidy motor from the pics ,if your coming from a little car the suberb will be a big comfy bus to ride in ,looks like it could be on 17 rims ,but i wouldnt worry too much about tyre size it will be fine i doubt the vendors trying to hide anything by not stating wheel size it looks standard from pics ,good luck 👍

4 minutes ago, Mickvrs220 said:

Looks a tidy motor from the pics ,if your coming from a little car the suberb will be a big comfy bus to ride in ,looks like it could be on 17 rims ,but i wouldnt worry too much about tyre size it will be fine i doubt the vendors trying to hide anything by not stating wheel size it looks standard from pics ,good luck 👍

Thank you! I thought it looked pretty decent too, from the photos. Fingers crossed it all goes smoothly. Yes, it would be a definite upgrade from the current car, it'll make such a change not being so cramped, and being able to put the pushchair in at the same time as the shopping!

 

Myself not being mechanically minded, do you have any thoughts on whether it's reasonable to request a fresh MOT as part of the deal (the current one runs until February '24), to rule out anything amiss? And if the cambelt is outstanding, to request that too, before exchanging?

@AmberberryBe sure you do check that there is a record of the cam belt done, because the 1.4 TSI ACT is not difficult but need the gear and more than ideas.

 

@silver1011

Just had one replaced.

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/514272-kodiaq-20-dsg-4x4-diesel-2017

 

 

A Full Main Dealer Service History should be a Full History of the Servicing, but no way does that mean a Full Servicing History of Servicing done to the Manufacturers Guidelines, Recommendations or Specifications / Schedules even.

 

If so the Brake Fluid would be changed in 2020 & 2022 & again in 2024.

Spark plugs in 2021 or @ 40,000 miles.

Cam Belt in 2022. 

Air Filter maybe not even looked at until 2023 but it should have been changed by now. 

 

 

Edited 22 June, 20232 yr by toot

1 minute ago, toot said:

@AmberberryBe sure you do check that there is a record of the cam belt done, because the 1.4 TSI ACT is not difficult but need the gear and more than ideas.

 

A Full Main Dealer Service History should be a Full History of the Servicing, but no way does that mean a Full Servicing History of Servicing done to the Manufacturers Guidelines, Recommendations or Specifications / Schedules even.

 

If so the Brake Fluid would be changed in 2019 & 2021 & again in 2023.

Spark plugs in 2020 or @ 40,000 miles.

Cam Belt in 2020. 

Air Filter maybe not even looked at until 2022 but it should have been changed by now. 

 

 

Thanks so much, I'll try and remember to check all of this; I guess if it's been done it should show on the service papers.

Be worth checking cambelt history as toot says but i would not worry too much about mot still got plenty of life on it ,and half of the time its not worth paper its printed on garages and dealers do each other favours quite alot .

@AmberberryIndeed it should be itemised.

Something like this below. 

 & then if Serviced to Manufacturers Guidelines, Recommendation & Specifications you should be able to by a Warranty from Skoda / VW Group that is valid.

 

PS

The Cam Belt & Tensioners might well be OK, but the Warranty or a Warranty you buy from Skoda if you do next year might be a waste of time if the car Was not serviced to the Manufacturers Guidelines or Specification.

But this is the discussion being held in other threads.

Skoda UK are not a Manufacturer and it is them saying Cam Belts at 5 years but that is not showing for Skoda in other countries from Skoda CZ.

 

Edited 22 June, 20232 yr by toot

1 hour ago, Amberberry said:

That's ever so helpful, thank you!

If the advert states that it has a previously full Skoda history, and it's also just been serviced by them, I'd take that to imply that the cambelt will have been changed, but I'll obviously check and request they do it if not. Is it normal and ok / expected, to ask for them to put on a fresh MOT, and fix any advisories? And presumably, can I only ask all of this after I have had the test drive, thus possibly necessitating me having to go home and return at a later date?

 

It's not at a Skoda dealership, no. The advert doesn't mention a warranty even, but they do have positive feedback on Autotrader.

 

I've never driven a similar car, no, only my tiny one, so I'm going in a bit blind.

 

There's no video tour available, just photos.

 

I'll definitely pay for the online check - thanks for the recommendation!

I would advise you to bide your time and look around. Drive a couple of Superbs to get a feel for them.

The one you're looking at seems to be a decent enough car, but it's no crazy "can't afford to miss!" bargain. unless you're desperate, don't rush.

1 hour ago, Amberberry said:

Good question, it doesn't specify on the advert, and there are no close-ups of the tyres in the photos. Would it be a deal breaker if it has 18" or 19" tyres? Or just a reason to bear in mind if the ride seems uncomfortable?

They look like 17" wheels & tyres to me.

215/55/17"?

1 hour ago, EnterName said:

They look like 17" wheels & tyres to me.

215/55/17"?

 

+1   Are those 17" Stratos Alloys?

 

Echo what those above have said.  I'm of the opinion if a car looks to have been well looked after then it probably has. You have additional legal rights buying from a business but make sure there's a good 12mth warranty with the car - you may be able to negotiate something into the deal.

 

Defo check the service history. A full Skoda service history can mean anything. Don't let it put you off if there's only 3 Skoda dealer visits as the car may have been on a variable servicing program.

 

Checking the Gov MOT website, the car has passed every MOT first time which again points to a car that's been cared for. There were advisories on all the tyres in 2021. Only 1 different tyre advisory at next MOT which suggests all tyres had been replaced with one since suffering slight damage. Last MOT in Feb mentioned the same offside rear being near to legal limit so worth checking this has since been replaced. I'd expect there to be one or two near new tyres on the car.

 

There's nothing I can see that points to there being an issue with this car so why not? 👍

 

Yes it's worth having the cars history checked but as you're buying from a dealer who says everything is OK, then legally you're covered from any nasty surprise. As I say, if it looks well cared for, it probably is.

Edited 22 June, 20232 yr by kodiaqsportline

20 minutes ago, kodiaqsportline said:

 

+1   Are those 17" Stratos Alloys?

 

Echo what those above have said.  I'm of the opinion if a car looks to have been well looked after then it probably has. You have additional legal rights buying from a business but make sure there's a good 12mth warranty with the car - you may be able to negotiate something into the deal.

 

Defo check the service history. A full Skoda service history can mean anything. Don't let it put you off if there's only 3 Skoda dealer visits as the car may have been on a variable servicing program.

 

Checking the Gov MOT website, the car has passed every MOT first time which again points to a car that's been cared for. There were advisories on all the tyres in 2021. Only 1 different tyre advisory at next MOT which suggests all tyres had been replaced with one since suffering slight damage. Last MOT in Feb mentioned the same offside rear being near to legal limit so worth checking this has since been replaced. I'd expect there to be one or two near new tyres on the car.

 

There's nothing I can see that points to there being an issue with this car so why not? 👍

 

Yes it's worth having the cars history checked but as you're buying from a dealer who says everything is OK, then legally you're covered from any nasty surprise. As I say, if it looks well cared for, it probably is.

Don't know the Superbs as well as I might, so can't name the wheels.

I am concerned @Amberberryhas  never driven a Superb before and has no basis for comparison other than her old banger.

I don't know her circumstances, but it all seems a bit rushed, and whenever I've bought a car in a rush (through immediate need), I've regretted it.

The best time to buy a new car is when you want one but don't need one.

 

2 hours ago, EnterName said:

They look like 17" wheels & tyres to me.

215/55/17"?

 

Advert says:

• 17in Alloy Wheels - Stratos

Gaz

 

PS:  Just to point out that 'Previously full Skoda service history...' doesn't necessarily mean a full service history. It could just mean it's had a service by Skoda.

Edited 22 June, 20232 yr by Gaz
Cautionary point about the term 'Previously...'

Come on then @Amberberry, how was the car?

9 minutes ago, EnterName said:

Come on then @Amberberry, how was the car?

 

Errrr.....

 

8 hours ago, Amberberry said:

I'm going to view a 2017 Skoda Superb this weekend, at a dealers a couple of hours drive away.

 

Methinks a bit of patience might be the order of the day.

 

Gaz

Just now, Gaz said:

 

Errrr.....

 

 

Methinks a bit of patience might be the order of the day.

 

Gaz

Oh my! By the tone of Amber's posting I thought they were racing off to see it today.

How embarrassing!

MOT History seems mostly tyre related, with a previous advisory on brake pads.

 

Have you spotted the outstanding finance?:

 

 

Are you going on your tod, or taking anyone with you to look it over?

 

Gaz

 

Thanks so much for the useful tips, every body - very much appreciated, and reassuring. I went to test drive it today with a friend who has a lot of experience driving different company cars. 

 

I bought it!

 

It drives incredibly smooth, and is a bit of a spaceship compared to my old car.

Everything seems high quality, and everything I could test work fine. All four tyres look pretty new. 

 

I questioned the cambelt and they gave me money off to have it changed at my local garage (£350, which might be less than my garage will charge, but unfortunately they wouldnt budge; if it came to any more, they said I'd be welcome to return to them and have it done there. As it would entail another 4 hour round trip though, I don't think I'll bother!) They are also shipping a replacement key hole cover to me from the driver's door handle, as it was missing.

 

For those thinking that I've jumped in, I've actually been looking for a replacement car for months now, but nothing was showing up in my budget and vicinity, which matched the models in my list (based on boot size, leg room, euro ncap safety rating, service history, mileage.) 

In truth I -was- getting a bit desperate, as the air con in my old car had completely broken and required a new motor box, which wouldn't have been economical to replace at a quoted £1000. And I didn't want to risk long drives to visit family in the old car, as I didn't trust it would get us there!

But yes, luckily the new Skoda has ticked all the boxes, and the 2 hour drive back in it cemented how nice it is to drive.

 

Fingers crossed for some good years of motoring ahead in it.