Hi all,

 

I have just joined the forum, this is my second post (the first was the intro post).

 

I'm looking to buy a superb MK III diesel (under 70K miles) and I will be going to dealerships to look at their superbs and hopefully test drive them.

I'm looking at the following trims:

• SE L (2020 and after I have been advised that Skoda dropped the SE L Executive in MY 2020)
• SE L Executive (2018 and after)
• L&K (2018 and after)

 

Wondering if there is anything in particular which I should pay attention too when buying used?

 

Also are there many Skoda Independed garages or mobile mechanics around Reading/Wokingham which you could recommend?

 

Thanks in advance.

 

PS. Apologies if i have posted in the wrong section, If I did posted in the wrong section can a moderator move it to the correct section.

Welcome.
 

Yep, this is the correct forum. Full service history, including the DSG/Haldex.
 

No idea on the indies in your area, but I’m sure a member local to you will be able to help. 

I can definitely recommend storm development in Aldermaston. A little way from reading and not the cheapest. But their work is excellent.

There's also the phirm in Camberley. Not used them but the few chats I've had certainly put them on the list.

Hello and welcome.

There are 2 good comments and suggestions above mine..

From the choice of cars which you've listed I'd personally go for the L&K if your budget can stretch. The level of extra toys is just fantastic, not least the DCC suspension which is really good, especially on the 19" wheels. (If fitted).

 

You didn't specify whether you prefer the 150bhp, or 190bhp diesel so it might be an idea to drive both if available. The 150 is more linear (imo), whereas the 190 really flies once that bigger turbo spools up. Also, slightly different road tax brackets.... NOPE. THEY'RE THE SAME!

As far as I know the 190s also come with 19" wheels standard. Not everyone likes the ride of these wheels, so this is where the DCC help a lot.

 

Do you prefer manual or DSG? If DSG check for the vital services every 40k for the 6 speed. This is Not the case for the 7 speed.

 

Timing belt? A car of the age range, and mileage which you've specified I'd say shouldn't have needed one. Skoda recently changed their policy. If it has been changed already then all good .

 

Silica bag in coolant tank: if the silica bag is still present have it removed..Mine has burst in the past and clogged my heater matrix. One telltale sign is coolant which looks like Tea 😕.

 

Spare Wheel: Does the car come with an inflation kit or a 'proper' spare wheel?

 

I'm sure others will mention some additional items, but check the above, pour over the (most likely electronic) service history in detail.

Test drive and check the car over thoroughly, panel by panel. Maybe have someone scan the faults for you.

Car should have 2, preferably 3 keys and handbooks.

Hope this war and peace helps.

 

 

 

Edited 9 June, 20241 yr by GordoGT

If a 7 Speed wet clutch DSG /  DQ381 the service interval is not every 40,000 miles. 

1 hour ago, GordoGT said:

 Also, slightly different road tax brackets.

 

 

 

For cars this age road tax is all the same (currently £190) unless over £40k original list price which adds the luxury car tax (currently £410 per year extra).

5 hours ago, MarkyG82 said:

 

For cars this age road tax is all the same (currently £190) unless over £40k original list price which adds the luxury car tax (currently £410 per year extra).

Thanks for correcting me. Appreciated 👍 

 

Although VW Group have changed the interval for time and distance to just distance i'd still be changing the belt and pump every 5 years. They seem to be weak on the 2.0.

On 09/06/2024 at 01:17, numskull said:

Welcome.
 

Yep, this is the correct forum. Full service history, including the DSG/Haldex.
 

No idea on the indies in your area, but I’m sure a member local to you will be able to help. 

Thank you

 

Point noted on the full service history and DSG/Haldex.

 

There seems to be a shortage in used Superbs for sale at the moment or at least ones with full service history.

23 hours ago, MarkyG82 said:

I can definitely recommend storm development in Aldermaston. A little way from reading and not the cheapest. But their work is excellent.

There's also the phirm in Camberley. Not used them but the few chats I've had certainly put them on the list.

Thank you, I will bear in mind both:

• Storm development in Aldermaston
• Phirm in Camberley.

I had a quick look at the Phirm website and it mentions "Digital service records to the Volkswagen Audi Group Network", I'm assuming this relates to the updating VAGN with the service they perform in your car?

 

I could not see anything around updating digital service records on Storm development unless I have missed it (apologies). Is it ok for one to assume Storm would update records with VAGN once a service is performed by them?

No I don't think Storm have that capability right now.  I know the owner and he's bringing the company back up to full speed after a bit of change.  Could be worth giving them a call.  My personal view is as long as you have a record it doesn't matter if it's electronic or not.  Having the right work done well is more important.  Electronic records for warranty is another matter.

@Cyclone  A FSH or FMDSH is great, but it should show that Servicing & Maintenance was done to the Manufacturers Guidelines, recommendations, advice or Specifications / schedule.

 

Just because a Dealership did Oil & Inspection Services & Extended Scope does not mean the owners had Extras done which are not really extras bit Service items that there were not told needing doing, or that a Service Plan did not include.

 

Paper receipts / invoices or a Certificate of Servicing showing what was done is better than a place saying FMDSH and it not being full of everything it should have had.

21 hours ago, GordoGT said:

Hello and welcome.

There are 2 good comments and suggestions above mine..

From the choice of cars which you've listed I'd personally go for the L&K if your budget can stretch. The level of extra toys is just fantastic, not least the DCC suspension which is really good, especially on the 19" wheels. (If fitted).

 

You didn't specify whether you prefer the 150bhp, or 190bhp diesel so it might be an idea to drive both if available. The 150 is more linear (imo), whereas the 190 really flies once that bigger turbo spools up. Also, slightly different road tax brackets.... NOPE. THEY'RE THE SAME!

As far as I know the 190s also come with 19" wheels standard. Not everyone likes the ride of these wheels, so this is where the DCC help a lot.

 

Do you prefer manual or DSG? If DSG check for the vital services every 40k for the 6 speed. This is Not the case for the 7 speed.

 

Timing belt? A car of the age range, and mileage which you've specified I'd say shouldn't have needed one. Skoda recently changed their policy. If it has been changed already then all good .

 

Silica bag in coolant tank: if the silica bag is still present have it removed..Mine has burst in the past and clogged my heater matrix. One telltale sign is coolant which looks like Tea 😕.

 

Spare Wheel: Does the car come with an inflation kit or a 'proper' spare wheel?

 

I'm sure others will mention some additional items, but check the above, pour over the (most likely electronic) service history in detail.

Test drive and check the car over thoroughly, panel by panel. Maybe have someone scan the faults for you.

Car should have 2, preferably 3 keys and handbooks.

Hope this war and peace helps.

 

 

 

Thank you for taking the time to provide a comprehensive post.

 

I would really like an L&K but not sure if my budget can strech to that and good ones are hard to find in trade sales. Although I could opt to pursue a purchase with a private, I'm slightly risk adverse so I would prefere a purchase with trade at the moment especially because I'm not familiar with Skoda.

 

190BHP would be good but 150BHP would probably suffice to us although we would like to take the car abroad to France/Spain/Portugal. Any thoughts what a longer journey would be like on these cars in terms of comfort and reliability?

 

I have never heard of DCC, the models I have been looking at do not mentioned this. Is this some sort of Air suspensio? Could it be fitted if the car does not come with it?

 

Preference is DSG which i believe is automatic. Manual is a no at the moment.  You mentioned "vital services", what does a DSG vital service include? And does this mean if a car which has around 55/60k did not have this service/maintenace done, then I should not consider it?

I guess I would need to find our which gear box would come with the car I'm interested to purchase. Any tips on how I can find this out?

 

Regarding timing belt I would prefere to purchase a car where this work would have already been done. What is Skoda's new policy on the Superbs?

 

Point noted on the Silica bag, I was not aware of this at all 😮

 

Spare wheel is prefered, what do you mean my a proper spare wheel? Are you referring to a space saver or a proper alloy wheel?

 

I would probably rule out a car if it does not come with at least 2 keys.

 

Thanks once again and apologies for the extra questions and/or if I have misunderstood anything.

21 hours ago, Ootohere said:

If a 7 Speed wet clutch DSG /  DQ381 the service interval is not every 40,000 miles. 

Wow Thanks for sharing this it is very informative.

12 hours ago, stevetdci said:

Although VW Group have changed the interval for time and distance to just distance i'd still be changing the belt and pump every 5 years. They seem to be weak on the 2.0.

Thanks for your advice but what does "weak on the 2.0" mean?

23 minutes ago, MarkyG82 said:

No I don't think Storm have that capability right now.  I know the owner and he's bringing the company back up to full speed after a bit of change.  Could be worth giving them a call.  My personal view is as long as you have a record it doesn't matter if it's electronic or not.  Having the right work done well is more important.  Electronic records for warranty is another matter.

Thank for the prompt update.

 

Your advice is sound, I shall give Storm a call in the near future 🙂

12 minutes ago, Ootohere said:

@Cyclone  A FSH or FMDSH is great, but it should show that Servicing & Maintenance was done to the Manufacturers Guidelines, recommendations, advice or Specifications / schedule.

 

Just because a Dealership did Oil & Inspection Services & Extended Scope does not mean the owners had Extras done which are not really extras bit Service items that there were not told needing doing, or that a Service Plan did not include.

 

Paper receipts / invoices or a Certificate of Servicing showing what was done is better than a place saying FMDSH and it not being full of everything it should have had.

You are so right and to ensure that servicing and maintenace was done to manufacturer's guidelines/advice is one of the main reasons a person should at least consider doing the service with the main dealer or a reputable independent dealer approved garage.

 

I wonder how often the extra checks are done when a car goes to main dealer for service.

Main Dealers do not do Servicing extras by Time / MIles unless the customer is paying.

If Spark Plugs are getting replaced at 40,000 miles / 4 years then the customer had to pay, even a service plan might not have included that.

As for a Airfilter at 6 years / 60,000 miles,  the tech might not even check the Airfilter before 6 years.  I would check it every year. 

 

Lots of Skoda Approved Used cars have not the Brake Fluid replaced at 3 years,(now 2 years)  or a VAQ diff at 3 years (now @ 2 years), or the Haldex or DSG might not be done before they sell if outstanding. 

 

There were 5 year / 50,000 mile cars without Cam Belt changes with FMDSH, and come last July they drop that.

Loads of 50,000 mile 1.5 TSI ACT,s coming back into Dealerships as Trade In,s and not had a Cam Belt change and the Dealerships were not doing before resale.

 

This gives an idea of Fixed Regimes from 2020, not all correct, not all DSG,s are at 40,000 miles, DQ200,s no oil changes and cam belts schedule changed.

Bottom chart was as it was when Minor / Interim & Major, pre 2020 and still not always everything was done. Lots were at 2nd Majors. 

Edited 10 June, 20241 yr by Ootohere

1 hour ago, Ootohere said:

@Cyclone  A FSH or FMDSH is great, but it should show that Servicing & Maintenance was done to the Manufacturers Guidelines, recommendations, advice or Specifications / schedule.

 

Just because a Dealership did Oil & Inspection Services & Extended Scope does not mean the owners had Extras done which are not really extras bit Service items that there were not told needing doing, or that a Service Plan did not include.

 

Paper receipts / invoices or a Certificate of Servicing showing what was done is better than a place saying FMDSH and it not being full of everything it should have had.

 

I believe we have both added to conversation with this in mind on many occasions.  Quite a few people don't realise that a full dealer history or service plan often doesn't include anything beyond an oil change.  Had our electric Hyundai "serviced" last week and had to double check before handing the key over what they were going to do (fluid check, software update and main battery check).  The first 2 parts can be done at home.  £75 for a main battery check every 3 years to maintain the 7 year warranty is worth it IMO.

 

Quote

As for a Airfilter at 6 years / 60,000 miles,  the tech might not even check the Airfilter before 6 years.  I would check it every year. 

 

This I still find a little crazy.  In the short 25 years I've been driving (and many before that) I always changed them annually.  Now and then I might have opened the box and give it a hoover and the filter a clean (if using air make sure to blow from the engine side).  Now I merely replace the filter every year.  It's more hassle to clean it than spending £12 or whatever on a new part.

1 hour ago, Cyclone said:

 

190BHP would be good but 150BHP would probably suffice to us although we would like to take the car abroad to France/Spain/Portugal. Any thoughts what a longer journey would be like on these cars in terms of comfort and reliability?

 

I have never heard of DCC, the models I have been looking at do not mentioned this. Is this some sort of Air suspensio? Could it be fitted if the car does not come with it?

 

  You mentioned "vital services", what does a DSG vital service include? And does this mean if a car which has around 55/60k did not have this service/maintenace done, then I should not consider it?

I guess I would need to find our which gear box would come with the car I'm interested to purchase. Any tips on how I can find this out?

 

Regarding timing belt I would prefere to purchase a car where this work would have already been done. What is Skoda's new policy on the Superbs?

 

 

 

Should be no difference in reliability.  I wouldn't worry about that IMO

 

DCC (Dynamic Chassis Control) is active shock damping that dynamically adjusts to the conditions.  It also has different settings in the main menu to make it firmer of softer.  The ride is widely considered superior to normal suspension but the part are more expensive.  It does seem to be reliable and last longer than standard though.  FYI it is certainly possible to retrofit but it's a very big job that requires a partial loom and a fair bit of coding.  I wouldn't bother.

 

DSG service is usually and oil change and filter (gauze) change.  The gearboxes are reliable but if this is missed then it can be an issue.  If the car needed it at 40 and it was not done until 55-60 I would question the rest of the care that had been taken with the car.

 

The belt on the other hand is preventative maintenance.  I certainly would not ignore a car of 5 years old and 55-60k miles that hadn't had it done.  Might consider it as part of negotiation or getting it done in the next year or 2.  See DSG above, that's more important for sticking to good time frames.

A DQ381 DSG has a proper filter that should be replaced. 

It is a 80,000 mile Schedule that VW / Skoda give, there are rather far too many with MCU issues before that, likely not related to the service schedule as even pretty new ones have leaked or failed.

thank @Ootohere good to know.  As a side note for those reading and considering the hybrid variant, the dq400e is a variant of the dq250 and follows the same maintenance.  However, the filter is hard to get to so make sure whoever does the work knows their salt.

There are videos of DQ381,s servicing in various threads on here, or just look on Youtube.

 

The DQ400-e DSG is not always going to be getting serviced as it should like a new member found when looking at a 1.4 TSI PHEV.

 

The Dealership staff said a Hybrid so they did not service the DSG.     That is because it needs a trained and qualified EV Technician, not because not due doing. 

 

@MarkyG82  Was yours serviced and at a main dealers?

 

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/523791-buying-a-35-45k-miles-superb-iv

 

Edited 10 June, 20241 yr by Ootohere

@Ootohere Just had a scan through that thread and sounds like a bunch head cases at that dealership.  I would expect them to offer some sort of solution.  Also I struggle to understand why an EV tech is needed for the oil change.  Can't remember what is needed to get at the filter but I don't recall it being any orange parts.

 

Yes it was done by VW in Newbury.

3 hours ago, Cyclone said:

190BHP would be good but 150BHP would probably suffice to us although we would like to take the car abroad to France/Spain/Portugal. Any thoughts what a longer journey would be like on these cars in terms of comfort and reliability?

I regularly drive to Germany with mine and certainly find it very comfortable, economical and (so far) reliable. It's done just over 32k miles in a little under 18 months.

 

3 hours ago, Cyclone said:

Spare wheel is prefered, what do you mean my a proper spare wheel? Are you referring to a space saver or a proper alloy wheel?

A spare wheel was an optional extra on these cars and many won't have them but it is possible to buy all the kit needed and you can fit it in the space where it would have gone if it had been factory supplied. If you do go down this route then make sure to get a larger tyre than the standard Skoda issue one as this has a significantly different diameter to the rest of the wheels on the car which will disable use of cruise control - very annoying if you are a reasonable distance from home which I have found out to my cost.

There are a few threads on this if you want further details.