Hi, 

I'm just put down a reservation on a black 2020 (69 plate, Feb 2020) 2.0 TSI 272 hatch and am off to view/buy it Monday.

 

The car was traded in today at a (supplying) main dealer with only 24k miles, along with full main dealer S/H, with an oil change once a year from new (no mention of haldex though) and only 2 owners, with the same owner for the last 3 plus years, So on paper looks like a great car with good spec (canton and a few other bits)

 

My only real concern is the last MOT (done by the dealer) shows an advisory for both nearside and offside front lower suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement.

 

Is this a known thing on these cars? fairly sure it's a minor thing as I've had cars with similar in the past which were fine for years after the advisory .

 

The dealers said they'll replace the bushings if they're a danger but I'm pretty certain I know what they'll say when I view the car.

 

Also, is there anything else I need to watch out for?

 

I'm between buying this or ordering a new FL Octavia VRS with a view to keeping whichever for the next 7 or so years

 

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

 

Cheers!!

I've just picked up a 2018 272 Sportline Hatch with 43k in the clock and love it. Biggest thing I'd aim for is DCC suspension, transforms a wallowy ride to controlled. Sport for me is just right, firm enough to have fun but not uncomfortable and I rarely change it into anything else. 

 

If it has a sunroof it WILL creak. Its the only disappointment on mine, Im yet to play with it.

 

The throttle response is poor however, alot are adding pedal boxes to improve response which makes it a more responsive drive.

 

The Octavia is nice, interior is lovely and they are rarer. If you are looking at more power, the Superb has more potential due to the bigger turbo. The Octavia will probably be slightly mote nimble. There is lots of issues with the infotainment with lots having problems that are regularly going back to the dealer.

Thanks for the reply Dooge.

Hearing the throttle response is poor is a bit disappointing, I've got a 22 plate diesel kodiaq already and the throttle response on that is awful, hopefully the superb is not as bad! I've driven a few mk4 Octavia vrs's and really like how lively they felt and was hoping the superb would be similar.

 

Also, I don't think this one has DCC so will need a good test drive to figure out if it's the car for me!

 

I'm really keen on this Superb though as it's a really good price but am still very tempted with a new, facelift vrs, drive the deal are doing really tempting deals right now but as the new facelift models are an unknown for infotainment issues I'm a bit dubious, all the reported issues from existing owners of the current pre-facelift model is what's put me off the mk4 so far!

13 minutes ago, travo said:

Thanks for the reply Dooge.

Hearing the throttle response is poor is a bit disappointing, I've got a 22 plate diesel kodiaq already and the throttle response on that is awful, hopefully the superb is not as bad! I've driven a few mk4 Octavia vrs's and really like how lively they felt and was hoping the superb would be similar.

 

Also, I don't think this one has DCC so will need a good test drive to figure out if it's the car for me!

 

I'm really keen on this Superb though as it's a really good price but am still very tempted with a new, facelift vrs, drive the deal are doing really tempting deals right now but as the new facelift models are an unknown for infotainment issues I'm a bit dubious, all the reported issues from existing owners of the current pre-facelift model is what's put me off the mk4 so far!

 

I came from a MK3 Octavia VRS and I think a combination of the smaller IS20 turbo and more aggressive throttle mapping made it feel faster and pickup quicker at lower RPMs than the Superb.

 

The throttle response is lacking, theres no getting around it. Its a shame they didnt separate the gearbox and throttle mapping for the modes because 'normal' on the gear box and 'sport' throttle are probably well matched. If I wanted to drive in 'sport' all the time I could, it means it holds onto gears more than it needs to, which other than being unnecessary for day to day driving also makes you seem like you want to race everyone and uses more fuel.

 

This was also a reason I bought the 272 rather than a 190, the 272 is definitely quicker 😁

 

I have mine set to 'Individual' as everything is in 'Sport' bar the drive mode (gearbox and throttle) as this just seems work the best overall. 

 

Although disappointing you have to add to it, a pedal box is £200ish, you can make it as aggressive as you want and chop and change. I never felt the need on my VRS but on this I do.

 

Its deceptively quick, I had a bit of fun on a short B road near my house and lets just say without incriminating myself to speed limits I was almost double without much hesitation or fuss. The AWD system just grips and goes. I've never been one for racing off the line, I've always been more of a fan of B road blasts rather than out and out speed and the Superb seems capable enough to keep me entertained.

 

I did upgrade the rear ARB on my Octavia as they are woefully soft at the rear end, the Superb doesnt feel like that either. But it is a different beast, it is geared far more for comfort whereas the VRS will be more geared for fun and handling. Depends what you want and how you will use it, the Superb is enough for the once a month I manage to have a longer drive to my parents in the country and be more than comfortable every day. 

 

4 years old, 24k and needs new front suspension parts already, hmm

 

I’d ask for them to be changed as a condition of buying it, they may have just been upselling though but something is odd

re throttle response i heard that it is because of GPF - on this specific 272 hp version.

before 280 (without gpf) and after 280 (different turbo) hp models are reportedly better

of course the newer 280 is best.

 

Thanks for the advice on this.

 

The throttle lag is quite off putting, I've (pretty much) ruled out a pedal box as the wife will insist we tell the insurance (probably rightly so) but finding an insurance company who even knows what a pedal box is, is a challenge in itself. Plus, I don't fancy higher premiums for the sake of something that just makes the car drive as it should have done from the start. 

 

As for the suspension issue, I've a feeling it's more down to the individual (probably a bit over zealous) MOT tester than anything serious, I've had similar on an old Mondeo, that had an advisory for 2 or 3 consecutive MOTs but then miraculously fixed itself as it never reappeared on the next 3 with me doing absolutely nothing to the car.

I guess you can never be too sure though. I think your right Danoid, if I decide to buy I'll want it sorted and a clean MOT as part of the deal!

 

I guess I'll figure this all out tomorrow when I take the car out, I've just got to fight the urge to agree to buy it immediately when I first plant the throttle and get blinded by the extra power! Have done that before on a Jag and that didn't end well!

2 minutes ago, travo said:

Thanks for the advice on this.

 

The throttle lag is quite off putting, I've (pretty much) ruled out a pedal box as the wife will insist we tell the insurance (probably rightly so) but finding an insurance company who even knows what a pedal box is, is a challenge in itself. Plus, I don't fancy higher premiums for the sake of something that just makes the car drive as it should have done from the start. 

 

As for the suspension issue, I've a feeling it's more down to the individual (probably a bit over zealous) MOT tester than anything serious, I've had similar on an old Mondeo, that had an advisory for 2 or 3 consecutive MOTs but then miraculously fixed itself as it never reappeared on the next 3 with me doing absolutely nothing to the car.

I guess you can never be too sure though. I think your right Danoid, if I decide to buy I'll want it sorted and a clean MOT as part of the deal!

 

I guess I'll figure this all out tomorrow when I take the car out, I've just got to fight the urge to agree to buy it immediately when I first plant the throttle and get blinded by the extra power! Have done that before on a Jag and that didn't end well!

 

Yeh, I get that. I've always had sportier cars (VRS, mk6 mapped Golf GTi before, Clio 197, etc) and the throttle response is disappointing for its power but not unlivable or undrivable. I'd probably go as far to say I could live with the throttle response on a day to day basis and in 3 weeks I've got used to it, but for the fun driving Id want more. I've always wanted more of a distinct difference between all the modes.

 

I've also always felt VAG stuff is quite progressive with the throttle pedal. Albeit completely different I drive Hyundai and Vauxhall Astra diesels for work and they are far more linear. 

 

Give it a drive and see what you think, having never driven a Kodiaq I cant compare. 

 

Id be interested to know if this is a GPF model issue, I can't see why it would be as the 8hp difference it makes wouldn't account for it.

 

As for the suspension, did they do the MOT? Id see if they would check it over and provide photos/videos. Id be surprised if it was an issue at such a low mileage.

 

You'd be surprised what the dealer may do though, the one I bought mine from put 4 new centre caps on (RRP £80, daft!) and on top of a major service they serviced the Haldex, but to be fair thats more just abiding by the service routine.

there is some coding possible, some say it does something, not tried personally

 

Controller 01- Engine

07 - Coding 

Byte 0, Bit 0-2,

Change from Škoda (01) to AUDI (02) this will dramatically reduce lag on pressing accelerator pedal.

Mines done just over 51k and a couple of weeks ago had an advisory for both nearside and offside front lower suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement.

 

2 MOT's carried out at different workshops and both reported the same.

 

Car was up on the lift on Friday and I had a look for myself they arnt totally knackered  but are just about ready. Booked in for both doing tomorrow.

 

 

The coding above does not work from the mini facelift in early 2017-ish. What DOES work however is changing the throttle logic from "incremental over time" to "direct controlled over threshold value". It will snap into lower gears a lot more directly when you step on it but not quite all the way

 

https://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/454779-throttle-response/?do=findComment&comment=5110941

On 29/09/2024 at 08:37, travo said:

Thanks for the advice on this.

 

The throttle lag is quite off putting, I've (pretty much) ruled out a pedal box as the wife will insist we tell the insurance (probably rightly so) but finding an insurance company who even knows what a pedal box is, is a challenge in itself. Plus, I don't fancy higher premiums for the sake of something that just makes the car drive as it should have done from the start. 

 

As for the suspension issue, I've a feeling it's more down to the individual (probably a bit over zealous) MOT tester than anything serious, I've had similar on an old Mondeo, that had an advisory for 2 or 3 consecutive MOTs but then miraculously fixed itself as it never reappeared on the next 3 with me doing absolutely nothing to the car.

I guess you can never be too sure though. I think your right Danoid, if I decide to buy I'll want it sorted and a clean MOT as part of the deal!

 

I guess I'll figure this all out tomorrow when I take the car out, I've just got to fight the urge to agree to buy it immediately when I first plant the throttle and get blinded by the extra power! Have done that before on a Jag and that didn't end well!

Hi.

If you needed any help with insurance at all for modifications then please feel free to drop me a line.

Regards,

Dan.

As a follow up to my potential purchase.

 

I saw the car last Monday with the hope of a test drive only to find I couldn't drive it as the lower arms would have been an MOT failure and the dealership wouldn't let me out in the car until they're sorted (stating insurance etc), it was a bit frustrating as they could have told me this beforehand mind, but it was still worth the journey as I had a good look over the car and a good chat with the technician who was doing the MPC on the car.

 

I've done some research on this and it appears its not that uncommon for them to go very early on, there's another guy on here with a sportline who had the same advisory on his last MOT with his car being a 21 plate with 24k miles on it and a quick look at the mot history of a few cars on autotrader shows some with a similar advisory on previous MOT's, so I'm inclined to give the dealer the benifit of the doubt. (even though I'm not 100%, but I probably never will be on buying a used car anyway)

 

I've put a deposit down on the car as other than the lower arms its about in as good a condition as I could wish for, maybe 1 or 2 very, very small marks, with very clean alloys and the interior is the same looking almost new with hardly any signs of wear.

 

I also drove another 272 earlier that day which was local to me and the same age as this car (10k more miles though), but is on for 3.5K more, really liked how it drove and didn't notice throttle lag all that much, compared to the Kodiaq is was posiively sprightly! it was in a bit of a state though, clearly having had a fairly hard life, seeing in how good a condition the one I'm interested in is in compared to the one I drove convinced me to put the deposit down.

 

I'm now booked into drive it next weekend as the dealers are taking their time with the repairs, I was hoping to be driving it this weekend but its not been sorted yet, I've already said I want it ready to go next weekend otherwise I'll be walking, but all being well and pending a good test drive I should hopefully have the car in a weeks time!

@travo   A Full Main Dealer History of Servicing is a History of everything main dealers do.

 

A Full Service History not showing that everything was done to the Manufacturers Guidelines, Advice, Schedule or Specification is not good.

A FMDSH should be showing the Haldex as done as and when due, brake fluid etc.  Not Just Oil & Filter Inspection Services & Extended Scope being done as that does not mean extras like Haldex, Spark Plugs, DSG, Brakes etc. 

Edited 4 October, 20241 yr by Ootohere

2 minutes ago, Ootohere said:

@travo   A Full Main Dealer History of Servicing is a History of everything main dealers do.

 

A Full Service History not showing that everything was gone to the Manufacturers Guidelines, Advice, Schedule or Specification is not good.

A FMDSH should be showing the Haldex as done as and when due, brake fluid etc.  Not Just Oil & Filter Inspection Services & Extended Scope being done as that does not mean extras like Haldex, Spark Plugs, DSG, Brakes etc. 

I agree, to be honest though, I've just seen the standard simple service history print out showing oil change service every year, I didn't get a chance to see an itemised list, but I've mentioned to the dealer I expect eveything that needed doing has been  done.

 

Does anyone know the correct service schedule/intervals for these? I see different mileages/times everytime I try and google it!

Hopefully a full itemised list otherwise not a Full Main Dealer Service History, as i remind them to to wind up sales people. 

 

3 years / 30,000 miles on the Haldex, brake fluid at 3 years then each 2.  Pollen filter each 2 years or sooner.

& Air Filter not left unchecked to 6 years / 60,000 miles like some show.

 

DSG Wet Clutch DQ381 at 80,000 miles or sooner.

DQ500,s @ 40,000 mile.

 

Fixed Regime guidance.

Edited 4 October, 20241 yr by Ootohere

On the throttle response, I might be an outlier but I quite like the smooth gentle power delivery in normal mode for 'normal' driving - I view it more as a good tourer than a sportscar and it suits 95% of my driving.

 

If you want to get up and go then its only one click on the stick backwards and sport is there. It might be a reflection of my normal sluggish driving style but I mostly use sport mode when towing to get up to speed promptly. 

Thanks for posting those Ootohere, so there's potentialy the Haldex, plugs and a brake fluid change overdue, the plugs and brake fluid don't overly concern me but the Haldex could be a potential issue if it fails and I need to claim under warranty, could be costly!  Anyone know if these are an issue, I've got a 2022 4x4 kodiaq which I had the Haldex done at just over 2 years/30k by an independant and the strainer was pretty gunked up so I can imagine being an older car (less mileage mind) this could be in a similar state.

Anyone know what Skoda themselves lubcriate door hinges and check strap with?

 

Obviously when they use to service it they didn’t, don’t want to use white lithium and just interested in what they use

5 hours ago, travo said:

Thanks for posting those Ootohere, so there's potentialy the Haldex, plugs and a brake fluid change overdue, the plugs and brake fluid don't overly concern me but the Haldex could be a potential issue if it fails and I need to claim under warranty, could be costly!  Anyone know if these are an issue, I've got a 2022 4x4 kodiaq which I had the Haldex done at just over 2 years/30k by an independant and the strainer was pretty gunked up so I can imagine being an older car (less mileage mind) this could be in a similar state.

 

Some Haldex's have strainers, some dont. Not sure on VAG stuff but I remember reading somewhere that the oil in a Haldex on a Volvo is meant to be lifetime oil for example.

 

Glad you are happy with the condition of it. I wouldnt be overly worried about a year over the Haldex service for example, especially being 6k below mileage. The oil will be nasty but shouldnt cause any issues if changed now. Although I cant say for certain if it the Haldex would be fully covered under warranty.

The Volvo Servicing for different generations of Haldex is at 20,000 miles / 2 years. 

 

Edited 4 October, 20241 yr by Ootohere

6 minutes ago, Ootohere said:

The Volvo Servicing for different generations of Haldex is at 20,000 miles / 2 years. 

 

 

Might be now, like the earlier DSG units when VAG said it was lifetime oil, others had the sensibility to change it. Same as it seems with earlier Volvo Haldex systems which seem to massively differ depending year, version and car. 

 

 

@Dooge

Just so you know.

The DQ200 DSG that they said from 2009 had Life Time oil, does not require servicing / oil changes.

 

BUT,

they used Synthetic Oil, did a Global recall in 2012, excluding Europe,. not in the world / globe.  (2014 before tey started a Service Campaign in Europe to change the oil.)

They went to Mineral oil.

 

There is still no Service Schedule for DQ200,s..  It is 2024 now.  So nothing to do with Early DSG,s.  It is the same DSG,s without much changed. Twin Dry Clutch.

There are 2 oils, in the box and in the MCU. 

Edited 4 October, 20241 yr by Ootohere

50 minutes ago, Dooge said:

 

Some Haldex's have strainers, some dont. Not sure on VAG stuff but I remember reading somewhere that the oil in a Haldex on a Volvo is meant to be lifetime oil for example.

 

Glad you are happy with the condition of it. I wouldnt be overly worried about a year over the Haldex service for example, especially being 6k below mileage. The oil will be nasty but shouldnt cause any issues if changed now. Although I cant say for certain if it the Haldex would be fully covered under warranty.

If the car was £10k not the £21k the dealer is asking (does look a good price compared to what else is about though) I wouldn't be bothered at all about the haldex but if the worst case scenario happened I'd be facing a hefty bill on top of the hefty car price.

 

Also, I've got do idea how the car was driven previously, judging by it's condition which is pretty much immaculate I'd imagine it's been well cared for with the previous owner owning it for nearly 4 years, but you never know, for all I know they could have used launch control on every outing, thrashed the crap out of it but cleaned it every time they got home. 

 

I guess I need to stop over thinking it and wait until I drive the thing and see all the paperwork before I pass judgement. 

Edited 4 October, 20241 yr by travo

4 minutes ago, Ootohere said:

@Dooge

The DQ200 DSG that they said from 2009 had Life Time oil, does not require servicing / oil changes.

 

BUT,

they use Synthetic Oil, did a Global recall in 2012, excluding Europe,. not in the world / globe.

They went to Mineral oil.

 

There is still no Service Schedule for DQ200,s..  It is 2024 now.  So nothing to do with Early DSG,s.  It is the same DSG,s without much changed. Twin Dry Clutch.

There are 2 oils, in the box and in the MCU. 

But your point goes to show, like mine, that theres a massive amount of misinformation around and either the dealers arnt pointing it out to customers to have things done within mileage/time constraints or people arnt bothering to have it done 🤷