I'm looking for a large petrol estate with blind side monitoring and adaptive cruise control so I've been looking at Superb L&K's around three to four years old and planning to keep the car for a decent amount of time.  The higher output version is tempting but I'm wondering if it's a bad choice to keep longer term, the lower mpg isn't an issue since I only do 3000 miles a year and my current car isn't much more efficient but is the higher output engine and 4x4 system more likely to have issues over time?  Are there any other costs to be aware of aside from regular servicing.

With your mileage you will not feel the fuel hurt, the only things I can think are higher tax and insurance costs, if this is an issue at all in UK.

Mechanically, the fact you got another powered axle means additional costs to maintain the haldex and rear diff, with regular oil changes.

Some people have had issues with the rear diff, and replacement could be an added cost, but this is a special case.

I've not noticed the 4x4 system to be noisier or less comfortable than the standard two-wheel drive.

Yeah, is a hevier car, but I you should try both and see if you like the driving dynamics of the FWD Superb.

Personally, I prefer 4 wheels to have power to the ground, but to each its own.

 

Long term, there is another added assessment to make ... historically, higher-powered/higher-trim versions of each car have been the ones surviving with better resale values, and the most sought after once a car gets older, or even goes into young-timer/old-timer territory.

The last years however have upset somehow that established pattern, so do not rely in that too much.

Nevertheless, at equal budget I would get the most I can afford, considering your case.

 

 

Thanks for the response, one of the biggest issues I have with test driving cars is that rarer models like these are miles away (I think the nearest I'm considering at the moment is 400 miles) so I end up endlessly researching them online.  I suspect the 190bhp is probably absolutely fine since it's a little more power than I have at the moment and the 276bhp is unnecessary but I do like how subtle the Superb looks despite the power.  I'm not too bothered about resale because I'd hope to run the car into the ground as I have my current car.

Go big, go bold 🤪

 

I understand, my car was more than 1000km from me ... oh well.

Someday I hope to travel to your latitudes 🥰

I’d avoid the 276 and just stick to the 190, purely based on the miles you say you do.

 

I roughly do 3k miles a year in my 190 diesel, smooth enough and quick enough for my needs. If I did more miles I’d probably want something more pokey, but if all traffic is moving nicely is there any need for more power? Nope

In March 2020, I had a MK2 CR170 and I knew it wasn’t going to be ULEZ compliant and living in the zone, it had to go. Given the low annual mileage I was now covering, a petrol was the obvious answer. I drove a couple of 1.4 DSG Superbs and found them underwhelming. But when I saw the 280 advertised, saw the very high spec and then actually drove it, it was the obvious choice and I have not regretted it; it’s best car I’ve ever owned. Yes, it does only give around 25mpg on my very short daily commute but I’ve got 40+ on a decent run and yes, servicing costs are higher with the 4X4 system but it’s not insane. 

I have a  2019 facelift 190 TSI  SEL hatchback and cover around  4k  miles a year . My usage is around 70 % urban and 30% dual carriageway  and over the past 4 years have averaged 32mpg. Under these conditions i find the engine ideally suited to the car being quiet and responsive enough to keep out of trouble if needed and not get into trouble if you see what I mean😁.

As someone who has driven both I felt the 190 underwhelming, but I had come from a 220 Octavia VRS.

 

I feel the 272/280 version has a more obvious difference in driving modes with Sport being pretty gutsy and probably more than you will ever need.

 

Mileage doesnt bother me much either, I do 5k a year. I wouldnt worry about the engines, these EA888s are very solid and in this form is de-tuned compared to something like a Golf R (306hp) The Haldex should be fine as long as maintained properly. If warmed up and serviced regularly you shouldnt see any issues.

At 3000miles a year, let me assume it's not a lot of short commutes and there are a few longer trips in there. (Like me...)

 

Therefore, make those miles count and enjoy it with a 272/280. 

 

Fuel cost different insignificant in the grand scheme of things

23 hours ago, KeteCantek said:

At 3000miles a year, let me assume it's not a lot of short commutes and there are a few longer trips in there. (Like me...)

 

Therefore, make those miles count and enjoy it with a 272/280. 

 

Fuel cost different insignificant in the grand scheme of things

Yes that's exactly it, I had an Octavia mk2 TDI VRS so I bought a bike to avoid short trips and hopefully no DPF issues but still mostly don't use the car for short trips so it's just a few long trips when going on holiday.  As you've said the fuel cost is inconsequential and doubt it's much different to the 2.5 Mazda engine so I wanted to check if there's any other costs to be aware of.

 

Thanks for all the comments although frustratingly the car I was going to have a look at has sold however it's useful to know there's no reason to count out the higher rated version.  

If you want a FWD version, maybe look for the 220tsi version. In normal driving, it'll feel as peppy ad the 280. Also has longer gear ratios for better motorway efficiency. 

 

 

6 hours ago, KeteCantek said:

If you want a FWD version, maybe look for the 220tsi version. In normal driving, it'll feel as peppy ad the 280. Also has longer gear ratios for better motorway efficiency. 

 

 

I'm assuming they must have stopped making that one a while ago?  The newest I can find for sale is a 67 plate, I'm aiming for three to four years old at the moment.

Edited 6 October, 20241 yr by JohnMcL7

Yes it stopped at 2017 I think. 

 

In that case, just aim for a 272/280. You will not regret it. We should all own a sleeper car (a warm one in this case ) once in our lives.