I'm thinking about chopping my Superb in for a 2018 ex demonstrator Kodiaq 4x4 5seater DSG diesel with 60,000 miles on the clock, should I be concerned about cambelt, water pump and DSG fluid service along with the Haldex oil swap or not and is there anything else on this model that I should be paying attention to/ask about??

There should be a record of it having had the Haldex serviced twice by now. 3 years / 30,000 miles. Hopefully more than just oil changes were done. As to the DSG if a DQ381 with the scheduled service at 80,000 miles. Maybe done and maybe not. Or is it a DQ500 DSG, and a 40,000 mile service schedule. AC servicing, brake fluid changes. Any warranty work history?

Edited 8 July, 20258 Jul by Ootohere

Check all the obvious ones visually (tyre depth, age of tyres from 4 digit week & year code, brake pad thickness and brake disk condition.

Check under boot floor and around back seats for signs of careless ownership.

Then as @Ootohere says, if it needs haldex filter, full service, cam belt etc could easily rack up over £1000, over £2000 if brakes and tyres too, so get them to print or email full service history and study when things were last done (and more importantly by deduction what is not already done).

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As per the above - brakes, tyres, and Haldex would be my favourites alongside general condition / servicing. I'd not be bothered in the slightest about where it was serviced (I actually prefer local indie specialists over dealers).

Also check the coolant header tank - I think you should be OK in that respect (no silica bag) but worth checking for the 'mit silikat' label and an signs of discolouration and that the A/C blows cold (I've just had to have our 2018 Kodiaq recharged for the first time as it wasn't)

Other than that it's always worth checking if there are any 'optional extras' on it - we identified a few on ours which were 'nice to have's' an swung it for us.

Thanks for the help on this subject, unfortunately, I have been informed that the particular car that caught my eye was snapped up by the first person who has seen in person, it did indeed have some extras on which was what attracted me to it. There are a few of the entry level cars around, but they are expensive considering the lack of standard equipment that comes with them, and I'm afraid it is for me too much of a climb down to go from and L&K at the top of the tree to a basic bottom level car, so I'll have to keep my eye out for a mid spec car coming on the market.

Strangely, on the MK1 models they never had a L&K version, but since the MK2 came out in 2022 they do, but they are all 7 seaters which is totally useless to me. Odd that they should only consider them as 7 seaters when the extra space for rear seat passengers should be the jewel in the crown?

Edited 8 July, 20258 Jul by Graham Butcher

Just to add to this - nothing wrong with ex-demo cars. My car isn't, but one of my parents cars is an ex-demo and the other is ex-courtesy. Both very tidy, bought on a few thousand miles.

Ex-press is a bit different. If it's a 'normal' car then it's fine, but if it's anything performance based, I'd avoid.

The only real thing to look for is the DSG and Haldex service if applicable. You shouldn't be at belt/chain time yet, although 60k is nearing the therm/pump danger zone for some engines.

Yeah, I was thinking with it with it being used as a demonstrator, that the car would be kept in tip top condition as they are hoping on creating a good impression so the the customer places and order for a new one, and it would appear that was indeed the case, as the fist person to see it snapped it up.

Only potential issue I could think of was frequent short journeys/strain on battery and frequent washing. To be fair this car was kept inside for most of its time with BMW.

That said, none of these are really issues on a car with 60k miles. Shame it got snapped up, but we've all been there.

8 hours ago, Graham Butcher said:

Strangely, on the MK1 models they never had a L&K version, but since the MK2 came out in 2022 they do

Hi Graham,

Also moving to the Kodiaq side? 😉😄

Do you really mean Mk2 or only FL version of Mk1? Mine is a MY2022, and thus a FL one. And it IS in L&K trim.

I have to say I was lucky enough to find one with many options and very well equipped and therefore I fully understand you're hesitating to go from a L&K Superb Mk3 to a stripped down car... you'd regret your Superb...

Otherwise nothing to add to recommendations above.

Just one thing, what diesel engine had the one you've missed? Was it a TDI150, TDI190 or TDI200?

20 minutes ago, Bap33 said:

Hi Graham,

Also moving to the Kodiaq side? 😉😄

Do you really mean Mk2 or only FL version of Mk1? Mine is a MY2022, and thus a FL one. And it IS in L&K trim.

I have to say I was lucky enough to find one with many options and very well equipped and therefore I fully understand you're hesitating to go from a L&K Superb Mk3 to a stripped down car... you'd regret your Superb...

Otherwise nothing to add to recommendations above.

Just one thing, what diesel engine had the one you've missed? Was it a TDI150, TDI190 or TDI200?

Ooh, nice to have it in the L&K trim. I could only find find a brochure for the MK1 and the MK2, the FL one I'm unable to find any information on, The one I missed out on was the TDI150 hp one, plenty fast enough for me, I'm not a boy racer but no slouch either, these days I'm more interested in maxing the MPG as much as possible and drive mostly in eco mode with plenty of coasting when the conditions are right. I have the cream interior and so did the one I missed, front and rear parking sensors and traffic sensors, heated front and rear seats. electric seats, although, once I have them adjusted they don't move, so electric I could leave out, heated windscreen, AFS lighting, DCC, heated screen, tri zone AC, but 2 zone is OK, ambient lighting would be nice, ACC and speed limiter and the one thing I really must have is either Xeon or LED headlights with AFS.

It really needs to be diesel again with its extra low down torque figures, makes snow driving more of a doddle with its slow pickup when the gas peddle is pressed means that it keeps its composure more when driving on the slippery stuff.

6 hours ago, Graham Butcher said:

one thing I really must have is either Xeon or LED headlights with AFS

If that's the point, then you should focus on FL version. Led headlights were not available on non-FL. BTW, I think AFS was available with Xenon, but once they introduced LEDs, the moved to matrix LED which replaces both AFS and Smart Light Assist.

AFAIK FL version started in late 2021 or early 2022.

I ain't no boy racer either, but as I wanted a 4x4 from 2022, TDI200 was the only solution for me. TDI150 4x4 was not proposed in FL version (at least in France). Thus, looking for a TDI150 4x4 with matix headlights may sound like looking for a unicorn 🙃. I fear you have to choose between Non FL TDI150 4x4 with Xenon headlights and AFS and FL TDI190 / TDI200 4x4 with Matrix LED headlights.

Hope it helps refining your search criteria!

Glad to see you soon in the Kodiaq Mk1 forum 😉 !

Edited 9 July, 20259 Jul by Bap33

I'm pretty sure that the non face-lift Mk1s in the UK had led lights apart from the SE (which I have but even then proper alignment and decent bulbs make them much better).

@Bap33 if you go with the MK1 SEL trim level you do indeed get LED headlights with the AFS functionality, anything lower and you only get the standard Halogen headlights. I doubt that I'll get a face lift version as the price is still a bit steep for those, looking for a 2018-2019 ish model SEL with FSH and low mileage with the cream leather trim with as many extra toys thrown in for good measure

I'm not really bothered with the 4x4 version TBH, I've never had the benefit of having a 4x4 and have never managed to get stuck anywhere yet, that's a bonus of have taught how to drive by a bus driver and also spending a few hours in the bus driving school. This was requirement by the National Bus Company back in the day, even though I was on the engineering team, it just part of the system to get insurance cover in order to drive the buses and coaches on road test at the end of their routine servicing.

The TDI150 will be enough, but if anything larger crops up, I'll take it, the extra torque at tick over when driving on ice or snow is most welcome when pulling away from stationary.

Skoda-Kodiaq-2017-UK-.pdf

Edited 11 July, 202511 Jul by Graham Butcher

It is beginning to look like as if the only way I'm going to get a Kodiaq in SE L 5 seat format with heated seats, at least in the front if not the back, along with blind spot monitoring and front and rear parking sensors plus or not with reversing camera and auto, is to stick with Mk1. It would seem so far that that SE L and above in Mk2 guise only come as 7 seaters plus of course will be subject to the extra expensive car tax until 6 years have passed, and then that will more than likely become a permanent extra layer of tax.

Edited 10 July, 202510 Jul by Graham Butcher

One of the issues with manufacturers now only offering features as part of packs. It makes life easier for them and also brings in more money.

For example, say you’re looking at a 1 Series and really want a reverse camera. You can’t option that, so you have to get a car with the Technology Plus Pack (not the regular Technology Pack), which is only compatible with M Sport cars. Of course, if you don’t spec it yourself, you’ll find most Technology Plus Pack cars also have other options selected, that increase the cost. All you wanted was a rear camera!

That’s BMW (recently just went through it) but Skoda have been doing it for a while - IIRC you could only get DCC with KESSY and Canton, or something along those lines. It makes things cheaper for the manufacturer, while making things more expensive and annoying for the consumer.

The combination of this, along with the never ending cycle of shortage of cars with a “decent” spec means you end up with weird cars like mine - vRS 245 with ACC, black pack, digi dash, etc, but no power fold mirrors, front sensors or heated seats.

Don’t even get me started on how new cars can have a “high spec” with no adjustable lumbar…

Sorry, bit off topic, but I hate how manufacturers supply/force you to spec a bunch of stuff you don’t want (like 7 seats) just to get something you do want (like heated seats).

TBH it must be less expensive for the makers to have just the one wiring loom that goes into all cars. Then it just becomes a matter of ticking check boxes when ordering cars and also building them. It also opens up dealer fit options for the after thought options. Clearly things like panoramic roof and 7 seater versions must remain factory options only as bodies are also different.

Surely a five seater car would be considered as a higher spec car than a 7 seater unless the body was also stretched like in a LWB version, as the 5 seats would offer passengers more space to stretch out, but oddly they treat the 7 seater as the higher spec car☹️

Edited 11 July, 202511 Jul by Graham Butcher

The way that they do it must work cost wise nowadays due to high volumes.

I'm old enough to remember that when I bought a used Ford Escort De Lux van back in 1977, as it didn't have a coolant temperature gauge, all I needed to do was go to a scrappy and remove the dash pod from a same aged Ford Escort GXL or XL, and fit that after swopping the speedo, the extra wire/wires were there.

So, that meant that the temperature sensor and its wiring had been fitted already - I had checked - of course!

Actually found a Kodiaq, petrol SE auto 5 seater today and had a look at it, very basic car, manual seats, etc but it did have heated front seats. However the ease of getting in and out was far better than the Superb, and I could actually sit behind myself without my knees touching the drivers seat, excellent. Not had drive of one as yet, as I really value the input of the family into how they perceive the ride quality etc.

Still really would prefer a diesel for the extra torque and one with a few more bells and whistles, so for now I'll have to continue looking around.

6 hours ago, Graham Butcher said:

Not had drive of one as yet, as I really value the input of the family into how they perceive the ride quality etc.

Be prepared to find the Kodiaq firmer.

I had DCC on my ex-Superb Mk3 and have it on my current Kodiaq Mk1 too.

There is a significant difference between both cars, whatever 'normal' and 'comfort' mode.

The Superb was a 'magic carpet' on long trips. It absorbs all small road imperfections and bumps. You could hear them in the tires, but barely felt them. On some speed bumps in the neighborhood, I barely needed to brake. On the contrary, you can both hear and feel them in the Kodiaq. And on those same speed bumps, now it's better to brake, otherwise, you can get a bit juddered around.

Nevertheless, it doesn't mean the Kodiaq isn't comfortable. The Superb is simply smooth where the Kodiaq is a bit firm.

A test drive sounds a kind of GO / NO GO for you.

34 minutes ago, Bap33 said:

Be prepared to find the Kodiaq firmer.

I had DCC on my ex-Superb Mk3 and have it on my current Kodiaq Mk1 too.

There is a significant difference between both cars, whatever 'normal' and 'comfort' mode.

The Superb was a 'magic carpet' on long trips. It absorbs all small road imperfections and bumps. You could hear them in the tires, but barely felt them. On some speed bumps in the neighborhood, I barely needed to brake. On the contrary, you can both hear and feel them in the Kodiaq. And on those same speed bumps, now it's better to brake, otherwise, you can get a bit juddered around.

Nevertheless, it doesn't mean the Kodiaq isn't comfortable. The Superb is simply smooth where the Kodiaq is a bit firm.

A test drive sounds a kind of GO / NO GO for you.

I too have DCC on my Superb and I can honestly say that I certainly have not ever noticed that effect with it. I can certainly hear and feel the speed bumps and of course potholes, so maybe mine is not working correctly. It has had 2 new DCC shocks fitted at the front and a new spring. It is a soft ride ride though compared to my an Audi. I'll find out tomorrow how it compares to the Kodiaq.

Just done a Car Vertical report on it and it comes with a raft of extras that the garage seems to unaware off, like lane departure, blind spot, footwell lighting, front parking senors, space saver wheel and not a repair kit and also according to the build records, an electric auxiliary heater, and it is a 4x4 but car was ordered debadged and cream leather instead of black as the brochure states.

9 minutes ago, Graham Butcher said:

maybe mine is not working correctly

Maybe my English was not good enough. But I don't see why your Superb would not work correctly. BTW, I did have to replace both front shock absorbers on my ex-Mk3 too...

I just wanted to say that the comfort offered by a Superb Mk3 is high standard one. Thus don't be surprised if the Kodiaq is firmer. It's a SUV, it's not a 'mile-eater' as the Superb is...

Otherwise, this Kodiaq seems to be well equipped and matches many of your search criteria, doesn't it?

Edited 11 July, 202511 Jul by Bap33

I’ve found the DCC in our Ibiza FR to do literally nothing! At least, I can’t tell a difference - both in terms of comfort and handling.

You have to give and get with used cars. This one has everything you want plus more, even if you get manual seats, etc.

My vRS sourced by the dealer was the 245 I wanted (DQ381, LSD and bigger brakes) and had the digi dash and ACC (two things I really wanted), but I had to make my peace with 18s, no folding mirrors, etc. You can’t have everything, unfortunately, and the cream seats are like the digi dash on my car - quite a nice and rare option.

True, but I did get electric front seats with memory (assuming they are working), heated and folding mirrors, would have liked to have the ambient interior lighting pack that the Superb has and going from the build sheets, it has headlamp washers, washer fluid level, start/stop with regenerative braking, heated front seats, so not too shabby. I like the idea of a digi dash, but sure how reliable they are long term.

I had to have my Occy with the digi dash as I really hated how the gauges looked. Everything 2020 onwards (mine is a very late previous gen Octavia) doesn't have dials anyway.

I personally just leave it as speedo and tacho, with oil temp/ACC in the middle, but RS mode is fun and the maps are cool to play with too.

Absolutely zero issues in my ownership - can't really see any disadvantages over traditional gauges, and there's nothing mechanical to go wrong.

The fuel gauge is crap, but that's the same in every car I've been in past 2015.

13 hours ago, Graham Butcher said:

I like the idea of a digi dash, but sure how reliable they are long term.

Just have in mind that roughly 10000 aircrafts fly everyday with digidashes and some of these A/C have more than 20 y.o. This technology appeared in the 80's... For sure digidashes in cars are not dual-channel ones as in aircrafts to improve reliability and safety, but I think one can easily say, that's now a proven technology. 🙂

The first digidashes appeared in Superb Mk3 in 2018 for instance. They have now cumulated enough lessons learnt thru all VAG models to improve their reliability, I guess ;).