Are there any major things I should be looking out for?

I'm On my second mk3 in last 6 years. Not found any problems other than the odd battery and sensor issues. Buying a used motor , same things need to be checked. ie, make sure it's been regularly serviced etc. I've been very happy with my 1.5 tsi SE L dsg estates. Good luck.

I agree decent if not full service history including dsg regular service. Check old MOT results as well. Amazing what comes up like bald tyres etc which points to a car that hasnt been cared for. Also MOT will note underbody corosion etc especially if its from a high road salt area.

Alasdair

Ah Yes!

I've litteraly just, (as in yesterday) bought a 2017 1.4 TSI SE L 5dr DSG.

The comments you've received so far are excellent.... There are some that I'd add too. Apologies in advance for the war and peace 😂

1st off - Do an HPI, Experian etc check!

Visuals:

Check all of the panels over. Wings, doors and check the panel gaps etc for paint & possible repairs. Check the sills for dents, (rubbish tyre fitters etc). Check the windscreen - Nice if it has the original Skoda stamped screen with the ticket holder in it. Whilst your're at it check the VIN No in the windscreen from outside nearest the passengers side under the wiper, and check it against the number stamped on the driver's side inner wing, under the bonnet.

Check these two against the paper VIN sticker in the boot to the left of the spare wheel, under the carpet. Check spare wheel and tools (if fitted) whilst you're there. Check interior, steering wheel, switches, seats for operation, and wear and tear. Make sure that you turn the aircon on full blast cold then fully up to max heat to make sure all work ok.

Check Tyres! Need to have meaty tread of course, plus be reputable brands and ideally all 4 matching... Failing that, matching pairs essential.

Keys... 2 or even 3 Keys (ideal), and an owners wallet is important to me.. If it only has one key then cut the price down... Original Owners handbook is important to me, as it has the vehicle VIN on the inside cover.

Mechanicals/Electricals:

Check engine over. Check condition of oil. Brake fluid is clear. Check that coolant is pink and NOT muddy red. (failed Silikat bag). Ask me how I know?

Check if possible exhaust and condition underneath. Check that engine starts up free of all rattling, smoke and check that engine dashboard fault lights are non-existant.

Make sure you're happy with how the car drives. When the car gets up to temp, check that Stop/Start works okay.. Watch on the dashboard & observe the gearbox go smoothly through all 7 gears. Have a go in Sport and Manual modes, plus use the steering wheel paddles (if they're fitted). Test reverse, full lock left/right and check park sensors/camera (if fitted). Handbrake, brakes. Check dampers for leaks & that springs look ok - (The amount of times I've seen MOT advisories "Dampers show light misting of oil" or "' Coil spring Spring fractured/broken" on VAG cars)... Check the LED headlights (If you're able to).

DSG Gearbox and Timing belt/Water pump changes. Depending on mileage, check to see whether these have been done? If your car is fitted with the 7 Speed Dry Clutch DQ200 DSG box (like mine), then there seems to be a great deal of contention about whether it needs oil change or not? I myself need to read up on this, as I'm still not sure?

Paperwork:

Check service history thoroughly... Hopefully if it has Dealership (ideal) or registered independent servicing (2nd best). If so, then that work will (should) have been captured online. A 2019 car should have that. Paper invoices always help.

The amount of cars I've looked at, advertised as "Full Service History" only to have big chunks missing between services is laughable, but please do keep in mind that if the car is on a 'Long life' Service interval and does low miles annually, then it is possible that the car may not have visited a service centre every single year...Take time to pour over the paperwork and cross check it against the MOTs, and change of ownership etc.

As suggested above follow the MOT history to check whether historic issues were/have been addressed, and ask for a car with a short MOT to have a fresh one put on.

Sorry for the essay, but throughout my multiple Skoda ownerships I've been caught out on nearly all of the above, mostly through my own ignorance, stupidity, lack of attention/ awareness, but sometimes through seller craftiness.

I appreciate that what I've listed may well be overkill, but I'd say that an HPI (or similar) check, plu an MOT history check whist you're having a cuppa can sometimes tell you whether it's even worth going to see a car as the results you get back can sometimes be that obvious.

Good luck. I'm sure you'll find a great one!

Edited 1 hour ago1 hr by GordoGT

There is no REGULAR Servicing scheduled, advised or recommended for a DQ200 DSG which has 2 oils and a tiny filter in the MCU. This is not to say that you can not change both oils, but a main Dealership might not be prepared to, but a Service Desk person might advise it is done and will book it in, and then have no idea of the cost of Servicing a DQ200 DSG. Get done at an Automatic Gearbox specialist if getting done.

Edited 1 hour ago1 hr by Evolution13