A lot depends on how you drive it as well, certainly worth taking it out for a nice blat on the motorway every once in a while I reckon

But when you buy a car, no matter what type of journeys you make, whether they be short or long, you expect a car costing a lot of money to be fit for its purpose.

In this instance, it appears that Skoda are just saying 'thanks for the cash, now put up or shut up'.

Honestly, I cannot believe what I have read in this thread.

Stuart, have you thought about speaking to a solicitor?

But when you buy a car, no matter what type of journeys you make, whether they be short or long, you expect a car costing a lot of money to be fit for its purpose.

In this instance, it appears that Skoda are just saying 'thanks for the cash, now put up or shut up'.

Honestly, I cannot believe what I have read in this thread.

Stuart, have you thought about speaking to a solicitor?

Skoda are also saying if you arent happy then sue the dealer as you cant touch us, your contracts with the dealer but according to the CAB that may well not be the case, something Im going to look into. I certainly have no axe to grind with Freeborn who supplied the car, no other dealer could touch them on price & the buying experience was excellent, their service dept have also done all they can & the company have generally dealt well with a very ****ed off Skoda customer.

re Solicitor, Im awaiting the result of another similar case Ive heard of against a manufacturer which is due in court shortly to give me an idea who to sue & what for, obviously I can say no more yet or reveal other things I know.

Well, good luck whatever happens Stuart, I just hope Skoda realise that this just does not reflect badly on the Superb, but all Skodas.

Would certainly make me think about buying another one if this is how they are going to treat customers who purchase their goods.

Its the sort of treatment you'd expect from an Arthur Daley type, not ahuge organisation.

My sympathies go out to all you 2.0pd owners. Mine is luckily the 1.9. I thought the 2.0 would be an improvement on the 1.9, as I am sure most of us probably did. It astounds me how short sighted SUK are being on this subject. Have they really forgotten the old Skoda reputation. Whether that reputation was justified or not, it did exist and still does to quite a large degree. Why can SUK not see that any improvement in Skoda's image over the last few years is not only down to us Skoda drivers, the ones who saw beyond the old reputation, but that the better reputation is on very thin ice. When faults become ignored in this 'up yours' manner, the phrase, 'well it's a Skoda, what did you expect' cannot be far behind. I hope you keep up the fight, you surely have 'right' on your side.

Having bought a late 130 PS Superb (which runs well) I can only agree with the comments above. The real problem here is not Skoda but VAG.

The most disappointing features of my Superb are all VW ****-ups which come from the old B5 Passat. The Superb is a re-cycled obsolete VW and not a Skoda. Knowing this car pretty well by now, it's evident to me that Skoda have had no design authority whatever (apart from brollys, Tesco hooks and a couple of useless LEDs), They are therefore not going to be even remotely in a position to rectify this design fault with the Cat IV 4 cyl. 8V diesels. All the technical know-how comes from the VW boot boys.

It rather looks as though the gloves are off with this problem - Skoda dealers have traditionally offered good service, fair value and a product which does what it says on the can. Because of the seriousness of this problem we are seeing the true old face of VAG - the Internet is littered with references to lousy and unfair service from the VW and Audi brands. It's a real tragedy that this has now crept into Skoda - the outcome of this issue will certainly influence my future vehicle purchases.

rotodiesel.

The most disappointing features of my Superb are all VW ****-ups which come from the old B5 Passat. The Superb is a re-cycled obsolete VW and not a Skoda. Knowing this car pretty well by now, it's evident to me that Skoda have had no design authority whatever (apart from brollys, Tesco hooks and a couple of useless LEDs), They are therefore not going to be even remotely in a position to rectify this design fault with the Cat IV 4 cyl. 8V diesels. All the technical know-how comes from the VW boot boys.

rotodiesel.

It's safe to say that this is your opinion and I do not agree with this comment.

Skoda have their own say so on what they design and change so it's not all down to VAG I am afraid, Seat are doing just the same with the current Leon by 'tweaking' the Cupra engine.

I respect your point of view but cannot agree with it. As an example of a VW inherited weakness, take a look at the Superb's front suspension. This gruesome arrangement uses pinch bolts at the top to lock the twin upper ball joints and the track rod end - precisely as it does on the B5. These bolts are unprotected from rust and seize solid into the steering knuckle as they are pelted with muck from the tyre, which gets in through the slots.

When your Superb is a few years old, it will fail an MOT test on worn suspension joints. It will cost a good deal of money in labour to get these bolts out - or drill them out. The garage trade hate this job on B5s.

It is inconceivable to me that a Company with the design ability of Skoda would have left this design as it is, unless made to do so by VAG.

rotodiesel.

I respect your point of view but cannot agree with it. As an example of a VW inherited weakness, take a look at the Superb's front suspension. This gruesome arrangement uses pinch bolts at the top to lock the twin upper ball joints and the track rod end - precisely as it does on the B5. These bolts are unprotected from rust and seize solid into the steering knuckle as they are pelted with muck from the tyre, which gets in through the slots.

When your Superb is a few years old, it will fail an MOT test on worn suspension joints. It will cost a good deal of money in labour to get these bolts out - or drill them out. The garage trade hate this job on B5s.

It is inconceivable to me that a Company with the design ability of Skoda would have left this design as it is, unless made to do so by VAG.

rotodiesel.

If your a regular visitor of this site then you may or may not be aware that my car, at 52 plate Superb, has 117k on the clock, purchased with 85k on the clock with no problems from the suspension issue you describe. I have since lowered the car on KW Variant 1 coilovers and still have no issues as you describe, I will however stand corrected if this problem occurs in the future.

You seem to have a problem with 'VAG motors' so why drive one? Or don't you? It's like saying I don't like 'French Car's' and then buying a Peugeot!!

At the end of the day VAG is a group of different brands and they are obviously going to 'share' parts within these brands, however you are mistaken if you think that 'one' source has 'all' the design rights.

I guess we will have to just 'agree to disagree'.

Back onto topic though, I do feel sorry for those of you who own a 2.0 TDI and hope that the problem is sorted in the coming months.

Whoever in VAG designed our car I dont really care, I just wish some of their boffins could sort it out & give us a reliable car, after all its described on the website as their flagship model, if the flagship isnt reliable it dosent bode well for the rest of the navy

Took your advice Stuart

Now have a brand new E class diesel sitting on the drive

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Strange - not had this on my 140 bhp Octy

Just keeping fingers crossed..

Strange - not had this on my 140 bhp Octy

Just keeping fingers crossed..

And you probably won't as your engine is a 16 valve unit where as the Superb's one is 8 valve. Plus you do not have the same type of exhaust filter on your Octavia.

So no worries

And you probably won't as your engine is a 16 valve unit where as the Superb's one is 8 valve. Plus you do not have the same type of exhaust filter on your Octavia.

So no worries

I believe the only Octy with a DPF is the new oil burning RS

Only time will tell how these fare

I am getting the feeling more & more that this car is suffering from new technologyitus. The new Emission regs have been dictated by Europe & many other cars are suffering in various ways as a result, The Fabia Hic problem I believe is as a result of the new codes.

Ive also heard again that other manufacturers are having various problems with similar filters, Renault have been mentioned several times but I dont know how true this is.

As Ive said before the Superb IMO is stunning value & a great car & 99% of the time its fine. It just appears that in certain conditions when driven in a certain manner it fails. Our car is now on about 18000 miles & has been faultless apart from a week in various Fench mountains when we did long decents using engine brakeing & then we had the warning light on 4 times & on the 4th we could not regenerate the filter & the car went into limp mode.

It would be interesting to do a poll on Briskoda (but I dont know how) to see how many people have the 140 Superb & how many have had warning lights on & how many have needed dealer fixes

Whatever the facts are a car should be able to cope with all driving conditions likely to be experienced by the average driver

Whatever the facts are a car should be able to cope with all driving conditions likely to be experienced by the average driver

Indeed. And if it can't, it should not be sold. Simple. Skoda can simply not do NOTHING!!!!!

It is their product and they must fix it.

Must admit if something so stupid spoiled my Superb I'd be gutted.....I really like it....value for money, cheap to run, nice to drive, the best car I have owned so far..........so glad I have the pd 130......but I would have been looking for a newer one in maybe a years time....but that's now off my list

I also heard DPF problems from a completely seperate party, however either way good luck Stuart, and hope your dealer understands.

IIRC renault use a paper filter that is replaced every 9k miles along with an oil change and a proper service every 18k on the laguna Euro IV dervs.

Sister-in -laws Renault Senic has a dpf filter and they have to at least once a week go on a long run to clear it, Renault Dealer said when they bought it that it won't be good for short journeys.

Extract from Fleet News (Fleet car managers Mag). June 2006

Fleet Company warns of potential DPF problem

Lombard Vehicle Management is concerned that some diesel engines fitted with filters to reduce particulate emissions can cause serious operational issues for fleets.

Monitoring of the Lombard fleet has shown that problems can occur if the diesel particulate filters are not cleared out when they become blocked. The vehicles then need to be regenerated - driven at a minimum speed for a period specified by the vehicle manufacturer - typically 50 mph for around 20 minutes.

If filter systems are not cleared, vehicles can go into 'limp-home' mode or in a worst-case scenario break down altogether.

Instructions and warnings are usually detailed in the vehicles' handbooks, but Lomard says drivers and fleet managers may be unaware of the problem. The issue is particularly serious for fleets which spend a large amount of time in urban environments where stop-start conditions can result in time off the road due to lack of regeneration.

Diesel particulate filters (DPF) have become widespread as a means of reducing harmful emissions. Whilst they are not always required for meeting the current Euro IV legislative standard, they are seen as the most likely solution for the reduced emissions required by the Euro V standard due in 2008.

"We fully support the efforts made by vehicle manufacturers and fleet managers to be environmentally responsible, but a DPF is not always necessary to meet the Euro IV standard," says the firm's head of sales, Edward Pigg.

"With these new findings in mind, fleet managers and operators should consider and qualify vehicle usage very carefully before committing to a specific model, and should identify such vehicles already on their fleet and educate the drivers. This is an area where, through our experience, we can truly add value to our customers."

Source: Autowired

http://www.lombardvehiclemanagement.co.uk/pressdocs/ParticulateFilters.pdf

Extract from Fleet News (Fleet car managers Mag). June 2006

Fleet Company warns of potential DPF problem

Lombard Vehicle Management is concerned that some diesel engines fitted with filters to reduce particulate emissions can cause serious operational issues for fleets.

Monitoring of the Lombard fleet has shown that problems can occur if the diesel particulate filters are not cleared out when they become blocked. The vehicles then need to be regenerated - driven at a minimum speed for a period specified by the vehicle manufacturer - typically 50 mph for around 20 minutes.

If filter systems are not cleared, vehicles can go into 'limp-home' mode or in a worst-case scenario break down altogether.

Instructions and warnings are usually detailed in the vehicles' handbooks, but Lomard says drivers and fleet managers may be unaware of the problem. The issue is particularly serious for fleets which spend a large amount of time in urban environments where stop-start conditions can result in time off the road due to lack of regeneration.

Diesel particulate filters (DPF) have become widespread as a means of reducing harmful emissions. Whilst they are not always required for meeting the current Euro IV legislative standard, they are seen as the most likely solution for the reduced emissions required by the Euro V standard due in 2008.

"We fully support the efforts made by vehicle manufacturers and fleet managers to be environmentally responsible, but a DPF is not always necessary to meet the Euro IV standard," says the firm's head of sales, Edward Pigg.

"With these new findings in mind, fleet managers and operators should consider and qualify vehicle usage very carefully before committing to a specific model, and should identify such vehicles already on their fleet and educate the drivers. This is an area where, through our experience, we can truly add value to our customers."

Source: Autowired

http://www.lombardvehiclemanagement.co.uk/pressdocs/ParticulateFilters.pdf

Interesting article, thanks.

Does anyone know if its possible to get a car tested for Euro 4 compliance, Im just wondering if I can find a man who can remove it & then we get it tested, if that works then we can sort out the warning lights afterwards.

Also interesteing from Mkd1's post that Renault warn owners about it, something Skoda havent done, it might all be detailed in the owners manual but you dont get to read that until you own the car so that defence wont work for them.

Extract from Fleet News (Fleet car managers Mag). June 2006

Fleet Company warns of potential DPF problem

"We fully support the efforts made by vehicle manufacturers and fleet managers to be environmentally responsible, but a DPF is not always necessary to meet the Euro IV standard," says the firm's head of sales, Edward Pigg.

Vehicle manufacturers minus Skoda it would seem

back to the top for anyone looking to buy a Superb 140

DPF's are quite an interesting subject and don't enjoy either the amount of information available concerning catalytic converters or petrol emissions systems.

It seems there are quite a few alternative technologies for implementing a DPF, in the case of the 140 Superb it would appear to be an additive assisted one, in that it will be a big matrix (like a cat if you've ever looked at one) with half the pores blocked off.

Soot particles are collected by the porous matrix, but of course this blocks the filter over a period of time, so when the filter starts to restrict (detected by the engine management, by higher pressure drop across the DPF) it goes into regenerate mode. To do this it raises the temperature in the DPF by adding more 'post injection' fuel and, in the case of additive DPF's, a dose of catalyst is added during regeneration, to the fuel, as it leaves the tank. The catalyst allows the soot to be burnt off at a lower temperature (about 400 degrees rather than 600), which is important since the material used in DPF's is easily damaged at higher temperatures.

The formulation of these catalysts is clearly a developing area, with newer formulations needing lower addition rates. I believe one is known as 'Cerium' - they seem to be iron based compounds. The dosage rate is so low that they are classed as a 'maintenance free' device, with lives of 80,000 miles seemedly being the target of manufacturers.

Peugeot are the people who seemed to adopt this technology first, more or less across most of their range by the looks of things. It seems each technology is affected by driving style, so some of the mentions of cars in here having more problems during town only driving are clearly one area of weakness.

Apologies if this is telling everyone how to suck eggs, found it a very interesting subject to read up on!

(off to either get a life or accept that I am actually, very, boring)

Renault have been using them for quite a bit longer than Skoda and at first they didn't mention anything to owners about needing to do long journeys to stop the filter getting blocked.

It was only once they started getting lots of people with "broken" cars that they have tried to get this in first so that they can say "I told you so"

The guidelines were released this year The M