Superb 125TDI or 191FSI

[code618]

Used Skoda Superbs......
Just wanted some input as to what the feeling is on whether a 125 TDI or a 191 FSI is a better proposition?
Brief is
- must be a wagon
- must not be a 118 7sp combination
- Elegance spec
My usage would be...
- moderate mileage only with stop start traffic and only 1 long haul/interstate trip per year

I expect general thoughts would be go for a diesel if you do plenty of open road trips or go for the 191 if you can find a decent one and don't mind the running costs but if there is anything particular with either of these would be great to hear from the forum gurus

[ope126]

What's wrong with the 118TSI???

Anyone will be fine!

From what I hear the V6 could be a little thirsty with the type of driving you are looking at.

Maybe it comes down to price / features / options / remaining warranty and lower kms etc.

Good luck!

[code618]

Thanks for the response!
There are enough threads on here re the 118 7sp combination that it's something I won't ever buy. It's also corroborated by my VAG specialist garage (when the mileage gets up).
Also, there are quite a number of ex hire car (Europecar) Superb wagons with the 118 7sp combo but only in the ambition spec (hence Elegance requirement).

[twincab]

For your stop/start city driving the petrol version is probably the better bet. You are still going to get good mileage on your yearly trip.

[Albervin]

Diesels really need to get hot or the DPF clogs and that is a big cost. I have had a 191 for 4 years and love it. I don't do a lot of driving so fuel costs are not important. On trips down to Canberra from Wollongong I get phenomenal fuel consumption if I stick close to the speed limit. Around the city of course it is pretty bad but over a year I would say the difference between 6l/100km and 10l/100km would be inconsequential for me and I do get to put the boot in now and then to exercise the V6. Service costs are about $350/year but I will need to have a full DSG service this year so that will bump up the costs. Last week I towed a motorcycle down to Canberra and back and the fuel consumption was as it is always on the trip, 8.7l/100Km.

[2009fsi]

I agree Albervin.
Out on more open road the 191 is frugal at the speed limit. In city traffic, thirsty. Your figures similar to mine. The 191 is a fantastic car for a driver. Good engine, suspension & phenomenal brakes. The 4x4 make driving in the wet virtually no different to the dry. It is a driver's car. For what you get in a 191, at the price they trade for used, they're an absolute bargain.
I don't think fuel economy is ever the main consideration in buying a car. It is part of the total package. While looking at the 206 on Saturday, one of the salesmen took to talking about 'fuel cost'. I worked it out the change over price from 191 to 206 would cover the higher consumption of the 191 for around 130 years!
If you desire one, buy it. If fuel cost worries you, drive it at 125 pace.

[jackpos]

Diesels really need to get hot or the DPF clogs and that is a big cost. I have had a 191 for 4 years and love it. I don't do a lot of driving so fuel costs are not important. On trips down to Canberra from Wollongong I get phenomenal fuel consumption if I stick close to the speed limit. Around the city of course it is pretty bad but over a year I would say the difference between 6l/100km and 10l/100km would be inconsequential for me and I do get to put the boot in now and then to exercise the V6. Service costs are about $350/year but I will need to have a full DSG service this year so that will bump up the costs. Last week I towed a motorcycle down to Canberra and back and the fuel consumption was as it is always on the trip, 8.7l/100Km.

I've had a 2011 diesel Skoda Scout for 4 years, always running BP Ultimate, and mostly sub 5km trips with occasional 4 hour highway runs (3-4 times a year). I also have a 2011 Skoda Superb 125 diesel wagon I've had for 12 months and the same story. Neither vehicle has exhibited any symptoms of DPF clogging and remain smooth, responsive, and extremely economical. I've had dozens of cars, including Europeans, over the years and these are the best by far.

[Transporter]

Diesels really need to get hot or the DPF clogs and that is a big cost.

Is it from your own experience or just from something that you have read on the internet?

Because, from my own experience and experience with our 5 DPF equipped diesel cars in family ranging from 2008 to 2015 and combine mileage of almost 300,000km we had absolutely no problems with the DPF filters only great fuel economy despite a lot of stop start short trips driving. The 2008 V6 Touareg now done almost 160,000km, I've only replaced the sensor for the differential pressure on DPF, at cost of $100 in 2010.

So, I can safely say that what you say and what dealers are saying to people who want to buy diesel is based on a few stories from early days, when the first generation of sensors were failing leading to the DPF blockages. Which in my view was often caused that some drivers, just like today taking a lot of time, often driving several thousands of km with the "check engine" light on before going to workshop to get their car looked at.

[skodian]

Is it from your own experience or just from something that you have read on the internet?

Because, from my own experience and experience with our 5 DPF equipped diesel cars in family ranging from 2008 to 2015 and combine mileage of almost 300,000km we had absolutely no problems with the DPF filters only great fuel economy despite a lot of stop start short trips driving. The 2008 V6 Touareg now done almost 160,000km, I've only replaced the sensor for the differential pressure on DPF, at cost of $100 in 2010.

So, I can safely say that what you say and what dealers are saying to people who want to buy diesel is based on a few stories from early days, when the first generation of sensors were failing leading to the DPF blockages. Which in my view was often caused that some drivers, just like today taking a lot of time, often driving several thousands of km with the "check engine" light on before going to workshop to get their car looked at.

I cannot agree more. I have NO DPF issue I drove less than 15kms per day (Mon-Friday) dropping kids to school back.
and 200k+ on weekend

However, I do service as per schedule.
This is my thinking :-

1) V6 option
+VE
Launch control (handy in traffic light )
smoother as it comes 2 extra cylinders at lower Rev
Engine note Sound nicer both low and top end
(just) Slightly less noisier than VAG diesel
AWD grip
-ve
Thirsty (depends on your annual mileage or driving pattern)
Generally more complex the diesel in terms maintenance . e.g. spark plugs

1) TDi option
+VE
Torque at your disposal at any time, which can give any petrol car a good run after rolling started
You general filled your fuel tank fortnightly vs V6 model weekly
You probably save around 1-12k$ on fuel if you do combine driving for 20k mileage annually.
-ve
a bit of torque steer as front wheel drive only
Just lightly nosier than petrol (compare to my current Audi with EA888 petrol engine)
you get smoking (like BBQ) smell during DPF regen if you are driving in metro. You won't feel/smell it if running on highway
diesel fume is more carcinogenic than petrol in general

[jackpos]

Diesels really need to get hot or the DPF clogs and that is a big cost. I have had a 191 for 4 years and love it. I don't do a lot of driving so fuel costs are not important. On trips down to Canberra from Wollongong I get phenomenal fuel consumption if I stick close to the speed limit. Around the city of course it is pretty bad but over a year I would say the difference between 6l/100km and 10l/100km would be inconsequential for me and I do get to put the boot in now and then to exercise the V6. Service costs are about $350/year but I will need to have a full DSG service this year so that will bump up the costs. Last week I towed a motorcycle down to Canberra and back and the fuel consumption was as it is always on the trip, 8.7l/100Km.

I've had a Scout 103Tdi for 5 years and two 125 diesel Superb Elegance wagons (3 Skodas at present). They mainly do 5 or 7 km round trips, with very occasional highway runs. I have always run them on BP diesel and have NEVER had a hint of a blocked DPF. I chose them because of the 6-speed wet clutch DSG, which is a lot more reliable than the 7-speed on the turbo petrol models. I also love the steady, relaxed feel of the diesel and their wonderful fuel economy. The more highly tuned 125Kw Superbs are a lot quicker (8.9 secs to 100kph), with a slightly less relaxed feel compared with the 103Kw Scout. BTW, the only repairs have been half a dozen globes, a jammed seat belt retractor on the Scout, and a new aircon compressor on an accident-affected Superb. All were used vehicles when bought.