Superb 2nd hand what to look for

[rpdm]

Hi, i am looking for a new car (2nd hand) for the family and have come across the superb, I really like the size and space, be great for our dogs too. the issue i have is that everyone i know is saying stay away from the VW DSG, i would go manual, but doesn't look like the superb in oz came in a manual. Im looking around the 2011 model, wagon, around 90,000 km on he clock. it has the 1.8 petrol 7speed dsg. what is the thing to look out for? is it too much of a risk with the dsg? i know they were recalled for vw, did they also recal the skoda's? and once the fix was put in place, any more issues with the dsg? any advice would be great. thanks.

[code618]

Hi, i am looking for a new car (2nd hand) for the family and have come across the superb, I really like the size and space, be great for our dogs too. the issue i have is that everyone i know is saying stay away from the VW DSG, i would go manual, but doesn't look like the superb in oz came in a manual. Im looking around the 2011 model, wagon, around 90,000 km on he clock. it has the 1.8 petrol 7speed dsg. what is the thing to look out for? is it too much of a risk with the dsg? i know they were recalled for vw, did they also recal the skoda's? and once the fix was put in place, any more issues with the dsg? any advice would be great. thanks.

I'd go for a 125 TDI Elegance spec or 191 FSI predominantly as they have the 6sp DSG
That preference aside,
A couple of things:
Go for the Elegance spec over the Ambition (second hand there won't be much price difference)
There are a decent amount of ex Europecar hire cars in from 2010/11 in Ambition spec with leather. So, if it's this spec check the history. I would not be keen on an ex hire car..
DSG history is a must. Included in the history would be any recall and replacement documentation

When I was looking around for a second car I looked at a couple of 118TSI Superbs but on consultation with my VAG specialist mechanic the advice was to avoid them once above about 120k mileage

[rpdm]

Thanks, was that 120k miles or Km's, I will only look at the elegance model, looks the best. also do you know if the dsg has been replaced under the warranty recall if they are now fixed and no more problems? Or always an issue?

[notflyingscot]

We had to have "clutch pack" fitted to our 4/12 build 118tsi at 18000Kms.(under warranty) Now at 36000Kms and no sign of the previous rough changes so far. We don't do a lot of mileage and it gets driven pretty gently most of the time by an old fart! As someone already mentioned make sure you see the history of recall and other work done on the car. Like most owners I do find it a bit pointless that it is "7 Speed" when in reality at take off the wheels appear to do about one complete revolution before 2nd gear is engaged. However to get a bit more legs out of first gear it would seem that rather expensive after market reprogramming is required.
I know of two other forum members with very similar age cars to ours who also had clutch packs done under warranty all around the same mileage and theirs have also remained fine the last I heard. They are a nice comfy car with "Tardis" like interior space. If nothing else starts failing on the car ours will be a "keeper" but I have a notional "fund" set aside in case I do need to have the clutches ever done again.

[code618]

Thanks, was that 120k miles or Km's, I will only look at the elegance model, looks the best. also do you know if the dsg has been replaced under the warranty recall if they are now fixed and no more problems? Or always an issue?

Kms although I don't think they meant a 'line in the sand' type approach, just a guide...

[2009fsi]

G'day rpdm,
In my opinion there after no specific problems you need to look for in 3T Superbs, beyond due consideration of the miles on the clock.

Code618's reference to over 120ks on the clock, especially with a 118 is appropriate. At around 100ks some VW engines it is recommended some VW engines should have their timing chains replaced. Generally they go a lot longer than that, if they've been regularly serviced. It is something to have a mechanic check. Personally I change oils every 5000ks, but many only do every 15000ks. Oil is cheaper than timing chains. Leased or fleet vehicles are disposed of regularly, so usually only minimally serviced. Check the aircon is working efficiently. It should be if serviced regularly.

On DSGs, there is a fundamental difference between the 6 & 7 speed boxes. The six speed is a strong reliable unit which uses a wet clutch, whereas the seven speed is a dry clutch unit only suitable behind a lower powered engine. I'd go for the six speed, even if it means buying a different car. Nearly all the bad DSG problems & publicity started with the arrival of the seven speed box. If you can find an older motoring review of a 2009-2010 Superb online, you'll find the writer raving about how good the DSG is. The same journos now write as if every DSG is a seven speed.

A lot of cars have over 100,000kms on them, but there are genuine bargains about with low ks on the clock. Worth looking around at prices online before negotiating with a dealer. Here's a benchmark for you: A fellow former 191 Superb elegance owner who lives close to me traded his MY2010 V6, with less than 40,000ks on the clock to a dealer in Parramatta. It is in near new condition, yet the dealer can't sell it. The price has gone from 18990, to 16990 & now 14990. If I was looking for a second car, it would be hard to beat. The 191 is thirstier, but the dollars saved on price can buy a hell of a lot of juice. Although it is in NSW, it might be an interesting benchmark to throw at a dealer. 2009 SKODA SUPERB 3.6 FSI ELEGANCE For Sale $14,990 Automatic Hatchback | CarsGuide
.

[code618]

Wow
That 191 v6 in the link is an absolute bargain

[woofy]

Yeah it is, they haven't advertised the features properly, typical. Those have a lot of features it is not listing there that would get peoples attention. For starters it has Sat Nav.

[dec76]

Yeah it is, they haven't advertised the features properly, typical. Those have a lot of features it is not listing there that would get peoples attention. For starters it has Sat Nav.

This isn't a Nav equipped model. this has a Bolero as you can tell by the six menu buttons rather than 8. also only rear park assist!!!!

[rpdm]

Thanks all for your comments, That's a great car for the price, just a shame not a wagon. just have to sell the wife's car to buy one now.