Skoda Superb - would you?

DublinWriter

Thinking of trading my current car for a new-ish Skoda Superb.

What's the general consensus about them? I've been hearing nothing but good things so far.

Are there any models/years to avoid? I'd thinking of getting the 1.9 diesel model.

Thanks.

Owen

Honestly, I would. I think it's a great car - and I've never really liked Skodas. I wouldn't mind one in an estate - they look great, and seem to have all the gadgets too.

EPM

I would but I would search out a 2 litre diesel as the car is too big IMO for the 1.9.

GTE

If I had to get an estate and stick with VAG I would look for a Passat but since the new one has come out the Superb is whooping its ass.

I would give major consideration to the Superb 170 TDI.

R.O.R

The 1.9Tdi isn't too bad as long as you aren't expecting a rocket. It's adequate, if that will do you in a car.

Go as new as you can. Specification changed on them in late 09 so what is now Ambition specification is more or less the same as the earlier Elegance specification.

I haven't seen anything below an Ambition specification so don't know what the Comfort or Greenline are like, but a late 09 Ambition 1.9Tdi would be fantastic value for money.

whippet

I was somewhat of a badgesnob and realised I had to change the GTI to a practical estate diesel over the christmas time.

I looked at everything from Volvo, Opel, VW, Ford etc .. and as soon as I landed in a Skoda dealership the only decision I was left to make was what colour I wanted !!

I went for the 2.0L 170bhp Estate and won't take delivery until late march ... but as much as it pains me to get rid of the GTI I am looking forward to the Skoda, with the Elegance spec there really is nothing left to tick on the options list.

To cut a long story short .. I ain't a badge snob anylonger!

maddness

In the real world they are great. I love my one because it is so much better than I thought it was going to be. I drove a 1.9tdi and I thought it was terrible though. Tdi 170 is much more like it. Much better drive than I thought and handling is really much better that you might think.
Dont get me wrong, I would still rather a 520D, but value for money the Superb is hard to beat.

-Corkie-

I would try and get the 2.0 TDI OP. They are a great car. As for badge snobbery I lost that when my VW dealer tried to tell me my 08 2.0 TDI passat was worth as much as a Lada Riva....:rolleyes:

brainer in disguise

I wouldn't hesitate a bit, let's be honest skoda is nothing else than a cheaper Audi, (since they incorporated nearly everything from lambos to their new A5s and R8s they felt a bit guilty and put new gadgets into skodas)
why would I go and spend fortune when I can have nearly the same product at a lower price.

SpannerMonkey

hell ya , love them :cool:

Mr Benevolent

Every time I see a Superb I want one of these:



And yes I would buy a Superb if I could find a V6 or V8 petrol DSG model with full leather and all the extras.

-Corkie-

R.O.R wrote: »

The 1.9Tdi isn't too bad as long as you aren't expecting a rocket. It's adequate, if that will do you in a car.

Go as new as you can. Specification changed on them in late 09 so what is now Ambition specification is more or less the same as the earlier Elegance specification.

I haven't seen anything below an Ambition specification so don't know what the Comfort or Greenline are like, but a late 09 Ambition 1.9Tdi would be fantastic value for money.

Actually your the man that knows. Can you still get the 1.9 or is it all 1.6 now. Is the 1.6 awful slow?

Mr Benevolent

-Corkie- wrote: »

Actually your the man that knows. Can you still get the 1.9 or is it all 1.6 now. Is the 1.6 awful slow?

The 1.9 was replaced by the 2L in 2006/7.

-Corkie-

Confab wrote: »

The 1.9 was replaced by the 2L in 2006/7.

That couldnt be right. I have the new Superb brochure and it tells me the 1.9pd engine is still available. It dont mention it on the pricelist though and the brochure was printed late last year...

Divorce Referendum

-Corkie- wrote: »

That couldnt be right. I have the new Superb brochure and it tells me the 1.9pd engine is still available. It dont mention it on the pricelist though and the brochure was printed late last year...

Yep you are right. Here is one that was posted in the badge snob thread. 2010 model: http://www.carzone.ie/search/Skoda/Superb/ELEGANCE/201040199807923/advert?channel=CARS

Jalalabad

Father in law just got the 2l 170bhp ambition spec combi and it's an amazing car for the money. The elegance has a couple more goodies but not much more. Highly recommended!!!

-Corkie-

Divorce Referendum wrote: »

Yep you are right. Here is one that was posted in the badge snob thread. 2010 model: http://www.carzone.ie/search/Skoda/Superb/ELEGANCE/201040199807923/advert?channel=CARS

Its nearly 4k cheaper than the 2.0 so. Is it worth saving it for 40 odd horses.

Divorce Referendum

-Corkie- wrote: »

Its nearly 4k cheaper than the 2.0 so. Is it worth saving it for 40 odd horses.

Hard to know really depends on the budget. Doesnt the 2.0L have alot of reliability problems that 1.9L doesnt have or have they ironed them out?

-Corkie-

Divorce Referendum wrote: »

Hard to know really depends on the budget. Doesnt the 2.0L have alot of reliability problems that 1.9L doesnt have or have they ironed them out?

I can budget for the 170 even with a few extra toys but 4k is a lot of brass for overtaking plus the wife will be driving it. I dont know about the newer 2.0 TDI engines.

Matt Simis

OSI wrote: »

It's available as a 3.6 V6 with 4 wheel drive and DSG

That would be my preference.


Though Id prefer it in Combi guise with the Pano glass roof:

R.O.R

-Corkie- wrote: »

Actually your the man that knows. Can you still get the 1.9 or is it all 1.6 now. Is the 1.6 awful slow?

I'm not sure, and hopefully won't find out.

The 1.9Tdi was on my price list from Tarrants before Christmas but the 1.6 wasn't. Suppose I'll find out if someone wants to order one.

Haven't driven a Superb 1.6tdi, but it wasn't great in the Passat I had. It's fine around town, and would suit for my boring, steady speed commute, but pulling out in to the outside lane without fcuking up someone else's journey takes quite a bit of planning because there is no appreciable acceleration in 5th from 100km/h.

Have a 2.0Tdi 170 DSG Ambition arriving tomorrow. Left Cork today so hopefully will be in early enough tomorrow.

tossy

Id love to buy a 3.6 combi and turbo it,you would be talking around 550bhp at least uprate the brakes to those from an RS4/RS6 fit coil overs to firm it up but keep it sitting at factory height.Then go looking for victims

Matt Simis

tossy wrote: »

Id love to buy a 3.6 combi and turbo it,you would be talking around 550bhp at least uprate the brakes to those from an RS4/RS6 fit coil overs to firm it up but keep it sitting at factory height.Then go looking for victims

If I won some cash I would commission crazy crap like that! Cant find any VAG unit with the 3.6 thats already been FI'ed though.

vectra

Confab wrote: »

The 1.9 was replaced by the 2L in 2006/7.

-Corkie- wrote: »

That couldnt be right. I have the new Superb brochure and it tells me the 1.9pd engine is still available. It dont mention it on the pricelist though and the brochure was printed late last year...

Current lineup is as far as i know:

1.4tsi
1.6Tdi
1.8Tsi
2.0 Tdi
3.6 V6


I stand to be corrected

pburns

I am a curious type of brand snob I suppose. I don't really like the upmarket me-too marques like Merc, BMW, Audi. Particularly Mercedes I suppose...I consider modern Astons quite vulgar.

But...TBH...at the other end of the scale, I'd have a hard time deciding on a Skoda also. Partly because of the old image, mainly because the hard sell on this forum is putting me off and partly because taxi ranks and mart yards are littered with them. If I needed the space I'd probably go for a Superb estate but it'd be a bitter pill! Octavias in particular are so utilitarian and commonplace.

I suppose I like brands that are different, maybe slightly aspirational - Saab, Volvo, Alfa, non-scuzball Subarus. Above all though I like driving something that is subtle, doesn't draw too much attention or project a brash image, but also something that is not run-of-the-mill.

-Corkie-

vectra wrote: »

Current lineup is as far as i know:

1.4tsi
1.6Tdi
1.8Tsi
2.0 Tdi
3.6 V6


I stand to be corrected

They dropped the PD 1.9 so. Not a bad engine I have it in my own poverty spec Passat with 291k on it.:)

VolvoMan

DublinWriter wrote: »

Skoda Superb - would you?

That's like asking would you go down on your best mate's fat ould one.

dixiefly

VolvoMan wrote: »

That's like asking would you go down on your best mate's fat ould one.

eh...no its not.

And in answer to the OP, of course I would if I could afford it. Hope to change next year and Skoda Superb is one of about 3 or 4 cars I hope to go for.

VolvoMan

dixiefly wrote: »

eh...no its not.

Yeah it is.

It may not be sexy and may be ugly, but it sure delivers value for your money.:D

unkel

tossy wrote: »

Id love to buy a 3.6 combi and turbo it,you would be talking around 550bhp at least uprate the brakes to those from an RS4/RS6 fit coil overs to firm it up but keep it sitting at factory height.Then go looking for victims

Ultimate sleeper :cool:

-Chris-

VolvoMan wrote: »

That's like asking would you go down on your best mate's fat ould one.

OK, calm down a little...

bazz26

1.9 TDI has now been dropped from all VAG cars sold in Europe since the start of this year afaik as it isn't Euro V compliant.

tossy

Matt Simis wrote: »

If I won some cash I would commission crazy crap like that! Cant find any VAG unit with the 3.6 thats already been FI'ed though.

Vr6 specialists are the guys to talk to,i'll be going there with my next forced induction sleeper - a bit down the line yet though

As for R36 turbo's....

This monster..700bhp on 18 psi and 1000bhp on 34psi :eek:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mROv6RTS-G0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EODjyvTelLI

tossy

bazz26 wrote: »

1.9 TDI has now been dropped from all VAG cars sold in Europe since the start of this year afaik as it isn't Euro V compliant.

Its still BTCC compliant though

Lex Luthor

while I have to admit the pricing, standard kit and quality of the Superb may be very hard to beat at the moment, I have to say I am having a hard time loving the look of it.

The same for me can be said of the Yeti. While it has everything you could want for a family car, the looks are just putting me off.

It still doesn't stop them flying out the door and you really cant deny their value for money.

I have to applaud them for what they are bringing to the table but they should really make a bit more of an effort looks wise. If they could top that, they could rule the world

taintabird

EPM wrote: »

I would but I would search out a 2 litre diesel as the car is too big IMO for the 1.9.

rubbish 1.9 is equally as good and a better engine imo
I say go for it either way good car

EPM

taintabird wrote: »

rubbish 1.9 is equally as good and a better engine imo
I say go for it either way good car

But 105 brake in a car of that size? Add a couple of passengers and you're really going to be putting it under pressure. I thought the 1.9 tdi was poor enough in the Passat tbh, although the Skoda is actually lighter than the Passat!

No doubt it will have longevity but so far the newer common rail seem to be quite good in that regard. The 140 brake diesel was the older PD until recently and best avoided by all accounts.

-Chris-

taintabird wrote: »

rubbish 1.9 is equally as good and a better engine imo
I say go for it either way good car

There's no way you can say that the 1.9 is as good (or better) than the 2.0. Has the 2.0 gone CR in this car yet? If so then the gap's even bigger!

EPM

-Chris- wrote: »

There's no way you can say that the 1.9 is as good (or better) than the 2.0. Has the 2.0 gone CR in this car yet? If so then the gap's even bigger!

I think they are all CR now but there was a 2 litre PD in for a while. Seemed strange given the 170 was also CR.

taintabird

EPM wrote: »

The 140 brake diesel was the older PD until recently and best avoided by all accounts.

The 1.9 R4 TDI PD were manufactured in industrial commercial automotive and marine applications from 74 bhp with 210 newton meters of torque to 158 bhp with 330 newton meters of torque. The 105 bhp engine you refer to in the superb is the bsv engine code which produces 103 bhp and 250 newton meters of torque at 4000 rpm.

I have seen these engines with very high mileage and still running ok. As with any engine correct servicing is essential so I personally don't share your view that they should be avoided. There isn't anything wrong with the common rail engines other than the fact that if you have a fuel system problem it can be a expensive fix, contaminated or low grade diesel fuel can cause problems, the pd or pumpe duse unit injectors while not good for them will tolerate bad fuel a little better.

cadaliac

Divorce Referendum wrote: »

Hard to know really depends on the budget. Doesnt the 2.0L have alot of reliability problems that 1.9L doesnt have or have they ironed them out?

They most certainly did. They had a weak oil pump. However, they have modified the pump now.
It will depend on the year you are looking at OP. I think that all recall work done (for the oil pump) were given the new modified pump and (I'm not sure about this) but after 07, all the 2.0 units had the pump modification. Now, that could be 08, I'm not too sure. Your best bet would be to ring up VW and ask them out straight.
There is an engine code you can get that will tell if it has the correct pump also.
The passats suffered from other issues also but i havent heard any similar issues from the Skoda camp.

EPM

taintabird wrote: »

The 1.9 R4 TDI PD were manufactured in industrial commercial automotive and marine applications from 74 bhp with 210 newton meters of torque to 158 bhp with 330 newton meters of torque. The 105 bhp engine you refer to in the superb is the bsv engine code which produces 103 bhp and 250 newton meters of torque at 4000 rpm.

I have seen these engines with very high mileage and still running ok. As with any engine correct servicing is essential so I personally don't share your view that they should be avoided. There isn't anything wrong with the common rail engines other than the fact that if you have a fuel system problem it can be a expensive fix, contaminated or low grade diesel fuel can cause problems, the pd or pumpe duse unit injectors while not good for them will tolerate bad fuel a little better.

The reason I think the 1.9 should be avoided is that it simply doesn't deliver the refinement or the power that you would expect in a car in that class.

The 2 litre PD is known to have oil pump and injector problems that are very costly fixes (particularly the oil pump which if it goes may cause the engine to seize).

d2ww

Lex Luthor wrote: »

while I have to admit the pricing, standard kit and quality of the Superb may be very hard to beat at the moment, I have to say I am having a hard time loving the look of it.

The same for me can be said of the Yeti. While it has everything you could want for a family car, the looks are just putting me off.

It still doesn't stop them flying out the door and you really cant deny their value for money.

I have to applaud them for what they are bringing to the table but they should really make a bit more of an effort looks wise. If they could top that, they could rule the world

+1.
Don't think the new logo is much help either, it still has that stupid looking green Indian on it.
http://www.indiancarsbikes.in/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Skoda-New-logo.jpg
Sorry I could paste it directly.

Matt Simis

d2ww wrote: »

+1.
Don't think the new logo is much help either, it still has that stupid looking green Indian on it.
http://www.indiancarsbikes.in/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Skoda-New-logo.jpg
Sorry I could paste it directly.

Just click the little Insert Image icon (its a picture of a tiny Mountain top) when posting then paste in the URL as so:

Or just manually put [IMG][/IMG] tags around the URL.

Logo is gank alright, lots of sinister and cool ways of drawing that "half wing" though given a little talent while still retaining a brand ID.

taintabird

EPM wrote: »

The reason I think the 1.9 should be avoided is that it simply doesn't deliver the refinement or the power that you would expect in a car in that class.

The 2 litre PD is known to have oil pump and injector problems that are very costly fixes (particularly the oil pump which if it goes may cause the engine to seize).

agreed the early 2.0 had problems, as far as refinement goes common rail engines are for sure quitter but on the newer cars there is a lot more sound deadening materials than the older ones you remove all this and there's not much difference. However power delivery on the 1.9 is easily uprated for me i don't have a problem with this. A lot of people expect a diesel to operate and perform like a petrol and as a result are disappointed with the performance of the diesel.But to each his own I suspose

Zubeneschamali

taintabird wrote: »

A lot of people expect a diesel to operate and perform like a petrol and as a result are disappointed with the performance of the diesel.

???

People are specifically comparing the old VW PD TDi tractor engines to the newer CR diesel engines, not comparing diesel to petrol.

It BeeMee

Confab wrote: »

The 1.9 was replaced by the 2L in 2006/7.

Not quite. The 1.9 105bhp became 115bhp in the facelifted Superb I models from around mid-2006 onwards. The new Superb has 1.9 rated at 105bhp.

R.O.R wrote: »

The 1.9Tdi isn't too bad as long as you aren't expecting a rocket. It's adequate, if that will do you in a car.

When I was buying mine, my budget dictated I either go for a 170 Ambition or a 1.9 Elegance. I decided the car should reflect myself: built for comfort rather than speed , so i opted for the 1.9 with the toys.

It's perfectly capable and will get you around with no troubles. You can still piss off Audi, Merc and BMW drivers when you pass them on the motorway (you'd be surprised how many seem to take offence at being passed by a Skoda) but don't expect to win any drag races from the lights.

woody33

Some history of Skoda:

http://www.dinesh.com/history_of_logos/car_logos_-_design_and_history/skoda_logo_-_design_and_history.html

( The logo looks like Woody Woodpecker or a hedgehog to my eyes.)

vectra

taintabird wrote: »

agreed the early 2.0 had problems, as far as refinement goes common rail engines are for sure quitter but on the newer cars there is a lot more sound deadening materials than the older ones you remove all this and there's not much difference. However power delivery on the 1.9 is easily uprated for me i don't have a problem with this. A lot of people expect a diesel to operate and perform like a petrol and as a result are disappointed with the performance of the diesel.But to each his own I suspose

Actually the main letdown in my Octavia is cabin noise resulting in LACK of sound deadening so I think your theory there goes out the window.

Secondly
Comparing a Diesel to a petrol
Well if you are speaking about your 1.9 PD 105 engine then yes.. I agree Major disappointment,

But I have a 2.0 CR 170 engine and it compares quite nicely to similar powered petrol cars..
So No disappointment here

Matt Simis

vectra wrote: »

But I have a 2.0 CR 170 engine and it compares quite nicely to similar powered petrol cars..
So No disappointment here

Power wise yeah, but it doesnt drive like a petrol, which is what I assume he meant. People expect a push the pedal and hold to redline experience when instead its push, surge, less surge, change gear, repeat. Its not bad or wrong, but its different. Unless you have a fancy new Auto box where it can hide this nature of the beast.

vectra

Matt Simis wrote: »

Power wise yeah, but it doesnt drive like a petrol, which is what I assume he meant. People expect a push the pedal and hold to redline experience when instead its push, surge, less surge, change gear, repeat. Its not bad or wrong, but its different. Unless you have a fancy new Auto box where it can hide this nature of the beast.

Agreed
My point was that my CR engine is a closer comparison to petrol than the old PD engine.
On top of that
Not everyone who drive petrol looks for Redline preformance.
Hence the CR is plenty good enough for the "Regular" petrol driver.
Which in turn brings my CR engine a close driving experience to a petrol model,
Which is what I meant