2003 Skoda Superb Elegance 2.5 turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Genuine spacious luxury let down by quality control gremlins

Faults:

Brake failure light illuminated due to lack of fluid

Boot / trunk lid gas supports failed

Heated seat (Drivers) had no heating element fitted

Windshield wipers

Dashboard drawer (stuck IN with wallet inside)

General Comments:

This is ALMOST a great car. I have experienced some quality control gremlins and a couple of horror stories and I would not feel able to recommend a Skoda Superb (although I thoroughly recommend an Octavia).

Traded my 03 Octavia in part-exchange for it so I could use the Superb to tow my caravan... and it will tow anything, even a house!!... However...

Heated drivers seat incorrectly fitted without the wiring loom or heating elements. "Not a warranty claim, because as one is not fitted there is nothing to go wrong" said the dealer. So I had to go through Skoda's exception process which took 6 months (the winter, when I needed the heat). Instead of just fitting a new seat complete, Skoda would only authorize retro-fitting the necessary parts. As a result the heating is great, but the seat is now uncomfortable!!

Dealer was helpful, but not efficient.

Delay because no parts available in Europe until I told them I was going to bring the local TV station down to see me park across their entrance. Skoda found the parts within 4 hours :-) )

Steering a bit on the heavy side, but new Michelin Primacy Pilots have improved this a LITTLE.

Supplying dealer didn't put enough brake fluid so warning light came on after 2 days.

On the plus side, amazing power and smooth transmission, great climate control, loads of space, 35mpg if you drive it hard, more than 40 if gentle. Loads of rear seat legroom.

Summary: now up to 6 sessions with the dealer and nearly 20 days off the road - the WORST reliability performance of any car I have owned in 35 years.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th June, 2006

8th Jun 2006, 23:54

Methinks, the issue is more with the dealer, than the manufacturer per se.

2003 Skoda Superb 1.8 turbo from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Outstandingly good value for money!!!

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong.

General Comments:

This car is a seriously good mid range saloon car and there is absolutely nothing that I can find fault with.

Anyone who spends their money buying a Volkswagen Passat or an Audi A4 must want their eog's and their heads examined.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th May, 2004

16th Sep 2004, 13:33

Excellent value for money and a great company car (tax efficient as well). It was a toss up between the BMW 530 Diesel or the Superb Elegance 1.9 130BHP with one extra (Full Leather) The Skoda was the winner. Now after 18 months 55000 miles no problems and no regrets. Only had 2 services so far, 50 MPG (60+ on a careful run). Goes like a rocket and gets lots of stares. Spot on Skoda!

12th Jan 2005, 07:12

You can't say people that buy A4 or BMW's have psychiatric problems. It's all about taste. And money, of course.

Personally, I'll choose Skoda. But I also respect those guys who will take the BMW.

Titus.

16th Mar 2006, 07:05

It's good to see you've clocked up such a great mileage, as my mileage won't be much less than yours before I sell mine.