Skoda Superb 3. Generation 2.0 TDI, 150 PS, 6-speed manual, all-wheel drive (2015–2018)

Research for this car

• Generation guide Skoda Superb III (2015-2023): known problems and buying guide

  A roomy, mostly sound used car. Check the Haldex records, the rear brakes and the early infotainment.

• Engine guide VW 2.0 TDI (EA288) diesel: problems, costs and what to check

  Coolant leaks, EGR and AdBlue faults are the main risks. Buy with a cold-start check, a coolant pressure test and a full scan.

Known issues for this car

Before you buy this car

From the generation guide

1. On a 4x4, ask for Haldex oil and strainer proof. Test on a wet road; a scanner can read pump current. No rear drive means walk away.
2. Check rear discs for rust and scoring. Listen for a scrape at pull-away, and feel the foot brake.
3. Open and close the tailgate. Listen for a tired strut, test the foot sensor, check for rust at the damper mounts.
4. On a 2015-2016 car, test navigation, Bluetooth and the screen. Restarts mean the early MIB1 unit.
5. Check open campaigns by VIN with a Skoda dealer or the KBA, and ask for proof each was closed.

From the engine guide

1. Turbo (needs a scanner). Read boost faults and check the vanes. Bad: power loss, whistle or smoke.
2. DPF (needs a scanner). Read soot and ash loading. Bad: frequent regeneration or high oil level.
3. Intake manifold (pressure test). Pressure-test the cooling system. Bad: coolant loss with no puddle, worse under load.
4. EGR cooler (pressure test). Cap the cooler hoses and repeat the test. Bad: it holds only with the cooler bypassed.
5. AdBlue and NOx (needs a scanner). Read NOx sensor and dosing faults. Bad: an emissions warning, a restart countdown or crystallised AdBlue.
6. Water pump and heater. Start cold; heater must blow hot. Bad: weak heat, wandering gauge, dried coolant.
7. Oil pump drive (needs a scanner). Listen for a rattle at idle and check for oil-pressure codes. Bad: a red oil-pressure warning.
8. Belt and pump invoices. Ask for dated belt, pump and thermostat invoices. No record means budget for a belt job.
9. Recall check. Enter the VIN in the official recall check. Bad: an open 23Z7 campaign on a T6.

Running costs

ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months

ADAC versions