2005 Skoda Superb: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2005 Skoda Superb?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2005 Skoda Superb than on all cars registered in 2005.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.9× usual
  Skoda Superb

  20.8% All 2005 cars

  7.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.9%, against 3.3% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Individual direction indicators2.3× usual
  Skoda Superb

  8.1% All 2005 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 1.6% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 2005 Skoda Superb MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2005 Skoda Superb MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  37% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Lights and electrics
  37% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Suspension
  37% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  33% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Driveshafts and joints
  21% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  21% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2005 Skoda Superb

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2005 Skoda Superb as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the individual direction indicators? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2005 Skoda Superb as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?