2008 Skoda Superb: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Skoda Superb?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Skoda Superb than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2× usual
  Skoda Superb

  13.2% All 2008 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.9%, against 3% of all 2008 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.

• Side repeaters3.8× usual
  Skoda Superb

  5.3% All 2008 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 0.9% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

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

Common 2008 Skoda Superb MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Skoda Superb MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  46% 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.

• Tyres
  34% 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.

• Brakes
  29% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  28% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Driveshafts and joints
  14% 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
  11% 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 2008 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× as often on the 2008 Skoda Superb as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the side repeaters? (Flagged at MOT 3.8× as often on the 2008 Skoda Superb as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?