The original Skoda Superb pushed Skoda further upmarket than it had ever been before, and while it was a great car, buyers didn’t really latch onto its brilliance. So when the second take on the formula was launched in 2008, Skoda had to come up with something really special to be noticed – and that’s exactly what it did. This time round there was a novel tailgate arrangement, more space and equipment than before plus a great range of engines. You can now buy one of these brilliant cars for peanuts, making it one of the biggest – in every sense – bargains around.

Key dates

9/08: The Skoda Superb Mk2 arrives with 1.4 TSI, 1.8 TSI or 3.6 V6 petrol engines, or 1.9 TDI (Greenline) and 2.0 TDI diesels, the latter in 140bhp or 170bhp guises. The 1.8 TSI, 2.0 TDI 170 and 3.6 V6 engines are offered with 4WD.

2/10: A Superb estate appears, with the same engine options, and the 2.0 TDI 140 engine gets common rail fuel injection to make it smoother, more refined and more frugal than the previous PD unit. Later in the year the Greenline gets a 1.6 TDI engine.

5/11: The high-value SE Plus trim joins the range.

6/13: A facelifted Superb brings an overhauled interior, reduced emissions and a refreshed exterior.

2/14: The Superb Outdoor 2.0 TDi brings off-road styling and optional four-wheel drive.

Checklist

The badges can corrode and look tatty after just a year. Dealers have replaced many under warranty.
The leather trim can wear on the driver’s seat bolster. Again, dealers have fixed this under warranty.
If buying a Superb that’s been used for towing, check its suspension, clutch and brakes aren’t worn out.
Cars with the DSG transmission can suffer from jerky changes between first and second; software ‘fixes’ can make things worse.
Superbs with the ‘KESSY’ keyless entry system can suffer from the car refusing to acknowledge the proximity of the key, so it won’t start.
ABS sensors can fail, leading to the ESP, ABS and tyre pressure warning lights coming on. Fixes are cheap though.
All Superbs have alloy wheels which can corrode under the lacquer. Dealers have replaced many wheels under warranty.

We like

Reliability
Practicality
Comfort
Low running costs
Spacious cabin
Affordability
Good engines
Refinement

We don’t like

Low-rent image
So-so dynamics
Awkward styling

Richard Dredge

If you’re after an executive car but you also want to be an individual, nothing will mark you out like a 166 on your drive. More charismatic than any of its rivals, the Alfa is also good to drive and well-specced. But sometimes that equipment stops working and rigid adherence to the service schedule is essential if the car isn’t to fall apart altogether. So while the 166 is great value for money, you must tread very carefully before buying.

Key Dates

1/99: 166 replaces 164

4/00: There’s now a Lusso trim available

4/04: Car gets a facelift with new nose and tail plus more equipment; at the same time, the 3.2 V6 replaces the 3.0 edition

Alfa Romeo 166 (1999-2005) Checklist

Suspension bushes deteriorate, to the point where the tyres start to wear unevenly; check for odd tread wear patterns
The rear suspension may also be out, due to poor quality control on the production line. Look for evidence of them scrubbing
Xenon lights fail, and replacements are big money
The brightwork can pit badly so check it's all in good condition
The four-cylinder twin spark engines need a fresh cam belt and tensioners every 36,000 miles or three years; it's often left much longer
The 2.0 litre Twin Spark engine's oil pump fails, leading to the bottom end disintegrating; listen for knocking on start up
If you're buying a manual, make sure the clutch pedal is okay; they often develop significant play

We Like

Value
Driving experience
Design - inside and out
Equipment

We Don't Like

Patchy reliability
Fidgety Ride
Thirsty VS

Saloon

Skoda Superb (2008-2014)