Buying a Used Volkswagen Scirocco - What to Review & Look For?

24th Feb 2022

With great handling and sharp styling, the Volkswagen Scirocco may not be as popular as the Golf or Polo, but it certainly holds its own. This coupé certainly offers more sporty styling.

If you’re looking to buy a used Volkswagen Scirocco, this guide will help you identify exactly what you should be reviewing before committing to a purchase.

What to review before buying?

There are some essential background checks you should make before following through with a used car purchase. It’s important to know that you’re buying a legitimate car that isn’t bursting with problems under the bonnet.

HPI check

The HPI check is a report on your car. It can show a wide range of information, including whether the car has any outstanding finance, is reported stolen, and what the fuel is likely to cost. Some used car dealerships will provide this as part of their admin fee. This means you won’t have to worry about doing this check yourself.

Warranties

Make sure you have a warranty on your used car purchase. This gives you some protection should your car encounter any problems after you’ve left the dealership. Check what’s covered - and see if you can add more cover to suit your preferences. For instance, you may want to extend the warranty period or have more parts covered.

V5C logbook, MOT and Service records

Three essential documents you should not purchase any used car without include the V5C logbook, MOT and service records. The V5C is your proof of ownership. The MOT and service records are your window into whether the car has been well looked after. A car that’s been properly maintained with annual services will last longer and be less likely to encounter problems.

Car Recalls

It’s also worth checking that the Volkswagen Scirocco you want to buy hasn’t been subject to a safety recall. You can do this by visiting the Gov.uk website.

What mileage is good for a Scirocco?

When buying any high mileage car, it’s recommended that you check the service records. A car that’s been well looked after is certainly a better purchase than one with less miles that hasn’t been taken care of. A Scirocco should manage 150,000 miles on the clock, with some going past the 200,000 mile mark if well maintained.

Common problems with the Volkswagen Scirocco

Thanks to its primarily-Golf underpinnings, servicing and maintenance costs are low on a Scirocco - and they don't go wrong often. However, as with any established car model, it has a number of more commonly reported problems. We’re listing them below so you know what to look out for.

Rattles and squeaks from the boot and windows
Issue with the boot mechanism on early cars (these are likely to have already been replaced under warranty)

Essential test drive checks

Thinking of booking a test drive? This is your chance to enjoy a spin in a great car. It’s also a chance to check the car over with a fine tooth comb.

Exterior

Rust - check the bodywork and underside for signs of rust.
Gaps, misalignments, or mismatched panels - this suggests the car may have been involved in an accident and the quality of the repair work was poor.
Non-genuine parts - if a car is fitted with lots of non-genuine parts this can be a sign the previous owner saved money at the expense of looking after their car.
Tyres - these should have a minimum of 1.6mm tread depth. They should be sufficiently inflated.

Interior

Tech systems - are they all working? Does the system pair with your phone where bluetooth is available?
Seat belts - are they in good working condition? They shouldn’t be frayed.
Dashboard warning lights - there shouldn’t be any warning lights illuminated. If there are, check this with the seller.

Elsewhere, you should check that the steering wheel, foot pedals, and gear stick aren’t too worn - especially if the mileage doesn’t add up!

Performance

Anything sound off? Any smoke or leaking fluids? Are the gear changes stiff or clunky?

Check that all the lights work and all the functions, including the windscreen wipers, radio and air conditioning also work.

Make sure to also drive your car on different types of roads and at varying speeds. In other words, take your car through stop-start traffic on urban roads as well as on the local motorway or dual carriageway.

Which trim level?

For a good economy and a lower upfront purchasing cost, the entry-level trim is ideal. If you’re happy to sacrifice the low running costs, the Scirocco R version offers great performance. For a more luxury interior, you can look at the top GT spec with the 2.0 TDI Bluemotion engine, which has sat-nav and leather upholstery. There’s a decent amount of equipment on offer across the Scirocco range, but you’ll need to bear in mind that the sat-nav is only available on GT trim and above.

Buy used cars

Shop used cars in Peterborough online at JJ Premium Cars today, including a range of Volkswagen Scirocco. Every used VW is given a 114-point mechanical inspection, ensuring it's ready to drive away and enjoy. We provide a range of warranty options and our sales representatives are happy to answer any questions. We’re one of the top-rated used car dealerships in Cambridgeshire. Book a test drive today.