I need some advice - I am having major problems with my Octavia!!!

Aaquil · 04-11-2005, 18:38

Please can someone help me out...since I have bought this 2002 Octavia 1.8T Elegance Hatch I have had nothing but problems.

Just a week or so after I bought the car the 'Check Engine' Light came on that was repaired under the Skoda Warranty.

Then Major problems started
1. Climate Control stopped working.
2. Central locking started popping up.
3. All the electrics went on the blink (Window, sunroof etc.)
4. A buzzing (shorting of circuits) sound started coming from the car when the radio was switched on or light switched on.
5. The Central locking when working was arming then disarming itself so I would find the car unlocked in the morning coming out to go to work.
6. The buzzer to warn that the lights were still on' when ignition was turned off was going on even though the lights switch was switch to off (all lights were off except the rear passenger side).
7. The car was hesitant and losing power suddenly when accelerating. To get power back I would have to take my foot off the accelerator then plant it down again.

It all happened one wet cold weekend driving to Birmingham...I contacted the car Supermarket which advised to take it straight to SKODA. I took it to them and was given a list of parts that needed replacing:
1. DV
2. Turbo Pressure Pipe (?)
3. Climate Control ECU
4. Cigarette Lighter
5. Fuse

I was advised that parts needed to be ordered. By the time the part arrived th SKODA Warranty ran out and the Car Supermarket Warranty kicked in that is when the problems started...

While I was waiting for the parts the Central Locking and the Rear Passenger Light problem (see above list) started. I mentioned that to SKODA on return they stated that they would have to look at the problem and gain permission from the Car Supermarket first. They started the work and stated that SKODA TECHNICAL had sent 5 pages of wiring diagrams stating that each of the circuits had to be individually checked. SKODA had totally stripped my dashboard down but guess what? The Car Supermarket said 'No' they were going to get their Auto Electrician to check and fix it once they had done their own Diagnostics. Imagine how I felt when the car was at the SKODA Dealership who had to contact SKODA TECHNICAL for help but now it was going back to a Car Supermarket to be repaired as well as being re-stripped down (the dash again). I kicked up a bit of a fuss they stated that Diagnostics were not covered by the Warranty and SKODA wanted to charged £160 for 2 hours of Diagnostics. They said that it would probably end up back at SKODA to be repaired...it didn't it went to some Auto Electrician. They gave me an Astra Diesel Car which was rubbish (not as bad as the Rover they had given me before!!!). I went once to collect it and the Climate Control was still not working so I had to leave it with them for another day (It was not checked before I was called to pick it up!!!).

Recently the silver door latch to open the Drivers door went so I had the open the door by letting the window down and opening it form the outside. I took it back again!!! They repaired it while I was there then low an behold the Central locking problem started popping up again this time it was going made the solernoid sound just kept going off locking then unlocking then unlocking again and again and again!!! Contacted them they said take it to SKODA that was yesterday. Got a call today...no they now want me to take it back to them so that their people can fix it!!!

I called and spoke to the Manager and said I want a refund or another car...what do I do now the Manager said that he will have to speak to the Area Manager but he can understand how I feel. They are going to call me tomorrow.

Please someone PM with a contact number someone who knows what I need to do so I don't get caught out I need to speak to someone in the know about SKODAS and legal issues.

Thank you

Aaquil.

simon · 04-11-2005, 22:52

If the faults were investigated by skoda before the warranty ran out surely they are obliged to carry out the work thats required?

SkodiRS · 04-11-2005, 23:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by simon

If the faults were investigated by skoda before the warranty ran out surely they are obliged to carry out the work thats required?

That's as I understand is...if the faults have been logged with Skoda and then the warranty runs out, I believe they should still be covered by Skoda.

Ross can confirm one way or the other though.

bengie · 04-11-2005, 23:37

yes to the above

when i had my gearbox problem it carried on even though the warranty ran out during the repair as was seen/logged/started before it ran out

jason · 04-11-2005, 23:45

i went to the car supermarket to look at a 1.820vt passat,they showed the car,i popped the bonnet and asked them to show me where the turbo was,and asked why it had a plastic inlet manifold?(it was a 1.8 20v N/A)
they had no clue what i was on about.i took my money elsewhere.i hope you get it sorted very soon.

***DGW*** · 04-11-2005, 23:57

I think that the dealer has to log/register the warranty work required with Skoda UK, ie get approval for it, before the warranty expires otherwise they will not get paid for doing the work after that date. But regardless of any manufacturer's warranty, the buyer of a used car has rights under the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which must be satisfied by the seller. See the DTI fact sheet below:

http://www.dti.gov.uk/ccp/topics1/facts/cars.htm

Aaquil · 05-11-2005, 01:15

Guys thanks ever so much for the helpful replies especially Denis you're a superstar.

I have added Goodyear Eagle F1 and a full interior and exterior protective coatings can I expect all the money that I paid for the car back?

Also what would be a reasonable replacement in terms of age, condition and mileage (2002 model with 26,000 miles).

Mivec · 05-11-2005, 01:38

If you intend getting rid then iirc the phrase you use with Car Supermarket is " you are in breach of contract as the car reg no. is not of merchantable quality under section 14 of the amended Sale of Goods Act 1979". Not sure what the time limit is from purchase date though. Are you in a union, aa rac ? usually have a legal dept for advice, even try Insurance company.
Sounds like some serious fault(s) with it, hope you get sorted

hth Karl

ag.morley · 05-11-2005, 01:48

Mivec.........Are you a Bolton Wanderer

Aaquil · 05-11-2005, 12:49

Thanks for the advice mate I will try the AA.

Aaquil · 05-11-2005, 16:42

Right the Manager spoke to the Area Manager they will exchange the car like for like or I can choose another one. I relly wanted the Octavia I already have so he said that would be fine (1.8T 4X4 Elegance Hatch). I said the same year and similar mileage (26,000 miles) as well as Black, Blue or Silver. He said he would get his buying team to try to source one asap. He was quite quick in his replies to my call. Does that seem reasonable I'm pretty sure they do not want to give a refund. Anymore advice guys please?

Aaquil.

***DGW*** · 05-11-2005, 16:51

Sounds a good solution if they can source a suitable replacement.

Dr Zoidberg · 05-11-2005, 16:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaquil

Right the Manager spoke to the Area Manager they will exchange the car like for like or I can choose another one. I relly wanted the Octavia I already have so he said that would be fine (1.8T 4X4 Elegance Hatch). I said the same year and similar mileage (26,000 miles) as well as Black, Blue or Silver. He said he would get his buying team to try to source one asap. He was quite quick in his replies to my call. Does that seem reasonable I'm pretty sure they do not want to give a refund. Anymore advice guys please?

Aaquil.

Yes , get this offer in writing with them admitting that the car you have is no good , and set a time limit for them to source you a replacement. If they are not able to do this in say , a couple of weeks , then you want a full refund of all money paid.

Sounds like you'll be well rid of this one. I did a search for new threads started by you , and just about every one is "my car is broken"

Mivec · 05-11-2005, 17:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by ag.morley

Mivec.........Are you a Bolton Wanderer

Glad i wasn't on the pitch - sorry, swimming pool

- got wet enough in the stand.
Can't say i've seen a yellow Furby vRS about though

ttfn Karl

ag.morley · 05-11-2005, 17:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mivec

Glad i wasn't on the pitch - sorry, swimming pool

- got wet enough in the stand.
Can't say i've seen a yellow Furby vRS about though

ttfn Karl

I watched the game on TV....Live in Harrogate so don't get to many games also work shifts....Good result though

Aaquil · 05-11-2005, 18:12

Dr Zoidberg and Denis thanks for that...yep I have had some problems with the car!!! I am going to put together a letter mentioning the discussion I had with the Manager and send it to them.

Aaquil · 06-11-2005, 17:14

Anyone else?

Graham Pollitt · 07-11-2005, 16:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaquil

Anyone else?

DO NOT hand deliver any correspondance either send it Recorded Delivery or Special Delivery that way you'll get proof that your letter was recd. Keep copies of any correspondance. Have you contacted your local Trading Standards Service for advice/assistance?
If you are paying by finance contact the finance Co as they also have a responsibility that the goods you have purchased are of saleable quality. Depends on the type of finance agreement.

Aaquil · 08-11-2005, 22:39

Graham...

I am just putting together a letter now. I have not yet contacted Trading Standards as they are currently being reasonable saying that they will source me another Octavia of similar model, year and mileage. I actually paid for the car in full by a single 'Switch' Transaction. Am I being naive not contacting Trading Standards?

Thanks for the reply.

Aaquil.

Dr Zoidberg · 08-11-2005, 22:44

You have to give them a fair chance to put right the situation , after all they could not be expected to have predicted all these faults before they sold you the car.

There is no need to contact TS yet other than possibly to ask advice , but do keep a written record of every problem , what has been done to the car , and everything that the dealers have told you in case you do need to resort to complaints and legal action

Aaquil · 08-11-2005, 23:32

Thanks Doc...by the way are you a real Doc?

bengie · 08-11-2005, 23:37

just like his name sake

Aaquil · 10-11-2005, 20:30

I have sent a letter to the car retailer via 'Special Delivery' I will give them a call tomorrow. CAD and Trading Standards gave me some advice.

I will see how it goes and keep you all posted thank you for all the input.

Aaquil · 11-11-2005, 18:44

UPDATE...Checked and letter was delivered at 10.10am this morning. I have just called them, Manager was busy (?). Left a message got a call back from the Customer Services Lady who asked if Central locking still causing problems. I replied that I was not even driving the car as it was not secure (Central locking unlocking and going beserk). She said that it was best to bring it back to them so they can get it sorted (and sell it on to some other poor innocent). What should I do...if I take it back am I Legally shooting myself in the foot or something is it some kind of a trick? She seemed to mention it off the cuff and it does make sense. If I'm not drving it its better with them so if it get stolen its their problem.

What do you guys think?

Dr Zoidberg · 11-11-2005, 19:39

That sounds to me like they are trying to get it working then back out of offering a refund.

I would not allow them to have the car again until they are providing you with a replacement or full refund

04-11-2005, 18:38	#1
Aaquil Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Manchester Posts: 475 Members Car: Octavia 1.8T 4X4 Hatch Thanks: 19 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I need some advice - I am having major problems with my Octavia!!! Please can someone help me out...since I have bought this 2002 Octavia 1.8T Elegance Hatch I have had nothing but problems. Just a week or so after I bought the car the 'Check Engine' Light came on that was repaired under the Skoda Warranty. Then Major problems started 1. Climate Control stopped working. 2. Central locking started popping up. 3. All the electrics went on the blink (Window, sunroof etc.) 4. A buzzing (shorting of circuits) sound started coming from the car when the radio was switched on or light switched on. 5. The Central locking when working was arming then disarming itself so I would find the car unlocked in the morning coming out to go to work. 6. The buzzer to warn that the lights were still on' when ignition was turned off was going on even though the lights switch was switch to off (all lights were off except the rear passenger side). 7. The car was hesitant and losing power suddenly when accelerating. To get power back I would have to take my foot off the accelerator then plant it down again. It all happened one wet cold weekend driving to Birmingham...I contacted the car Supermarket which advised to take it straight to SKODA. I took it to them and was given a list of parts that needed replacing: 1. DV 2. Turbo Pressure Pipe (?) 3. Climate Control ECU 4. Cigarette Lighter 5. Fuse I was advised that parts needed to be ordered. By the time the part arrived th SKODA Warranty ran out and the Car Supermarket Warranty kicked in that is when the problems started... While I was waiting for the parts the Central Locking and the Rear Passenger Light problem (see above list) started. I mentioned that to SKODA on return they stated that they would have to look at the problem and gain permission from the Car Supermarket first. They started the work and stated that SKODA TECHNICAL had sent 5 pages of wiring diagrams stating that each of the circuits had to be individually checked. SKODA had totally stripped my dashboard down but guess what? The Car Supermarket said 'No' they were going to get their Auto Electrician to check and fix it once they had done their own Diagnostics. Imagine how I felt when the car was at the SKODA Dealership who had to contact SKODA TECHNICAL for help but now it was going back to a Car Supermarket to be repaired as well as being re-stripped down (the dash again). I kicked up a bit of a fuss they stated that Diagnostics were not covered by the Warranty and SKODA wanted to charged £160 for 2 hours of Diagnostics. They said that it would probably end up back at SKODA to be repaired...it didn't it went to some Auto Electrician. They gave me an Astra Diesel Car which was rubbish (not as bad as the Rover they had given me before!!!). I went once to collect it and the Climate Control was still not working so I had to leave it with them for another day (It was not checked before I was called to pick it up!!!). Recently the silver door latch to open the Drivers door went so I had the open the door by letting the window down and opening it form the outside. I took it back again!!! They repaired it while I was there then low an behold the Central locking problem started popping up again this time it was going made the solernoid sound just kept going off locking then unlocking then unlocking again and again and again!!! Contacted them they said take it to SKODA that was yesterday. Got a call today...no they now want me to take it back to them so that their people can fix it!!! I called and spoke to the Manager and said I want a refund or another car...what do I do now the Manager said that he will have to speak to the Area Manager but he can understand how I feel. They are going to call me tomorrow. Please someone PM with a contact number someone who knows what I need to do so I don't get caught out I need to speak to someone in the know about SKODAS and legal issues. Thank you Aaquil.

04-11-2005, 22:52	#2
simon Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Sunny Aylesbury Posts: 1,041 Members Car: octavia VRS Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	If the faults were investigated by skoda before the warranty ran out surely they are obliged to carry out the work thats required? __________________ If it feels good....Do it! [IMG]

04-11-2005, 23:37	#4
bengie splash!!!! Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: planet earth Posts: 15,256 Members Car: 4x4 turbo estate Thanks: 17 Thanked 144 Times in 125 Posts	yes to the above when i had my gearbox problem it carried on even though the warranty ran out during the repair as was seen/logged/started before it ran out __________________ owner of a skoda octavia 4xvrs3

04-11-2005, 23:45	#5
jason Briskodian Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: shropshire Posts: 1,914 Members Car: skoda octavia VRS Thanks: 10 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	i went to the car supermarket to look at a 1.820vt passat,they showed the car,i popped the bonnet and asked them to show me where the turbo was,and asked why it had a plastic inlet manifold?(it was a 1.8 20v N/A) they had no clue what i was on about.i took my money elsewhere.i hope you get it sorted very soon. __________________ louder than war

04-11-2005, 23:57	#6
*DGW* BRISKODA Staff Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Cambridgeshire Posts: 17,300 Members Car: Octavia 1.8T 4X4 Estate & Fabia vRS Thanks: 51 Thanked 208 Times in 157 Posts	I think that the dealer has to log/register the warranty work required with Skoda UK, ie get approval for it, before the warranty expires otherwise they will not get paid for doing the work after that date. But regardless of any manufacturer's warranty, the buyer of a used car has rights under the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which must be satisfied by the seller. See the DTI fact sheet below: http://www.dti.gov.uk/ccp/topics1/facts/cars.htm __________________ Denis 2002 Octavia 1.8T 4X4 turbo Estate - rebreathed on by Jabba ... 31.93mpg 2007 Fabia vRS - CC, ESP and full leather trim by Seat Surgeons ...48.57 mpg...

05-11-2005, 01:15	#7
Aaquil Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Manchester Posts: 475 Members Car: Octavia 1.8T 4X4 Hatch Thanks: 19 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Guys thanks ever so much for the helpful replies especially Denis you're a superstar. I have added Goodyear Eagle F1 and a full interior and exterior protective coatings can I expect all the money that I paid for the car back? Also what would be a reasonable replacement in terms of age, condition and mileage (2002 model with 26,000 miles).

05-11-2005, 01:38	#8
Mivec Briskodian Join Date: May 2004 Location: Bolton Posts: 42 Members Car: Fabia 1.4 16v Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	If you intend getting rid then iirc the phrase you use with Car Supermarket is " you are in breach of contract as the car reg no. is not of merchantable quality under section 14 of the amended Sale of Goods Act 1979". Not sure what the time limit is from purchase date though. Are you in a union, aa rac ? usually have a legal dept for advice, even try Insurance company. Sounds like some serious fault(s) with it, hope you get sorted hth Karl Last edited by Mivec; 05-11-2005 at 01:41.

05-11-2005, 01:48	#9
ag.morley Insecure Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: right on track........ Posts: 4,947 Members Car: Volvo 2.4 T SE XC70 Auto running on LPG Thanks: 14 Thanked 79 Times in 33 Posts	Mivec.........Are you a Bolton Wanderer __________________ I now own a Volvo 2.4T Automatic V70 XC 4 wheel drive, Estate, running on LPG......In a Lovely shade of Gold---THE BATTLE TANK "BRISKOLVO ".......THE UK'S ONLY MEMBER......." IT'S THE WAY FORWARD "

05-11-2005, 12:49	#10
Aaquil Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Manchester Posts: 475 Members Car: Octavia 1.8T 4X4 Hatch Thanks: 19 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks for the advice mate I will try the AA.

05-11-2005, 16:42	#11
Aaquil Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Manchester Posts: 475 Members Car: Octavia 1.8T 4X4 Hatch Thanks: 19 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Right the Manager spoke to the Area Manager they will exchange the car like for like or I can choose another one. I relly wanted the Octavia I already have so he said that would be fine (1.8T 4X4 Elegance Hatch). I said the same year and similar mileage (26,000 miles) as well as Black, Blue or Silver. He said he would get his buying team to try to source one asap. He was quite quick in his replies to my call. Does that seem reasonable I'm pretty sure they do not want to give a refund. Anymore advice guys please? Aaquil.

05-11-2005, 16:51	#12
*DGW* BRISKODA Staff Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Cambridgeshire Posts: 17,300 Members Car: Octavia 1.8T 4X4 Estate & Fabia vRS Thanks: 51 Thanked 208 Times in 157 Posts	Sounds a good solution if they can source a suitable replacement. __________________ Denis 2002 Octavia 1.8T 4X4 turbo Estate - rebreathed on by Jabba ... 31.93mpg 2007 Fabia vRS - CC, ESP and full leather trim by Seat Surgeons ...48.57 mpg...

05-11-2005, 18:12	#16
Aaquil Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Manchester Posts: 475 Members Car: Octavia 1.8T 4X4 Hatch Thanks: 19 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Dr Zoidberg and Denis thanks for that...yep I have had some problems with the car!!! I am going to put together a letter mentioning the discussion I had with the Manager and send it to them.

06-11-2005, 17:14	#17
Aaquil Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Manchester Posts: 475 Members Car: Octavia 1.8T 4X4 Hatch Thanks: 19 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Anyone else?

08-11-2005, 22:39	#19
Aaquil Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Manchester Posts: 475 Members Car: Octavia 1.8T 4X4 Hatch Thanks: 19 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Graham... I am just putting together a letter now. I have not yet contacted Trading Standards as they are currently being reasonable saying that they will source me another Octavia of similar model, year and mileage. I actually paid for the car in full by a single 'Switch' Transaction. Am I being naive not contacting Trading Standards? Thanks for the reply. Aaquil.

08-11-2005, 22:44	#20
Dr Zoidberg Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: On the back of an AA truck with a failed turbo Posts: 10,756 Members Car: Octavia II 2.0 TDi Elegance Thanks: 30 Thanked 195 Times in 146 Posts	You have to give them a fair chance to put right the situation , after all they could not be expected to have predicted all these faults before they sold you the car. There is no need to contact TS yet other than possibly to ask advice , but do keep a written record of every problem , what has been done to the car , and everything that the dealers have told you in case you do need to resort to complaints and legal action __________________ Alex "I laugh in the face of danger, then I hide until it goes away" www.drzoidberg.co.uk

08-11-2005, 23:32	#21
Aaquil Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Manchester Posts: 475 Members Car: Octavia 1.8T 4X4 Hatch Thanks: 19 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks Doc...by the way are you a real Doc?

08-11-2005, 23:37	#22
bengie splash!!!! Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: planet earth Posts: 15,256 Members Car: 4x4 turbo estate Thanks: 17 Thanked 144 Times in 125 Posts	just like his name sake __________________ owner of a skoda octavia 4xvrs3

10-11-2005, 20:30	#23
Aaquil Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Manchester Posts: 475 Members Car: Octavia 1.8T 4X4 Hatch Thanks: 19 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I have sent a letter to the car retailer via 'Special Delivery' I will give them a call tomorrow. CAD and Trading Standards gave me some advice. I will see how it goes and keep you all posted thank you for all the input.

11-11-2005, 18:44	#24
Aaquil Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Manchester Posts: 475 Members Car: Octavia 1.8T 4X4 Hatch Thanks: 19 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	UPDATE...Checked and letter was delivered at 10.10am this morning. I have just called them, Manager was busy (?). Left a message got a call back from the Customer Services Lady who asked if Central locking still causing problems. I replied that I was not even driving the car as it was not secure (Central locking unlocking and going beserk). She said that it was best to bring it back to them so they can get it sorted (and sell it on to some other poor innocent). What should I do...if I take it back am I Legally shooting myself in the foot or something is it some kind of a trick? She seemed to mention it off the cuff and it does make sense. If I'm not drving it its better with them so if it get stolen its their problem. What do you guys think?

11-11-2005, 19:39	#25
Dr Zoidberg Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: On the back of an AA truck with a failed turbo Posts: 10,756 Members Car: Octavia II 2.0 TDi Elegance Thanks: 30 Thanked 195 Times in 146 Posts	That sounds to me like they are trying to get it working then back out of offering a refund. I would not allow them to have the car again until they are providing you with a replacement or full refund __________________ Alex "I laugh in the face of danger, then I hide until it goes away" www.drzoidberg.co.uk

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