Having followed this site for many years I have never felt the need to make a post but after the service I received from Grey gables skoda today I feel it essential to highlight what happened to my vehicle and warn others. My roomster scout 1.9 Tdi was due it's first cambelt, waterpump and aux drive belt change. As Grey Gables is now my local dealer (previously Faintree garage) it was booked in after a competitive quote for the work. The vehicle was delivered on time and an agreed pick up was arranged, upon my arrival I was presented with a bill which was £10 over the original quote and under scrutiny the extra sum was for an engine oil top up to which I had not consented. Now this may seem trivial but as an Aircraft Technician my oil level is checked every week without fail so I queried this point and was advised that it had been required as these engines can burn heavily, I was suspicious as I know they burn when running in and at the end of life, not usually at 30k and in 1 day. I collected the keys and went to inspect the vehicle prior to my departure and what I found beggars belief. When the bonnet was lifted excess oil was all over the engine cover and the coolant level was 3 inches below the minimum level, post refill after water pump replacement. I went to see the service manager who was polite and he agreed it was not acceptable, at this point I dipped the oil level to find it had been overfilled by 1 litre, it was not low as originally suspected. Alarm bells were ringing because In my day job as a supervising Aircraft Technician I firmly operate on the basis of " if a job looks bad then it generally is bad". They then preceded to remove the excess oil removing to much in the process and having to replenish yet again. Not acceptable. If the basics cannot be completed to the required standard then what about the complex tasks. I was given a £10 repayment for the oil and was wished goodnight after stressing my utter dismay with the service, they appeared not to care less. This service is the exact opposite of my experiences with my previous dealership, I will not return and have contacted Skoda customer service. So to summarise to anyone reading this I may indeed be the exception rather than the rule at Grey gables but please thoroughly check your vehicle after any dealings with this dealership. My wife and 6 month old child use the vehicle in question every day and knowing the 1.9tdi engine can catastrophically fail if overfilled with oil or seize should it have low coolant levels suddenly the consequences of poor and shoddy workmanship could be potentially life changing. Many Thanks.
