SammySamak

Hi all! Long time user, first time poster here… in need of your wisdom & insight!! I’m thinking of replacing my ancient but serviceable Fabia Mk1 1.4 (51 reg) with a Mk3 Octavia Scout & would welcome a heads-up on what to be wary of & to look out for when sourcing this car (I’ve had a bit of experience over a long lifetime but not owned 4x4 b4!). The specific version I’m considering is an automatic 2l TDi. I need the 4x4 ability to navigate the country roads here in Wessex which are prone to flooding/mud/ice etc in winter. What are the issues owners have contended with, either mechanically or electronically?? Is an auto as good an option as manual in this car (need auto for long motorway journeys!!). Any input gratefully received!!

What are your experiences & view of the Skoda dealers in the South Somerset area? The most recent info on this site regarding the area’s dealers is from many years ago & my most local franchise has (afaik) changed hands several times in the interim! I’ve only dealt with their parts department who were friendly but stupidly inefficient - not really the individual’s fault, just the dumb organisational structure the VAG imposes!! 20 minutes to buy screen wash is bonkers… almost as if they’d rather not sell it!! Please share what you know… forewarned is forearmed, after all!! Many thanks & HNY to all!

Just (belatedly!) read this thread… very alarming , especially since I’ve been looking at buying cars from Meadens! IMHO this needs to go to Skoda UK - they keep tabs on dealer performance & this might be the trigger for enforcing dealer standards! It also seems to me incredibly short-sighted to “sack” you since - as anyone with a marketing background knows - it takes years to create a good reputation but seconds to break one! As is always the case one unhappy customer tells everyone who”ll listen whereas satisfied customers only tell their friends! Have you been communicating with the dealer principal as my understanding is this exec has responsibility for the franchise relationship & not just the relevant department(s)?? Best of luck!