Hi vRSG60,
You can skip to my recommendation if you dont need the backstory.
Backstory:
I bought my L&K 2.0 TDI 4x4 (65 Reg) from a Non-Skoda Network Dealer based in Birmingham on 11 December 2021. Good Service History, Well looked after, 1 previous owner etc....mechanically a 'good beast'. And fun to drive!! Used to get a tingle each time I drove my SAAB 900i and that was a long time ago.
5 January 2022 a routine refit (stonechip damage) by Autoglass revealed a sodden DS Footwell. After researching I came across this forum and developed an understanding of the potential causes. There was clearly a significant problem with the vehicles's sunroof. A design and implmentation issue disputed by the Manufacturer. Felt the pain of a lot of people on this forum.
So, what next?
Dealer refused a refund which is a breach of my rights under Consumer Rights Act 2015. I sent a formal complaint using the terms of the act within 30 days.Dealer replied with a self-medicating stock legal letter (spelling not his strong suit) - the bronze package of a Rent-a-Paralegal Online firm. They offered inspection and repair only.
I have legal experience and the 'chops' through taking two ne'er do-wells and to court and recovering over 100K in Assets. I know where the levers are and how they work. No fear on that front.
However, I rationalised as follows:
- Did I want to spend the next x months ferrying my vehicle (Still no V5C from DVLA, btw) to Birmingham and back whilst my depreciating asset idles in some random service centre car park cold and wet gathering mildew under the pretence of 'remedial action' taking place? In terms of my time.
- the cost of employing a barrister to prosecute the case. In terms of my time.
- I applied the benefit of the doubt that the vehicle was sold back to trade without the Dealer knowing there was an issue. That was the hardest thing to do.
Thanks to Briskoda.Net I learnt a great deal about the possible causes of this problem.
What Happened Next...
Despite some reluctance from my local, trusted garage they were reluctant to investigate a leak problem. I can understand why. To their credit they accepted the car, blew out the lines and cleared the drains. Charged me 60 quid. Owner was quite clear when handing back the keys. He was not confident he had isolated the issue.
He was right.
Further ingress, internal condensation, wet carpets in PS Footwell, mounting anxiety. Morally conflicted to dry out and sell back to Trade. To some other poor bugger who had sunk their hard-earned into their 'drem car'. Did I mention I am still waiting for my V5C?
Pond Liner secured with Bunjee Cords over the roof. Sponge out, Hand vac, Newspaper...Rinse Repeat.
I rationalised that taking the vehicle to a 'standard garage', even if they chose to accept it, is just throwing good money after bad. I needed a specialist.
I found one.
Recommendation:
Just to note as we live in cynical times, I am not the specialist, nor am I related to the specialist. I was not paid for this recommendation. Just a.n.other punter paying full price & VAT. I have not posted the price as my problem may differ from your problem. Though I doubt it. Either its a problem with the drains and lines, or it is torsion and separation of the plastic part of your sunroof from the aliminium body of the car or crack(s) in the collector tray.
You can expect to pay beteen 200-500 quid (Apple Mac, no pound sign) inc. VAT. 3 Month Guarantee on the Repair
https://www.thevehiclerepairspecialist.co.uk/
Andy has worked in the Trade for a number of years and has diagnosed and fixed mechanical and seal problems on a number of makes and models inc VW, BMW, Audi etc. This was his first Yeti. Hence my main reason for posting here.
My opinion, not fact: When it actually comes down to it, the Make/Model is not really the consideration. It is the type of sunroof fitted and the lack of a 'duty of care' wrt Design and Implementation on behalf of the Manufacturer.
An honest broker, know's his stuff, safe pair of hands, pleasant to deal with. If you are at your wits end, book an appointment and get it done.
Made peace with my Yeti and am starting to move on. I'll let Karma resolve the rest. Meanwhile, it's pouring down outside and I want to drive : )
Good Luck, you are not on your own. Your are part of a community.
