Fieldy79

Update - Well, after advising the car was not as expected and requesting a refund of my refundable deposit I was met with two options; 1) £150 discount and pay for the car in full, then when going to collect if I did not want it they’d refund me in full (er, no.). 2) £99 refund as they completed works I requested incurring costs, and to my deadlines (I didn’t request any work to be completed nor provide any deadlines). I emailed the dealer a statement of fact detailing events, and today I’ve been advised I’ll be receiving a full refund of my deposit. Not a pleasant experience. Once again, thank you to everyone who responded to me here.

@chrisgreen I’m with you, I don’t feel comfortable at all. Niggling away at me. Thank you for your input, it’s been appreciated.

Further pics.

Pictures dealer has sent me following polishing scratches on body work, mirrors and roof (apparently what I thought was a scratch on glass roof is actually on bodywork), resprayed wheels. I’m not sure how I feel about it if I’m honest, wheels still bother me as well as still being able to see a scratch on roof bodywork.

Update - Dealer is currently fixing issues (scratches etc identified by filling, touching up etc). Alloys are being re-done but will stay black. I advised them I wouldn’t be purchasing the car without seeing any work done with my own eyes, yet they continue to talk and push as though I’m buying the car, that I’m to pick up Saturday and to pay in full Friday before collection before picking up. They will be sending me photos of the work, but that’s no substitute for your own eyes. Previous owner was apparently a lady, not a taxi etc. I don’t have a lot of experience buying cars, but how they’re behaving feels odd and makes me feel uncomfortable. I know they’re trying to sell a product, but come on. Think it’ll be a no from me. There will be more cars.

Hi @chrisgreen, I haven’t had the check yet. I thought I’d email the dealership with the issues identified asking if they resolve to satisfaction first. I’m not sure they’ll fix the biggest items, if this is the case then no point in checking the car history (although I have also asked if they know its history a I doubt it).

True, especially when spending such a big amount of hard earned money. I suppose I could get the report tonight and then see what the dealership (Hartwells Ford, Reading) say about fixing the wheels, roof, windscreen chips, wing mirror scrapes. Steve

Yeah, they’re not looking good. Blistered and not smooth. I had the same feeling about the scratches. I haven’t checked if ex taxi or on motorbility, what’s the best place to do this? Is there a price attached to finding this information?

Hi @chrisgreen, what for you is throwing up red flags? Do you think the finish on the alloys doesn’t look quite right? Any knowledge on whether the scratches on the glass could be fixed? There is also a scrape on top of drivers side wing mirror, and a few small chips in windscreen. For the age of the car I suppose it’s to be expected, paint chips I expect touching up can resolve. Another picture closer up of alloy.

Update - Viewed and test drove the car today, it was very nice. As with a nearly 7 year old car there are some scratches and chips on the paintwork, but nothing too bad I think. However, there are some reasonable scratches on the tail end of the roof. I’m investigating if these can be tidied up and I would be asking the dealership to do so regardless. They have also spray painted the savio alloy wheels all black because one of them had some chips which apparently could not be restored properly, but I’m not convinced the spray job is that good as it seems the paint is bobbly. The advert still shows the original savio’s. Need to think about it all and ready to discuss with the dealership tomorrow what I want to do.

Update - off to view and test drive the car tomorrow, I’ve read so many conflicting views about the car and its power being enough. For my needs, hopefully it is. However, in researching I’ve also seen many people modifying the their cars increasing by and torque by remapping etc), it’s good to see what’s possible if I felt more power is needed. Along with many others mods. Also, it’s year is 2018, not 2019. And I’m surprised I don’t mind the candy white (from images).

Thanks @nta16. I did have a 2013 Ford Focus 1.0 ecoboost Titanium until the engine went kaput, currently occasionally driving a 60 plate 1.0 Ford Fiesta Titanium. I have started a separate thread for my new query - “Experience of Rapid spaceback 1.0 tsi 95 SE Sport”, with this info on. It would be 2 adults and 2 children’s mostly in the car, sometimes with luggage (if going on holiday) and occasionally a 3rd adult with luggage too. Yes, buying on condition with service/maintenance history with receipts is something I’ll be looking for. Learnt that on the Octavia mentioned above.

Hi @chrisgreen, thanks for responding, sounds positive. I’m 5’10 and up until recently had a 2013 Ford Focus 1.0 ecoboost titanium until the engine went kaput, and currently driving a 1.0 Ford Fiesta titanium every bow and again until a new car is bought. I haven’t checked dimensions on these for comparison.

Hi all, I’ve seen online a 2019 Rapid spaceback 1.0 tsi 95 SE Sport in white with 53k miles @ £8249. Near enough top of my budget. Car looks nice and would likely meet my needs (family car, up to 4K miles per year consisting of mainly shorter trips, the odd longer (up to 3hr) trip), but my concern is whether it has enough bhp i.e., have enough oomph, and to feel like it has more to give/overtake when at 60/70/80 mph. Does anybody have experience of this model/engine? Many Thanks

Tell me about it, you think they’d have made a bit more of an effort! 🙄 Boot was huge, and we won’t need that (as nice as it is). Read mixed reviews on rapid space back and the 1.0 tsi 95, similarly the fabia 1.2 (engine is practically the same with 1.0 having a bit more torque?). Rapid SB looks nice from pictures, the fact it’s the SE sport appeals more than if just an SE. 53k miles, 2018 (68) plate and within budget. Realistically it feels like we won’t get much more for the budget we have, and a car/brand I’m drawn to. Looks like I’ll have to see if I can test drive it. 🙂

53k miles.

Update - I viewed and test drove the car on Saturday. Octavia appears to be a very nice car, but the condition of this car was not. Even though the garage knew I’d be viewing at the weekend since Monday the car had not been prepped/valeted, it was dirty inside and out. I’d like to think I can see through dirt, so that’s not a big issue. However, as soon as I opened the drivers door I was met with 5/6 deep scratches on the inner door frame, split drivers seat and worn/dirty/stained seats. Not a good start and immediately made me feel like the car had not been cared for in the slightest. The dirty/stained upholstery was throughout, and I wasn’t convinced all could be removed. Handbrake was also very worn. The car had several reasonable dents scratches on the outside, again, not ones which could easily be tidied up. So it was a no, but was good to see in person. Thank you to those who provided advice/input, it was helpful. It actually made me realise for my family needs I don’t think I need as much space as the Octavia provides leading me to look at Rapid Spaceback’s due to budget constraints and seeing this online - SKODA Rapid Spaceback 1.0 TSI SE Sport Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (95 ps) £8248 in white. Initial concern is whether it has enough power for my needs - generally shorter journeys (up to an hour) some longer journeys 1-2 hours) and some even longer journeys (2+ hours) if holidaying in UK.

Hi Warrior193, Yes, it’s a 1.5TSI. I was surprised too, hence me seeking advice/thoughts. There may be nothing to worry about, and as mentioned in some of the other posts I need to see/feel its condition.

Thanks Gaz, will have a read.

Ah yea, it appears so. Now to determine how much of an issue this is bearing in mind the current dealer has carried out a full service and will complete remaining maintenance to turn it into a major service. I.e., would this allay any concerns over the 2 missing services going forward.

Thanks Gaz. My thinking was ideally there would be a service every year, and recorded. With there being 1 main dealer service and now 1 with current independent car dealer it made me question things as it’s borderline high mileage/lack of service history, like you say. Definitely need to see and drive it and willing to walk away if any concern. Good shout on mentioning brake fluid change, and asking for extended warranty for reassurance.

Thanks for your reply. I can certainly ask about air con service to be included. I’ve attached the full service they’ve completed. I don’t think timing belt is an issue anymore due to the change in advice on this. My wife and I won’t be doing many miles per year, 3/4k max I’d think. Car is manual, so no DSG. Car would come with a 3 month/3000 miles per year warranty. I’m trying to get my head around the lack of servicing/maintenance recording of the car and how big an issue this is, taking into account servicing it has had, and will have by the current dealer. I.e., level of risk.

Advice please forum goers. I’m looking at buying a 2019 Skoda Octavia TSI ACT SE Technology with 82k miles. It’s had one main dealer service carried out at Richmond Skoda (around June 2022 when car approx 3 years old and 33k miles), without any further until the current dealer obtained the car from the main Skoda dealer. Current dealer has carried out a full service, I have a photo of the receipt - brake pads, discs, rear wiper, rear wiper motor, oil change etc (Jan 25 when car is approx 5 yrs 7 months old and at 81971 (82k) miles). So approx 33k from new to first service (3 yrs old), then 49k from first service second service/now. Car covering around 20k miles per year. Dealer doesn’t know what car was used for but would assume motorway mileage. The dealer will carry out any remaining maintenance tasks to turn it into a major service being completed before selling. MOT looks ok from checking online. One failure in May 23 then passed in Aug 23, not sure why it took so long to re-test. Checks confirm not written off etc etc. I’ve not yet viewed the car to inspect condition inside and out, which I know is a significant factor in my decision. How concerned would you be with lack of service history and maintenance if you were looking to buy the car? Car is up for £8,395. Thanks in advance for your advice/thoughts.