Forester

I have a 61 plate Scout and have just had the condenser replaced, apparently a "known issue" relating to a manufacturing defect as "Its Me" mentioned above. A surprise to me too as they did this without complaint despite the car being slightly over 60,000 miles and technically out of warranty. I note that there is a plastic stone guard in front of the condenser now that was not on my 57 plate 4x4 - as evidenced by that car having the condenser stone damaged 3 times!

Quick update. Following trading standards advice I gathered enough evidence to pursue this under the Sale of Goods Act (SoGA). I set all this out in a letter to SUK's legal department asking them to confirm they were not intending to honour their obligations under SoGA and, if so, I would then send them a summons for a small claims action based on the information I had included in my letter. End result - they offered the amount I had been quoted to refurb the wheels. Very disappointed that it had to come to this, it has not left me with a very good impression of SUK customer services.

Yep, I told them I was aware they had replaced under warranty for other owners and I was told they looked at each case individually and in my case they considered it external damage and would not contribute. I also got the opinon of a local wheel refurbishment franchise (which refurbishes wheels for the local franchised Skoda dealer) and SUK said they could not take the opinon of a third party. This is after a number of phone calls and a strong letter. Any tips on where I go from here gratefully received as they have stated categotically they will not contribute to refurbishment - and I am only asking for refurbishment, not replacement, as I don't want the lacquer finish again as it is pretty - but practically useless.

I'd be interested in what SUK says about your delamination of the Proteus alloys as they have just refused to contribute to the refurbishment of mine. The car is two years old with 50k on the clock and the local dealer and SUK suggest that the "damage" around the rim is due to poor tyre fitting or "external damage". Utter tosh as the same garage/fitter has replaced five sets between this car and the previous Octavia 4x4 and the Helios alloys on the 4x4 left me at 133k with no problems. I am contemplating CAB/Trading Standards as I would like to think I have a case under Sale of Goods Act on unsatisfactory quality.

Nope, had one for 130k and the suspension was fine, rode and handled better than my Mk2 Suabru Outback but had slightly more compliant suspension than the Scout I am running now but not by much - and that perception could be down to tyres. 4x4 would be fine for track work (mine was driven on forest roads a lot) is probably cheaper than Scout to buy, Scout probably has better resale, both probably cheaper to run than the Volvo. If it was my money I would start looking for a 4x4 and if a suitable Scout turned up would take that if the price was right. I might consider the Volvo if I was not doing high mileages and if I was bothered about the badge on the car. In that price range though you are more likely to find a bigger choice of XC70 than 4x4 or Scout.

Ordered a Scout in April (2011!) and am told it is being built this week. But then I was originally told it was going to be built a month ago so I am not holding my breath.

I found that out today to my (or rather my employer's cost) quoted £129 yesterday, part arrived today £245. How can they justify a 90% price increase?

There are others more knowledgeable than me who may be able to help but I suspect ABS & ESP probably does mean the whole pump if the diagnostics confirm it. It seems a common problem so a search on here will probably turn up some more examples. Dealer diagnostics can be variable depending on the dealer, it might be worthwhile checking the recommendations part of the site to see how your dealer scores or to find a recommendation in your area to get a second opinion?

What warning lights are showing on the ABS fault? There is a repair kit for certain faults that costs £129 plus VAT instead of a new pump at £1,000. Dealer diagnostic should tell for sure. As to prop shaft, remember the rubber coupling in the rear shaft which can wear around the 60k mark, that is worth checking before replacing shafts.

There is a rubber coupling in the rear prop shaft which can fail and cause a grumbling noise. Mine was replaced just after 60K and it is not cheap at about £190. Hopefully it is just this that is causing your problem and not something more expensive.

Try the rear brake disc shield, it can cause a noise similar to that you are describing. Give the tyre a hard kick and the disc shield will rattle if it is loose, had this on mine and secured it with a cable tie until the next service.

Owned four of them, 2 mk1 Outbacks and 2 mk2 Outbacks (as well as a standard mk 1 Legacy and a Forester), still have a 2002 3.0 H6, nice car but the Skoda does everything the Outback does for a lot less money and (whisper it) it handles better too!

Wrong on both counts - almost http://ww1.briskoda.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/default/emoticon-0140-rofl.gif I have not been a forester in the Midlands since the late 1980's and the fence is on a private estate in Strathspey. http://ww1.briskoda.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/default/emoticon-0103-cool.gif

So am I! 4x4 bought just before the Scout came out. Now with a Scout on order but not due to be delivered until late this year. http://ww1.briskoda.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/default/emoticon-0101-sadsmile.gif 115k so far, been very reliable, touch wood!

Just ordered a diesel Scout and dealer suggesting 35 weeks to delivery - Expecting it to come in Xmas wrapping paper! http://ww1.briskoda.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/default/emoticon-0140-rofl.gif