[How long do your brake pads last?]

On my 2016 VRS I've just had the front pads changed for the first time at 70,000 miles as they were 75% worn.

 

["Misting" Front Shock Absorbers??????]

2 hours ago, Wino said:

http://www.theuniversalgroup.com/shock-absorber-inspection-misting-versus-leaking/

 

I've learned something today Wino, I was convinced that the Skoda Dealer was trying to pull the wool over my eyes. This is very useful information for which I thank you.

["Misting" Front Shock Absorbers??????]

2 hours ago, JulieD said:

Volkswagen have a TPI covering shock absorbers that provides dealers with guidance on what they will or will not accept as a warranty claim.  They will replace leaking dampers under warranty, but light misting is considered normal and won’t be covered.  Skoda no doubt will be the same.

 

Thank you JulieD, that's almost word for word what the dealer told me - many thanks.

["Misting" Front Shock Absorbers??????]

Grateful for any advice on a little problem please.

 

I have just had my 2016 plate VRS serviced (60,000 miles) at my local garage who I trust implicitly. My car has 100,000 mile warranty.

 

The mechanic who serviced it reported that both the front shock absorbers were damp with fluid. For a car that has done upwards of 90% of its miles either on motorways or trunk roads I considered that this was not fair wear and tear.

 

I was therefore forced to book the car into Winchester Skoda in the new year for assessment. I would add that I wouldn't trust either of the local Skoda dealers with a cracked cup!

 

Winchester Skoda have informed me that the fluid is "Misting" which is completely normal for the shock absorbers fitted to my car. Personally I feel that I'm being told a load of tosh. In my experience, shock absorbers are always sealed units and "Misting" equals leakage which is never going to get better.

 

Has anyone else had a similar experience?

 

Thanks in advance.

[Smartlink satnav brightness - day or night?]

I had Smartlink as a factory option and my headlights (bi-zenons) are always on AUTO. If the headlights are not illuminated the satnav screen is on daylight but if the headlamps come on the satnav screen switches to night time.

[Whistling noise from drivers door area]

I used to get this on my Mk1 Fabia VRS. It always turned out to be leaves that had become sucked in and trapped in the heater ducts. Although having said that, my current Octavia VRS has proved more leaf proof than my previous Fabia so far this winter.

[Non-skoda servicing]

Do you list everything you require them to do or just summarise in a statement?

Simply use my own headed paper, identify the vehicle by its VIN and quote the mileage asking the garage to undertake an X,000 mile service using Skoda parts and approved processes to preserve the vehicle warranty. I get them to sign this and put their stamp which includes their VAT registered number on the form.

[Non-skoda servicing]

Ah.

 

There's your problem.

 

Right there.

 

Skoda's "process" might be to drain the oil first whilst listening to George Michael singing "Careless Whisper".

 

If your independent drains the oil last whilst listening to Sinead O'Connor singing "Nothing Compares 2 U" then your warranty is blown.

 

You get my point.

I'm going to disagree with you, in the nicest possible way. Under consumer law I am entitled to rely on the garages' subject matter expertise. I have used reasonable skills as a layman to identify my requirements. I am quite content that this would stand up in a court of law. However, it's up to each individual to do what they feel is right for them.

[Non-skoda servicing]

I have just gone down this route with a new 1.9TDI VRS. I was told by the Skoda dealer who sold me the car (Hortons in Lincoln) that so long as the garage is VAT registered and they use genuine Skoda parts and processes then the warranty will be unaffected. I do, however, get the garage to sign a sheet of paper I prepare for them undertaking to adhere to Skoda's requirements. I agree with you that upon resale a file with bits of paper in will be of greater value than a digital record of servicing.

[2nd pair of eyes - Helping a fellow Briskodian]

I was going to add that if the car has been purchased from Sparshatts then SalimShady04 probably needs all the help he can get - they are the most awful company.

[2nd pair of eyes - Helping a fellow Briskodian]

Regret I'm otherwise engaged this weekend. Have you purchased this from Sparshatts?

[Fuel Economy Octavia vRS Diesel Hatch]

I've been driving a 16 plate TDI VRS with DSG box since March 2016. About every 3rd tank I tend to use the higher spec diesel - not convinced that it gives much better MPG or driving qualities though. Since I've had the car the best tankful gave me 52MPG and the worst was 41MPG. All in all I've attained an average of 47MPG at an average cost of 11p per mile for fuel. The car has now done 13000 miles and this has been a general mixture of long distance and local trips. 

[Squeaky doors]

I've not experienced this on an Octavia but on my Mk1 Fabia VRS I had a very similar problem and it turned out to be the wishbone bushes (I think Skoda call them Consul Bushes) on the front suspension that were squeaking.

[Email from dealer]

Back in January I bought an Octavia VRS and a Fabia Monte Carlo through Carwow but I also got a Skoda Loyalty discount of £1000 as we already owned two Skodas'. I had to produce both the log books though as proof of ownership to get the discount.

[How good are Xenon headlights]

I am currently driving a Mk1 Fabia VRS with Xenon headlights (New Octavia VRS due for delivery at the end of the month - excited or what!). I had owned the Fabia for ten years and covered almost 160,000 miles and the Xenons are still the original lamps. I have had to change just about every other bulb on the vehicle at some time but have never touches the headlights. I would never have another car that didn't have xenon headlights (I believe that the one's now fitted to new vehicles are even better).

[Anyone used Carwow or similar?]

I currently have an Octavia VRS and a Fabia Monte Carlo (both with a few toys on) on order from a dealer in Lincoln (Dennis Horton Skoda) using CarWow. All in all I saved around £5k on the list prices and whilst I have yet to take delivery of the vehicles thus far it has been a very positive experience. The only slight drawback is that I live 200 miles away from Lincoln but their's was the best quote by far.