My sister bought a ferby 1.2 (64), 07 plate. She had it inspected by car checkers who tell me they only can check things that are visible with the naked eye. It turns out it had an accident on the front where the powersteering components are. They told us it had an accident but that repairs were of a commercially acceptable standard.

Her power steering failed while driving having only had the car 6 weeks! An "independant" report commissioned by car checkers states the following, but really I dont understand all of this. I am particularly concerned that a Skoda dealer has given them info when its their policy not to (also they havent sourced the dealer in the report). Does anything appear to incorrect about their statements.

I have been told by my garage that screws absent from the wheel arch are part of the repair job (they are covering the area that was repaired). They also said the repair was of a very poor standard. Any info about this report or advice would be GREATLY appreciated.

It is suggested that screws absent from the L/H front inner wheel arch moulding would have been justification for further investigation to have been recommended in the initial report and the steering pump damage could then have been indentified.

I have been instructed to investigate this claim.

1. WHEEL ARCH LINER

The L/H front inner wheel arch liner is constructed of a stiff moulded plastic material and is securely located into the folded flanges of the wing. Many of the fasteners are in place expect the 3 forward screw fixings clamping the liner to the wrap around front bumper section. The liner is of the type that folds under the front portion of the wing creating an additional closing panel from the elements.

Although it is possible the pull part of the liner away from the wing flange, it is not possible to get full access without removing further fasteners. Additionally, although the pump is partially visible, it appears to be in very good condition and would give no reason for further investigation. It is also possible to feel the casing by partially placing a hand into the opening and feeling around the casing, but again found no irregularities to suggest damage.

2. STEERING PUMP

The pump however, is also partially visible from the underside of the vehicle although shaded by the undershield that wraps around the front panel and around the underside of the L/H front chassis area. From this position, it is possible to see minor surface abrasions and minor undulations to the pump casing.

3. ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT

With assistance from the garage engineer (Mark) it was pointed out that duck tape and silicon had been used to repair the electronic control unit attached to the chassis leg and that the multi pin plugs had been damaged. The electronic control unit had a group of pins protruding from the underside of the unit. These were free standing with no plastic socket surrounding them (missing). However, with the cable counter part connection pushed over them, this could not have been seen and was only identified with the connection removed. This also includes a layer of white silicon sealant that covered the surface around the pins. The control unit also has a black pigment casing and black duck tape neatly applied to its underside seams. A small portion of the white silicon sealant is only partially visible with the plugs in place and appears remarkably like a small portion of white masking tape. It is not uncommon for manufactuerers to use black duck tape like this as additional protection against the elements therefore not causing immediate concern.

Further discussions with the local main Skoda dealer, minor surface damage

to the casing is insufficient to cause concern as the casing is reletively thin

and of a pressed steel material. Damage similar to this can be sustained during normal removal and replacement and not indicative of potential failure or

otherwise. This is providing the steering assistance is fully functional and the warning light exstinguishes on starting.

Rectification:

The steering pump will require replacement including the adjacent electronic control unit.

Conclusion:

In the engineer’s opinion, the fixing screws missing from the L/H front inner wheel arch liner is no indication that further damage should be suspected or investigated. The pump markings are equally not sufficient to warrant remedial attention. The steering was also believed to have been fully functional and the warning light extinguished on starting. This is sufficient evidence to indicate no pending problems. The only reported common failure of these pumps occurred between 2000 and 2003 models and since then, they have proved reasonably reliable, but not infallible.

The broken electrical connections cannot be seen until they are disconnected.

Furthermore, damage to the electronic control unit could only have shown a small white mark (now known to be silicon) could not have been considered detrimental as it is partially concealed by the black duck tape making its appearance very similar to that of white masking tape. It is not unusual to see masking tape in peculiar areas on repaired vehicles of this type. In the absence of any relevant electrical defects, it would not necessitate further attention.

The current fault with the power steering would not have been evident from a visual inspection

anyone got any advice?

It sounds like their saying it's no ones fault, however, the pump is stuffed and will require replacing. No doubt something they'll want you to pay for (the pump is over £500 +labour )

If the car is an 07 and they are saying that the pump was not damaged by the imact then it must be covered under the Skoda warranty mustn't it?

If the your Skoda dealer has said this:

Further discussions with the local main Skoda dealer, minor surface damage

to the casing is insufficient to cause concern as the casing is reletively thin

and of a pressed steel material. Damage similar to this can be sustained during normal removal and replacement and not indicative of potential failure or

otherwise. This is providing the steering assistance is fully functional and the warning light exstinguishes on starting.

What's the problem?, it's a 2007 car and should be covered under warranty. the only thing that i can see them charging you for are to supply the missing arch liner screws.

If it isn't then you have recourse back to the dealer who sold it to you who should put it right. If it was purchased privately or at an auction and the pump is not warrantable, then it will be down to the owner to sort out.

The pump was damaged before we bought it. It was a private seller and she was conned. But the inspection company want to claim that missing screws from the wheel arch plastic moulding thingy wouldnt warrant further investigation (whereby they would have found the pump to be dodgy). They knew there was an accident there aswell and didnt check it!

Was the car HPI checked?

And who were these "car checkers"?

RAC/AA most major breakdown companies offer an inspection service

The car should be always checked BEFORE buying. Thats visually and roadtested

If it was a private sale then obv it is sold as seen so you probably won't really have any comeback unlesss the inspection people said it wouldnt pose a problem when it clearly has.

Was the car HPI checked?

And who were these "car checkers"?

RAC/AA most major breakdown companies offer an inspection service

The car should be always checked BEFORE buying. Thats visually and roadtested

If it was a private sale then obv it is sold as seen so you probably won't really have any comeback unlesss the inspection people said it wouldnt pose a problem when it clearly has.

CAR CHECKERS ARE LIABLE, THEY CHECKED THE CAR IT WAS BOUGHT FROM A PRIVATE DEALER. HOWEVER...

In the report before we bought the car they told us it had an accident but that repairs were of a commercially acceptable standard. They also put the extent and nature of the repairs is undefined... this i believe to be "unfair" under contract law (and it is certainly a pointless report).

Also (and this more more solid) surely missing screws should have been highlighted in the report? These are visible with the naked eye and cover up the botched repair!!

On their website they say "For people who are confident to carry out basic checks on cosmetic appearance and bodywork themselves but need Peace of Mind on mechanical, vehicle operations and previous accident damage checks" . They told me that they dont remove things and only do visual checks and that these screws dont warrent further investigation... I think they do because surely it is a reflection of the repair quality? any comments?