While I have not always been 100% happy with the Skoda dealer I use (RK Oliver), I have found them to be better than the alternatives locally. However on Saturday I recieved a letter from them to say that due to Skodas demands concerning showroom specifications that they will no longer be a Skoda Franchise dealer from the end of this month. RK Oliver was the first Skoda dealer in N. Ireland, so I think this is a real shame. I certainly am not impressed by the glitzy type of showroom Skoda now demand. I would prefer a small simple showroom backed up by good service.

Wholeheartedly agree. Ingrams have just built a shiny new Skoda showroom in Ayr, whereas my usual dealer (Deans of Dumfries) are still running out of a single storey warehouse type unit. Guess whose servicing rates are twice as expensive !

Same here. Albar at Mountsorrel have given up their Skoda new car sales, though fortunately they are still an authorized repairer. Do Skoda HQ know they are shooting themselves in the foot by going for the glitzy approach? We punters need to be able to trust our dealers, not be seduced by them.

Bryand

We punters need to be able to trust our dealers' date=' not be seduced by them.

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And we need to be able to talk to them on the phone without every noise in their large tin shed being amplified and drowning out what they're saying...

Rob.

I know what you mean, Peterborough have a nice glizzy showroom, but they wouldn't offer me a good price on a vRS, he told me they had to pay for the 1 million pound showroom. Went to a smaller dealer who didn't have a million pound showroom, and could offer me a decent price. Guess who got my money!

Do all skoda dealers have to give out pool cars when you get your car serviced?

No dealer has to give you a loan car for servicing, that's why they call them Courtesy cars

do most dealers give them? sorry for hi-jacking your thread

You usually need to arrange a courtesy car in advance. Turning up on the day of a service and expecting one is a bit of a no-no

It's usual practice to ask for a car when you book the service

Most will if you bought the car from them. If you didn't most won't. HTH

My dealer always asks, but as Stu says, i bought the car from them.

They also have a shiny new showroom, but their prices are still pretty good.

They had better be cos i'm using them next month...............

TBH, the service and advice from DS Boro already has been first class, and the service costs are cheaper than the 'others' near here!

Gilly

Working in our dealership this avvy.

Workmen in the process of jackhammering up perfectly good floor tiles probably worth thousands, just because Skoda want a new corprate scheme.

Do customers really notice or care what the showroom looks like?

Personally couldn't give a jot.

Want a decent deal that's all.

I don't, I'm not planning on spending much time there! If I had a reno then I'll like it to be nice as I'd be there everyweek!

Do customers really notice or care what the showroom looks like?

Suspect they do - Mercedes-Benz Manchester is a really nice dealership, everything has a touch of "designer class" about it. But then, I've seen how much they charge for a family saloon...

Rob.