We bought a new MPV (not Skoda -but we've still got the Vrs) when our delightful twins arrived almost a year ago. We bought a service plan - sold to us - "gives you hassle free & fixed priced servicing/repairs for the first three years sir !"

Well apparently it doesn't exactly do what it says on the tin - today the car was booked in for it's first service - two weeks shy of 12 months (& it's only done 4k since new - for reasons I won't expand on here as they are not relevant).

In addition to the service - I requested that they investigate the lumpy idle, faulty rev sensor, corroded alloys !!! & a couple of other minor things...

I was stunned to be told that I would be charged for this investigation work, unless all the faults were confirmed as being present & recoverable under warranty?!? Given the lumpy idle was intermittent - I wasn't too keen on this.

Given I'd waited for the dealership to open - with about a dozen other people - only to find two surley service receptionists - who only had one speed...slow...this didn't go down too well. Anyway skipping the next 6+ hrs (I was told it would take 2 + maybe half an hour for the other 'extra' items)...and after waiting almost 15 minutes for one of the six available desks to be manned !!!!...they of course tried to charge me because amongst other things the 'lumpy idle' wasn't present when they started the car!

Long story short (after some more surley looks, tutting & shaking of the head from the receptionist !) I asked to speak to the Service Manager - who explained this was their new policy...we ran thro' the problems, got some concessions/agreement...and he agreed to waive the charge on this occasion.

Still can't say I am too impressed with the new tactic tho' - anyone else had this?

What does the service plan terms say on your copy of the contract? Have they advised you, in writing of changes to the terms?

Who backs this plan? Dealer chain, manufacturer, insurance co?

So how is it a scam?, if the service plan and the warranty aren't going to pay the dealer for the time that they have to spend looking at the faults on your car, how do you think that the dealer is going to get paid?

It looks like the dealer was doing the correct thing in informing you of the possibility of getting charged for the work. How would you have felt with being presented with a bill without prior warning?

There was a letter written into the Telegraphs Honest John a while ago regarding these "Service Plan deals" he advised checking the small print very carefully as some of them specifiy time limits in which they must be completed and other such conditions.

Personally I just wouldn't bother and find a trusted local specialist to carry out service work.

Try another dealer?

Sounds like the Citroen/Nissan dealer near here, especially the attitude at service reception

It's a dealer sold plan - backed by big Arnold himself - they were happy to take the near £20k for the car & another £400 for the plan. Sold as covering all costs for 3yrs. It's the first time we've had one - but it looked like a decent deal. Surely if they have to take a hit - some of the sale profit covers it ?!?

Yes - of course you are right - the small print, does say, cover only to the manufacturers service schedule etc etc - however in the 20years I have been driving - any car under warranty - particularly at the first service - would entitle you to request some minor items be investigated/adjustments made (service plan or otherwise) - if they have been an issue over the previous period??? - when did this change - I wasn't the only one, that was unhappy with this new policy. On too many occasions tho'...they just state that NFF (no fault was found) - which of course was the case this time - we've driven the car for a year - we know the issues - we don't just make them up for some fun! There will always be a degree of subjectivity as to what is acceptable/ok & what is not.

Trusted local specialist - is ok for a car that is out of warranty (always my choice then), but even with the option to go out of the makers network with a warrantied car - I don't think it is worth the risk if any claim under warranty is required. Trying another dealer isn't an option or the cost of the warranty goes down the pan.

What stuck in my throat was the near certainty in her voice that this 'extra work' would cost me ! It's a scam - because - if the car has a fault & it is covered by warranty & not due to neglect/abuse/accident damage - it should covered.

It'll make me think twice about buying a car from this dealer again (shame he has over half the makes available up here !)

BTW made the local Skoda dealer look first class !!!