I need some advice on how to get a resolution from a Skoda dealership in the North West of Ireland, My Black VRS was sitting for the last two weeks as the engine management light came on. A pressure sensor was required, none were available and Skoda refused to offer a replacment vehicle:mad:

That's not the worst of it!!!!

I left the car into the garage clean as i wasn't expecting two week delay, when i collected the car on Friday i discovered that the birds were using it as target practice as a mechanic had parked it below a power line. The garage hadn't bothered cleaning it. i explained the state of the car to the service department and they said that i would have to wait until the lads had their tea break. i ended up waiting over 1/2 hour and i returned home to wash it myself. it took ages as the droppings had hardened into the paint.

After drying the car i discovered that the bird **** has eatten into the laquer on the drivers side door in four places, i used paint renovator to no effect. so i returned to the Skoda dealership and showed them the problem. Their response is that the birds caused it and not them. they don't know what to do about it. and that they will get back in touch.

So what should i do as i'm extremely annoyed with this level of service.....

As annoying as it is, I wouldn't let them try and fix it.... given their attitude so far.

Firstly, unless you have it in writing, you'll need to prove that the laquer damage

wasn't there already, I for one wouldn't want them trying all sorts of abrasive cleaners on my car, especially a black one !

Did you just try to remove the marks by hand, or machine ? I had a deep blue pearl Golf a few years ago, and the birds got to that, before I could get a decent skin of wax on the car. It was only left on the car for a matter of hours, but that was enough to mark the laquer.

I removed it using a fine abrasive cleaner (Meguiars dual action polish and speed glaze I think) on a machine polisher (Porter cable one).

I would maybe look to see if there are any good detailers covering your area, then agree with the garage that you want them to repair it, and bill them. A good detailer will more than likely have a machine polisher, and be able to use it for minor paint correction.

I need some advice on how to get a resolution from a Skoda dealership in the North West of Ireland, My Black VRS was sitting for the last two weeks as the engine management light came on. A pressure sensor was required, none were available and Skoda refused to offer a replacment vehicle:mad:

That's not the worst of it!!!!........................................................... is that the birds caused it and not them. they don't know what to do about it. and that they will get back in touch.

So what should i do as i'm extremely annoyed with this level of service.....

Also give Skoda customer services a call as well, and the dealership group if they have one. If nothing comes of either at least you have informed them. after all they are representing Skoda.

Inform your insurance co there may well be a valid claim against the garages insurance. Whilst in their possesion they should take all reasonable steps to ensure your car is kept safely. Remember also disclaimer notices do not always have a legal bearing. The garage will have a "duty of care".

Very sorry to hear of the damage to your car, however, as Swil00 states, it is down to you to prove that it was the garage was at fault. Bearing in mind the conversations you have had with the garage and the notes you have made I think you have a good case. All service providers have a duty of care. This was not the situation in your case. Could I suggest that you contact your local trading standards authority NCA - Home page - National Consumer Agency - Ireland who may be able to assist you. I have no knowledge of Irish Law but contacting my local office has helped me on a few occaisions with poor service providers. I hope the web site link is right. Good luck

Cheers swil00 i did use Autoglym super resin polish to no avail, then used the Autoglym paint renovator. The surface is actually smooth as the acid from the bird droppings have pentetrated the laquer, as it's a bank holiday in Ireland today i'm going to visit a paint shop and get their advice, i since managed to get talking to the gargages valuter and he says that he wouldn't go near it himself. I will pay them both a visit in the morning..

Also give Skoda customer services a call as well, and the dealership group if they have one. If nothing comes of either at least you have informed them. after all they are representing Skoda.

My car is a company vehicle so i will be getting in touch with the fleet management company, they are already writing to Skoda about the delay in getting a pressure sensor and looking for a contribution towards the two weeks of car hire, i can definitely say i'll never be using this particular garage again!!!

You should'nt have probs getting the etching out, I often have this issue. I use menz polish on a DA and, using a paint depth guage its possible to remove most etching. So, def speak to local detailer, a paint shop will most likely polish it badly leaving you with holograms and swirls.

Very sorry to hear of the damage to your car, however, as Swil00 states, it is down to you to prove that it was the garage was at fault. Bearing in mind the conversations you have had with the garage and the notes you have made I think you have a good case. All service providers have a duty of care. This was not the situation in your case. Could I suggest that you contact your local trading standards authority NCA - Home page - National Consumer Agency - Ireland who may be able to assist you. I have no knowledge of Irish Law but contacting my local office has helped me on a few occaisions with poor service providers. I hope the web site link is right. Good luck

Cheers for the link Ahab, i'll will use this avenue if the response is unsatisfactory from the garage. Their standard of customer service has been extremely disappointing on this occasion.:thumbdwn: