Hello. Should I book my car into a Skoda dealer or can I use ANother if the correct equipment is available? What might a first service cost at a skoda garage? Thanks

I would say use a Skoda dealer and supply your own oil. The first service is just a vehicle check and and a filter and oil change I think. It should cost less than £100 if you supply your own oil.

While you can use another VAT registered mechanic under block exemption any warranty claim is likely to take longer to resolve and you'll be left running backwards and forwards to prove the service schedule was followed to the letter and oe parts were used. You also won't get any good will contribution as this is usually conditional on full MDSH and block exemption doesn't cover manufacturer or dealership good will. Our ABS unit failed on the Golf, bill was getting on for 1k, VW offered 35% as a 'Good Will' contribution as it was a known issue and the dealership preferred to match it giving 70% off rather than be taken to Small Claims Court under the SOGA. Skoda will also usually price match on a like for like for service/repair work so feel free to push them to do so.