unfortunately that isnt the case. most starter motors are exchange items therefore until they get some back to re-condition there arent any to supply. most spurious parts for brand new models arent available in the uk for the main reason of new bulids getting priority over any shipments received. if you smashed up your brand new car the day after you bought it most parts would be special order from germany

For the less in the know here

they aint got none on our little island !! LOL

if i've got the part number i can see if any dealers are showing it so his local dealer can get it within a few days which should help him out!

Surprised the dealer hasn't obtained one from a car on the lot/ showroom to keep the customer moving given it could be a while.

unfortunately that isnt the case. most starter motors are exchange items therefore until they get some back to re-condition there arent any to supply.

That's a strange statement! Yes, most are exchange, but plenty of new items have to be put into the system otherwise you'd end up with loads of vehicles off road for weeks before recon units became available!.

With 30+ years in the motor trade (and my father before me) I can tell you that when new vehicles are launched there is also spares backup from day 1 (I am talking about major manufacturers here, not Tata etc.). Most fleet buyers will not take on cars unless they are comfortable that the manufacturer can back up the product. Generally components suppliers have seperate contracts for parts supplied as spares, and parts supplied for vehicle assembly.

I think VAG in general can be a bit poor on spares backup. I used to do a lot of repairs on Mercedes and their spares provision was second to none. In contrast I had a Sharan gearbox in pieces for over a month (it was a taxi!!) trying to obtain a part. In the end I had to call the factory in Germany because Milton Keynes were so hopeless. 24 hours after calling the factory the part arrived in the UK!

If people are really saying that all new components are being diverted to new builds and none are going into the spares network then that really is a shocking state of affairs, but frankly I don't think that's the case.

Take every single post on this thread and replace "Skoda" and "VAG" to "Mercedes" or "BMW".

This scenario is no different to any other manufacturer, automotive or otherwise.

The lack of stock shouldn't be the area of focus here as it can and does affect many different manufacturers and industries.

It should be how the dealer or Skoda deal with you, their customer.

Now the OP has finally added a little more detail which may suggest that his dealer has been less than helpful the advice should be to get on the phone and make it perfectly clear you aren't happy and something needs to be done today to keep you mobile, whether that be borrowing a component off a new car or getting you into a hire car pronto.

As I mentioned earlier, loosing your temper won't help. Be firm but polite and make it clear to them what you expect them to do to make this bad situation better.

Once you have a car on your driveway then you can pursue Skoda UK for an apology or compensation etc. etc.

Yes, you are quite right, the dealer has been less than helpful. However, the issue of a loan vehicle is not critical at the moment because the golf course is closed!

The real issues are poor spares provision but, maybe more important, the dangers inherrent in the defect. Is it common? If so there needs to be an urgent recall.

I have enjoyed two previous new-buy Skoda Octavias but this one and the dealers attitude are a major turn-off.

done a dealer search with the info you've given me mate and indeed there arent any in the uk or ireland. spoke to the local dealers and they havent had one come back under warranty so i just think you've been unlucky. due to the backlog of octavia orders new builds are taking priority. same with the vw fox, i've had ten bumpers on order since june, how peeved would you be if one of these was for your accident damaged car!

done a dealer search with the info you've given me mate and indeed there arent any in the uk or ireland. spoke to the local dealers and they havent had one come back under warranty so i just think you've been unlucky. due to the backlog of octavia orders new builds are taking priority. same with the vw fox, i've had ten bumpers on order since june, how peeved would you be if one of these was for your accident damaged car!

Many thanks Bond 007. Just had a call from the dealer and the car is now ready. Seems that someone somewhere found a starter - glad I was not waiting for a Fox bumper!

It's reassuring to know that it was an isolated fault but obviously am concerned that some vag spares are so difficult to obtain.

to be fair though it is a very strange occurance as far as not being able to get a part, i order 100's of parts a day and might get 1 or 2 come back as on back order, but at least they've got you one and you'll be back on the road