I was excidetedly anticipating getting my new car on Friday. On Thursday evening, I received a phonecall from my dealer: "We have some good news and some bad news; the good news is your car is here, the bad news is that it's been damaged in transit." I was then asked whether I would like it repaired or reject it and order a new one. I waited until I had inspected the car on Friday... it was a pretty pathetic site. Two dents on the roof, a dent on the rear right quarter and a scratch in the boot lid and bumper. The dealer showed me the estimate they had obtained to repair the damage...

That is so annoying

I think you've done the right thing in rejecting the car though as you want it to be perfect from Day 1.

On the plus side you may now get an '05' plate (depending on how long you have to wait)

The waiting begins (again) :(

Are they offering you any compensation for the inconvenience? Might be able to get them to throw in a couple of extra toys FOC in the new car......

Chris

Good decision, I hope the wait isnt to long. I hope no one here buys the car once its been repaired. It wont show on any database, and they will as far as they know have got a new undamaged car.

Good decision, I hope the wait isnt to long. I hope no one here buys the car once its been repaired. It wont show on any database, and they will as far as they know have got a new undamaged car.

Didn't I read on here that Skoda UK are very strict about that - any repairs needing filler and/or new panels can't be sold as new by a franchised dealer? Sounds like the damage on this one is a bit beyond the gift of Chips Away etc.

You were right to rejuect it.....sounds like someone tried to drive if off the transporter without lifting the top deck first.

Saw a herd of Micras being delivered to Nissan main dealer 8 yrs ago that had been on the top deck of the transporter....sadly the driver forgot about the low bridge 300 yds further down the road and crushed the roofs and broke the front windows on all 4 of them. Damage was substantial and the cars were all sent back to the factory for either repair or scrapping.

Believe the 'new' driver was sacked.

Regulary see new cars that have been damaged by stout branches at the top of trees.

When my Dad worked for Vauxhall ( a long time ago, now) Their company car choice included upgrading to a better car that had been "delivery damaged" -and there were loads of 'em!

Phil

You've done the right thing for sure. If it were to happen to me however I would demand a similar car as my other car is on it's last legs :(

my Octavia had been damaged at some point in transit,wasn't recorded anywhere so had a little battle with Skoda Customer Services and the dealer but it all got resolved in the end,had a new door fitted so i ended up a happy customer.

if i had noticed it before i took the keys i would have rejected it but it had been repaired very well as i didn't notice it until i'd had it for 3 months!!!!

so unfortunately you'll have to wait a bit longer but thats the better decision in the long run.

Thanks for the replies... I'll be waiting for the dealer to call back today with some more options for me.

You must have been gutted. I do not think I would cope. Far to impatient even for the original wait you had. I have twice gone to my Skoda dealer to order a new car and ended up walking out having bought 1. a 3 month old demonstrator, immediately available, and 2. a Mechanically brand new but pre-registered car, again immediately available .

I was gutted William!

Here's the situation now: my dealer couldn't find any 1.9 TDI Elegance models in one of my preferred colours. As a result a factory order has been placed and I should (hopefully) get the car by the end of March :( Although I am looking forward to it; I added a couple of options and the ivory interior I so wanted

I added a couple of options and the ivory interior I so wanted

Hopefully at no extra cost as compensation for your inconvenience.

Its un usual to find such an up front dealer & I think he should be congratulated, I know of 2 body shops in our area who have contracts with large franchised dealers locally to sort out any damage prior to the customer getting the car & I gather its very common for cars to be repaired & the customer never knows. Personaly I wouldnt push the compensation thing too hard as you obviously have a good dealer & it would be a shame to sour a relationship when he was totally honest about something to you

Personaly I wouldnt push the compensation thing too hard as you obviously have a good dealer & it would be a shame to sour a relationship when he was totally honest about something to you

What I was thinking, so I haven't mentioned it at all (neither has the dealer offered). I am out of pocket though as I don't have a car right now and so I've had to make alternative arrangements

I am out of pocket though as I don't have a car right now and so I've had to make alternative arrangements

May be worth asking the dealer if he can lend you a car in the interim. Worst he can do is say no.

What I was thinking, so I haven't mentioned it at all (neither has the dealer offered). I am out of pocket though as I don't have a car right now and so I've had to make alternative arrangements

Fair enough if you don't want to push it - but the dealer has a duty to keep you mobile,we had a similar case recently - car was repaired and registered by us and lent to the customer whilst waiting his new car - we then sold the car as a used vehicle - although the damage was limited to the front bumper - which could have been repaired - but was replaced,obviously yours was a little more than this.

As I say the dealer had entered into a contract to supply you with a vehicle by a certain date - they have not complied,albiet through no fault of there own - but it still leaves you without a car - even if they loan you a trade-in it would keep you mobile - certainly worth a chat - and if they can't keep you mobile I suggest your options you've added should be your compensation.

Thanks for the advice fredw and skodaw; I'll think about it

As mentioned in this thread: http://www.briskoda.net/forums/t21518-tdi-pd-engine-supply-issues.html

The delivery time has been extended again! I am now hoping to take delivery in April!

Another call from my dealer today - "Sorry but the build week has slipped yet again. We are now expecting the car at the end of April or beginning of May" :(

The dealer also mentioned huge problems with Fabia builds; this coming just before 05 reg is a disaster for Skoda!