I began a thread a couple of weeks ago relating to a problem I had with my air conditioning and the initial diagnosis is a failed air con compressor for which my local dealer has quoted £850 to replace. Typically, my approved used warranty expired in the middle of February and I didn't notice the problem until the end of March when we had a few days of good weather. To say I'm unhappy would be an understatement especially as I've also had to replace the abs unit because of the well documented traction control issue (thankfully the warranty covered that).

The car is booked in with the dealer next Tuesday for the work to be done and I've already contacted Skoda Customer Care to enquire about a goodwill gesture on their behalf and to be fair the initial discussion was reasonably positive. They will be speaking to the dealer on Tuesday to establish the exact nature of the problem and action required before giving me an answer. Therefore has anyone else had any experience of a similar case and what was the outcome? The points I have made so far are:

[*]The part that has failed is not a 'wear and tear' item and I could reasonably expect the part to last the lifetime of the vehicle

[*]The car is not excessively old (5 years in May) and has completed less than average mileage (47,000 at the moment)

[*]The car has been looked after in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations and has a full and comprehensive main dealer service history (either 10,000 miles or 12 months since new)

[*]It would appear that this failure is not uncommon across the VW/Audi Group and it's my understanding that the replacement part will have been made by a different supplier i.e the original had an inherent design fault and could be deemed not fit for purpose

I'll keep you updated on the outcome (fingers crossed!) but in the meantime if anyone has any similar experiences to share or opinions on how to approach the matter, these would be appreciated.

If you don't get goodwill i wouldn't be paying £850 for it. I would source the compressor myself and get an independent garage to fit it for you.

Dont forget to tell them what a good customer you have been, how many skodas you have had, and hiw you have spread the word to others in your family, who have also bought skodas, bla blah blah...

You mention that the vehicle has been regularly serviced in accordance with manufacturer specifications. Have you had the Air conditioning serviced? It is due for service every two years, and you should have been advised accordigly when due. If it has not been serviced, they will have a loophole to slip out of and refuse goodwill.

With regards to goodwill, there are two types, "factory" and "customer services", nine times out of ten, factory refuse. The dealer applies for this on your behalf using a web based system, the answer is usually instant.

Customer goodwill on the otherhand, is a little more forgiving, as the dealer and you as the customer can talk to someone. Keep records of names and times, and everytime you speak to them, say you are loosing confidence in the brand, they hate it.

If you have A/C service history then you stand a fairly good chance of a goodwill contribution, if you don't then your best line of defense is to say you haven't been informed that the A/C needs to be serviced, and pass that buck back to the dealer.

Hope this helps.

Edited 14 April, 201115 yr by VandrosdisTech

You mention that the vehicle has been regularly serviced in accordance with manufacturer specifications. Have you had the Air conditioning serviced? It is due for service every two years, and you should have been advised accordigly when due. If it has not been serviced, they will have a loophole to slip out of and refuse goodwill.

With regards to goodwill, there are two types, "factory" and "customer services", nine times out of ten, factory refuse. The dealer applies for this on your behalf using a web based system, the answer is usually instant.

Customer goodwill on the otherhand, is a little more forgiving, as the dealer and you as the customer can talk to someone. Keep records of names and times, and everytime you speak to them, say you are loosing confidence in the brand, they hate it.

If you have A/C service history then you stand a fairly good chance of a goodwill contribution, if you don't then your best line of defense is to say you haven't been informed that the A/C needs to be serviced, and pass that buck back to the dealer.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for the quick replies. I thought about the air con and servicing - first of all I've only owned the car for 14 months and it was when I arranged an air con service (with an air con specialist not a main dealer) that the problem came to light. I also checked both the owners handbook and service schedule and there's no mention/recommendation that the air con should be serviced every 2 years - only that if the cooling system has a problem you should "contact a specialist garage". Three dealers have serviced the vehicle at various stages and I have all service stamps, receipts etc and there's no record of an air con service being completed and I wasn't advised at the last service that it was due.

One of the main reasons for aircon failure is down to lack of use.

Not many people use the aircon in winter as they dont realise it blows hot air as well as cold.

You must use the aircon all year round to keep it in good order. ( Even if its only once a week)

If left it can also build up nasty bacteria which is when they start to smell funny.