Hello there, have lurked for a while but actually have a question so here goes. Forgive the diatribe.

Now on our 3rd Octavia having had them sine launch. We have been having an ABS issue with our 2009 VRs TDi. 2 months out of warranty and ESP pump/module fails causing dashboard Xmas tree advising report to dealer. We have duly done this and have been quoted 1500 for replacement, subsequently this was reduced to a customer contribution of 450.00 after some argument. The work has been carried out, problem apparently resolved. The car has had FMDSH from when purchased new. An 800.00 EGR valve replaced just before warranty expired despite only being used on motorway, however I digress.

A couple of questions, nothing in the engine bay has been disturbed ie no muck moved of screws on inlet manifold, airbox etc that would persumably have to come out to gain access to replace the unit. Dealer advised when questioned that they drop the subframe and go in underneath to change the sensor!? Seems improbable to me but is this true?

I know someone was under the bonnet as they thoughtfully left their chewing gum wrapper there! I also know someone was at the car because they dropped something sharp and heavy down the wing chipping and denting our otherwise immaculate Black Magic Pearl paint. Whilst the dealer has agreed to book this in to be rectified it smacks of couldn't care less attitude which leads me to suspect that they have simply charged us 450.00 for resetting a warning light rather than actually carrying out a repair. Is there anyway to prove this? I really wish we had UV penned the original to prove decicisvely.

Dealer has also advised that this is not the same ABS fault that plagued VAG but a different ABS fault as our car doesn't fall into the chassis numbers affected. Does this sound right as I am highly dubious? I believe the part in question is made by ATE but I would need to check the number.

I am also considering the legal avenue of sales of goods act and its fittness for purpose. Worth exploring or just suck it up and never buy a Skoda again? Which would be a pity, as it is a very nice car.

Any help or guidance on this matter would be gratefully recieved.

AL

First immediate step is to check that the warning light still works i.e., comes on when you start the car. If it doesn't then it might just have been disabled!

I've recently had one of the sensors replaced under warranty too on my '09 LE. Warranty expires in a few days time. I'm afraid I'm not sure of the exact details.

Warning light still works on start up. Previously went in to extend the warranty but due to no one wanted to make eye contact or take the 600.00 for the pleasure of extending it by 2yrs so left thouroughly disgusted. Then this happens. Last Skoda dealer went bust taking about 250k of pre ordered taxi deposits with him to the Costa del Wherever. This dealer has rubbish staff who a appear to not comprhend the meaning of customer service.

Take it to another dealer for a second opinion.

Never step foot in the original dealer again.

Send an email to the dealer listing all of the issues

Ring Skoda UK Customer Services (08457 745745 - Option 4) and explain your displeasure at the hands of one of their franchised garages.

And most importantly don't let rubbish service from one rogue dealer put you off what is a very good car.

Take it to another dealer for a second opinion.

Never step foot in the original dealer again.

Send an email to the dealer listing all of the issues

Ring Skoda UK Customer Services (08457 745745 - Option 4) and explain your displeasure at the hands of one of their franchised garages.

And most importantly don't let rubbish service from one rogue dealer put you off what is a very good car.

sound advice, will follow up and update if there is anything to add.