A lucky escape?

[junctiontwo]

Having ordered a VRS Estate (with extras) in August with the delivery date of Oct 27 being moved to Dec 21, Jan 21 and then Feb 21, I've found out today that it will not be built. The attitude of Skoda has been quite remarkable with all manner of excuses - the most popular being that 'the Alcantara seats are causing a problem'. It's now evident that there was probably no intention of ever building the car - why not just tell me in the first place?

I've now decided (helped by the countless posts on here about very poor customer service) to look at a different manufacturer. This is a final post to say 'thanks' to all those who gave useful information (that I intended to use!) and those that answered my questions.

[vRSsunroof]

Having ordered a VRS Estate (with extras) in August with the delivery date of Oct 27 being moved to Dec 21, Jan 21 and then Feb 21, I've found out today that it will not be built. The attitude of Skoda has been quite remarkable with all manner of excuses - the most popular being that 'the Alcantara seats are causing a problem'. It's now evident that there was probably no intention of ever building the car - why not just tell me in the first place?

Free upgrade to an Octy 3??

[degsyvrs]

Free upgrade to an Octy 3??

What he said!

[booke23]

I suppose he'd have an even longer wait for the Mk3 vRS though.

[Aspman]

I'd tell them to shove their car up their arse too if I was you. Shoddy.

I would probably be looking at another manufacturer too.

But you'd be missing out on a great car. Nearly new from another dealer?

[rob_e]

Having ordered a VRS Estate (with extras) in August with the delivery date of Oct 27 being moved to Dec 21, Jan 21 and then Feb 21, I've found out today that it will not be built. The attitude of Skoda has been quite remarkable with all manner of excuses - the most popular being that 'the Alcantara seats are causing a problem'. It's now evident that there was probably no intention of ever building the car - why not just tell me in the first place?

I've now decided (helped by the countless posts on here about very poor customer service) to look at a different manufacturer. This is a final post to say 'thanks' to all those who gave useful information (that I intended to use!) and those that answered my questions.

I can't get my head around this.. I ordered my new vRS estate in October including just about every available extra including alcantara and it was delivered in December.

[junctiontwo]

I can't get my head around this.. I ordered my new vRS estate in October including just about every available extra including alcantara and it was delivered in December.

It really doesn't make sense does it? It's a Co car so it's leased, but this should make no difference IMO. I did wonder whether private users take priority over business users....

[junctiontwo]

I'd tell them to shove their car up their arse too if I was you. Shoddy.

I would probably be looking at another manufacturer too.

But you'd be missing out on a great car. Nearly new from another dealer?

Good idea but it's a Co car so has to be new, and definitely another manufacturer! Narrowed it down to a high-spec Seat Exeo, Insignia or Chevy Cruze.

[silver1011]

Your fleet manager forgot to place the order. He's now missed the last build date!?

[Web Ferret]

Shocking.

Email Skoda UK with a link to this thread.

Is it via a dealer, if so name them. If you want the dealer principals email - PM me and I'll ferret it for you.

[junctiontwo]

Your fleet manager forgot to place the order. He's now missed the last build date!?

The order was placed on Aug 27 and chased regularly - it was Skoda that kept delaying things. I did call a local dealer to ask if lease orders take second place to private buys, and he said the delay would be purely due to the Mk3 builds that are taking priority.

Shocking.

Email Skoda UK with a link to this thread.

Is it via a dealer, if so name them. If you want the dealer principals email - PM me and I'll ferret it for you.

According to the lease co (HSBC) the dealer is/was livid as he lost the sale as again it was Skoda calling the shots.

I'm naturally disappointed but slightly relieved too - could this be the shape of things to come re customer service etc? I don't expect good service or a pleasant attitude from a car dealer (except when they're cheerfully calling to remind you the service is due), but c'mon chaps, surely you WANT to sell a car?!

Thanks again guys for all of your responses & help - it's been a pleasure chatting......

[j0hn]

Off topic (sorry) but you're not in a band called junction 2 are you?

[dunc69]

Don't get a Chevvy Cruze! Drove one at work. Truly awful car! Interior hopeless. Cheap plastics, tacky feeling controls etc etc.

Was woefully slow too. Not sure what engine you are after though.

All round quality-wise, my Octy is leagues ahead.

[junctiontwo]

Off topic (sorry) but you're not in a band called junction 2 are you?

Me?? I can't sing Humpty Dumpty!

Don't get a Chevvy Cruze! Drove one at work. Truly awful car! Interior hopeless. Cheap plastics, tacky feeling controls etc etc.

Was woefully slow too. Not sure what engine you are after though.

All round quality-wise, my Octy is leagues ahead.

Thanks a million. This is actually number 3 of 3 in terms of choice and it's the interior that's putting me off. I do wonder how they can offer pretty much every extra as standard for around £2k less than other manufacturers.

Ironically I can still order my car via the Skoda website!

[mr_awol]

Good idea but it's a Co car so has to be new, and definitely another manufacturer! Narrowed it down to a high-spec Seat Exeo, Insignia or Chevy Cruze.

Insignia all day long out of those

[a_waugh]

If it was me, i would have a top spec Exeo Sport Tech from your list. Loads of kit straight from the off.

Skoda customer services seem to be getting a slating right now. Touch wood, ive had no problems yet.

[AJ7788]

If it was me, i would have a top spec Exeo Sport Tech from your list. Loads of kit straight from the off.

Skoda customer services seem to be getting a slating right now. Touch wood, ive had no problems yet.

+1

Out of your list I would also go for the Seat. Although saying that when I was looking to buy a new car I went to Seat dealership and was ignored for about 15 minutes, just left and then found my Octavia. Obviously not all dealerships are like that though

Good luck with whatever you get, hopefully you will have better service else where.

[James I]

We had an insignia on our books as a company car, it had plenty of poke but loads of brake issues, electric handbrake was replaced under a re call, the callipers and electronic mechanism, the guy who had it drove to Scotland from Warrington and then called me to say his brakes were squeaking, a minor complaint so I said as long as it drives and stops ok then it must just be the new pads, when I met up with him the day after he had driven from Glasgow to Rochdale, the squeak was the rear callipers seized on and he had driven it over 200 miles, the discs were glowing and the pads had gone, vauxhall did the job again.

The car also had issues with engine management, interior trim and of course diabolical service from vauxhall.

I would go for the Seat.

Does your company buy cars or do you use a lease company? We use IVL leasing, call John Crombie or Adele as he will do you a very good lease deal if you need one.

PM me if you need his number.

[a_waugh]

Ive known 2 CDTI Insignia's that have had to have replacement engines with less than 5000 miles on the clock. Could just be unlucky, but doesnt fill me with much confidence. Both have now changed to Passat's.

I looked at the Exeo aswell before buying my FL vRS, and the only reason i went for the Octavia was the deal i got was too good to turn down.

[junctiontwo]

Insignia all day long out of those

Thanks - first hand recommendations are always useful. A colleague got one 2 weeks ago and I'm driving it on Tuesday....

If it was me, i would have a top spec Exeo Sport Tech from your list. Loads of kit straight from the off.

I'd like one of these but it's outside my measly allowance! Once I decide I'm going for the SE Tech which is close enough.

I would go for the Seat.

Does your company buy cars or do you use a lease company? We use IVL leasing, call John Crombie or Adele as he will do you a very good lease deal if you need one.

PM me if you need his number.

The Seat-with-extras is the favourite at the moment with the Insignia a close 2nd and I'm off out in a minute to look at all of them. My Co leases via the cheapest (usually Lex or HSBC) but I'm sure they'd be open to saving £££'s! I'd appreciate the details please?

[junctiontwo]

Update: Just got back from looking at the Cruze, the Insignia & the Exeo.

The Cruze is plastic hideousness on wheels! It truly is a horrible car IMO so was very easy to rule out. The Insignia is ok but I'm not a huge fan of the interior, so I'm reserving judgement until I've driven one on Tuesday, although this still remains 2nd on the list.

Now to the Exeo. I want it but cannot believe that I'm in a very similar situation to that of the VRS as far as timing is concerned! I missed out on the Skoda due to the build schedule (or lack of), and I have until Tuesday to get my order in to Seat as no more factory orders are being accepted after that. Unbelievable!! Fortunately I have a very switched on HR lady that's dealing with it and apparently we have a new account manager at the lease company that's keen to make a good first impression.

Essentially I have 36 hours to get an order confirmation.....

[mannyo]

Exeo in its current shape, just like the Octy MK2 is end of life. The Exeo has not been a great selling car, even after the facelift last year, during 2011-2012 some models only sold 20 in the 12 month period. With orders already being taken for the Octavia MK3, perhaps wait and see what the Exeo MK2 has to offer.

The site below lists currently taxed Exeos

http://www.howmanyleft.co.uk/?utf8=?&q=exeo

[JohnMcL7]

I have an Octavia VRS at the moment and also been looking at an Exeo ST as the standard kit is generous with the Tech pack and while some of it may be a bit dated, the car felt pretty solid and good to drive. I'm looking at buying second hand though so trying to decide between a 60 plate, a 12 plate (with the slight facelift) or not just keep the Octavia.

John

[junctiontwo]

Exeo in its current shape, just like the Octy MK2 is end of life. The Exeo has not been a great selling car, even after the facelift last year, during 2011-2012 some models only sold 20 in the 12 month period. With orders already being taken for the Octavia MK3, perhaps wait and see what the Exeo MK2 has to offer.

The site below lists currently taxed Exeos

http://www.howmanyle.../?utf8=?&q=exeo

According to the dealer I visited today the Exeo is being removed in favour of theToledo, but will probably re-appear at the end of the year as a 'special'. No mention was made of a Mk2.

[pablo68]

I used to own an exeo sport 170TDi. It was a very nice car, being basically a rebadged B7 Audi A4. Much nicer cabin and build feel than an insignia.and the 170 TDi is quite pokey for a diesel.