Help Please. I am thinking of returning my car for a refund!

[Skiddersvrs]

I purchased my Octavia VRS 170CR 5 months ago and have had a couple of problems with it in that time. The first problem was it would not start. I called the AA and they suggested that it may be an injector fault (fuel pressure built but would not start) and could not start the car. I then called the RAC via Skoda assistance and they thought it may be a turbo fault. Car was recovered to my local main dealer (Fred Rees) and they could not find a fault. It has now developed a fault of a lumpy/jerky tick over, they have had the car again since last Friday (inside new car warranty period). They have diagnosed two possible faults, worn/knackered gearbox mount and DMF fault along with the clutch slipping(three years old and less than 20,000 miles). They have now said that the Approved Skoda warranty is covering the repairs but are only going to authorise the replacement of the gearbox mount at the moment.

With the above problems occurring I am extremely concerned that bigger issues may be in the offing (and massive bills) and that I may have managed to get a bad car.

Any help with this matter would be very much appreciated.

[gadgetman]

Vw wouldn't replace my clutch at 56k as it's only covered for 2000 miles or 6 months, so assume Skoda will likely refuse any clutch claim as wear and tear.

[silver1011]

I persevered with my vRS until it got too much.

In the end it had to go, I almost had to push it onto the delaers forecourt.

I didn't have the luxury of a warranty so had to take a hit, I effectively bought your car two years from now.

Get rid whilst you can would be my advice.

[Skiddersvrs]

Would anyone know if this would fall under the sale of goods act, i.e. not fit for purpose or can I quote them Motor Industry Codes of Practice, try and scare them into sorting the car or issuing a full refund, or are the codes not worth the paper that they are printed on?

[pipsyp]

Difficult choice really. Who is to say once the problems are resolved that the car will continue to be problematic.

Personally id try another dealer or even a VAG specialist to see if you can get the idle & clutch issues sorted....probably going to cost you more money to change the car of course unless you are prepared to do so and have already made your mind up.

[silver1011]

I think under the SoGA the supplying dealer needs to be given a fair chance to fix the faults before you can reject the car?

[martinch]

I think under the SoGA the supplying dealer needs to be given a fair chance to fix the faults before you can reject the car?

According to Honest John, it's case law from Bernstein v Palmerston Motors 1987, although when my relatives had car problems, rejection was mentioned as a possibility by the solicitor they spoke to, without this caveat.

Edited 19 June, 2013 by martinch

[Skiddersvrs]

Seems only fair to give them a chance.

I called Car Care Plan how run the Approved Used Warranty and they are not dealing with it! I then called Skoda UK and surprise surprise they had no record of the warranty claim either. After 30 mins of waiting for a call back I was called by the dealer to be told that all parts have been ordered and that they will try and get the clutch done under warranty as well. Amazing what a little time on the phone will do!

Now to wait and see what happens tomorrow.

[Skiddersvrs]

Update from the garage this afternoon, they have replaced the gearbox mount, clutch and dmf. They are road testing it tomorrow, fingers crossed it will be ready by early afternoon!

[Fake elvis]

Good result, hope it goes well.