Sorry it's been so long since I was last here, but really the car has performed brillinantly up until about a fortnight ago.

I was washing the car and noticed a patch on the roof where the lacquer has lifted. I thought that the dealer would sort it out under warranty!!!! How rong can you be?????

The so called paint expert from Skoda came to look at it and informed the dealer that it is not a warranty claim as it has been caused by bird ****!!!!!

Obviously I am going to pay

if you do get it re-painted. i suggest going to the pound shop and buying an umbrella, sellotape that to your roof and hey presto, no more bird $hit.

how stupid, how do they expect you to keep shy of bird $****. screw em for all you can.

Just got off the phone from the trading standards who are chomping at the bit to have a go at skoda!! But they are unable to start doing anything until I have had a reply from the skoda finance people (They own the car apparently)!! I will let you all know what they have to say when they reply to the letter I have sent to them this morning!!!

'Warranty cover for your

Paint warranty is 3 years. NO manufacturer will accept claims for damage caused by bird lime or othe pollutants, the same as they cannot warrant against the paintwork getting damaged. A tell tale sign of bird damage is if the area looks like a splat and it generally marks the surface. Ask Skoda, why do they think that it is bird damage? What about getting a second opinion from a bodyshop? If the lacquer is peeling it usually starts on an edge and not in the middle of a panel.

Skoda have said that their so called unlimited warranty is not so unlimited!! apparantly this patch of paint that has flaked off is 111 microns thick.

I have heard of paint fading or dulling from bird droppings but not flaking has anyone else heard anything different?

Bird lime does not usually cause the paint to flake off. By saying it is 111 microns are they implying that it is not original factory paint on that area?, what is the specified paint thickness from Skoda?

I to have a spot on the roof where its flaking.I spoke to the sprayer i use and he said its definatly from bird s##t.Ive just accepted its one of those things that happens.

But then again i do understand your argument that a car is driven in the open air and paint work should be tough enough to with stand this kind of S##t.

Hope you get some joy from this all as ill be the next along to the main dealers along with many others

Keep us informed.

The saga continues!! Skoda finance have replied!!!

Basically they are saying they are not at fault and it is upto me to sort out the problem. If I pay to get the car painted I must have it done at an approved VAG garage or else it will invalidate the paint warranty!!

What a load of B*****ks they are really out to cause grief??

The only options left are go and get an idependant report and let skoda look to see if they will give a "goodwill" gesture??

Pay up and don't bother with any warranties?

Or pay through the nose!!

Trading standards are will have a copy of my report as soon as I get it. I will let you all know how I get on.

I live in a seaside town and have to be quick to get the seagull crap off every time...the diamond brite stuff makes it an easy job mind

past experience though...it ate right through the laquer on a previous rover 200 after only a few days so I neverl leave it now!

Did Rover honour there warranty on the paint? Or did you have to foot the bill for repainting?

The next instalment of the ongoing saga.

I have had to instruct a paint specialist to inspect the car, who after learning of the manufacturer fell about laughing. Once he stopped he said that I wasn't the first and I won't be the last to have this problem. It only seems to happen to VAG cars as all other manufacturers seem to honour their warranty.

He tells me that VAG are hiding behind the "law" stating that it is fair wear and tear. If you don't have it done the rest of the warranty is invalid. We will see if Skoda do anything when I send the report in but do all be aware if you have peeling paint!! Skoda and VAG will try not to pay.

Looks like I will be going and buying a Vauxhall next time, THE WARRANTY IS BETTER!!!!!