Firstly, let me start by saying I love my Citigo to bits. 'Shelby' has done 14,000 miles and given me plenty of smiles on the journey. It's practical, it's small, it's easy to park and very easy to drive. It's got more 'pull' than you could possibly imagine a city car does, and a three-pot growl in tie with that idiosyncratic exhaust set-up the Citigo rocks is awesome to hear purring away.

 

However, I'm starting to lose faith.

 

A while back, some of you might remember that my check engine light came on about 2 months after the car was bought (brand new 14 plate). I had to call roadside assistance twice. Turns out there was a malfunction with my brake servo (which incidentally explained why my car's stop/start technology would NEVER work). I got that replaced under warranty, although had to fight (and eventually win) a serious 'are you seriously going to breach our contract by not supplying me with a courtesy car, as per our PCP scheme's terms and conditions?' type battle. 

The brake servo was fixed, and my car came back. Happy motoring for a while, and then recently I noticed a very audible click on acceleration/let off and clutch movement (I HASTED TO ADD I KNOW THE CITIGO'S GEARBOX MAKES A MECHANICAL CLUNK AUDIBLY DUE TO LACK OF SOUNDPROOFING. THIS WAS A DIFFERENT SOUND ALTOGETHER). 

 

I took it back to my Skoda dealership yesterday, asked to take a mechanic out and highlight the noise. Took him out, he said "I have a Mii, it's just characteristics of poor soundproofing". I showed the mechanic that I knew a lot more than he'd expect me to know about the Citigo's set-up, and pointed out that having driven the car 14,000 miles I was more than familiar with the lack of soundproofing and the idiosyncrasies that come with the Citigo's lack of sound-proofing. I highlighted that the CLICK i was hearing and the mechanical gearbox clunk were two audibly different noises. He eventually agreed, and took a look at the car. 

Turns out there was heat-shield catching in the Gear Selector Cable. He said it was fixed, and apologized. Took it out on the road, noise started again (but much quieter)

 

Turned straight back to Skoda and said I'm not happy, they took another look and said they're going to have to replace two heat-shields under warranty. So that's happening next Friday. While it's in, they're also updating my Power Steering software. They said that this was an "essential fix, under warranty". I asked if it was so essential why my car hadn't been recalled. No response. 

 

My car is booked in next Friday, but frankly I've no confidence left. 

I looked at second hand and new cars, and both myself and my parents agreed it was safer/less hassle to get a new car as it will not have mechanical problems.

 

In a car that is 11 months old, I'd expect to not have the Check Engine Light come on twice, have to call Roadside assistance twice, have a brake servo fault which had to be replaced under warranty, have a fix done on a knocking noise, it not to be fixed properly and to have to now have two heat-shields replaced under warranty as well as a 'steering update' that is so essential apparently, yet they didn't notify me about it. 

 

I understand there can be a thing with every car that might not work properly, but I'd expect - what is effectively - a brand new Volkswagen to actually be fit for purpose. I think this is the final straw; if anything else needs repaired or replaced under warranty, I'm going to be quoting 'fit for purpose'. 

 

I'm really disappointed. This is my first car. My friend drives a 10 year old Vauxhall Corsa and has fewer problems with it than my 11 month old Citigo. The only redeeming feature about the fact it's a new car is that I'm not having to pay for it as it is under warranty. And thank god for that, because otherwise I would be ready to explode. (I'm getting there already, as it is!). 

 

I would not be recommending Skoda to anyone, which is a shame, because on paper it's such a good car. But between the way I've been treated as a customer and the way my car has had many problems, I couldn't possibly consider staying with Skoda in the long run, or recommending to a friend.

 

</small_novel>

The heat shield are common problems on these. I had mine replaced under warranty. I would stick with it and as you say they are a great little car.

I'm in the final process of rejecting my Rapid as its unfit for purpose. It's a long stressful thing to do.

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Doesn't sound too bad for me. These days new cars tends to have some issues. I've owned more than one new car.

Doesn't sound too bad for me. These days new cars tends to have some issues. I've owned more than one new car.

 

I'd expect a new car to not have multiple issues, and need three separate things replaced under warranty, though, because of their malfunction! I understand buying a cheap car you're getting less for build quality, but I expect it to not 'break'!

Have you thought about writing to Skoda highlighting all of the issues in one letter and suggesting that this does not represent a car of 'merchantable quality) (I think that is the right expression, you may want to Google it!) and that you are considering rejecting the car because of all the issues? See what they say and then perhaps get in contact with the likes of What Car?

Can you reject a car after 11 months?

Can you reject a car after 11 months?

 

You can't if you don't try! At the very least you should get their best efforts to fix it which Camlep doesn't appear to be getting at the moment.

Can you reject a car after 11 months?

You certainly can I'm doing it now on a 5 month old Rapid. It's near completion but it's very stressful and has been going on since mid December [emoji19]

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Wow bad luck. I can feel your pain brother. I had a similar issue with my Fiat Panda Pop. I could feel the metal hooks holding the seat base in sticking into my right thigh all the time. Had the seat base replaced - no change apart from the fact Vospers plymouth had put a small dent in the drivers door. Had to take the car back for that repair too. In the end I traded it at a loss of about £800 after 1 year for the Citigo. I do like the comfort and the easy driveability of this very cute car.

Citigo , up and Mii are built to a budget hence the quality of the build IMO , we looked at all three of these little runts and went for a hyundai i10 premium instead 1.2 4 cylinder thank god ,

Citigo , up and Mii are built to a budget hence the quality of the build IMO , we looked at all three of these little runts and went for a hyundai i10 premium instead 1.2 4 cylinder thank god ,

 

These so called 'Little Runts' are our pride and joy. 

Edited 21 February, 201511 yr by Damo
Unnecessary comment removed

Another strategy is to see if Whatcar magazine will help you fight your cause.

 

I did this a few years back to help me to go head to head with Mercedes Benz when my car's ABS, traction control and stability systems would randomly turn themselves off whilst driving. An especially entertaining problem when driving up a snow covered hill...!

 

Despite over 10 separate instances backed up with photographs of the dashboard lit up like a christmas tree (and the speedometer and rev counter showing I was moving), witness testimonies and me going through all the 'correct' Mercedes procedures, because their "Computer said no" they refused to do anything about it.

I emailed Whatcar and after speaking to them on the phone and sending them all the evidence they contacted Mercedes Benz UK (not the dealer) and the next day I was given a brand new replacement car and an apology.

"The squeaky wheel gets the grease"

These so called 'Little Runts' are our pride and joy. 

A little runt is adorable and an underdog and always loveable. We tried all of these 3 cylinder "cars" and the Mii came up on top, however as I /we test drove these cars you could see they where built to a price , all cars have issues I know I've owned a few but I can see nothing but woes with these 1.0 3 cylinder machines

Those faults don't sound major enough to me for a rejection. I understand your frustration, but they are all straightforward fixes that Skoda are dealing with. Sale of goods doesn't entitle everybody who comes across a problem to a refund or replacement for a reason, that's just silly. None of this work devalues the car, personaly I'd just get on with it.

What you seem to have more of an issue with is customer service, and I agree they can be a pain!

The aerial base in ours was faulty after 3 weeks. Ow well, it's sorted now!

I'd expect a new car to not have multiple issues, and need three separate things replaced under warranty, though, because of their malfunction! I understand buying a cheap car you're getting less for build quality, but I expect it to not 'break'!

Maybe it's just a bad luck. Or then it was made on monday. Frustrating, of course, but not the end of the world. We are living hard times, and car manufacturers try to make as cost effective as possible. Sometimes they do mistakes.

Maybe my translator isn't too good, but to me "essential" isn't such bad thing. If it was critical, then it would need recall. As it is essential it's fixed when the car comes to garage next time.

I'd hate to think how this thread would have started off had your car suffered some significant issues.

 

Agreed, the brake servo was unlucky.

 

Heat shields? Strips of tin foil either side of the exhaust, speed bumps, deep puddles, pot holes, kids wedging footballs under the car, the list is endless, hardly an issue worth rejecting a car for.

 

Perhaps I've taken the opening post out of context, it just seems a little harsh to blame the car when on the face of it the dealer seems to be the one causing the most issues here?

I don't think any manufacturer of anything claims to produce perfect goods. They do however agree to correct any defects that occur. I agree with Oli3000 who says that your problem seems to be with Customer Service.

 

Fred

Have you thought about writing to Skoda highlighting all of the issues in one letter and suggesting that this does not represent a car of 'merchantable quality) (I think that is the right expression, you may want to Google it!) and that you are considering rejecting the car because of all the issues? See what they say and then perhaps get in contact with the likes of What Car?

I'm not looking to reject the car! My reason for quoting fit for purpose is to highlight that I'm not happy. I was advised by the dealer at purchase to get a new car to prevent issues, but I've had many despite this! I have thought about writing to Skoda again, but I got no response when I wrote to them about my original dealings with the garage and how I got mislead about lead times, and then lied to (but that's another story for another day, or an earlier thread if you can be bothered searching). I'm sure I'd get somewhere if I threatened rejection, but I'd be reluctant to this unless I was actually willing to go through with rejection; which I don't think I am. I just want my car to not keeping having to get things replaced!  

 

 

Wow bad luck. I can feel your pain brother. I had a similar issue with my Fiat Panda Pop. I could feel the metal hooks holding the seat base in sticking into my right thigh all the time. Had the seat base replaced - no change apart from the fact Vospers plymouth had put a small dent in the drivers door. Had to take the car back for that repair too. In the end I traded it at a loss of about £800 after 1 year for the Citigo. I do like the comfort and the easy driveability of this very cute car.

Citigo's a great car for easy drive-ability. It's easy to sound so money over the internet, I do genuinely love my car. Just wish it was as hassle free as I'd thought originally!  

 

 

Citigo , up and Mii are built to a budget hence the quality of the build IMO , we looked at all three of these little runts and went for a hyundai i10 premium instead 1.2 4 cylinder thank god ,

Drove a 1.2 Hyundai i20 mk2 before my Citigo. Currently insured on a mk3 Hyundai i20 and passed my test on a mk1 Hyundai i20. All three models were the top of the range, with all extras. The Citigo was a class above for refinement, equipment, engine, and ease of driving. I have a friend with an i10. They changed it for the VW UP. The current i20, even though it's brand spanking new, the 1.2 4 cylinder engine (the same as the i10) was massively underpowered and constantly labouring. Miles per gallon was poor, also, in comparison. It's each to their own. 

 

 

Those faults don't sound major enough to me for a rejection. I understand your frustration, but they are all straightforward fixes that Skoda are dealing with. Sale of goods doesn't entitle everybody who comes across a problem to a refund or replacement for a reason, that's just silly. None of this work devalues the car, personaly I'd just get on with it.

What you seem to have more of an issue with is customer service, and I agree they can be a pain!

The aerial base in ours was faulty after 3 weeks. Ow well, it's sorted now!

I think you, like most other's in this thread, have misinterpreted my original post. I'm frustrated, but I did not mention rejecting the car. As above, I wanted to quote 'fit for purpose' as reference that I'd have expect more from a brand new car on contract. I'm aware it doesn't devalue the car, but my closest Skoda garage is over 30 miles away, so a commute there and back on a regular basis racks up the miles fairly quickly; this DOES devalue the car. So far I've had to make 4 journeys to the garage to get things fixed. That's 4 journeys there and back at 30 miles each; 240 miles isn't a GREAT deal in the grand scheme of things, but it's fuel expense as well as time I just don't have. It's the reason I opted for a new car in the first place; to not have to constantly be taking things for repairs. Although they're still minor issues, and not something to reject a car over - something which I reiterate I'm not looking to do - they're still issues, period, and that's not good in my eyes, and I made a discussion on a related forum to vent my frustration. 

 

 

 

Maybe it's just a bad luck. Or then it was made on monday. Frustrating, of course, but not the end of the world. We are living hard times, and car manufacturers try to make as cost effective as possible. Sometimes they do mistakes.

Maybe my translator isn't too good, but to me "essential" isn't such bad thing. If it was critical, then it would need recall. As it is essential it's fixed when the car comes to garage next time.

Essential and critical are synonymous to me.  

 

 

I'd hate to think how this thread would have started off had your car suffered some significant issues.

 

Agreed, the brake servo was unlucky.

 

Heat shields? Strips of tin foil either side of the exhaust, speed bumps, deep puddles, pot holes, kids wedging footballs under the car, the list is endless, hardly an issue worth rejecting a car for.

 

Perhaps I've taken the opening post out of context, it just seems a little harsh to blame the car when on the face of it the dealer seems to be the one causing the most issues here?

As above, I didn't say I was going to reject the car. At all. These are not the most significant issues, I understand that, but I think it's patronizing to be told implicitly that I shouldn't be frustrated. Heat sheilds needing replaced are one thing, but the point was it was getting caught in the gear selector cable, which they now need to look at to see if any wearing has been done, and possibly replacing this under warranty too. This is dangerous, as if my cable wears through... well, I'm sure you'll understand the danger that could cause. And I reiterate, I am not rejecting the car. 

The dealer did not cause the brake servo to fault. Or the check engine light to come on (with no diagnosis problem detected, twice). The dealer did not cause my heat shield to start getting caught in my gear selector cable. I'm right to say that I'm not overly happy about the car. Is it the end of the world? No. Am I right to be having my patience tested because I keep having to unnecessarily go out of my way to make a 60 mile round trip to get things replaced? Yea, I'd say so. I'm a university student, and my coursework is a mile high just now, as well as my commitments with work just now. For example, next Friday I have to drive through and wait 2 and a half hours for it to be fixed. The driving itself takes 45-50 minutes each way, that's 4 hours out of my study plan unnecessarily. 

 

 

 

The point I'm making is that I have a new car, and the fact things are going wrong - regardless of how small - are causing me a great deal of grief. The dealers are exacerbating the grief by being pretty irritating on some subjects. All of this was said in my original post. 

I did not say I was looking to reject the car. I did not say that the car's problems were the end of the world. I did say it was causing my grief, and a lot of hassle. I did say that I was disappointed that I've had to have things fixed repeatedly. And I did say I was annoyed at the dealers.

So forgive me if my original post was mislead, or misinterpreted, I hope this is clearer. 

The point I'm making is that I have a new car, and the fact things are going wrong - regardless of how small - are causing me a great deal of grief. The dealers are exacerbating the grief by being pretty irritating on some subjects. All of this was said in my original post. 

I did not say I was looking to reject the car. I did not say that the car's problems were the end of the world. I did say it was causing my grief, and a lot of hassle. I did say that I was disappointed that I've had to have things fixed repeatedly. And I did say I was annoyed at the dealers.

So forgive me if my original post was mislead, or misinterpreted, I hope this is clearer. 

 

Sorry for the misinterpretation! In that case, your rant is perfectly understandable! Dealer's, and customer service 'no men' are a right pain in the arse.

 

I work in customer service, and I ALWAYS try to be a 'yes man', unless the customer is being unreasonable... Predominantly because if you're awkward, it will come back to bite you on the arse!

I'm not looking to reject the car! My reason for quoting fit for purpose is to highlight that I'm not happy. I was advised by the dealer at purchase to get a new car to prevent issues, but I've had many despite this! I have thought about writing to Skoda again, but I got no response when I wrote to them about my original dealings with the garage and how I got mislead about lead times, and then lied to (but that's another story for another day, or an earlier thread if you can be bothered searching). I'm sure I'd get somewhere if I threatened rejection, but I'd be reluctant to this unless I was actually willing to go through with rejection; which I don't think I am. I just want my car to not keeping having to get things replaced!  

 

 

Citigo's a great car for easy drive-ability. It's easy to sound so money over the internet, I do genuinely love my car. Just wish it was as hassle free as I'd thought originally!  

 

 

Drove a 1.2 Hyundai i20 mk2 before my Citigo. Currently insured on a mk3 Hyundai i20 and passed my test on a mk1 Hyundai i20. All three models were the top of the range, with all extras. The Citigo was a class above for refinement, equipment, engine, and ease of driving. I have a friend with an i10. They changed it for the VW UP. The current i20, even though it's brand spanking new, the 1.2 4 cylinder engine (the same as the i10) was massively underpowered and constantly labouring. Miles per gallon was poor, also, in comparison. It's each to their own. 

 

 

I think you, like most other's in this thread, have misinterpreted my original post. I'm frustrated, but I did not mention rejecting the car. As above, I wanted to quote 'fit for purpose' as reference that I'd have expect more from a brand new car on contract. I'm aware it doesn't devalue the car, but my closest Skoda garage is over 30 miles away, so a commute there and back on a regular basis racks up the miles fairly quickly; this DOES devalue the car. So far I've had to make 4 journeys to the garage to get things fixed. That's 4 journeys there and back at 30 miles each; 240 miles isn't a GREAT deal in the grand scheme of things, but it's fuel expense as well as time I just don't have. It's the reason I opted for a new car in the first place; to not have to constantly be taking things for repairs. Although they're still minor issues, and not something to reject a car over - something which I reiterate I'm not looking to do - they're still issues, period, and that's not good in my eyes, and I made a discussion on a related forum to vent my frustration. 

 

 

 

Essential and critical are synonymous to me.  

 

 

As above, I didn't say I was going to reject the car. At all. These are not the most significant issues, I understand that, but I think it's patronizing to be told implicitly that I shouldn't be frustrated. Heat sheilds needing replaced are one thing, but the point was it was getting caught in the gear selector cable, which they now need to look at to see if any wearing has been done, and possibly replacing this under warranty too. This is dangerous, as if my cable wears through... well, I'm sure you'll understand the danger that could cause. And I reiterate, I am not rejecting the car. 

The dealer did not cause the brake servo to fault. Or the check engine light to come on (with no diagnosis problem detected, twice). The dealer did not cause my heat shield to start getting caught in my gear selector cable. I'm right to say that I'm not overly happy about the car. Is it the end of the world? No. Am I right to be having my patience tested because I keep having to unnecessarily go out of my way to make a 60 mile round trip to get things replaced? Yea, I'd say so. I'm a university student, and my coursework is a mile high just now, as well as my commitments with work just now. For example, next Friday I have to drive through and wait 2 and a half hours for it to be fixed. The driving itself takes 45-50 minutes each way, that's 4 hours out of my study plan unnecessarily. 

 

 

 

The point I'm making is that I have a new car, and the fact things are going wrong - regardless of how small - are causing me a great deal of grief. The dealers are exacerbating the grief by being pretty irritating on some subjects. All of this was said in my original post. 

I did not say I was looking to reject the car. I did not say that the car's problems were the end of the world. I did say it was causing my grief, and a lot of hassle. I did say that I was disappointed that I've had to have things fixed repeatedly. And I did say I was annoyed at the dealers.

So forgive me if my original post was mislead, or misinterpreted, I hope this is clearer.

I stand corrected then but I have the new 1.2 and love driving it hang in there it will get better

Apart from the brake servo the other problems you have experience are insignificant and really not worth getting too het up about. So long as the dealer fixes the faults that is OK.

 

My experience with NEW cars:

 

1977 Marina - new gearbox and the front suspension collapsing.

 

1980 Honda Civic - Camshaft seized, in garage for about two months waiting for parts.

 

1982 Fiat Panda - constantly conked out in heavy rain.

 

1987 Peugeot 405 - caught on fire within 100yds of dealer when brand new - burnt to a crisp! Gave up and got a Cavalier instead!

 

1988 Vauxhall Cavalier SRi - probably the most reliable car I have ever owned -  perfect for five years motoring and 100,000 miles.

 

1991 VW Golf GT1 - endless electrical problems, broke down several times - full refund from VW after three months - the most unreliable car I have ever owned

 

1992 Mondeo 2.0ltr - no trouble while I owned it, sold to a family member- endless troubles!

 

1996 Honda Civic VT1 - brilliant little car, thirst for oil and  lots of rattles and wind noise.

 

1998 renault Laguna Estate - endless loose trim and  immobiliser that would not let you start -  frequently!

 

1999 Peugeot 405 Estate - fuel line came apart on M27 - oil slick on motorway and dead car - scary - and it happened again a few weeks later after being repaired!

 

2000 Fiat Multipla - very reliable car for first few years and then started to fall apart, keep it as second car for ten years.

 

2005 Mazda 5 1.8 - a dog of a car - leaks, peeling paint and weird tyre wear and suspension problems. Still got it - they are rubbish!

 

2015 Skoda Citigo - Only getting it in March! 

 

All these I have owned from new - believe me - new cars are NOT  a trouble free experience!

 

I have also owned just as many used cars and vans and some have been good, some so-so and some dogs! 

I think it's luck of the draw, it seems like you've had a lot of problems, all easy to fix but I get the feeling your thinking "why the **** does it have to happen to me" is there no other Skoda dealer near you? I would perhaps swap dealers (even use a Seat or VW if need be) as it sounds like your dealer (much like mine) know a lot but treat you like an idiot who knows nothing, once my car goes in next week and hopefully my engine problem is resolved I won't be using my dealer again, there pretty poor as you know, I hope you get everything sorted and you have the forums support

 

 

 

 

P.s don't "fit for purpose" I still need your springs

I understand where you're coming from regarding faults on new cars. I'm going through this now with my Rapid and yes it's very disheartening to happen to you. I'm on the end of a rejection process and I will never see the car again.

To be able to reject a car it needs to have a reoccurring fault that can't be fixed after 3 attempts and then the law is on your side which you can then use the Sale of Goods Act 1979 as being unfit for purpose like I did.

I feel your pain and it's not nice.

Skoda UK have been excellent to me,they call 2 times a week helping. You need to phone them and keep the person you speak to as being your case person then you will get somewhere. Do complain to them about your situation and they will kick the dealers ass just like they are doing for me.

At least I have my trusty Citigo to use still [emoji106][emoji16]

Good luck.

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I understand where you're coming from regarding faults on new cars. I'm going through this now with my Rapid and yes it's very disheartening to happen to you. I'm on the end of a rejection process and I will never see the car again.

To be able to reject a car it needs to have a reoccurring fault that can't be fixed after 3 attempts and then the law is on your side which you can then use the Sale of Goods Act 1979 as being unfit for purpose like I did.

I feel your pain and it's not nice.

Skoda UK have been excellent to me,they call 2 times a week helping. You need to phone them and keep the person you speak to as being your case person then you will get somewhere. Do complain to them about your situation and they will kick the dealers ass just like they are doing for me.

At least I have my trusty Citigo to use still [emoji106][emoji16]

Good luck.

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And that courtesy car that has no fuel

Haha that was returned yesterday [emoji106]

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