Thanks to those who took time to post a response to my "Theoretical" question......I will keep you update ;-)

 

4 hours ago, Offski said:

THIS THREAD IS JUST ABOUT A 'THEORETICAL QUESTION'

 

 

Ok, so I'll ask a practical question.

 

Does "Skoda Approved Used Car" amount to a statement that the vehicle has never had accident damage, or just that it is in a particular condition at time of sale?

38 minutes ago, KenONeill said:

Ok, so I'll ask a practical question.

 

Does "Skoda Approved Used Car" amount to a statement that the vehicle has never had accident damage, or just that it is in a particular condition at time of sale?

 

Does this whole post, or even just the original post not answer your question, Ken?

1 hour ago, KenONeill said:

Ok, so I'll ask a practical question.

 

Does "Skoda Approved Used Car" amount to a statement that the vehicle has never had accident damage, or just that it is in a particular condition at time of sale?

 

I don't think that a Skoda Approved Used Car is a guarantee of no damage.  However in this case the car was bought as a Approved Car, the dealer bought the car directly from Skoda as a demo and damaged it. It was then repaired 'off the radar' then sold it to the purchaser.  The repair is not logged on Skoda's system so technically not a approved repair so does not come with any guarantees.  The purchaser challenged the dealer about the cars history initially after the headlight washer failed on the day of purchase.  Dealer denied the car had any repair carried out on it, evidence says now it has and dealer is on the hook. 

 

Skoda UK are on the case!

 

On 19/02/2017 at 09:03, Mattieuk said:

The car was purchased 3 weeks ago and has been back to the dealers 3 times for headlight washer and fog light replacement.  In terms of miles on purchase it had done 3900, now it's on 4300.

 

The incident though not yet clear in terms of cause and extent appears to be a minor impact to the drivers side corner of the bumper (hence headlight washer / fog light issues).  No other damage to the front of the car is apparent. The purchaser only got suspicious when the headlight washer failed on the day of purchase.  On further inspection over this weekend (car was cleaned) evidence appeared in the form of overspray / masking marks on the bumper / bonnet.  The purchaser went into the dealer yesterday to discuss.....this is the best bit.  While the purchaser was outside with the dealer, his / her partner was in the showroom and overheard 4 of the sales staff discussing the car and the incident the staff member had in it.  which the dealer acknowledged when confronted with the info.

 

 

Don't skoda approved have a 30 day swap it for another car option?

 

If so use it ASAP.

 

From the website:

 

Quote

 

Reasons to buy an Approved Used ŠKODA

At ŠKODA UK we believe you should drive away in your Approved Used ŠKODA with the same confidence you do when buying a new car, which is why we offer a fantastic range of checks and benefits you won’t get elsewhere. With over 5,000 high quality used cars that have been through our rigorous multi point checks we’re confident we have the right ŠKODA for you.

• 12 months roadside assistance
• ŠKODA Approved multi-point vehicle inspection check
• Vehicle status checks
• 30 day/1,000 mile exchange
• 12 months Approved Used warranty on cars up to 6 years old/ 72,000 miles

 

 

Edited 20 February, 20179 yr by cheezemonkhai

2 minutes ago, cheezemonkhai said:

 

 

Don't skoda approved have a 30 day swap it for another car option?

 

If so use it ASAP.

 

Not sure if Skoda Approved do, but as a consumer you do if the item is mis sold (27th Feb is D Day).  I understand the purchaser has the internet advert for the car stating it is as new condition...excellent bodywork etc....

9 minutes ago, Mattieuk said:

 

Not sure if Skoda Approved do, but as a consumer you do if the item is mis sold (27th Feb is D Day).  I understand the purchaser has the internet advert for the car stating it is as new condition...excellent bodywork etc....

 

Just added to the above, but that 30 day/1000 mile return means you can just choose another car

4 hours ago, Mattieuk said:

 

Not sure if Skoda Approved do, but as a consumer you do if the item is mis sold (27th Feb is D Day).  I understand the purchaser has the internet advert for the car stating it is as new condition...excellent bodywork etc....

In light of the seemingly bad faith of the dealer who supplied the vehicle, I'd suggest the owner say they want to reject it for the reasons stated - if it's at all possible, use another dealer to supply the replacement.  

I'm outraged, in theory.

Time for a 'Non Theoretical' update.

 

So for those who not read the thread the summary is:

• 4 month old demo bought 3 weeks ago from well known national Skoda franchise
• 1st day of ownership headlight washer failed followed a week later with a fog light failure due to water ingress which was changed.  At this juncture the question was raised about the car being damaged to the area of the washer jet and fog light which the dealer denied 
• Suspicion led to evidence being found the car had been resprayed / repaired on front bumper, which was not declared at point of sale 

SkodaUK was called and got involved as the repair was not a approved repair and not logged their system.  Dealer then came clean that the repairs was a result of a staff member reversing another customers car into what is now my car.  The damage was a scuffed bumper with no other damage to any other part of the car. The repair was carried out 'locally' of which they agree is not to a Skoda Approved standard.

 

I am now awaiting a a call from the dealer to take the car back and have the front bumper resprayed and the overspray on the bonnet polished out.  They have also agreed to fix a couple of other minor paint issues unrelated to the repair.  Upon completion they have assured me that if I am not 100% happy they will rework until I am.

 

In terms of compensation to restore my trust in the dealer.....I will be having a conversation with them when I take the car back.

 

In summary I was very impressed with Skoda UK and their help in moving this forward.  Do I believe the dealer about the scuffed bumper..not 100%.  But I have been over the car with a fine tooth comb and apart from the poor paint finish on the bumper and overspray on the bonnet there is no evidence of any other damage or repair.  As I stated in previous posts the car is as A1 mechanically as a 4 month old, 4K car should be.

 

I'll keep you posted once the car is back. Finally thanks to those who posted advice, suggestions to the thread....very very helpful. 

Edited 21 February, 20179 yr by Mattieuk

14 hours ago, Mattieuk said:

In terms of compensation to restore my trust in the dealer.....I will be having a conversation with them when I take the car back.

 

 

I guess you could have things in mind, maybe parts such as mats, upgraded alloys or whatever.

 

I would suggest if compensatory servicing is offered, which is probably the most viable option, to get this in writing..........Depends how well you know the staff.

4 hours ago, Tilt said:

 

I guess you could have things in mind, maybe parts such as mats, upgraded alloys or whatever.

 

I would suggest if compensatory servicing is offered, which is probably the most viable option, to get this in writing..........Depends how well you know the staff.

My initial thoughts are 1st Service Free (it a non cost option to them as its only a oil / filter change), Unlocking of SmartLink and a Tank of Fuel.  Should I go for more? 

3 hours ago, Mattieuk said:

My initial thoughts are 1st Service Free (it a non cost option to them as its only a oil / filter change), Unlocking of SmartLink and a Tank of Fuel.  Should I go for more? 

 

See what (if) they are prepared to offer you first. You may be surprised (although I doubt it, nowadays).

 

It's about being nice and polite and seeing what you can charm out of them, in regards to how much you feel they have messed you about. Make them aware of your reasons if you feel them not being forthcoming..

I do not think the purchase price comes into question now we know the extent (very minimal) of damage caused.

Just get them to warrant this repair in writing, too.

 

As mentioned re the servicing for exactly the reason you mention. Minimal costs to them, and same with making sure the car is set up as you want it via VCDS. Maybe an option for you to return in a month or so if there are any changes you wished to make.

I do not know what the SmartLink is, but sounds similar thing.

Obviously the compensation amount is how much this will save you in the future, rather than what it costs them though.

 

Good luck.

Edited 22 February, 20179 yr by Tilt

I was always lead to believe that if you purchase a vehicle from a dealership and the dealership knew of any damage or insurance claims involving that vehicle and they did not declare it to the buyer at the time of the sale of the vehicle they had have committed a fraudulent offense and liable for prosecution resulting in the proper value of the vehicle in question being charged to the buyer instead and subsequent compensation being given to the buyer, whereas this is not the case in a private sale as then civil action would be required to pursue this in court which never is to the buyers satisfaction. 

I know of a couple of my mates who in the past have purchased damaged vehicles not being made aware or informed of any damage done to the vehicle they were purchasing and both received compensation. 

One of my mates purchased a used car which was 14 months old from a dealer and paid top book price for it as it was well below the book guide mileage. Upon purchasibg this vehicle he transferred his insurance over for the remaining 7 weeks on his policy with no issues until he went to renew his insurance and was informed the vehicle had a Cat C claim against it and this was subsequent to the low mileage as it was awaiting repair and he got awarded the vehicle at bottom book value and compensation also ans dealer was fined quite heavily in court. 

My other mate purchased an ex demo vehicle like yourself from the dealership not being notified of any damage to the vehicle and paid the book price from the dealer although he got a 3 year service for free. However some months later when he wanted the bumpers completed colour coded the body shop he took the car to asked why he didn't do it when the quarter panel was painted? He was horrified and asked them what they meant and they showed him with the paint depth micron gauge and indeed the quarter panel was painted and this not declared to my mate who went back to the dealership who denied this until threatened with court action and how then admitted the quarter panel was painted by the dealership as it was badly scrapped and a slight dent whilst on the forecourt but no other vehicle was involved and this would not be known to any insurance company but this intact cost the dealership several thousand pound when this was pursued in court although settled out of court by the dealership to not blacken their name or have unnecessary publicity in the local papers with court action. 

Therefore I believe if a dealership does not declare any damage or incorrect mileage on a vehicle they are liable for prosecution and the buyer reimbursed and compensated. 

Citizens Advice will advise you of your rights and also a solicitor as your first appointment is free with a solicitor. However I would try to seek sorting this amicably with the dealership first and speak with the sales manager and letting them know of your intentions to pursue this matter with legal action and local newspaper publicity about how they have ripped you off selling you a damaged vehicle at book price undeclaring any damage to the vehicle to you.