I need your thoughts on the following issue I've got with my Octavia paintwork...

the story.....

my Octy vRS was purchased in April 2003. From Cumbo Skoda in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire.

I was involved in a non fault accident in Jan 2004 where a third party hit me causing damage to my cars bodywork and suspension/wheels etc.

I requested the repair work be carried out by Cumbo Skoda where the car was purchased and serviced.( Not a LV 'recommended repairer') I wanted the security of the repair getting carried out to Skoda standards using genuine parts and paints. This then ensured the Skoda Paint and anti-corrosion warranties

were still relevant.

The damage was front NS wing front and rear doors.

The OSF suspension was destroyed. + three alloys damaged

Action taken = Front wing replaced. Front/Rear doors repaired.

Front OSF suspension replaced. + three alloys replaced.

I had difficulty after the initial repair was completed. with related damage not being correctly repaired. This was the rear axle which was damaged

and even though the car had been tested for suspension alignment the rear axle was distorted and causing the car to handle very badly.

I had to personally demonstrate this damage to Cumbo Skoda. Who finally accepted they had missed it.

This was rectified and a further alignment check was carried out at a separate specialist, with the results being checked by other dealers. ( and Lummoz on here ) as correct.

Being unsatisfied with my local Skoda dealer I started using another one which was close to my work place.

DM Keith in Leeds

Since then Cumbo's has lost the Skoda franchise and has stopped operating as a Skoda retailer....

My issue is now that I have paint flaking off my wing ( this was replaced during the accident repair. )..

As my car is still within the 3 year paint/body work warranty.

I have taken the car back to DM Keith to assess the problem. The Bodyshop manager has informed me that

the body work and paint work repairs have not been carried out to the Skoda standard and would require the original

repairwork being redone to a correct standard.

He then contacted Skoda warranty to authorise the rectification work. Skoda refused. He was then referred to Skoda Customer

services who have told him that this was not covered under Skoda warranty but by the original repairers warranty.

This is where I do not agree and require assistance from yourselves. I purchased a Skoda and have followed all the servicing guidelines

and used a Skoda authorised repairer, to maintain the warranties. Why then are Skoda wiping there hands of my car

even though they warranty terms says they shouldn't be...!

The Skoda warranty states that 'the paint and anti-corrosion warranties will be

effective if any repair work is carried out in accordance with Skoda instructions

and using authorised parts and paints and body repair techniques approved by Skoda.'

Another thing to bear in mind the mechanical warranty has not been affected as I've had suspension components replaced under warranty

since the same component was replaced due to accident damage..

Also if the any rectification work is done by Cumbo's now that they do not follow any Skoda procedures this work is invalid anyway + I do not trust them to do the work correctly either...

Who exactly do I have a warranty contract with?? And what standards of repair should I expect?

Ultimately who is responsible? And is it correct of me to approach Skoda UK

as it was there agent who carried out the work...!????

:mad:

Dazz

Sorry to hear of your troubles. I aint an expert in this by any stretch of the imagination but here goes.

1st off have you contacted your insurance company about the repair work? They will have paid the company who did the work and therefore they are the 'customer'. You may have some trouble becuase it was not 'there' approved repairer but it may pay dividends if you contact them and they put some pressure on the people who did the repair work.

Have you spoken to the company who actually did the repair work? When a car is repaired most 'reputable' dealers should offer some sort of warranty on the work they do be it 6 months-1year or even 3 years.

The company may have 'lost' the franchise to sell cars but have they lost the franchise to service/repair them? AFAIK a company has the obligation to continue to service/repair a car bought under its franchise for the remainder of the warranty.

I agree that Skoda are not exactly playing 'ball' here as you have done everything within your power to get it repaired by a skoda dealer according to the paintwork warranty conditions. You may, as a last resort, wish to seek legal advice in this matter as Skoda could well be in breach of contract.

Hope you get it sorted.