7 minutes ago, sneal said:

Understandable - though the loan Mk4 I have is working fine so they are not all bad. Contrary to several views expressed here, I live in hope of a fix one day. Though to be honest, I’m not expecting it within the next week…

Thanks for the feedback.  I'd be really interested to hear your experience of the loan car, gives me some hope.  I was hoping they would loan me a newer Mk4 to build back confidence but the gave me a ford kuga!.  I really like the car, and I would consider the 1.4 iV as we can plug the car in every night and take advantage of the electrical range and have a biggish boot!

 

Yes - I've looked at the superb....It's just that little bit too long and would struggle to fit in our garage, which is why I've not considered it further.

Edited 29 April, 20215 yr by Ajdude

Well, I was contacted by the Stirling garage yesterday (who took my car in)  to ask what they were supposed to be fixing because they didn’t know why my car was taken in. 

 

So, that's just great isn't it? I've contacted Kate to explain my frustration and lack of confidence in this entire process.

3 hours ago, Ajdude said:

Thanks for the feedback.  I'd be really interested to hear your experience of the loan car, gives me some hope.  I was hoping they would loan me a newer Mk4 to build back confidence but the gave me a ford kuga!.  I really like the car, and I would consider the 1.4 iV as we can plug the car in every night and take advantage of the electrical range and have a biggish boot!

 

Yes - I've looked at the superb....It's just that little bit too long and would struggle to fit in our garage, which is why I've not considered it further.

 

@Ajdude Shame the Superb is a bit too long, but hey ho!

 

The loan car is a 1.0 e-Tec Estate SE First Edition, 70 plate. I’ve had it two weeks and covered about 700 miles, combination of local semi-urban driving and a few long runs on major roads and motorways.

 

So far I’ve really enjoyed driving it (first time with DSG transmission after 40+ years of a manual ‘box) and it has been ‘gripe-free’ apart from one thing - using Waze with CarPlay the map display has stopped working when navigating a route, just get a white screen, voice instructions are OK though. When not navigating the map is displayed fine. Google Maps is fine when navigating, haven’t tried it with Apple maps yet. Waze used to work fine for about 10 days so it could be to do with the update cycles - I just did my iPhone to iOS 14.5 so maybe to do with that (Waze was updated a couple of weeks ago so it has worked OK since that update).

 

Fuel economy has been pretty good in the loaner, at about 54mpg since I’ve been driving it.

 

To be honest, if I hadn’t been spoiled by the toys/goodies in my SE-L FE (and splashed the cash for it) I’d be quite happy with this car. The 1.0 e-Tec has performed well so far with two people and a boot fairly well loaded (four-up and a rammed boot may be a bit much for long trips from Hampshire to the Highlands though!).

 

Let me know if you have any specific questions/points and I’ll try to help out.

4 hours ago, Ajdude said:

Paid a visit to the dealer to pick up something I left in my car, so took the opportunity to chat to them about status.  They did a software update which removed the ability to change the units altogether.  So no fix there.   They had sent a report to Skoda UK Technical on Monday, it hadn't been read as of yet so they don't know what to do next.

 

They told me that another vehicle was booked in for "multiple" faults but had told the owner to wait, as there's little point having two vehicles in the garage with no fix in place.  They only need the one to experiment with.  This car was a 70 plate so about 6 months newer.   

 

To my mind, I have lost confidence in the Mk4. in total and these conversations reinforce that view.  I can imagine a life of constant niggles and issues so am moving away from swapping my car for another Octavia.  The Kodiaq is the only other Skoda range car I would consider balancing size and practicality  but I'm not a huge fan of SUV's and unnecessary bulk and lower fuel economy/higher CO2 emissions.  

What about a face-lift mk III? Can get them at a good price now

5 hours ago, sneal said:

Let me know if you have any specific questions/points and I’ll try to help out

Thanks for the comprehensive review.  Gives me some confidence. And it also confirms my view that the lower power engines are not what I need for towing and my fully laden trips to France in the future.  
 

Like you, the first edition model was very well specced along with matrix headlights, HUD, virtual pedal, 18inch wheels and a spare.  So it’s really tough trying to find a replacement for it.  Although I found the HUD pointless!  
 

Speaking to the supplying dealer, apparently there are “loads” of first editions being taken in at the moment.  Depending upon how things go with finding a fix or not will determine if Skoda UK will support the dealers in contributing towards returns.  
 

irrespective of finding a fix, my car needs to be swapped as I’m not allowed to tow with the car I have.  

Well I don’t know about anyone else but this update appears to have stabilised some of the screen issues I’d been having… normally Apple CarPlay would be black screen every 2/3 journeys, and laggy. 

 

Haven’t had any spurious park distance errors for a couple of days either… but could be a coincidence 

On 29/04/2021 at 17:06, OctaviaFirstEdit said:

What about a face-lift mk III? Can get them at a good price now

As you know I have posted numerous times on here.  As yet we haven't gained a resolution to our issues.  We still have the inability to change KPH/MPH which will become a major issue when we can eventually get across the Channel otherwise the old intermittently reoccurring sensor faults are definitely dwindling in their frequency which is good.  Can't explain why as it has not been back in since early Dec 20 and there has been no online update that I can see.  Strange, maybe it is because we have both now received our 2nd Covid Vaccine!!!!

I received a request from Which Motoring asking me to complete the 2021 Car Survey which in the interest of potential purchasers I felt honour bound to submit in a most factual manner and thought others may be like minded.  This is the link and you do not have to be a member to submit same. 

https://which.focusvision.com/survey/selfserve/53b/210202?list=1&source=33

In the meantime have a relaxing holiday weekend and stay safe. 

Gentleman,

 

I am have the same problem my car has been in for over a week now and as many of said I am not prepared to wait much longer again have spoken with Kate Laws and have stated that I if all is not sorted by next Friday I will be rejecting the car. I am currently driving about in a Octavia SE 20 Plate which is not what I paid for I paid cash for my car so will not be waiting much longer.

 

I have spoken with the sales manager at the garage who was unaware of any problems, well he is now, he is now going to speak to Kate Laws.

 

Kate has been spot on however she did say it could 6 to 8 weeks to sort it out and as stated prior I am not waiting that long.

 

Regards Eric

https://amp.theguardian.com/money/2021/may/01/vw-audi-and-skoda-owners-angry-over-fault-in-sos-warning-system

8 minutes ago, Baldeagle58 said:

Kate has been spot on however she did say it could 6 to 8 weeks to sort it out and as stated prior I am not waiting that long

Mine has been in for 10 days now, however I’ve not had any previous indication of timeframes so hearing 6 - 8 weeks is news to me!  
 

That is ridiculous! And as lockdown is eased and we are able to travel more, the hire car is just not adequate for my family needs (no roof bars or tow bar is severely limiting us).  

I've rejected mine and got my money back last week. So sad.

Is that true that all new cars since 2018 have to be factory fitted with the crock of sh1te?

 

Yet another reason to not buy any newer vehicle.

1 hour ago, Skody123 said:

https://amp.theguardian.com/money/2021/may/01/vw-audi-and-skoda-owners-angry-over-fault-in-sos-warning-system

So that is something else to look forward too when (if ever) I get my car back...

 

Meanwhile, I'll enjoy driving the loan 1.0 eTec SE FE DSG loan car they gave me.. (just a shame it doesn't have half the toys on my SE-L FE) - the Octavia Mk4 is a nice car. So frustrating many have issues...

1 hour ago, Baldeagle58 said:

Gentleman,

 

I am have the same problem my car has been in for over a week now and as many of said I am not prepared to wait much longer again have spoken with Kate Laws and have stated that I if all is not sorted by next Friday I will be rejecting the car. I am currently driving about in a Octavia SE 20 Plate which is not what I paid for I paid cash for my car so will not be waiting much longer.

 

I have spoken with the sales manager at the garage who was unaware of any problems, well he is now, he is now going to speak to Kate Laws.

 

Kate has been spot on however she did say it could 6 to 8 weeks to sort it out and as stated prior I am not waiting that long.

 

Regards Eric

Hi Eric,

Very interested in your comment from Kate Laws that she said it should be 6-8 weeks as her colleague Stephanie Keenan, Brand Liaison Manager, on 22 April 2021 stated:-

 

"Further to our conversation you requested I provide you with information regarding potential future software releases relating to head unit software versions, alongside technical product information. I am sure you can appreciate I am not able to provide you with such information in relation to this matter, Technical Product Information released from our factory and provided to either SKODA UK or the Retail Network is internal communication and as such it is not something I am privy to before its release from the relevant departments.

that currently they do not have a programmed date for a fix."

 

I told her I find very difficult to accept as all work is Project Managed and programmed to affect departmental efficiency.  If that is the case and is confirmed I could certainly wait otherwise we accept the Buy-Back and purchase an alternative car.  Hey Ho!  Happy Days.

Further to above and the previous chat re the differing Head Units we are currently in a Buy-Back situation and have located an identical car which we are considering getting.  This one has the Device part number: 5E3035816B which allows KPH/MPH change and apparently doesn't exhibit the other faults (Build Date December 2020). 

Our car has the Device part number: 5E3035816 and was built 12 March 2020.

Could I please ask any of you for advice re that particular Device Part Number as to your experiences etc., which would be most appreciated to aid our decision and allow us to move forward.

Thanks in advance.

None of this been relaid to me, however I will be contacting the dealer tomorrow who is in Pullmans Durham  to say I wish to reject the car I bought the car 15th March this year and notified them of the problem 1st or 2nd of April I was advised I could either take the car into them for a update or take it my local Skoda dealer in Middlesbrough which I did, the update obviously failed. I then recontacted Durham and asked the question what happens if their don’t find a fix their did not know was the answer because their had never came across this problem before, this is when I then got in touch with Skoda and spoke with Kate Laws . I have now had a demonstrator car for the las ten days and have been told it has been extended until this Friday, I going to put a stop to this tomorrow and and reject the car. I part exchange a Ford Kuga ST Line which I I bought last February the day before my brother sadly passed away hence why I was getting rid to many memories I am now regretting doing this.

On 29/04/2021 at 08:29, fox2319 said:

I'm assuming everythin must be fixed now. 

 

That's because the car I rejected 3 weeks ago due to faulty matrix lights and the various problems with mph / kph is now up for sale at the garage, as shown on the used car locator. The price is a little under £20k for an SEL First Edition with 2600 miles on the clock. Comes with Perseus alloys and matrix lights so, on paper at least, it looks like a bargain. If they haven't fixed it yet are selling it anyway, surely that would be illegal?

 

BTW - I've really loved being able to take a car on a journey without stressing about what surprises it might have in store for me. It's amazingly relaxing.

yes same here, spotted my old one has been sold, feel sorry for the poor sod who brought it

4 hours ago, Nosnehm said:

Further to above and the previous chat re the differing Head Units we are currently in a Buy-Back situation and have located an identical car which we are considering getting.

@Nosnehmhave you had the buy back agreed with Skoda UK via Kate Laws?  And what was the terms of the buy back?   I’m in the same situation awaiting a fix but feel that buy back is now the most appropriate course of action. 

How does a buy back work and how much of the cost do you get back? 

8 hours ago, neonplanet40 said:

How does a buy back work and how much of the cost do you get back? 

You write a letter to the dealership listing the reasons you want to reject. They will confirm or not if they accept the rejection. If you reject within 30 days you are entitled to a full refund. After that time you are entitled to a refund minus use. This can be between 25 and 45p per mile, depending on the generosity of the dealer.

9 hours ago, Ajdude said:

@Nosnehmhave you had the buy back agreed with Skoda UK via Kate Laws?  And what was the terms of the buy back?   I’m in the same situation awaiting a fix but feel that buy back is now the most appropriate course of action. 

 

I'd be interested in differing experiences too.

 

My situation is my car went back to the dealer almost two weeks ago after I rejected it. Heard nothing from them since.

 

Skoda/Kate Laws told me they are managing the situation. Not heard from them in two weeks.

 

VW Finance took on my complaint a week ago, they say they are busy and to allow up to eight weeks for investigation.

 

I have zero idea if anything is going on behind the scenes, but in over three weeks since writing to reject my car, the sum total is I no longer have mine parked outside my house, but it is still technically my car, and Skoda are paying for a hire car while who knows what is or is not happening.

Edited 4 May, 20215 yr by Gax

11 hours ago, Ajdude said:

@Nosnehmhave you had the buy back agreed with Skoda UK via Kate Laws?  And what was the terms of the buy back?   I’m in the same situation awaiting a fix but feel that buy back is now the most appropriate course of action. 

Good morning Gax.  I initially wrote to my dealership 21 days after taking delivery of the car back in November and patiently awaited a fix but to no avail as we all know Skoda have not issued one for the dealers to apply.  My dealings have not been with Kate but with Stephanie Keenan but as yet no figure has been offered.   The buy-back is a legal matter between you and your supplying dealership not Skoda UK.  Hope that is helpful.

Take care and good luck in your negotiations.

Brief update.  Thanks @OctaviaFirstEditand @Nosnehm for the updates.  A call with Kate this morning confirmed the process as described, with it being with the dealer not Skoda UK.   I'm at liberty of doing that at anytime in the current proceedings.   As for a fix, they're still not sure, it could still be a month or more before a fix has been developed and they're not sure if this is going to software or hardware.   

49 minutes ago, Nosnehm said:

Good morning Gax.  I initially wrote to my dealership 21 days after taking delivery of the car back in November and patiently awaited a fix but to no avail as we all know Skoda have not issued one for the dealers to apply.  My dealings have not been with Kate but with Stephanie Keenan but as yet no figure has been offered.   The buy-back is a legal matter between you and your supplying dealership not Skoda UK.  Hope that is helpful.

Take care and good luck in your negotiations.

 

Thanks for sharing.

 

My impression from some other forum users is that their process, from formal rejection to finalising the buy back has, been dealt with in terms of weeks as oppose months.

 

I don't really understand where the difference lies however.

 

I've read many differing views online on industry websites, and some say you reject to the dealer (which I did, and they have fallen silent), while others say reject to the finance company as they own the vehicle, not the dealer. And in fairness, so far VW Finance haven't said 'go away', but neither has anything happened yet as a result of contacting them.

 

As for Skoda UK....well, my dealer has appeared to involve them, and Skoda UK (in the form of Kate Laws) involved themselves when she rang me personally to promise me the world, and has extremely rudely failed to contact me since.

 

As I've said elsewhere, none are doing themselves any favours for when I DO escalate this to the Ombudsman, as neither the dealer or Skoda have put anything useful in writing, so really have no defence that they are taking any kind of action for me.

5 minutes ago, Ajdude said:

Brief update.  Thanks @OctaviaFirstEditand @Nosnehm for the updates.  A call with Kate this morning confirmed the process as described, with it being with the dealer not Skoda UK.   I'm at liberty of doing that at anytime in the current proceedings.   As for a fix, they're still not sure, it could still be a month or more before a fix has been developed and they're not sure if this is going to software or hardware.   

Thanks, that's more encouraging news than I've received. Good luck.