Should i be worried?

[Calais]

The way I see Skodas brand image and representation through dealers is like this.

(I am tried and tested candidate for this because I have been through the exact same problem after buying my last new car, a 2007 Fiat Punto Sport JTD)

1) The last time Skoda sold new cars in this country, bogans were still boasting about the syncro first gear in their dads Holden, Fords front suspension still cracked away from the firewall, and Skoda at the time was a soviet bloc shopping trolley (and a quirky one at that).

2) Skoda now, is in the maturing stage of their re-entry into the Australian market, and must now do their best to protect the customers, who their very reputation rests upon. (In this case, not do as Ateco did with Fiat, and allow the brand to rest on it's laurels)

3) In protecting their customers, the dealer network must back up the brand with as robust a service as they can possibly provide. (and not do the brand a dis-service through crappy customer service, and lack of interest in the brand, as certain dealers have already done by removing the brand from their business). Fiat has suffered greatly with the lack of dealer interest.

4) Appropriately market their product, and being backed by VAG, I would expect a greater range of media being used to push the product.

5) Either by corporate strategy or by other means, guarantee the resale values of the vehicles they have sold. This being done by creating a good brand image through product reliability and durability. And showcased in the media as highlighted earlier. (considering the strength of the VW brand which Skoda is so closely aligned with, it shouldn't be too hard to build a similar reputation...... anyone who owns a Skoda would agree the cars prove their worth).

After having washed my hands of my beloved Fiat, and the sh*thouse after sales service that ensued. I am very happy so far with the Skoda product and the aftersales service. I get a phone call once a fortnight to check how my car is going from the Dealer, and from Skoda Aus I have recieved mail and questionnaires to check on my the entire Skoda buying experience.

So far so good, I am happy owner, and sleep easy knowing my car wont have the best resale, not because the Brand hasn't backed me, but because of the massive kms I am going to enjoy putting on my vRS!

[aslsw]

A couple of issues that swayed my purchase...

Firstly, companies can do all the advertising that they like but if it's not backed up by the dealer on the ground then it's pointless. In my case, I went to VW to find a busy dealership but not so busy that one salesman couldn't find time to eat a hamburger in full view of waiting (potential) customers - I gave up. Mazda dealership - no-one bothered to show up. Ford - showed no interest once I made it clear I did not want to be sold up to another car. Honda - pretty good actually. But at Skoda - we took the car for a drive, then took it overnight, another whole day, test drove a Superb too, put me in contact with another RS owner so that I could see what his reactions were and have a private drive. In other words, our experience with Skoda has been positive from the moment we first set foot in their yard.

Secondly, I worry less about resale values. It might be because I have a bit more money these days, but I have realised that I buy assets to use not just to resell in the future. I want a car that I will love to drive today, not a boring one that might squeeze out a few extra dollars on resale.

Thirdly, servicing does worry me as it directly affects the owning experience. Checking out the overseas reports reassured me that Skoda was high in the quality stakes. I admit to being worried as there is only one dealer in Canberra, but I assume servicing can be done by VW or Audi (or one of the specialist VW mechanics at a pinch?). Even more of a worry is travelling long distances interstate.

But then I figure, why take away driving pleasure today for what might (or might not) happen in the future?

[Inego]

Re. the 1500km, I have to admit that I hadn't even checked my service schedule. But I noticed the windscreen sticker last night showing a 1500km (Steve Jarvin Burwood).

As for service, the sale staff have been helpful in the matchbox sized showroom, and have taken on board my advice in the couple fo time since. It was a small worry (in one sense) when one of them commented that most of the people who came into the showroom knew more about the cars than they did.

There is no Skoda advertising here in Sydney at the moment, I assume because there is little stock....

[Antiplastix]

In the worse case senerio, Skoda pulls out, VW would still be obliged to honour warranty work on Skoda products. Even GMH covered Daewoo warranties when they folded. As for servicing I have had 4 new cars (VW & Mazdas) in the last 12 years and none of them have been serviced by dealers ( I dont trust 17y.o apprentices working on my cars) and have never had an issue with a warranty item yet with the log books stamped by a quailified mechanic.

[K1W1]

As for servicing I have had 4 new cars (VW & Mazdas) in the last 12 years and none of them have been serviced by dealers and have never had an issue with a warranty item yet with the log books stamped by a quailified mechanic.

Legally no manufacturer can insist that service work is done in their workshops as a condition of a warranty. All they can do is insist that the recommended service intervals and procedures are followed.
Where the problem occurs these days is in the electronics. Many third party service centres whilst technically competent do not have access to manufacturers specialist diagnostic and reporting equipment for the latest generation of vehicles. Often they buy diagnostics for vehicles as they come out of warranty on the assumption that people will take cars to dealers during the warranty period. Because of this here can be a grey area about whether factory procedures have actually been followed and manufacturers tend to be more obliging and willing to open their pockets for borderline or out of warranty work when there is a history for the vehicle at their franchised workshops. One other advantage of going to a franchise dealer is that they should be aware of any recalls or in service updates that the manufacturer has initiated and that work should be done without question. Third parties often don't know about these.
Overall you take your chances one way or the other. Independents generally cost less and in my experience if you find a good one they do an excellent job. Franchise outlets are more expensive but can be expected to be more up to date with their knowledge of new vehicles and generally have much stronger warranties on the work they perform although it can take several tries to get the job done properly.

[zach]

right now I'm more worried about the RRP$ on the Golf Wagon which appears to undercut the Octavia.

[woofy]

The only thing is that VW tend to love overcharging for options etc, so the Golf wagon may work out a hell of a lot more $$$

[aslsw]

My franchised service centre has made it clear that they won't service the Skoda (and did everything in their power to convince me not to order it - availability of spares, getting it serviced etc). It's a pity as they have serviced my current car since new and I really trust them.

There is VW service centre out the back of where they are, but I might take it to the dealer for the first few times at least.

[Calais]

My franchised service centre has made it clear that they won't service the Skoda (and did everything in their power to convince me not to order it - availability of spares, getting it serviced etc). It's a pity as they have serviced my current car since new and I really trust them.

Your franchised service centre is clearly speaking sh*t.

I find it abhorrent that businesses clearly staffed by monkeys can pedal such unsubstantiated gossip based on nothing other than the cars badge.

Wonder if they knew its all VW Golf underneath? wankers.........

[Antiplastix]

My franchised service centre has made it clear that they won't service the Skoda (and did everything in their power to convince me not to order it - availability of spares, getting it serviced etc). It's a pity as they have serviced my current car since new and I really trust them.

There is VW service centre out the back of where they are, but I might take it to the dealer for the first few times at least.

What they cant unscrew a sump plug remove/replace a filter, pour new oil in, reset the service light and stamp a log book. I certainly wouldn t trust them.

[K1W1]

What they cant unscrew a sump plug remove/replace a filter, pour new oil in, reset the service light and stamp a log book. I certainly wouldn t trust them.

More to the point it's the first service department I have ever seen that's turned down ongoing profit and therefore bonuses for the management.

[gregozedobe]

They probably couldn't be bothered going to the extra effort of getting trained in maintaining them properly, software tools, special oils, filters etc.

For a lot of places it is about volume and quick turnover, so they aren't interested in any "niche" cars. They may prefer to have cars where they don't need to think, that way they can push them through quicker.

Most businesses are focussed on maximising profit, and in some cases this means turning away certain customers ( it is nothing personal, not an insult to your choice of car, just their particular business model).

You are better off going to a place that does a lot of work on VAG cars anyway, as they will know what to look for and should be more efficient too.

[VW Convert]

I just looked at a review on themotorreport.com.au for the Superb Wagon, not that i can afford it but was just interested as i have my RS on order. The article has me feeling all warm and fuzzy then i scroll down to the comments which are by in large quite negative, very negative in fact.

One comment talked about the amount of dealers handing back the franchise in the last 2 years. I purchased the car on what i thought was logic and to be honest i now feel i might have jumped the gun ere.

You blokes think this is an issue ot just teething? The dealerships don't seem all that well put together either, its just got my brain ticking as to whether i have put $46k in the wrong place?

It is normal to have misgivings when having committed to a major purchase. I say don't listen to any journalists, most of them don't know the front end of a car from the back end and the most important thing to them is the hospitality afforded by the PR people of the car manufacturers.

Listen to people who own and drive the cars and trust your own feel for the car and the organisation that makes and sells it.

Cheers

George

[RaceBlueRS]

I bought an RS wagon exactly two years ago from the dealership in Burwood (Sydney). When it reached about 2000km I rang the dealership who told me that "Skoda do not require service until 15000km"

It has been back twice for servicing, which has been a painful experience because they will not give me a loaner and would only drive me to the train station.

My local garage was approached, but feared warranty issues if he touched it. Funny, it didn't worry him when I had a Commondore ute!

[Jake02]

I bought an RS wagon exactly two years ago from the dealership in Burwood (Sydney). When it reached about 2000km I rang the dealership who told me that "Skoda do not require service until 15000km"

It has been back twice for servicing, which has been a painful experience because they will not give me a loaner and would only drive me to the train station.

My local garage was approached, but feared warranty issues if he touched it. Funny, it didn't worry him when I had a Commondore ute!

Fantastic to have another RS in the area! I totally agree on Steve Jarvin's service. Total crap to me. One time they didn't actually service the car...