[vinesataris]

This is my first post so please excuse me for being vague and not being professional. I will try and get better soon.

So after driving my Skoda Octavia for over 6 Years, I have decided to trade to The Rapid. Immediately as the thought sprouted in my mind, I, along with my wife walked into Mahavir Skoda, Somajiguda. The staff was very courteous and took enough time to explain about the features of The Rapid and they even offered me a test drive within 5 minutes. I took the test drive of the vehicle and liked it but didn't book the vehicle on the same day since I wanted to take a test drive of Vento and fluidic verna. After two days, I gave a call to the sales executive and told him about my plan of trading my Octavia to Skoda Rapid. He then called me over to their showroom so they can have a valuation done on my vehicle and give me the quote and so I did. They took over 5 minutes, inspected the vehicle and gave me a valuation Rs. 4,45,000 to which I did nag for about an hour and then said ok. Here comes the booking part. They asked me to book the vehicle by paying some cash so they can deliver it on time but since I wanted the vehicle 7 days after, I didn't make any booking as the vehicle is readily available. On 20th of April, I received a call from Mahavir Skoda asking me to make a booking as it was the last day for some offer (free accessories worth Rs. 25000) and they even told me that I have to complete all the formalities on the same day for the offer to be valid on my purchase. I told them I'm not really willing to take the delivery of the vehicle on 20th of April which is 4 days away from my wedding anniversary, but I want it on 24th of April only. I have then started to receive continuous calls from the staff of Mahavir Skoda pleading me to complete the formalities and take the delivery of the vehicle. So after talking to them for over 4 hours, I couldn't convince them but they convinced me to take the delivery. They asked me the pay the booking amount in advance so the accessories team would start with their work once they confirm the booking. I gave a cheque of Rs. 50000 and told them to start the work to which they denied saying they can't start until they receive some liquid cash. So I go to an ATM, withdraw Rs. 5000 and give the amount and then asked them to start their work to which they agreed.
I go ahead with the finance team and I got an approval for Rs. 800000 loan and delivery order was released within no time. I was all happy for booking a new Skoda car despite of bad reviews about customer service.

Believe me guys, it gets interesting here!

After around 10 minutes, I was told to meet a person from trading department who would take my existing vehicle and finish off the formalities. I met the same person who gave me an estimation in the first time and he then re-checked the car and comes to me to say I lied about the year of manufacture when I first took the car to them and since the year is different, he said he cannot give the same amount he promised me at the first time. He gave me another quote for Rs. 4,25,000 to which I denied and asked them to return the booking advance and my cheque and cancel the loan process. For about 30 minutes fighting, whining and nagging, they gave me another estimation for Rs. 4,35,000 and I had to accept the offer since the new car was almost ready to be delivered. I gave the original documents of my Skoda Octavia when Mahavir Skoda agreed to pay the remaining balance amount to me by cheque. My new car arrived to fill my nagging pit of despair. I got all excited to take a ride on the new car, checked if all the promised accessories are fitted only to see the mudflaps, rear view camera and LED display are not fitted. I rushed to the accessories department and asked why are the parts not fitted to which they responded they didn't have the stock. I yelled at them for not telling me this before. I then went to the finance department to collect the cheque for balance amount. Again, Mahavir Skoda proved those bad reviews on them. They said they can only give me the cheque when the trading amount is released which is expected to happen on 23rd of April (3 days after the delivery of the vehicle). Again after yelling for about 15 minutes, I took the delivery of the vehicle finally and moved out of the showroom.

On 22nd April (two days after the delivery), a friend of mine comes to me and says he booked the Rapid, Prestige edition which comes for 1lac lesser price and more features. I got shocked and immediately called the sales rep to find out if that's true. He says in casual way "Yes sir, Prestige edition was released just after you took the delivery of the vehicle Sir. I'm sorry about that sir". I gave him left and right for forcing me the book the vehicle and asked him about my accessories and excess amount cheque. After he consulted his finance department he called me and said the cheque can only be released to me after the loan amount from bank is received. Since I was short on cash, I made a couple of calls to the bank manager who approved my loan and asked about the disbursal of the amount. The manager promised me he would disburse the cheque in two days. I waited for two more days and gave a call to Mahavir Skoda for my accessories and balance amount. They arranged a driver who took the vehicle to Kompally (which is over 35kms away from Somajiguda) got the work done and returned the vehicle to me. Regarding the excess amount, they said they have not received the amount from bank yet and will only give me a cheque after they receive. I made around 15 to 20 calls just in vain but the amount was not released to me. One week after the delivery, bank released the cheque to Mahavir Skoda and I immediately reached the showroom to collect the cheque. To my surprise, they changed the word and says they will release the cheque but after they encash the loan amount. I got pi**ed off at their pathetic customer service and yelled at them till they agreed to give me my cheque. I have finally received the cheque but not the original documents. So after making around 15 to 20 visits and 40-50 calls, I have received all my original documents and documents needed for registration.

As I'm still not satisfied with what I have received from them, I wrote to Skoda India explaining about how they changed the trading value of my Octavia and forced me to take the delivery of a vehicle by not disclosing about interesting offers. The immediate next day I received a call from Mr. Gandhi, C.E.O of Mahavir Motors asking me to meet him personally in his office. I spoke to him, explained everything in detail, and he made me an offer on spares (alloy wheels). He said he could give me a set of alloys worth Rs. 27990 for Rs 22990 to which I denied. I asked him to pay me the trading difference amount which is Rs. 10000 to which he said he will think about it and let me know in two days. *Still waiting*

I say, I had a very bad experience at Mahavir Skoda and in fact, I even stopped a couple of my friends from buying a car from there. I will never suggest Mahavir S

[adityasiera]

I sympathise with you my friend.

No wonder i stayed away from skoda, and never recommend anyone who asks me for car advice.

The challenge is nothing was documented, hence they can switch their statements. Hope we can draw some attention (again).

[vinesataris]

Originally Posted by adityasiera

I sympathise with you my friend.

No wonder i stayed away from skoda, and never recommend anyone who asks me for car advice.

The challenge is nothing was documented, hence they can switch their statements. Hope we can draw some attention (again).

Oh yeah, about the documentation of what had been promised, everything, including the value of my old car is documented. But they simply ruled off everything saying I lied to them about the mfg year of my car so that quotation won't be applicable!

[Lalvaz]

Well, atleast in this case, Skoda is not at fault, its the dealer pulling a fast one on you. But did'nt you do any basic checks with other Skoda dealers in your city for a more competitive price? Also, you should ideally have spoken to multiple parties to determine the resale value of your old car. Maybe a little more research would have helped prevent such a situation.

[speedmiester]

Feel real bad for you my friend.
Never ever trust what the sales people say until they give it in writing.

No Offence!, but I still don't understand why people go for Skoda even after so many horror stories. I understand their cars are good, but the relationship does not end with driving out of the showroom, it actually begins with it.

[IshaanIan]

That's odd since Mahavir Skoda is supposed to be one of the "better" Skoda dealerships out there. You said something about a misunderstanding on the date of your Octavia's manufacture? Never give in when a dealer pushes you towards a product. You are the customer and you get to make the decisions, in the end every big establishment or dealership including MS, Honda etc have bullied customers or atleast tried to do so. They want to sell but you must never let them forget that they need you more than you need them. I believe one must do their homework, be well informed and stubborn to keep the salesman from causing trouble before finalizing a deal (getting the Octavia thoroughly evaluated and finalizing a quote before going in for the Rapid it's just basic financing stuff that one always makes sure about, checking about deals on the car; the prestige edition might have let itself be known to you) Do hope your issue gets sorted out asap

[getsurya]

Bad and rough experience to go through while buying a new car!

With due respects, You drove an Octavia and you were still ready to deal with Mahavir motors! I remember my experience with Mahavir before I bought my first Scorpio, when I visited them to look at Octavia as an option. Holy cow- they were completely arrogant and pushy and thought that I am at thier mercy. I left the showroom in a huff and ensured that nobody in my circle ever landed at Mahavir again, in one instance I pulled out my friend from the showroom physically and took him some where else for his choice.

Forget now and enjoy your new car, Happy motoring!

[vinesataris]

Originally Posted by Lalvaz

Well, atleast in this case, Skoda is not at fault, its the dealer pulling a fast one on you. But did'nt you do any basic checks with other Skoda dealers in your city for a more competitive price? Also, you should ideally have spoken to multiple parties to determine the resale value of your old car. Maybe a little more research would have helped prevent such a situation.

There are three showrooms in Hyderabad and all are owned by Mahavir motors. No point in checking out the price at different places.

Originally Posted by IshaanIan

That's odd since Mahavir Skoda is supposed to be one of the "better" Skoda dealerships out there. You said something about a misunderstanding on the date of your Octavia's manufacture? Never give in when a dealer pushes you towards a product. You are the customer and you get to make the decisions, in the end every big establishment or dealership including MS, Honda etc have bullied customers or atleast tried to do so. They want to sell but you must never let them forget that they need you more than you need them. I believe one must do their homework, be well informed and stubborn to keep the salesman from causing trouble before finalizing a deal (getting the Octavia thoroughly evaluated and finalizing a quote before going in for the Rapid it's just basic financing stuff that one always makes sure about, checking about deals on the car; the prestige edition might have let itself be known to you) Do hope your issue gets sorted out asap

I have my old vehicle valuation printed on their letterhead. And the prestige edition, they say they even didn't know till a night before it's release!

Originally Posted by getsurya

Bad and rough experience to go through while buying a new car!

With due respects, You drove an Octavia and you were still ready to deal with Mahavir motors! I remember my experience with Mahavir before I bought my first Scorpio, when I visited them to look at Octavia as an option. Holy cow- they were completely arrogant and pushy and thought that I am at thier mercy. I left the showroom in a huff and ensured that nobody in my circle ever landed at Mahavir again, in one instance I pulled out my friend from the showroom physically and took him some where else for his choice.

Forget now and enjoy your new car, Happy motoring!

Octavia was the only reason for buying the Rapid. I've driven Swift for over 3 years and I didn't have that feel I have had while driving Octavia. Whatever, I'm really loving the vehicle now and already clocked over 1500 kms in two weeks trying to get over the experience I had with them.

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[IshaanIan]

Originally Posted by vinesataris

I have my old vehicle valuation printed on their letterhead. And the prestige edition, they say they even didn't know till a night before it's release!



Octavia was the only reason for buying the Rapid. I've driven Swift for over 3 years and I didn't have that feel I have had while driving Octavia. Whatever, I'm really loving the vehicle now and already clocked over 1500 kms in two weeks trying to get over the experience I had with them.

I was referring to your disappointment after booking the car and then having your Octy valued lower than you expected. That is also precisely what I am talking about unfortunately you can never expect the dealership to dangle the best deal in front of you; always do your homework.
Anyway I am glad to hear that you aren't letting these issues affect the emotions you feel when buying a new car

[drsnt]

You can approach the police to file a FIR on the dealer on case of cheating. Any significant fact hidden by merchant that can change the buying decision by customer is held as fraud.

You can ask the dealer through your lawyer or by your sources when was intimation of prestige edition was released by company and it's pricing. or if dealer is willing to compensate you, go ahead and avoid the legal hassles. Biggest loss to dealership is by loss of service as they make their living by servicing vehicles. Clearly mention that you will never get your car serviced by them. They should bent a bit

[jkrishnakj]

While I do feel sorry for what transpired with you , the curious bit is on how they have you the new car without they actually getting the money from the bank towards your loan ? Or did I miss something?

[vinesataris]

Originally Posted by drsnt

You can approach the police to file a FIR on the dealer on case of cheating. Any significant fact hidden by merchant that can change the buying decision by customer is held as fraud.

You can ask the dealer through your lawyer or by your sources when was intimation of prestige edition was released by company and it's pricing. or if dealer is willing to compensate you, go ahead and avoid the legal hassles. Biggest loss to dealership is by loss of service as they make their living by servicing vehicles. Clearly mention that you will never get your car serviced by them. They should bent a bit

I spoke to the dealer regarding this and he says he only got the intimation about the new release just a night before. He even showed me a couple of mails. What's astonishing is, he actually told me that the Prestige edition is a limited edition which is released with some minor defects. They have around 1000 cars with some minor defects (very minor) and since they can't sell those cars, they give it a limited edition badge and sell it for a lesser price.
And yes, thanks for your suggestion. I'm now thinking of telling the dealer that I will never get the car serviced at their workshop. Maybe this way he will come down a bit.

Originally Posted by jkrishnakj

While I do feel sorry for what transpired with you , the curious bit is on how they have you the new car without they actually getting the money from the bank towards your loan ? Or did I miss something?

Financiers give them a delivery order letter stating the amount of loan sanctioned and the loan disbursal date. Based on that letter they release the cars.

[stringbh]

Originally Posted by vinesataris

Prestige edition is a limited edition which is released with some minor defects.

How much of this is true? Is Vento style going the same way? On the flipside, the SA's are entitled to their opinion and no one will ever know.

Bottom line: Hope you car is delivered in great condition, runs wonderfully and wish you have a fabulous experience accumulating miles on it

[Arch-Angel]

Hi vinesataris, the only reason i am not surprised is because Skoda has done so many other things to incur the displeasure of their customers. I do hope that the vehicle has been delivered in good condition and that it gives you years of reliable service.
Regarding the limited edition, this is the same car with a few minor changes, so i guess you are better off here. But when i do look at the price, it gives me a little bit of unsurity. All the best.

Also, how can they blatantly state that they haven't received the amount from the bank but they have delivered your vehicle? Something doesn't seem right.

[DieselDon]

@vinesataris : Sometimes these things happen for whatever reason. If the dealer forced you knowing a new release is around the corner, it is not ethical of them, but unfortunately we cannot do anything about it other than get frustrated. Sad state of affairs for Skoda in Hyderabad since we have only one dealer.

Originally Posted by vinesataris

I'm now thinking of telling the dealer that I will never get the car serviced at their workshop. Maybe this way he will come down a bit.

On the Service part, I am assuming all of Andhra & Orissa is Mahavir controlled. By nature they will not come down. (akin to Microsoft till Google came by)
You might have non-Skoda service centers to bank on. (I hear some are better than the Mahavir ones). But that is a known risk/benefit.

Nevertheless, the bright part : The Car itself is bang for the buck. Do put the hassles behind you. Wishing you many many Happy miles ahead !