Since this tread seems to be about Skoda Laura Experiences, I would like to share mine: If this is the wrong forum for this info, pls suggest a more appropriate one or the moderater could simply place this at the correct location as well.
I picked up a Feb 2006 Pre-owned Skoda Laura L&K DSG Auto, on Dec 18th 2007, got it through the registration process along with transfer of insurance by End of Jan. It was in mint condition at least in appearance.
The Highlight or rather the lowlight is that Car just returned from a Full MONTH at the Service Centre:
Had the car checked out & Fully Serviced at my cost (about Rs. 8,500) by JMD (Authorized Service Centre for Skoda) - They have 3 service centres within Mumbai itself and the car was already under their service. They informed me that it was in good condition and and I bought it. This service & Check was done on 17th Dec just before I took delivery of the car.
1) The in-dash CD Changer which is a part of the central multi function unit that includes the CD player, Info display and parktronics etc. was defective. So I took it to JMD for servicing and they after approval of replacement under warranty ordered the same and replaced it. It took about 20 odd days and I had the car with me in the meanwhile.
2) In parallel during Dec-Jan while getting the above issue solved another problem occurred. On a Trip to Kashid, found the Airbag System Failure light glowing so took the car to the service centre and they corrected this using the computer console unit, but then soon after on a trip to Baroda the same problem popped up and this time the JMD official checked all the wiring and determined that it was a loose contact in a socket below the drivers seat. They cleaned the contact and since then this problem has not repeated. But am given to understand that it is not unusual for this to occur in a Laura.
3) Towards Jan End, while I was very close to my home at Thane (Just after I paid the monthly Rs. 1,000 Bombay - Thane toll for the Car) the car started making a whistling sound that would increase with acceleration. Parked the Car at home and called JMD Helpline. JMD Staff came over in the morning and diagnosed an issue with the Turbo. They had to tow the car to the closest service centre. Over the next few days they informed me that the Turbo and Intercooler both needed to be replaced and then after getting warranty approval (part cost Rs. 1.75L) from Skoda ordered it from Aurangabad and finally fitted in on the car on Feb 15th. My warranty was due to expire the same day.
4) The story did not end there. On connecting the Turbo & Intercooler to the Car JMD team observed a noise coming out of the DSG Auto Transmission. So they checked the various parts of the shift system and concluded that a part in the shift mechanism was faulty and then after approval for this as well under warranty (car had been with them since the earlier fault and had not been driven) replaced that as well finally delivering the car on 1st March. - This was more than a month after they took charge of it. They also replaced the Low Tone Horn before delivering the car. The point to note is also that the DSG unit is a new technology that Skoda is quite proud of and is shared with Volkswagens and Audi Cars?
Positives:
1) JMD Staff was very polite and ensured that I did not have to pay anything for any of the above replacements, except about Rs. 1500 for getting the car towed to their service centre. They even delivered the car to my home once and to my office once at no charge. They need to be specially appreciated in my view.
2) Skoda replaced all the above free of cost.
3) JMD staff at both Nerul, Andheri & Bhandup were all very polite and competent. They know the meaning of good service.
Negatives:
1) Skoda took a lot of time to give approval for the repair under warranty on multiple instances.
2) It took even longer for the parts to get dispatched from Aurangabad and be delivered at the service centre.
3) A car less than 2 years old and less than 35,000 kms old that has been regularly serviced had such major issues as above. It would cost approx Rs. 3,00,000 to get these corrected when out of warranty.
4) As per the Authorized Dealer there is no extended warranty facility that I can take up. Are they not sure of their Cars?
5) Obviously my confidence in the car is shaken and unless I can get an extended warranty from Skoda may even consider selling it off. I can understand expensive parts in expensive cars, but also expect them to be very reliable.
Had bought the car believing it to be very reliable. Auto Car Magazine latest issue too mentions a pre-owned Laura as a good value for money, strongly built & desirable car, but then if all these issues pop-up with the car inspite of a pre-buy check from an authorised service centre it does raise big questions. The perceptions regarding the car seem very different from reality. It is definitely one of the best cars to look at and has features better than even the new C- Class Merc, at a price close to that of the Accord. But reliability on road? Is this not the most touted USP of the car.
From a loss to me point of view, there is the mental hassle angle besides multiple trips to the service centre. Also not having the car with me for about 1/2 the 2.5 month period that I have owned it and implied having to drive the Tata Safari a much less fuel efficient car and pay double the amount for toll and the small matter of the Towing cost. To top it just in terms of cost of car about 25,000 would be the cost of Interest for the amount invested in a car that cannot be used. In USA or Europe most likely a replacement car would have been provided during the service period, but that is not the case in India....as yet.
In comparison my Safari which I have owned for 7 years and driven for 145,000 kms has a turbo intercooler unit that is yet working quite OK inspite of having being completely flooded in the 2005 rains and being driven very hard.
Hope someone can suggest a method to avail of an extended Warranty cover.
The car is good, and brings a smile to ones face while driving, the features are really thoughtfull and leagues ahead of other options in the same price band. The Look is royal and I do hope to keep it with me for a few more years and also Remap it at some time, but maintenance...