[BecoMagicSenna]

Hi my dear fellow members, I hope that each one of you is keeping yourself and your family safe from this curveball of a year. My long post here is in part seeking advice, while also perhaps throwing light in what could be another egregious scam from one of Skoda's authorized service centers. I'm as ever grateful for your patience and if this post doesn't belong here, I request the moderators to move it to its right location.

Amongst other cars, I also own an exquisitely maintained Skoda Laura 2.0 TDI DSG (2013) from its final batch of production, which had its service due at the start of June this year. Owing to the pandemic initiated lockdown at the time, there weren't any appointments available. The only signs that the car gave of its service due, apart from the reminder on the dashboard, was that of the yellow engine sign glowing along with some amount of distinguishable fume smell from the exhaust. It was just the kind when the engine oil gets too low; however, there wasn't any white smoke which was a relief. I thought it wise to do an engine oil change myself instead of waiting further for appointments from JMD Skoda, which weren't available until the 1st week of August. I also let my relationship manager at JMD know about my situation and he too suggested that it would be ideal for me to do an oil change immediately. I did the oil change at my preferred Shell fuel pump near my house and opted for the premium Shell Ultra 5W 40. I use the same in both my diesel workhorses Laura and Linea. And once I did, I expected the engine light to go off. But it didn't. So I did get a reservation at JMD Skoda's workshop for 6th August. And just like that, a week prior to my scheduled visit, I had a random ABS/Traction/Steering error flash in my car and the car started jerking. It came on everyday after that, so that error along with the engine light that was still on, were my priorities at the time of service on 6th Aug. The car waited for its diagnosis by JMD Skoda (Bhandup) for 4 days and after repeated follow ups, I finally got an estimate on day 5 (11th Aug), which was a whopping Rs. 77,650/-, which exceeded 90k with taxes included! And the diagnosis given for the primary problems I had, were the below:

- Engine Light was on due to a suspected air mass sensor error - needs replacing (Rs. 12,650 + tax)

- ABS/Traction Steering light was due to a malfunctioning right front side speed sensor - needs replacing. (Rs. 6500 + tax)

Of the ludicrous estimate of nearly 90+ k (including tax), most of it were unapproved by me as they weren't a priority at all. I did check on the brakes as it was recommended, but I was confirmed by the centre that it'll last a further 7 to 8000 kms. So not sure why it was recommended.

Anyway, JMD confirmed that they can only replace the speed sensor on that day and not the air mass sensor, as the part had to be ordered. This meant that my ABS/Traction and steering error will be rectified after the right front speed sensor is replaced. However, the engine light will remain turned on, until the air mass sensor is ordered & procured by JMD, a further appointment is arranged for me to get the car again to get that installed and sort the issue. Fine.

So on 12th August, I paid around 7k with tax for the ABS sensor that was replaced on the front right wheel, collected my car and sure enough, the ABS error had gone. But imagine my surprise, when it came back within 2 days! I immediately sent a photo of the Christmas lights flashing the same errors to the executive handling my case. He asked me not to worry and assured that when I come in a week's time for the air mass sensor installation, this will be looked at. He further assured that if the same one is faulty, it'll be replaced in warranty.

I finally got a call confirming the availability of the air mass sensor around 2 weeks later. And even after I pushed for an earlier emergency appointment considering I had already paid for the ABS error which turned out unrectified, I was given a date of 9th September. A whole month later!

Now here's where the reason for this post begins. When I came in to the workshop again on 9th Sep, I reminded the executive that I hope that it's just a minor error of the ABS that was, already rectified and in case there's a problem with the sensor replaced, that it'll be changed free of cost under warranty as promised. To this the exec replied that in his experience, he feels this might be a different wheel. He also blurted out that earlier, Skoda always recommended its customers to change all 4 sensors when the time came, as they wear out at the same time. And more unbelievably to my ears, he confirmed that earlier it always used to come as a kit of 4 pieces for the price of 6000 odd Rupees! But now they've changed strategies due to lockdown. When I probed then why and still how can Skoda justify an increase of almost 300% on a part, he had no answer.

This is when I actually started checking for official spare parts catalog with price lists for Skoda, but I couldn't find detailed ones for all their models. However, there are original parts available online if you look specifically, and all the speed sensors I've seen for Skoda Laura and Octavia is not more than 2200/- per piece.

I then also checked the price for air mass sensors, which JMD estimated at 12,650/- before tax and voila, it's ranges around 6-7 k online.

I called Skoda directly to ask for the spare parts price list or at least the ones for speed sensors and air mass sensor. As expected, they didn't have an answer to that question and offered to give a call back from either Skoda India or from the service centre. I rejected the quotation offered from the service centre, because I already have it. I insisted that I get a call from Skoda India directly. Of course, I don't expect that to happen too, at least not so soon.

My car is still at JMD centre as of today, Thursday, 10th Sep and I should've already received a call on the final estimate, which I haven't so far.

So, the advice I seek from fellow bhpians is whether I should confront JMD Bhandup workshop in disclosing the official spare parts price list or stop work and get my car back, order parts online and get it done at a private professional.

I'll also appreciate other members with similar experiences to share yours too.

Thank you for reading it all the way here. Stay safe.

[scorpian]

If you have access to a reliable FNG then i would say procure the parts required from outside and get the work done with FNG, this would work economical for you and also reduce the overall cost of ownership.

Here in goa i procure all parts whichever car may be form a local vendor and have never faced a problem.

[sagarpadaki]

If they had run the diagnostics then the tool will specify the error code and the source of error. There is no 'it may be the other wheel sensor' scenario at all.

Ask them to run the scan in front of you and see the error yourself. They are taking you for a ride.

[asit.kulkarni93]

If your car is out of warranty, why bother with the SVC? Visiting them for an oil change service for maintaining the record is understandable but why visit them for running repairs? Most Škoda SVCs are a pain. The pain you had to go through in the last 2 months is not worth it. Stick to a competent FNG and you will be good to go.

[BecoMagicSenna]

Originally Posted by sagarpadaki

If they had run the diagnostics then the tool will specify the error code and the source of error. There is no 'it may be the other wheel sensor' scenario at all.

Ask them to run the scan in front of you and see the error yourself. They are taking you for a ride.

Update: They confirmed it's the left front one this time. And when I did confront the executive on call that the parts are available online for 2100/- a piece, he first tried to discredit the authenticity and when I said I'm expecting to receive the spare parts price list from Skoda India, he quickly said "We centres will also look for some margin". But 300% isn't a margin, it's a creek. I've the call recorded. Let's see, will keep updated. Thank you.

[itwasntme]

My few bits:
1. Go to a good FNG(s) for an estimate(s).
2. Tweet to Zac Hollis - he usually replies or someone does
3. Ask JMD for the official price list of these spares. They cannot simply ask for a ludicrous figure - they HAVE to be based on official Skoda prices + markup
4. Don't go overboard showing alternative online source prices to JMD - authorized service. Aftermarket spares are always cheaper for all brands. JMD folks cannot officially ask you to source them with the assurance of fitting your parts in their workshop.

[Cessna182]

Something seems to be wrong with the spare part price. Check on Boodmo once. I googled the ABS Sensor price for your car and it much lower than what they charged you (https://boodmo.com/catalog/4540-abs_...oda_laura-2_0/)

As others have said, find a local garage to get it serviced because authorized centers are not needed after the warranty period for expensive cars.

[GTO]

Golden rule of cars (especially Europeans) = Once past 5 - 6 years of age and / or out of warranty, find a good independent mechanic to maintain it. There is no way you'll be able to keep up with the maintenance costs of the authorised workshop. It's a rip-off, not just with Skoda, but almost every European car brand.

Hell, for my Civic, the dealer wanted 50,000 for a new ABS module. My FNG got one for 12,000.

[2000rpm]

Originally Posted by BecoMagicSenna

- ABS/Traction Steering light was due to a malfunctioning right front side speed sensor - needs replacing. (Rs. 6500 + tax)

The ABS Sensor can be changed for 1200 rs in Andheri, Let me know if you need the garage contact. He charges 500 for Diagnostics, to identify which sensor has failed. Overall 1700 bucks. I changed two sensors and have no trouble with the car now!

[Behemoth]

I completely agree on this. Skoda service is seriously overcharging and overkill. It's best to get it serviced outside and OEM parts used. My Skoda Laura 2.0 TDI manual is a little less than 9 years old now. And since the 6th year, I have been getting it serviced only from the Bosch Authorised service centre near my home. They use OE parts for replacement and the cost is typically 30% of what Skoda charges for the same parts.

[AZT]

Originally Posted by BecoMagicSenna

And when I did confront the executive on call that the parts are available online for 2100/- a piece, he first tried to discredit the authenticity and when I said I'm expecting to receive the spare parts price list from Skoda India, he quickly said "We centres will also look for some margin". But 300% isn't a margin, it's a creek.

This does not sound right, 300% mark up is a rip off. Even if they give you the part for 2100/- please drop a mail to Skoda corporate office about this.

[Altocumulus]

Like many have pointed out, after warranty it does not make any sense to go to an ASS (pun intended).

More so aftermarket parts for Europeans, even Japanese like Honda, are sometimes much better than what the service center would give you apart from being cheaper.

For example, for my Laura Tsi when I wanted to change the timing kit, SC gave me an estimate of 81k. I got a Borsehung kit from Germany, all done including labor for 25k. For the Civic, Honda charges around 60k for new suspension, I got Sachs Germany struts and TRW lower arms and ball joints fitted for much much lower. Upside also includes significant improvement in ride and handling.

In this case, take a scan of your bill which shows the 6k for one and send it to Zac Hollis along with a link to this thread. Don't let JMD get away with this. Skoda is trying a lot to make corrections, morons like these spoil everything.

[tazmaan]

Originally Posted by BecoMagicSenna

Update: They confirmed it's the left front one this time. And when I did confront the executive on call that the parts are available online for 2100/- a piece, he first tried to discredit the authenticity and when I said I'm expecting to receive the spare parts price list from Skoda India, he quickly said "We centres will also look for some margin". But 300% isn't a margin, it's a creek. I've the call recorded. Let's see, will keep updated. Thank you.

Why don't you ask for the same quote from other Skoda dealer?

Also I feel its best to sell a car after warranty (Most brands go up to 7 years now) and if the plan is to keep the car longer like others suggested, its best to go for FNG even for service.

[Jeroen]

Originally Posted by GTO

Golden rule of cars (especially Europeans) = Once past 5 - 6 years of age and / or out of warranty, find a good independent mechanic to maintain it. There is no way you'll be able to keep up with the maintenance costs of the authorised workshop. It's a rip-off, not just with Skoda, but almost every European car brand.
.

Not unique to India. I would say similar in many parts in the world In Europe/USA this rule of thumb applies for every car, irrespective its country of origin. Same thing, both labour and spare parts via independent sources are much, much cheaper.

You do need to be weary of counterfeit parts though. It is a huge racket. I believe we have a dedicated thread on it. But even main stream dealers have been caught out with counterfeit parts. Sometimes it can be almost impossible to tell.
I do worry about it as I do most of my maintenance myself and I am always buying spare parts. I try to use reliable, well known, reputable sources.

Of course, it also depends on the part. A bit of trim, if it looks good and it fits well, who cares. But a shock absorber, or a brake component? I would rather spend a bit more just to be safe. I don’t want to end up with fake brakes!

So finding a good independent mechanic and or a good reliable spare parts supplier is hugely important.

Jeroen

[hridaygandhi]

Like many have mentioned before, golden rule of thumb: Go to a trusted FNG post warranty.

Not only Skoda, but all manufacturers are a rip-off, and post warranty, when parts need to be replaced owing to routine wear and tear, all ASS quote astronomical figures in the name of preventive maintenance.

In February 2020, I got my 2011 Honda Jazz (clocked 1.02L kms) serviced at a Honda ASS[and received an [b]exorbitant quote of INR 1L! That included replacing both the radiator rotor fans, and a complete suspension overhaul. I got neither of them done, and only got the basic service and some routine parts and paid INR 6k (service was covered under AMC). Got the car inspected at an independent FNG, reinforced my belief that neither needed to be replaced.

Since Honda has a 6 month service schedule, I got it serviced again in September 2020 (1.08L on the odo, clocked lesser due to lockdown) and voila, this time they did not recommend suspension change or change in rotor fans. What happened suddenly? Did the car repair itself? Paid 10k for the service, and car is running perfectly well.

My strategy has been to get my cars serviced/diagnosed regularly at ASS and get the problems fixed at a trusted FNG. In case of my BMW X1, dealer quoted 45k for a tire replacement, and I got it outside for 18k, and for a battery change (BMW quoted 45k, got it replaced at a trusted FNG for 17k), this strategy has served me well, and keeping the cars in top shape as well as pocket-friendly.

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