Why does the fitting of a non-Skoda part to my Octavia mean that Skoda won't contribute to repairs?

After reading your generally positive review, I bought an 07 Skoda Octavia 4x4 1.9 diesel estate in January. It's a great drive and very economical; however, I'd like to reinforce your comments on the aircon. The compressor pump failed less than two months out of warranty, at just 22,000 miles. I took your advice and had a non-Skoda replacement fitted and saved well over £200 - thank you. However, when I contacted Skoda customer service, asking for a goodwill contribution, they refused, citing the fitting of a non-Skoda part at an independent garage (albeit owned and staffed by Skoda-trained technicians). Surely the crux of the matter is the early failure of the original part, not its replacement and by whom? The whole affair is particularly galling in the middle of a Skoda advertising campaign which extols the brand's reliability!

Asked on 13 July 2010 by Simon Channon

Answered by Dan Harrison
Sorry to hear about the trouble you've had and thanks for letting us know. Why don't you let others know about the problems you've had by filling out an owner's review for the site? Click on this link and select 'Do you own this car? Add your review here' near the top.

www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/skoda/octavia-2004?s...s
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