Extortionate Repair Cost Skoda Fabia

AJJD

Hi, can anyone help with this car problem please? 

My Skoda Fabia Oct 2017 model with only 8100 miles on the clock has suddenly developed an audio problem. 

Skoda sign and Radio and mobile phone come on display then after few minutes or less goes off. Screen  blank and can’t access phone radio or even clock time! 

Press it on again and same things happen. Took my car in for a service and to look at problem and they want £5876! They said I need a complete new control head unit! 😔

I phoned Autoelectricians and they said the radio is in built and probably that’s the problem but they won’t touch it as it’s part of the whole control unit. 

The dealer said it’s a common problem and just bad luck! 

I walked away feeling completely shocked and on my own as dealer didnt offer any help. 

I’ve phoned Skoda who are getting back to me in 48hrs - now  into 72 hrs and still waiting for a call! 

I Am so stressed and upset with this problem and feel I should complain as it seems totally unfair to pay this extortionate amount when my car is hardly used. 

They suggested I buy a new car as they have good deals at moment! 

I couldn’t even sell my car as the buyer would have to pay this out themselves !

if anyone can help I’d greatly appreciate it! 

Many Thanks. 

mattyprice4004

Try a Skoda specialist - they'll probably be able to do a repair for much less. 
If you want help with the problem specifically there's a Motoring section on here - this particular section is for Consumer Rights (which you may have if you've bought the car recently, but if it was 5 years ago you'll not have a lot of luck). 

TELLIT01

The cost is utterly ridiculous and the result of more and more integration of components.  Easier and cheaper for the manufacturer, but clearly not for the owner.

Tranboy

But is the car otherwise ok to drive.. speedo etc.?

Alderbank

Assuming the car is otherwise OK to drive as Tranboy says, I would upgrade to a better head unit.
Fortunately for you it is a very popular upgrade. Lots of models available including many designed specifically for Fabia Mk3 so will fit directly into the fascia and connect to all the wiring plugs without modification requiring very little skill. Expect to pay around £300 or less.

MattMattMattUK

TELLIT01 said:

The cost is utterly ridiculous and the result of more and more integration of components.  Easier and cheaper for the manufacturer, but clearly not for the owner.

The cost is largely profit, the BoM for the unit is likely less than £500, it could even be below £300. 

AJJD

Hi, and Thank you so much for your replies.

 I am in my own with this and not mechanical but if I can replace the whole head unit where would I source this from and who can I get to fit it? 

If Skoda don’t help I’ve been advised to go through Consumer Rights. 

£300 is a Godsend compared to £5876! If you could let me know how to go about this I would be very grateful. 

Thank you for taking the time to comment with helpful advice. 

born_again

You would have to source one of the likes of Ebay or a breakers yard. But no guarantee that you would still not face the same problem again.

I’ve phoned Skoda who are getting back to me in 48hrs - now  into 72 hrs and still waiting for a call! 

Don't forget, odds on they do not work weekends. 

AJJD

Tranboy said:

But is the car otherwise ok to drive.. speedo etc.?

Yes it is. And Thanks for replying

AJJD

Alderbank said:

Assuming the car is otherwise OK to drive as Tranboy says, I would upgrade to a better head unit.
Fortunately for you it is a very popular upgrade. Lots of models available including many designed specifically for Fabia Mk3 so will fit directly into the fascia and connect to all the wiring plugs without modification requiring very little skill. Expect to pay around £300 or less.

Hi, 
Thank you for replying. 

Could you tell me where to source the head unit and would I need an auto electrician to fit it? 

diinozzo

AJJD said:

Alderbank said:

Assuming the car is otherwise OK to drive as Tranboy says, I would upgrade to a better head unit.
Fortunately for you it is a very popular upgrade. Lots of models available including many designed specifically for Fabia Mk3 so will fit directly into the fascia and connect to all the wiring plugs without modification requiring very little skill. Expect to pay around £300 or less.

Hi, 
Thank you for replying. 

Could you tell me where to source the head unit and would I need an auto electrician to fit it? 

Try Google and ebay to get an idea of what is involved/available.