Can I force a Skoda dealer to buy my car back?

I have a Skoda Superb that is subject to the emissions scandal. Can I force the dealer to buy it back for a reasonable price?

Thanks

Philip Donegan (Ballina)

Mar 2016 Filed under: recall

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Expert answer

Hi Philip,

No. During this year you will be written to by Skoda and Volkswagen inviting you to bring your car in for a recall, at which time the engine will be modified to bring it into line with the emissions regulations. Volkswagen has thus far assured us that the modifications will not lead to any degradation in drivability or fuel consumption, but I guess we’ll have to wait and see on that score.

At this point, there’s no legal way you can force the dealer to buy the car back, but it is of course your legal right to take a case against them selling you the car under false pretences. That, I would say, is unlikely to go anywhere as the dealer is highly unlikely to have known what was happening within Volkswagen at the time of selling you the car so really your only legal recourse is to take a case against Volkswagen itself. And in that instance, it’s a case of get in line, because there’s a lot of people ahead of you…

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Advisor
@neilmbriscoe