Urgent – Ongoing Oil Consumption and Service History Issues with Skoda Octavia VRS (Reg: SY66 VCJ)I am writing to formally raise my ongoing concerns regarding my Skoda Octavia VRS (registration SY66 VCJ), purchased from your dealership. Despite multiple emails regarding the vehicle’s service history, I have not received any response.Background:The sales agent involved in the original purchase was David Porter. Since purchase, the car has developed a significant oil consumption issue, first reported in August 2025 while still under warranty. The problem remains unresolved, and the vehicle continues to burn oil excessively, resulting in ongoing personal expense to replace the lost oil.I am currently dealing with Philip at Charles Hurst SEAT Belfast, and previously with Emma, both of whom have been excellent. However, I have not had the same experience with others in the company. My issue was escalated to Ryan (Sales) last week, yet I have still not received a response. I must stress that this issue has been ongoing for several months and now requires urgent attention.Warranty ConcernMy warranty—sold by your dealership—is due to expire on 29/11/2025. However, it appears to have started from the date I paid the deposit (29/05/2025) rather than the date I collected the vehicle (11/06/2025). I would appreciate clarification on how this is possible.Oil Consumption Timeline14/07/2025: First oil warning light. Added 1L of 5W30 LL oil (VW 504/507 spec).28/07/2025: Oil light returned; topped up again.16/08/2025: Oil light returned again.18/08/2025: Reported issue and car booked for 26/08/2025.A crankshaft oil leak was found and repaired on 11/09/2025. During this repair, I paid for a timing belt and water pump replacement, even though the belt had to be removed anyway to address the oil leak.04/10/2025: Oil light came on again; added 1.7L of oil.07/10/2025: No leak found after further inspection (I had to rent a car during this period).20/10/2025: Scheduled oil consumption test at Skoda, but the job was incorrectly booked—no courtesy car provided. Test rebooked for 27/10/2025.After reviewing the service records (supplied by Emma in August), I discovered that incorrect oil may have been used—a Peugeot/Citroën-spec 5W30, which does not meet VW 504/507 standards. Following the oil change on 27/10/2025, consumption appears to have worsened.Recent readings:01/11: After only 150 miles, oil was halfway down the dipstick.<100 miles later: Down to quarter level. Added 500ml oil.09/11: Again down to quarter level after limited driving (<100 miles).Over the past five months, the car has consumed over 10 litres of oil, equating to more than two full oil changes in addition to the one carried out by yourselves. I have only experienced around seven weeks of trouble-free driving in that time.Additionally, the DPF is regenerating daily—sometimes up to three times per day—potentially linked to the oil issue. I have logs available showing the frequency of these regenerations.Requested ResolutionGiven the ongoing and escalating nature of the problem, I see only the following acceptable resolutions:A full, long-term investigation by your team or Skoda before the warranty expires, with a courtesy car provided for the duration;ORA full engine replacement (engine block/pistons/DPF etc.), as recommended by my personal mechanic (who has not carried out any work due to warranty restrictions);ORA replacement vehicle – a Skoda Octavia VRS TDI model of equivalent specification;ORA full refund of £10,700, covering the vehicle purchase price plus timing belt/ancillary costs (receipts available).Additional IssuesWhile minor compared to the oil issue, the following should also be noted:Driver’s wing mirror was replaced before purchase (per your receipt) but not refitted correctly.Parking sensor fault identified during test drive (by David) remained unresolved until 11/09, when Emma arranged repair.Interior cleanliness issues: dead insects and rubbish left in the car at collection, including debris in the rear ashtray and light fitting. Photographic evidence available.I am requesting a full response and resolution by Thursday morning. If I do not hear back by then, I will be returning the vehicle to your premises on Saturday morning (15/11). As I am well with in my legal rights to do so.

We were over the moon with the help and service we received from Chris Gordon in the Belfast budget branch. From beginning to end he could not have been more helpful. Always at the end of the phone and a bit of banter along the way too!

I looked at the car and we agreed on monthly installments. And two days later they sold the car to someone else. or they removed it from the website

Salesman had a poor attitude and was rudeCar was in great order and needed tidy which I could look past however not the salesman attitudeWould never return I know it was a cheap car but didn't need to be treated cheaply. I am a 3 car home and if any need replaced would not go near Charles hurst because of your salesman

I rang to enquire about a car and was told that it was sold back in August 2025. My partner rang later that day to be told that the car was just traded in and that we could view it. It was described as “mint” and “well looked after” car. Now I understand that it was a car over 10 years old, but I wouldn’t describe that car as “mint”.

Was told I would be contacted the next day about the vehicle I was interested in, and would be notified if the vehicle was no longer available. No contact from anyone, saw online the vehicle was sold. Then began calling me repeatedly after telling me they wouldn’t use my number for anything other than contact regarding that one specific vehicle.

I have so many things to complain about. Not only about the car but the process of buying a car from Charles hurst budget direct first time buyers Belfast. Friday 22nd august we went to look at cars, we seen one that had only came in 2 days before and it was a Citroen Ds 3. The man who was selling the car pitching the sale and telling us how perfect the car was and that it had been through a full service and health check and there was nothing wrong with the car. Around 1 week later we went back down and paid £1500 deposit on the car. That night I did an MOT check on the car to find out it had an active recall and could not be driven. So not only did Charles hurst illegally take a deposit on a car that was not to be sold they also didn’t inform us on the recall and lied about the car being perfect, selling under false pretences. Days were passing and all of a sudden there was a problem with the exhaust and it needed to be fixed. The car was serviced on 04/09/2025. We took the car home on 05/09/2025. After having the car now for 4 weeks a warning came up to say the car was low on oil and needed topped up. The car took a full litre, this should not be the case after a service only being done 4 weeks prior. Either the car was not serviced and we were lied to yet again or a proper service was not done on the car. Which could have lead to a more severe consequence. A more recent issue is the windshield on the car is not sealed properly meaning there is leaking in the inside of the car, leaving streak marks on the inside making it hard to see when driving, which could also cause serious harm. I am absolutely appalled and disgusted at how many problems there have been with a car that is being sold from a well known dealership. The car has not been booked in with Citroen to get all problems fixed. This should not be the case in such little time of owning a car. As new drivers and first time car buyers we have been taken advantage of and yous should be ashamed of yourselves.

I wish to submit a complaint in the treatment I have received trying to get my car fixed. I purchased the MG at the end of August and took it home with me on 27th August. While driving to tax the car direct from picking it up, 3 engine lights came on and was emailed to the sales person. I was told then to drive with the car revving as the large extractor fan sometimes isn’t turned on during service and cleaning the car before pick up. I did this and the lights did not turn off. I rang again on Friday to advise and was told to bring the car in on Monday 1st September at 11am. Which I did and the salesperson who dealt with me was not in. I believe Chris dealt with me then and he spent a long time on the phone etc as I was not written down anywhere to say I was coming with the car. Another man then took the car to the garage and returned with it. I was advised there was an issue with one of the sensors and that the manager has already signed off on ordering the part and I should hear from them in a couple of days. I was going to give two weeks before I rang again incase there was issues getting the part sent.unfortunately I took very seriously ill and ended up in the ICU. I finally got home from hospital and had umpteen appointments and different people out at the house. So I was finally able to contact again on 4th October and spoke to Chris. They had no details of the visit, the parts needing ordered or anything. Chris advised he was going to look into it and call me back that day. I received no phone call. I then rang yesterday 6th October and talked to Davy who sold me the car. He was off sick the day I had the car in. He advised he has emailed the manager and the garage and I would get a phone call to get an update in a few hours. I have heard nothing.This has dampened the experience of buying a new car. Additionally the length of time this has gone on is ridiculous. I have spent a lot of money for this car and I am at the point and have contacted the finance company for my options of returning the car to yourselves for the treatment I have received. I am not someone who submits complaints but I believe the situation I have been in is unprofessional especially since I paid extra for extended warranty and coverage of other things from Charles hurst.

I was accommodated and seen to in a timely and polite manner.

Our Customer Service Rep was the fantastic, Patrick O’Connor who made us feel welcomed and helped us negotiate through the process of buying a car.He was amiable, funny and honest about everything including added packages that may have be useful. This is the first time I have ever come across a reliable and trustworthy car sales man! When I am ready to change my second car then he will be the man to follow.