Eight months after the warranty ran out on my 2006 Skoda Octavia 4x4 1.9 TDI estate, I started it one morning to find that the ESP button light was permanently on, as was the warning light on the dashboard display. The supplying garage, Delmore Cars Ltd., Inverness (I bought it new, and this was the only place to service the car) immediately diagnosed a failed ABS control unit, and said it would have to be replaced at a cost of around £1,200 plus labour. I was relieved when I checked your website and found an update in the Octavia II review page dated 21-9-2009, which stated that (with respect to this fault) "If the car has been VAG maintained, VAG will meet 100% of replacement cost" (you estimated at £1,500, about the same as my garage). Regrettably, my relief was short-lived. It seems that, in my case at least, this assessment no longer holds. After a month of consistently chasing Skoda UK they have finally agreed to contribute £399 to the cost of repair. There appears to be acrimony between Skoda and the dealer concerned. Skoda insists the dealer should also make a contribution since they make money out off servicing the car. Delmore Cars Ltd of Inverness say (understandably, I would think) that they will not contribute. I would much very appreciate your advice on how I might pursue the 100% contribution suggested in your review article. Or alternatively, your judgement that I should be grateful for the £399, and get on with it.