I revently bought a used T reg vauxhall astra 1.8L auto from an independant garage. I have approx 2 weeks of my 30 day warranty left. Its had problems from day one. The ECU light for starters wont go away. Its been connected to a diagnostic machine and the fault came up as a oxygen sensor which was replaced. No other faults show up but the light persists. Also, i feel the car is underperforming for a 1.8. I cant afford to keep taking it back to the garage as it costs £15 in fuel for a return trip plus eats up a whole day. I've been twice but to no avail. I think im being fobbed off till the warranty expires. Can i demand a refund? Its not fit for purpose, and was faulty from when it was sold. Also having heater & alarm problems. Im generally unhappy with my purchase. I want to see what options are to me available before i start shouting the odds at the garage. My preference would be to get a refund.
2006-07-19 12:40:29 · 7 answers · asked by mehboobahmad 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Buying & Selling
Check out http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/ for some consumer rights.
I am sure you can demand a refund since the product (car) is not fit for use - ECU light for example.
Was any of these fault(s) pointed out to you at the time you brought it?
2006-07-19 13:05:17 · answer #1 · answered by cho 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Different countries have different laws.
'T' reg suggests you live in the UK.
If it is not fit for purpose you do have a case. Make sure the necessary authorities are aware of the problem(s) BEFORE your warranty expires.
Unfortunately the motor trade in the UK is notorious for mal-practice. Car dealers tend to adopt the cavalier attitude of, "It was perfect when I sold it", knowing how difficult it will be for their poor customers to take effective action due to the British legal system. And of course, mostly this attitude works because most people accept this atrocious behaviour from car dealers in the UK as being 'normal'!
So make it all official as quickly as you can.
Many 'reputeable' dealers will make what they will term 'goodwill' gestures. -Be careful here! As soon as you go down that route things can get VERY complicated because they can then sight it as 'proof' of having made a reasonable attempt to put things right.
If the car is really a 'nail', the best thing you could do is to return it with the keys and buy another car while you get it sorted out in court. Do not ask their permission. Just park it, post the keys and walk away. This will give them a headache because they will not know what to do!
This also demonstrates your dissatisfaction to the legal profession. I hope you are wealthy enough to be able to afford this option.
Good luck (you'll need it in the UK)
[cosicave]â³
2006-07-19 13:14:32 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You bought a piece of **** car that you don't like, if you can't get a refund i'd suggest selling it and buy something you like..
try and cut a deal with the garage, be straight up with them, tell them you've had a few problems and at this stage you really don't want the car. Can you swap it for something of a similar value, they might agree to this as it would be easier for them to sell on the car....and the salesman dosen't loose the sale that he's obviously put a bit of time into.
By your choice of car i'd say you don't care to much what you drive and if that's the case buy a toyota or a nissan as they will give you trouble free motoring for years. Alos an automatic will always use more fuel than a manual, this might be something to consider when choosing you new car....
Best of luck, be polite and straight foward with the salesman and things should work out fine.....
2006-07-19 13:16:18 · answer #3 · answered by ohwiseone 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check you house contents insurance policy, many have legal expenses insurance cover and this might pay for legal action in your case, start by phoning their legal advice line, number should be in the back of the insurance policy book!
2006-07-20 02:56:46 · answer #4 · answered by Nick B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it was sold to you with an MOT go straight to customs and excise and point out the faults. I guarantee one phone call from them and your garage will fix it.
2006-07-20 03:12:54 · answer #5 · answered by ronpad@btinternet.com 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
citizens advice bureau
or a solicitor for a free half hour
2006-07-19 12:44:41 · answer #6 · answered by arnold 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on whats the reason.
2006-07-19 22:41:17 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋