Spudgun GTR

i bought a car around six weeks ago from a secondhand car dealer. the car has a number of issues that need fixing. one was the gearbox, which the dealer has fixed via an automatic transmission specialist. the other main issue is a broken heatshield, and radiators that need replacing. the fix costs around 2k .

now heres the thing...

the car was advertised as coming with a comprehensive warranty. on the invoice, it says i have a 6 month warranty. but now im trying to claim on the warranty, the dealer is proving unhelpful. he says the warranty i have is one that the previous owner took out,and only has 3 months to run. the warranty is STILL in the previous owners name, the dealer didnt bother to transfer it, and getting him to sort it is proving difficult. its almost starting to seem like he doesnt want me to pursue any further warranty claims.

the gearbox fix was carried out using the cooperation of previous owner by the dealer to get the gearbox fixed.a strange situation, but at least i didnt have to shell out 3k to get it fixed.but now the previous owner is washing his hands of it.

all i want to do is get the other problems fixed (which im paying for on wednesday out of my own pocket as the repairs really need doing) and try to claim some money back later from whoever i have a warranty with. ive only had the car 6 weeks, done 250 miles in it. not great!

just wondered if anyone knows about consumer rights etc regarding warranties. really appreciate any help. many thanks!

JonMc

iTrader: (51)

You have proof of the warranty in the form of the invoice. That is a legally binding document. If he is renaging on the warranty contact these people who will both offer advice and contact the relevant trading standard office.

Consumer Direct

PaulC72

go and park the car at the main entrance point of his showroom / forecourt, and don't move it until he sorts you out.

failing that do the previous posters idea

David Lock

Car dealers have much more responsibility for the vehicles they sell than is generally realised.

There is lots of good stuff on the net so do some research on consumer rights etc.

A very good starting point would be to speak to your local trading standards people. They won't fight your battle for you but will offer sound advice and the fact that they are involved often rattles the dealer's cage.

dl

nixxon

The existence of the original warranty is immaterial. The dealer has a responsibility to repair ALL faults that exist when the car is sold. Since it is only 6 weeks since you bought the car, it can be assumed there were problems when you bought it.
As above- contact trading standards, and peruse the web for info.
The dealer was very lucky to have the co-operation of the previous owner. It's saved him a packet. Again, it's his responsibility to sort it, not the previous owner's, not the warranty company's, and certainly not your's.
If he won't play ball, get the repairs fixed, and persue him through the small claims court for re-imbursement. That means you can use a subaru dealer/specialist, rather than his mate down the road, and get them done properly.

Account deleted by request

FWIW I wouldnt ge any repairs done on the car until you have taken further advice. I dont know the laws/legals but I suspect the garage may have a get out if you repair before giving proper notice of your intent.

I'm sure others on here can advise more.

Chop

nixxon

True! Having taken advice, offer the dealer the chance to rectify all faults, and if he declines to do so, inform him in writing of your intentions.

Spudgun GTR

thanks for the advice, i appreciate it.

as for waiting for the go ahead for work to be authorised, the problem is that in theory, i have no warranty, as the warranty is not in my name.it hasnt been transferred.

the warranty booklet was returned to the dealer to have it filled in by previous owner, this still hasnt been done, and the car is leaking on my driveway,its had a remap of unknown sorts as its running 1.2 bar boost(its a 911tt), so its not going anywhere as im worried it will cause it harm. the car is booked in for repairs tomorrow, i told the dealer i bought it from a week ago, still nothing.

in addition,ive waited 6 weeks for him to send a spare key,which still hasnt turned up, he waited 4 weeks till he settled the finance on my sl (in which time another payment came out) and now he's stalling sending a refund cheque for the overpayment.

as you can guess, this is proving frustrating. ive waited all my life to buy this car, and its making it an unpleasant experience so far, sadly.

JonMc

iTrader: (51)

Contrary to what he says, you do have a warranty. As you stated at the start, you invoice states 6-months warranty. It is his problem how he funds the repairs, not yours.

It seems he's a bit of a cowboy, and if I was in your boat I would get down to the local citizens advice bureau or maybe even a solicitor who does half and hours free consultation and take it from there.

David Lock

As said don't get hung up on the Warranty thing. As a dealer he has a legal responsibility to sort it out. It really is a simple as that.

As I posted earlier give trading standards a call. They may well have this dealer on their "black list" although they won't tell you that. Just don't do anything rash like fix it yourself without telling him and expect him to cough up.

A worry though which you could do without

dl

SPG

Regardless of this previous custmoer warranty etc it's irrelevant! by law all cars sold by a car dealer have a minimum of 3 months warranty whether they choose to advertise that fact or not!