Comeback on a used car?

caseyjones_2

Hi

I've recently brought my first car from an independent dealer, checked everything I could remember to check and it all seemed fine. However after owning the car for 6 days and having driven it a total of 20 miles it's quite seriously wrong (engine cutting out and now refusing to start again. I have a months warranty although only on the engine and gearbox. The dealer has agreed to fix the starter motor though I doubt whether that's what's causing the problem, all signs seem to indicate it's something electrical. The car was meant to have been checked over by the dealer before sale btw.

I've read that I have some rights in this situation, in that I can "reject the goods and get a refund". I don't know whether this would be worth doing now as I have already paid for insurance and otherwise the car is good.

If possible I would like the car simply to be fixed asap, without charge. How can I go about making sure I don't get ripped off.

Thanks.

caseyjones_2

Forgot to mention: part of the cost was paid for by credit card.

hewhoisnotintheknow

if its cutting out that has nothing to do with the starter motor surely?

caseyjones_2

That's what I said. I didn't speak to the dealer myself unfortunately.

A bit of googling revealed a few possibilities: crank sensor, coolant temp sensor, butterfly valve. I'm guessing they're mainly electrical parts, but I've no idea apart from that.

Jam_Buttie

What car is it? Could be anything unless we know.

You can't give it back and ask for a refund. Well not yet anyway - you have to give the dealer a few chances to fix the fault first.

caseyjones_2

It's a Skoda (laugh it up) Felicia, 1.3 1999. I didn't say what it was before because I'm looking for legal advice really, and I don't know how to go about fixing cars anyway.

harveybobbles

You can't seek legal advice before giving the dealer chance to fix the car first. Hence why I asked what car it was, as lots of people here, including me work in cars every day so we might be able to help you...

ilikedrawing

Theres nothing wrong with Skoda's (well...apart from yours) :rolleyes:

I cant help you legally but the engine is in essence VW, so if the dealer is fixing the problem they need to be checking the carb system or the temp sensors as your problem is soooo common. VW's rarely have electrical problems that would cause it to cut out (thats peugeots job)

caseyjones_2

Okay. I phoned the dealer on Monday to arrange for the car to be towed, he told me he'd do it today and so far no sign of them yet (4:50pm). He didn't exactly sound enthusiastic on the phone yesterday either.

Obviously I can chase this up and try and get them to sort it but it looks like it's going to be difficult at least, and he's already had a chance to fix it. Can I take the car to a local garage to have it repaired (who have said they'd be happy to tow it) and claim the expense to the credit card used (who according to MSE are jointly liable), or even to the dealer themselves?

Does that make sense?

Brooker_Dave

caseyjones wrote: »

Can I take the car to a local garage to have it repaired (who have said they'd be happy to tow it) and claim the expense to the credit card used (who according to MSE are jointly liable), or even to the dealer themselves?

The fact that it's a 9 year old Skoda might make it less of an option.

I assume it cost next to nothing?

caseyjones_2

The credit card claim or the dealer?

It was £800, with 60,000 miles. Overpriced but it seemed like a good car. What Car said a dealer could sell it for £850. I think it's worth about £700, at least in working order it would be.