Washing machine repair offer - what should I do?

boots_babe

Hi,

To cut a long story short, Smeg had agreed to pay for repairs to my 2 yr old washer dryer. About a month ago someone came to inspect the machine and I found out today they don't think it worth repairing due to costs involved. Instead they want to replace it.

Great I said. But they want us to pay £100 towards it. We bought the machine new for about £450, and have already paid for £250 in repairs ourselves. So rather begrudge paying an extra £100, even though we would like a new machine (which comes with a new guaranted).

What do you think, is this a fair offer? Should I haggle?

robowen

Totally unfair ...I think.
Washing machines should be built to last longer than 2 years...'of sufficient quality' Trading standards say.
Yours wasn't. I would argue that you wont pay it, based on the fact that you have paid for repairs previously and if they don't sort the problem out you'll be contacting trading standards.

Had you not already paid for repairs, it may have been a reasonable request as it is out of the 1 year warranty. I take it you didnt get a 5 year plan ?
Me neither !!!

rob

Mr_Warren_2

Agree with Rob. The cost of repairs over the period more than justify the replacement. Incidently, the repairs must have been made in the second year of the machine. Just then you should have played merry hell with them for the exact reason that a washer drier should last you longer than 1 or 2 years without any repairs. Go for it, quote the Trading Standards and don't pay more.

robowen

In fact I'd go one further.
I'd suggest to them that you'll be considering taking advice with a view to claiming back the money spent on repairs if they dont replace it :think:

rob

boots_babe

Thanks for the replies. Unfortunately they rang back this afternoon after a decision from us. I tried to argue my case - nicely! - saying that we bought a premium brand so that it would last, and we've already spent £700 on it and don't want to increase that to £800. After all although it is now 2 years old, at the time the fault first appeared it was only 14 months old (that is when I paid for the first repairs).

She was friendly but not having any of it. So we have kind of had to cave in. Already been without it for a month now, and got a lot on our plates as getting married 4 weeks today, so can't really afford to risk not having it all sorted and having any more hassle.

I suppose I could still pursue it after it has been replaced, to try and claim it back?

Poppy9

You should contact trading standards with a view to issuing small claim proceedings against them.

The 12 month guarantee is a myth. Goods have to be fit for the purpose for a reasonable amount of time in relation to the type of goods and price paid. Washing machines and other white goods should have more than 12 months life expectancy. You should never have paid out for earlier repairs. I don't know how sucessful you will now be at suing them now TS can advise. They may say you have accepted the faulty goods.