WHite Dove Garage (SEAT) - Newish car not what it should be

Llyllyll

Evening,

I have already posted details of this saga at http://forum.parkers.co.uk/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=22453 (it involves WHite Dove Garage (SEAT) in Cardiff). If you're already suffering from that Monday feeling don't bother reading it though, it really is depressing :mad: .

What I was hoping for (for anyone who has the time/patience to read that thread) is some more legal type advice or experiences of those who have been in a similar situation.

Thanks to all (especially if you can help).

Wig

The sales of goods act is there, and would/could help, but if you are looking for a refund they have you over a barrel because the small claims court limit is 5000 pounds. So if it doesn't get sorted the best course of action is to involve trading standards, and to use the small claims court to recover the cost of repairing the dents yourself.

I too would agree with the poster who said don't accept a fill in for the roof, make sure it is repaired properly which to me means bashing it out from the inside and then using a minimal amount of filler to smooth over the area (you can't realistically ask for a new roof panel). If in doubt go and talk to a body shop repairer and ask them for advice on the best practice method of repairing the dent. Then have this written into a further agreement with White Dove on how you want the repairs to be done (& how you don't want them done). Your Sales contract said "repair all dents" this was not done, therefore you have a good case in my opinion to seek recompense through the small claims court to cover your costs in getting the repairs done.

The poster who said they have a right to refuse refund/replacement and insist on repair, is obviously only half right, they have to honour their 30 day no-quibble thingymagig. But like a lot of these gaurantees they actually amount to nothing really. They can obviously refuse to refund, but ultimately it would be for a court to decide, but as I said B4 only someone very rich would take a garage to court for the full amount.

Perhaps it would be a good idea to do some searching yourself for the replacement car, like that user said they have one at a different branch.

What are the terms of the 30 day no quibble? in particular is the replacement to come from any SEAT dealership nationwide? or only from within this franchisee (white Dove) network? And what were the limitations they pointed out to you on the phone?

So today they did agree to have all the dents repaired yes?

How about asking them to put in writing that they agree to repair the dents that should have been done before delivery as per contract.

Then show this to a solicitor/CAB/trading standards/newsgroup alt.uk.legal and ask if it is an open and shut case to insist (through the court ) if neccesary for a full refund on the basis that the contract was not fulfilled before handover.

You could also try recording your phonecalls somehow. I'll google for you on that.
http://www.crucible-technologies.co.uk/mall/productpage.cfm?store=TeleProducts&productid=TBCR&did=43852
Order without the mains adapter, you might have one of the correct power out specification at home already, and you can use batteries if you don't.

Llyllyll

Thanks for your advice and efforts. Think I will take the legal route and speak to a solicitor tomorrow. Maybe one stiff letter from them will be enough!