Opinions please...have i got any rights?

Sunny_Angel

Hi All,

I would really appreciate some opinions and advice on the following situation.

In a nutshell, i bought a washing machine from Boots last October, at the cost of £360 as we wanted a reliable machine and thought "you get what you pay for" (as opposed to some of the cheaper £100 models.)

The machine has a recurring problem where the pump keeps failing and had its third pump fitted today.

While i appreciate that the machine has been repaired i now have no faith that this will be the last of the problem, as the engineers cannot find a reason for the pumps to keep failing. I have no reason to believe that this pump will last any longer than the others, in an ideal world would like the machine to be replaced.

So basically, am i being unreasonable?
Do i have any rights to ask for a new machine?
If yes, can you tell me what i should quote in a letter to Boots, eg SOGA section ??

With thanks in advance,
Sunny Angel.

Sunny_Angel

Has anyone got any advice?

McKneff

I dont think your being unreasonable and i certainly would have lost faith in the product.

Yes, i also would be pushing for a new machine. Time is running out though, its October 1st tomorrow.

Give consumer direct a ring, they should be able to help you.

fozzeh

Firstly, I hope you didn't pay for any of the repairs. Standard manufacturers gaurentee should cover it.

Second, you're very covered under SoGA. It's not fit for purpose so can ask for a replacement or, due to your lack of faith in the product, you can claim a refund on the product (with receipt). If you instigate the complaint tomorrow, you'll be fine under a years guarentee. Go through Boots as they are the retailer and are obliged to deal with it. Don't get fobbed off...if you do, keep plugging and threaten complaint too the OFT.
As above, Consumer Direct will help with anything and are excellent assistance. I recommend them for any advice on...anything!

tbw

I reckon you have a very good chance of success. Even perishing Samsung (famous for the RS American Fridge/Freezer model which has an inbuilt fault which causes repeated problems with noise and temperature control) say they will replace if the fault re-occurs 3 times within the first 2 years.

Sunny_Angel

Thanks you guys, so pleased to hear this as i thought i may have no chance with them having repaired it FOC.

Will get on to consumer direct tomorrow. Definetly need to act on this quick as i just checked and it was delivered on 3rd Oct last year.

Thanks again!
Sunny Angel.

McKneff

Sunny_Angel wrote: »

Thanks you guys, so pleased to hear this as i thought i may have no chance with them having repaired it FOC.

Will get on to consumer direct tomorrow. Definetly need to act on this quick as i just checked and it was delivered on 3rd Oct last year.

Thanks again!
Sunny Angel.

please let us know how you get on.............

BeenieCat

Please don't panic too much about the 12 month warranty. A washing machine should be reasonably expected to last a lot longer than a year.

I had a problematic tumble drier after 13-14 months and quoted this to them which soon got them to solve the problem. I also stated that an acceptable timeframe for such a product would be around 5-6 years without developing such a fault in the opinion of myself and "several white goods experts"

"Under the Sale of Goods Act 1979 and The Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982 traders must sell goods that are as described and of satisfactory quality, and provide services that are to a proper standard of workmanship."

But i don't know how long a pump is "reasonably expected to last" but pretty sure it's longer than yours!

fozzeh

With SoGA, you need to do all of the legwork if it is outside of warranty. Having it inside makes it much easier for the consumer...but you're right in what you say; products now should last 6 years with fair wear and tear.

I had a pretty big look into the SoGA recently...will post my story up when I retrieve it from my work e-mail.

Esqui

I should point out that they could repair the pump each time it fails inside the 6 years, and still be working within the Sale of Goods Act. But there comes a time when common sense should take precedence, and this may well be it.

Anihilator

I'd suggest that this time you accept the repair since its been actioned, however, write off too boots explaining the situation and stating next time you will be looking for a replacement/refund and see what happens.