Faulty washing machine.

neilmcl

There is already strong legal precedent to suggest a reasonable length of time for a washing machine to last is around 5 years with average use.. There is a specific case, which I studied many years ago and the name totally escapes me, which suggests exactly that.

Having said that you would need to know the nature of the fault first before deciding whether the OPs washing machine would be covered by the SOGA. If it's a minor fault caused by excessive wear and tear then it wouldn't, if it was a major fault caused by an issue during manufacture then of course it would, but the onus is on the consumer to prove this.

Esqui

Regardless of how long a washing machine should last, as long as OP can get a report confirming an inherent fault, then there shouldn't be any problem claiming a remedy, surely? (At least in theory....)

viktory

Esqui wrote: »

Regardless of how long a washing machine should last, as long as OP can get a report confirming an inherent fault, then there shouldn't be any problem claiming a remedy, surely? (At least in theory....)

That's as maybe but getting the report will cost money, and if it doesn't show an inherant fault then it is a waste of money. Money that could have been spent on a new machine.

Esqui

Very true, but if it's an expensive machine, you'd not want to buy a new one unnecessarily.

Of course, if it's a £200 machine, then you may as well cut your losses and get a new one.

moonrakerz

Esqui wrote: »

Regardless of how long a washing machine should last, as long as OP can get a report confirming an inherent fault, then there shouldn't be any problem claiming a remedy, surely? (At least in theory....)

Yes - very simple isn't it ? :rolleyes:

pipkin71

Esqui wrote: »

Regardless of how long a washing machine should last, as long as OP can get a report confirming an inherent fault, then there shouldn't be any problem claiming a remedy, surely? (At least in theory....)

As I said earlier Esqui, given how long it would take, and the difficulty of getting the retailer to pay for a repair, I can see friends getting a new washing machine, as it's not something they can live without.

Agree with you on the theory part, if there was an inherent fault, but perhaps not so simple in practice

Esqui

moonrakerz wrote: »

Yes - very simple isn't it ? :rolleyes:

It works in my head

markybaby

My mother in law recently had a problem with a 16 month old washing machine that broke down and it was replaced under SOGA. But it was a clear cut case. The machine had broken down 3 times in the 12 month warranty with the same fault (broken fins in the drum) and had it fixed once already after the warranty. Eventually the manufacturer washed (ha) their hands of it and the store accepted it was not fit for purpose. If it had broken down for the first time after 16 months I think it would have been reasonable to pay the £35 for parts and repair. Extended warranties do serve a purpose and if we choose not to take them (I am one) then we should accept that soga is not a catch all free option. If the fault is one that many others have reported then you could have a case, if not then maybe paying to get it fixed is the best choice over buying a new machine...

Optimist

neilmcl wrote: »

There is already strong legal precedent to suggest a reasonable length of time for a washing machine to last is around 5 years with average use.. There is a specific case, which I studied many years ago and the name totally escapes me, which suggests exactly that.

Having said that you would need to know the nature of the fault first before deciding whether the OPs washing machine would be covered by the SOGA. If it's a minor fault caused by excessive wear and tear then it wouldn't, if it was a major fault caused by an issue during manufacture then of course it would, but the onus is on the consumer to prove this.

Not sure if your thinking of a well publicised case several years ago when a lady took Curries to court, owing to her 18 month old washing machine breaking down. Curries were silly enough to fight it and lost. I believe she won about £200 in compensation expenses etc.

I believe it was through the county court though which would not give any legal precedent

neilmcl

I don't think that was it. The case I was referrng to is possibly over 30 yrs old.