Fiat Punto and dealer advice

davey79

Hi, I have just passed my driving test and bought a fiat Punto x reg that has done 63,000 miles. I purchased from a dealer on friday just gone. Everything was ok I was just travelling to work and back, but today I was travelling up A19 at 65mph and the car suddenly cut out and steam was coming from the engine, I had to take quick action to avoid getting hit from cars behind me and pulled over. When I lifted the bonnet steam was coming out and the engine was boiling hot, white smoke was coming out the exshaust also, I lifted the engine oil cap off and there was a creaming residue on the top of the cap. My car will not start and I had to be towed home and because it was dark, my battery has now gone flat also. Where do I stand with regards to the dealer that sold it to me and can I ask for a refund because I have a feeling the damage is going to be quite high to repair,

thanks for reading and sorry for the long post but I'm well miffed off, should of stuck to buses and taxi's ha

angeltreats

Sounds like your head gasket has blown. Unfortunately it's a very expensive fix. We have a Punto too and I was chatting to a dealer the other day who says it's anything up to £600-£700 these days (most of that is labour as the parts themselves cost very little). I reckon he was being a bit mouthy and you could get it done for far less but it's still not cheap.

I have no idea where you stand though, sorry. Did you get a warranty with the car? You might be able to make them fix it under the Sale of Goods Act. Have a look at this thread.

davey79

Thanks for your help, I only bought the car on friday afternoon, he said he only had it a week because it was part exchanged from the ex owner. I have only had it for 3 days so I reckon this should go well for me, I am going to phone the dealer up at 9 and let him know.

The car cost me £950.

Anihilator

Hope its a friendly dealer.

Sounds like the original owner has scammed the dealer off with a knowingly dodgy car.

davey79

Just rang the dealer, he is getting the car picked up today and is going to have a look at the damage, wonder what he comes back with, But to be fair he seems a top bloke and said he'd take care of the problem.

angeltreats

I hope he sorts it out for you without any problems. Let us know how you get on.

Also well done on passing your driving test!

davey79

Thanks, I passed on one of them week course's, highly reccomend by the way.

I will let you know what happens, looks like I will be without it for a few days though.

jaydeeuk1

If he is true to his word and does fix it, please name him on here. Dealers get quite a bashing on these forums, be nice to see one that would go to all the trouble fixing a £900 car.

davey79

I will keep you updated and yes I agree if he sorts the problem I have no worries about the naming the garage and the owner.

pulliptears

Head Gaskets blowing in Punto's is very very common. Mine blew at 36k and rendered the car uneconomical for me to repair.

As Anihilator said it could be the previous owner said nothing as the telltale signs wont necessarily appear on a short trip.

Personally, If it were me I'd try for a refund. Yes, probably an extreme reaction but reading on google it seems that these things like to blow quite often.