Timing belt kit

Rockman

My son bought a 2004 Renault Megane. It had a new timing belt kit fitted at 64000 miles by a Renault dealer in November 2007. The car has now 81000 miles on it and the timing belt broke yesterday causing lots of damage.

Renault say he has no comeback as parts and labour only guaranteed for a year even thought a timing belt should last for about 50000 miles.

Anyone come across this sort of thing before or any suggestions?

thanks

blued

If the dealer you took the car to are being awkward I'd phone Renault UK for advice and explain the situation. I find it hard to believe that they would be in no way liable for at least part of the cost of the repair.

hartcjhart

unless you are very lucky Im afraid you will get no joy from renault or any other car maker ,cambelts are perishables and therefore only covered by the 12mth guarantee,and they would try and wriggle out of that,

Alias_Omega

I think you may have a case here with renault, did your son pay renault, or did the receipt come with the car.

If you buy a new car, the car has a 3 year warranty, which implies that the cambelt would last 3 years or more. So, if a genuine asset was fitted, and is still fitted then i cant see any differences.

I would contact Renault Uk about this via telephone, then letter. Then even push them into the small claims court as the repairs would be under £5000.

The cost is only £25 to register it online. Your arguement could be on the above, warranty = 3 years, warranty on replacement cambelt using genuine renault parts, fitted by a renault garage = 1 year.

I would like to see them argue against this in the small claims court in front of the judge.

My bet is, if you push them hard, they will pay for the repairs to the engine, but not labour, which can be pretty intensive.

Try Parkers Forum, the renault section, there is a user called 'AntMan' who appears to have some inside knowledge into Renault uk, and may work for them.

If you have the 1.6 VVT then the Dephaser pulley is prob due a change by now anyhow.

Regards,

Alias