Faulty Washer Dryer - what are my rights?

ljp2010

Hi, this is my first ever post and you seem a tough lot so please be gentle with me!
I bought a £570 Hoover washer/dryer in February and although it didn't quite live up to my expectations (not as quiet as blurb led me to believe, programmer really slow to react, drying slower than expected etc) I was basically happy with it up until the beginning of last week when - exactly 8 weeks after installation - it stopped working. I phoned the manufacturer and engineer duly arrived Friday and informed me that the main programmer/computer had failed and needed replacement. He advised me to phone the company Monday and check when part would be available which I duly did and was assured it was in stock and machine would be repaired in 7 days (which would 14 days since it broke). I suggested (politely, I hasten to add!) that they may like to make a contribution to launderette costs and was turned down flat.
Yesterday I received an ansaphone message stating that part was out of stock.
Today I rang & asked why I had been told that part was in stock and was-amazingly-told that I had been lied to! I was also told that they had no idea when part would be in (probably not for ages in view of recent travel problems) and no, they couldn't supply me with a refund or a replacement machine - I must contact the retailer for that.
I have contacted Dixons and they will not contemplate a refund/replacement unless the machine is not repaired within 28 days.
I had looked at Reevoo.com and have found that I am by no means the only person to have had this problem.
Dixons told me that they will not accept reviews as proof that the machine was not of satisfactory quality and not fit for purpose.
As this machine seems to have a major design or manufacture problem how can I prove this (if reviews are not accepted) and what are my rights in getting it replaced or my money refunded?
Is 28 days a reasonable period to go without a washing machine or any compensation for out of pocket expenses?
Is there anything else I can do (apart from go to the launderette and curse my poor choice!)?

neilmcl

ljp2010 wrote: »

As this machine seems to have a major design or manufacture problem how can I prove this (if reviews are not accepted) and what are my rights in getting it replaced or my money refunded?

Surely you can get hold of the original report from the engineer's visit.

Is 28 days a reasonable period to go without a washing machine or any compensation for out of pocket expenses?
Is there anything else I can do (apart from go to the launderette and curse my poor choice!)?

The Sale of Goods Act (SOGA) will allow for a repair as long as it doesn't cause a significant inconvenience. You could try convincing Dixons that being without a washing machine in this day and age for at least 28 days and longer would constitute a significant inconvenience.

Hope this helps.