Used car problems (what are my rights)

Catz4

Hi

Bought a used Renault Clio (51) had it a week and the sunroof has leaked. Apparently this is a common problem. Its going back to place I bought it on Thursday for them to have a look and "see" if it leaks! I know it does! Can I demand he repairs it as it is a common problem with Clio's? Can the garage be held responsible?

Any help would b great

Kilty_2

You can demand the repairs because the garage have sold you a faulty car, no more, no less.

They can definitely be held responsible.

Weirdlittleman

Kilty wrote: »

You can demand the repairs because the garage have sold you a faulty car, no more, no less.

They can definitely be held responsible.

Cant say I agree in the context of a 9 year old renault clio with a common problem happening.

Unless the OP specifically asked about it and was told otherwise I dont think its unreasonable for the age of the vehicle and isnt of a material nature.

Why exactly didnt the OP check this before purchase.

Hammyman

Catz4 wrote: »

Hi

Bought a used Renault Clio (51) had it a week and the sunroof has leaked. Apparently this is a common problem. Its going back to place I bought it on Thursday for them to have a look and "see" if it leaks! I know it does! Can I demand he repairs it as it is a common problem with Clio's? Can the garage be held responsible?

Any help would b great

You can ask him but there is no statutory right to a repair.

Kilty_2

Weirdlittleman wrote: »

Why exactly didnt the OP check this before purchase.

Isn't it commonly said "never buy a car in the rain" ?

What do you suggest, always hosing down a car with a sunroof before buying it to ensure the sunroof doesn't leak?

KillerWatt

Kilty wrote: »

Isn't it commonly said "never buy a car in the rain" ?

What do you suggest, always hosing down a car with a sunroof before buying it to ensure the sunroof doesn't leak?

A watering can emptied over the sunroof will show any leaks for sure.

As far as the OP's problem goes, have the drains been checked to ensure they are clear? (a common problem on any car of that age).

Catz4

Well I have been in touch with trading standards who advised me to contact Consumer Direct who are a government funded body. Spoke to them and they told me under the Sales of Goods act 1979 I can ask for the repair. If they will not repair it they have a template letter on their site in which I state my case and ask for response if they do not respond I have to get back in touch and they will get trading standards involved.

Taking it in tomorrow, see what he says. Problem is it does'nt leak all the time so he will probably say it did'nt when they look at it but showed him car was wet when I took it in on Monday.

Weirdlittleman

And consumer direct are renowned for not being the most knowledgable.
The SOGA doesnt mean the car has to be fault free and my view is a minor fault like this wouldnt be covered unless some sort of deceit or declaration had been made.

As for the OP - you should have researched your car in advance and checked for this fault given it is a common one.

Catz4

Wouldn't say it was a minor fault, there is water leaking into the car! and the repair bill of around £200 to remove and reseal it is'nt minor to me when I've had the car a week.

Anyway have found this info so I will see what happens tomorrow.

"If you have bought a car from a trader, which turns out to be faulty or which you think has been misdescribed, you need to take action straight away."

"If the fault was present when you bought the car, you do have other remedies, even if you have left it too late to get a refund. You are entitled to seek a repair or replacement. "

(sorry can't post the link to the full thing as i a new user)

Weirdlittleman

Secondly, when buying second hand, there is a general recognition in law that the reduced price you pay reflects the risk in taking ownership of something with a greater likelihood of developing faults or breaking down completely. You pay less because it is recognised you will have to pay the repair costs yourself rather than relying on the manufacturer’s warranty.
But what if you buy something which breaks down shortly afterwards leaving you with a massive repair bill. Could you argue that the seller was aware of this fault but said nothing? This may be difficult to prove.
Or is it the case that it is something a pre-sale examination by you should have revealed? Not if the fault only because apparent after some weeks of use.
Depending on the problems encountered (safety implications for example, if it is a car), the length of time you’ve had it, the price you paid and your expectations of the future usage, you may have a good chance of rejecting the item and claiming a full refund.


See this above.
This for me is why you may have trouble reclaiming the cost as it isnt a dangerous or major fault and is fairly common.

Catz4

Well I've taken it in today and asked him what he intends to do regarding the fault. He says if its the seal then he will replace it if its the sunroof its a manufacturers fault and he can not touch it? Not sure of the difference a leak is a leak, its not a leak in the glass! Its obviously the seal.

Spoke to Consumer Direct who say I paid him the money I do not deal with the manufacturer I deal only with the seller.