Aircon repair £260+VAT

cepheus

This quote is from a local garage for a small Hyundai Getz. Problem is there is a Condenser leak and nearly all the cost is for the Condenser part which is only available from the main dealer.

Garage tells me the 5 yr guarantee won't cover this, since it is probably a stone chip which damaged it (a common problem) which comes under wear and tear, something I find it difficult to believe.

It probably isn't worth it since I only do 3000 miles a year in it, and rarely long journeys.

Anyone had similar problems and found a cheaper way to get foreign parts or seal condenser leaks?

Rolandtheroadie

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Condenser-HYUNDAI-GETZ-/280429052131?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item414adfc0e3 Try here first? If it's the condenser itself, could the damage not be found and a repair made?
Failing that, Partsgateway or any other online breakers would perhaps be worth a try (breakeryard is another one).

ukjoel

Consider yourself lucky - Ford Focus condenser quote from a national garage (and I use the term loosely) £970. So to me that looks like pretty good value especially if it includes a recharge.

If I was you I would be on the phone to the manufacturer.
If they cant be sure its a stone that caused it how can it be wear and tear. Shout loudly and they will probably kick in a contribution.

The dealer will never make these calls on your behalf as they know they are wasting there time as the answer is always no - to them.

For the customer its often hit or miss but always worth a try.

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers!

Stone chips hitting the condenser shouldn't be a problem at all, because it should be positioned where stones cannot hit it. If that is not the case then your car is poorly designed.

Tell the dealer that you don't believe his story, that your car comes with a warranty, and that you expect it to be honoured.

Strider590

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers! wrote: »

Stone chips hitting the condenser shouldn't be a problem at all, because it should be positioned where stones cannot hit it. If that is not the case then your car is poorly designed.

Tell the dealer that you don't believe his story, that your car comes with a warranty, and that you expect it to be honoured.

^^ Exactly

If a manufacturer designed a car where water got channel into the power steering ECU when it rained, and then someone drove into a bus stop killing 12 children because the steering packed in, do you really think the manufacturer could get away with that lame excuse?

cepheus

Well I phoned the nearest Hyundai garage and they require VAT receipts for previous servicing before it would be covered by warranty (not necessarily Hyundai). The service history is fully stamped, but I only have receipts since I bought it two years ago.

I have booked it in for an examination on the 19th (place must be popular) and we will see what they say then. I will then have to pay a second visit for repair if appropriate. So slightly more hopeful than expected.

Evilm

I haven't used them myself but a good friend who has quite a few exotic cars uses these guys: http://www.euro-spec2000.co.uk/

LandyAndy

cepheus wrote: »

Well I phoned the nearest Hyundai garage and they require VAT receipts for previous servicing before it would be covered by warranty (not necessarily Hyundai). The service history is fully stamped, but I only have receipts since I bought it two years ago.

I have booked it in for an examination on the 19th (place must be popular) and we will see what they say then. I will then have to pay a second visit for repair if appropriate. So slightly more hopeful than expected.

Approach the garages that did the earlier services for copy invoices. If, as is likely, they are Hyundai dealers then any other Hyundai dealer should be able to check the service work done.

cepheus

LandyAndy wrote: »

Approach the garages that did the earlier services for copy invoices. If, as is likely, they are Hyundai dealers then any other Hyundai dealer should be able to check the service work done.

Unfortunately they aren't Hyundai. I checked this before buying it 2 yrs ago. I eventually forced a further £500 off, £1000 off the asking price, because it wasn't serviced by a Hyundai dealer. It gave me a bit of leeway just in case something went wrong like this.

Perhaps Hyundai might pay for some of the repair if I find out the VAT numbers of the companies, which should be easy enough.

LandyAndy

cepheus wrote: »

Unfortunately they aren't Hyundai. I checked this before buying it 2 yrs ago. I eventually forced a further £500 off, £1000 off the asking price, because it wasn't serviced by a Hyundai dealer. It gave me a bit of leeway just in case something went wrong like this.

Perhaps Hyundai might pay for some of the repair if I find out the VAT numbers of the companies, which should be easy enough.

If the service book is stamped then presumably it has the name and address of the garage. From that the phone number shouldn't be hard to find. Call them and ask for copy invoices.

harveybobbles

Stone damage to parts like condensors etc aint covered by warranty's. The same way a tyre isnt covered if you get a puncture.

http://www.airconcars.com/html/how_it_works.html