Repair, replacement or refund?

Distortion

Hi

We bought a travel system on line in Jan 2010. Ten months later we've been plagued by the same fault (braking mechanism failing to stay off, resulting in constant clicking noise or 'braking' the rear wheels altogether).

This has happened THREE times now. Each time we've contacted the retailer who has liaised with the manufacturer (or put us in direct contact with them), who have sent us replacement rear wheel assemblies (with braking mechanism included).

At this most recent episode of the fault we have lost faith in the system ever working and would be reluctant to have another set of replacement wheels which might then go wrong.

Because of this recurring fault we've been without a pushchair for our baby for a number of weeks. Now, the retailer is saying we will have to send the entire system back to the manufacturer for them to check it out.

The retailer will not replace the entire system nor offer a refund as he says he will be lose money (manufacturer won't reimburse him).

My question is, are we obliged to keep on receiving replacement wheels and being without a travel system while we wait.

Any ideas what we are entitled to expect. This just feels like £269 very badly spent.

Thank you

BaldacchinoR

A refund seems unlikey as it appears you had been using it satisfactorily for 10 months. After 6 months, you have to prove that the fault was there when you bought the item - before 6 months (the '6 months rule'), the supplier has to prove it wasn't. To prove such things usually means getting an expert report.

See Martin's advice on this website about repairs and 'the 6 years rule', and replacements.

If you want more detailed advice about your particular case, you may have a telephone lawyer advice service included in an insurance policy - e.g. home or motor policy - or you cantact the Citizens Advice Bureau.

There's also ConsmerDirect which is available online and they may refer your case to your local council's Trading Standards dept for investigation.