An expensive Plasma .... But 5 years ago

Mark_Hewitt

Since you have a Freeview PVR what difference does it make if you can get analogue or not?

maninthestreet

Mark_Hewitt wrote: »

Since you have a Freeview PVR what difference does it make if you can get analogue or not?

No point in buying a HD-ready TV now as my transmitter will not transmit HD until it has switched over to digital only. As I don't want a satellite dish stuck on the side of my house, I prefer to wait for switchover to take place.

Matty007

I think it is worth mentioning that maybe even at the infancy of any technology when prices are particularly high, we the consumer pay a premium price for that technology, it shouldn't invalidate our right to expect that technology to successfully last a reasonable amount of time.

Also might be worth remembering that the retailer when selling a new bit of new technology enjoys the profit margins on a higher priced unit and therefore the associated greater profits from that sale.

Therefore I am not too sure why their responsibility to the consumer should then diminish if that unit price happens to be less today then when bought.

Especially when not seeking a refund, just a repair.

Thanks again, I do not wish to seek opinions then argue against them, but is interesting none the less.

Matty007

Mankysteve

derrick wrote: »

SoGA is applicable "up to" 6 years against the retailer for remedy, not much point having a time limit in law if it is not going to be accepted

We have a 12 year old Toshiba 33" still going strong, although had to have 1 repair about 2 years ago.
.

The time limit is not a guartee an item will last that long. Its just claim a cut off limit.

Ie you wouldn't expect a garden Cain to last 6 years.

What the OP needs to do if they feel the failure is down to fault rather than fair wear and tear(which is properly is plasma have a shorter life than ctr/lcd) or an fault inherent to the item.

Is to get an engineers report done if the report comes back stating that the fault is inherent and not fair wear and tear.

Then take this report the retailer and ask for refund/repair/replacement. The maximum value for which ever of these is carried out will 1/6thish depending on the exact original purchase date.

Cost of obtaining the report will also have to be refunded to the op if it found in the Op's favour if not then its up to the op to pay.

Also proof of purchase is required.

TBH op plasma TVs have shorter life spans than crt and LCD due to way they work highly likely that this fair wear and tear.

Techhead_2

Matty007 wrote: »

Thanks for that, is not the £2000+ price tag, the issue here ??

Regards
Matt007

Five years ago, £2000 was not a top price for a Plasma.
Its arguable that a Plasma would reasonably last 5 years (which is what you would have to prove along with it being inherently faulty)

Gavin83

maninthestreet wrote: »

No point in buying a HD-ready TV now as my transmitter will not transmit HD until it has switched over to digital only. As I don't want a satellite dish stuck on the side of my house, I prefer to wait for switchover to take place.

The digital transmitter will not transmit HD quality signals by default, just digital. HD and digital are two seperate things. Therefore it will really make no difference if you buy a TV now or in the future, you'll still get the same quality pictures with a freeview box.

Gavin83

Matty007 wrote: »

Vyle, if she went the SOGA route and won, surely she would have her current Plasma mended which is her preferred goal.

I guess the point here is whether the retailer is deemed responsible after 5 years.

Many of you think not and that's interesting.

Thank you again.

Matty007

First of all you would need to obtain an engineers report to confirm the fault is due to a manufacturing defect and not wear and tear. Without this there is no hope at all, so if you plan to take the SOGA route then get this sorted.

Even if she wins, it is up to the retailer if they repair, replace or give a partial refund. Given the age of the TV I'd seriously imagine they'll take the refund option as the value of the TV is now quite low and I doubt you'll receive much back.

IMO the hassle just isn't worth it and I'd be looking to buy a new tv.

Matty007

Gavin83 wrote: »

First of all you would need to obtain an engineers report to confirm the fault is due to a manufacturing defect and not wear and tear. Without this there is no hope at all, so if you plan to take the SOGA route then get this sorted.

Even if she wins, it is up to the retailer if they repair, replace or give a partial refund. Given the age of the TV I'd seriously imagine they'll take the refund option as the value of the TV is now quite low and I doubt you'll receive much back.

IMO the hassle just isn't worth it and I'd be looking to buy a new tv.

Thanks Gavin,

Although I understand your point, is 'the hassle' not the same if I had made the purchase last year ?

Unless your view is that it would be unlikely to succeed.

I am trying to ascertain whether the retailer has a legal obligation here.

They might not and that is why it is interesting to discuss this as to some it seems that we are right on the cusp of responsibility.

Quite interesting how we do not demand such a high priced item should last 5 years.

I acknowledge that an engineer report can be a useful tool, however the retailer has already identified the faulty component.

I am not quite sure what an engineer report might bring to the table.

Even if she was successful in the SOGA route, why would the retailer prefer a refund, rather than say a repair ?

Thanks again and interesting discussion.

Matty007

zppp

Matty007 wrote: »

I am trying to ascertain whether the retailer has a legal obligation here.

They might do, they might not. It depends on whether there was an inherent fault or not.

Matty007 wrote: »

Quite interesting how we do not demand such a high priced item should last 5 years.

As mentioned before, it has nothing to do with price. I bought a computer 11 years ago, and paid alot, because it was new at the time. Witin 5 years, PC prices went through the floor. It is unfortunately something that happens with technology. Price is not the issue.

Matty007 wrote: »

I acknowledge that an engineer report can be a useful tool, however the retailer has already identified the faulty component.

I am not quite sure what an engineer report might bring to the table.

To go down the SOGA route the burden of proof is on you to prove that there is and always has been an inherent fault in the product. A retailer just stating a component is faulty is not sufficient. It may be that it came about due to wear and tear, which is not an inherent fault.

Matty007 wrote: »

Even if she was successful in the SOGA route, why would the retailer prefer a refund, rather than say a repair ?

It may be cheaper for them, than trying to obtain a component which may be obsolete.

Mark_Hewitt

The Sale of Goods Act doesn't allow you to buy a TV and have it maintained / replaced forever. If that is the aim then there are extended guarantees, but even then most won't touch items over 5 years old.