SOGA - faulty dishwasher

Ebe_Scrooge

I just wanted to ask if anyone can clarify my postion please. We bought a dishwasher in July 2009. In June last year the handle snapped off. As it's an integrated, flush-mounted handle, it meant we couldn't open the door.

So, phoned the shop, no problem, it was still under the one-year guarantee, they sent an engineer to fix it.

Now, the handle has broken again, exactly the same as last time. The machine is now over one year old, so it's not covered by the standard 1-year guarantee.

However, it's less than a year since it was repaired, and the fault is identical to the original fault.

I've phoned the shop, and they've offered to send some vouchers as part-payment towards a new machine. Alternatively I can take out their extended cover plan warranty, and they'll then send someone round to repair it. I'm not very happy about either option !

So, I have a couple of questions. Firstly, should a repair automatically carry its own 1 year guarantee ( it was repaired by an official engineer sent out by the shop ) ? If so, then there can't be any argument.

Alternatively, how does the Sale Of Goods Act actually work ? I know it stipulates that an applicance should last for "a reasonable length of time ", and I'm pretty sure that 20 months is not a reasonable length for a dishwasher. But should I expect a full refund / replacement, or is the shop within its rights to offer me a partial refund in the form of vouchers ?

Thanks for your help.

moonrakerz

Ebe_Scrooge wrote: »

Firstly, should a repair automatically carry its own 1 year guarantee ( it was repaired by an official engineer sent out by the shop ) ? If so, then there can't be any argument.

No, it doesn't !

Ebe_Scrooge wrote: »

I know it stipulates that an applicance should last for "a reasonable length of time "

No, it doesn't !

Read this:-
http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/+/http://www.berr.gov.uk/whatwedo/consumers/fact-sheets/page38311.html

neilmcl

How much have they offered in terms of part-payment and how much did you originally pay?

Ebe_Scrooge

Ok, I stand corrected Moonrakerz! That was my understanding.

In answer to Neil, I paid £350 and they've offered £250. It just seems wrong to me that I should have to pay for a fault that has occurred twice in less than 2 years - and that the first repair has lasted such a short length of time.

I may have to just bite the bullet and accept what they offer I guess :-( But thanks for the replies

neilmcl

I think the amount is fair given the usage you've had out it, they are legally entitled to offer a partial refund. However, I wouldn't accept vouchers, unless this is how you purchased it in the first place, if you didn't then you are entitled to a monetary refund.

moonrakerz

Ebe_Scrooge wrote: »

I may have to just bite the bullet and accept what they offer I guess :-( But thanks for the replies

Don't bite the bullet - bite their hand off ! They have made you a VERY reasonable offer - take it.

Ebe_Scrooge

Thanks for the replies folks.