Halves and Thirds

rod_kp

Hi

We have just spent £4,500 replacing an engine which blew, just out of warranty, on our Mazda 5 diesel, at 72,000 miles. Now (1000 miles later) the ECU (computer) has blown.

Mazda are quoting over £2000 to replace this but have warned that it could fail again as they don't know why it broke. We don't want to risk spending more money on the car and want to cut our losses. The car has had numerous other faults and we simply don't trust it and can't afford to keep fixing it - especially at £2000 a time!

It has been serviced correctly but not at Mazda dealership (so no good will from Mazda offered). We bought the car on a five year HP agreement. We have one more year to pay (probably about £3000) The car should be worth about £6000 but it is not running now so value now is considerably less. It's probably only good for for spares because of the unknown computer fault.

The dealer suggested we could return the car to the finance company - Voluntary Termination (also known as halves and thirds). The big question is can this be done if the car is not running. Apart from the lack of ECU the car is in very good condition. Any suggestions, other than pushing it off a high cliff, would be greatly appreciated

Thanks

Rod

Hammyman

£4500 for a new engine? They saw you coming.

You should be able to get hold of an ECU from a scrapyard for 1/10-1/5th of the price of the main dealer. It is actually something you can swap over yourself - its only bolts/screws holding it down and plugs to remove. It may need programming for the ignition keys but thats it.

Alternatively, hand it back to the finance company.

KillerWatt

rod_kp wrote: »

Mazda are quoting over £2000 to replace this

http://www.bba-reman.com/uk/index.aspx

Flyboy152

rod_kp wrote: »

Hi

We have just spent £4,500 replacing an engine which blew, just out of warranty, on our Mazda 5 diesel, at 72,000 miles. Now (1000 miles later) the ECU (computer) has blown.

Mazda are quoting over £2000 to replace this but have warned that it could fail again as they don't know why it broke. We don't want to risk spending more money on the car and want to cut our losses. The car has had numerous other faults and we simply don't trust it and can't afford to keep fixing it - especially at £2000 a time!

It has been serviced correctly but not at Mazda dealership (so no good will from Mazda offered). We bought the car on a five year HP agreement. We have one more year to pay (probably about £3000) The car should be worth about £6000 but it is not running now so value now is considerably less. It's probably only good for for spares because of the unknown computer fault.

The dealer suggested we could return the car to the finance company - Voluntary Termination (also known as halves and thirds). The big question is can this be done if the car is not running. Apart from the lack of ECU the car is in very good condition. Any suggestions, other than pushing it off a high cliff, would be greatly appreciated

Thanks

Rod

Unfortunately you cannot just hand it back to the finance company in its current condition. You have a duty of care to the finance company, to maintain the vehicle to a condition commensurate with its age and mileage. Because, ultimately, the car still belongs to them.

rod_kp

Thanks for your replies.

£4500 included reconditioned engine, turbo and DPF work. Mazda wanted £8000 for engine alone! There's little point spending out on a cheaper non-Mazda ECU (of which nobody seems to actually supply despite many online ads) if it's going to keep blowing as Mazda suggest.

The point to my original post is whether or not the finance company will accept the vehicle back (under the terms of a Voluntary Termination [also known as thirds and halves rule]) if it is essentially a non-runner but still in good condition. Most contracts say the vehicle must be in good condition when returned under a Voluntary Termination. My HP agreement is at another address and will take some time to get access to.

We have reached the end of the road regarding repairing this vehicle and as such don't need any help with mechanical solutions. Advice is welcome on the HP agreement and condition of vehicle aspect.

Cheers

Rod

HappyMJ

You are supposed to give it back in a reasonable condition. I would imagine that means working. I'd be reading the agreement and see what it says. I'd also be taking the advice given to you of getting another ECU from a scrappy and at least get it working then hand it back before it goes again. Otherwise you'll find you may have to pay all the remaining payments it could save you most of the £3000 due.

KillerWatt

rod_kp wrote: »

There's little point spending out on a cheaper non-Mazda ECU (of which nobody seems to actually supply despite many online ads) if it's going to keep blowing as Mazda suggest.

BBA Reman don't supply you with a non genuine ECU, they repair yours.