My first experience with Evans Halshaw

adamc260

As harsh as this sounds but thats Evans Halshaw for you... awful network of dealerships

Lum

Strider590 wrote: »

I think it's slightly unfair to put this label on the A-class.
All Mercs built from around the turn of the century, suffer with build quality issues

This is true, but the OP has an A-class, not an SLK or anything of the sort. Your comments about the typical first owner of an A-class apply just as much to any of the more affordable cars in the range.

Personally if I were in the market for a practical, reliable, Mercedes I'd be looking at an 80s diesel E class.

skiddlydiddly

Lum wrote: »

Check the coolant level. A heater not working properly is a classic sign of this being low.
If it's been run for a long time on low coolant then there is a good chance further damage has been done and you should consider rejecting the car as this could get expensive.

Also check the pollen filter doesn't need replacing.Easiest way to check is remove it altogether and if the heater works ok then there's your problem.

atrixblue.-MFR-.

Lum wrote: »

Check the coolant level. A heater not working properly is a classic sign of this being low.
If it's been run for a long time on low coolant then there is a good chance further damage has been done and you should consider rejecting the car as this could get expensive.

Service light doesn't necessarily mean anything. Main dealers often forget to clear the light, and chances are since it was serviced by a Citroen dealer, they don't have the computer necessary to clear the light. Yes they should have cleared it, but it isn't necessarily an indication that the service wasn't done.

"Mechanical rumble" at full lock isn't necessarily a problem. If you stop applying pressure to the steering wheel does the sound go away? If so then this is normal, it's the power assisted steering attempting to turn the wheels further than they can go, something it does because you are telling it to do this, by pushing on the wheel.


The other problems are comparatively minor fixes and are, sadly, a result of the A-Class being a fairly crap, poorly built, car as stated in earlier posts.

if its a pre 04 model most garages will be able to reset the light WITHOUT the merc software. by doing the key and trip reset button dance.

s_b

atrixblue.-MFR-. wrote: »

if its a pre 04 model most garages will be able to reset the light WITHOUT the merc software. by doing the key and trip reset button dance.

it would be better if punter had it serviced and then lifted his left leg up did the hokey kokey and put the insp light out though:)

atrixblue.-MFR-.

s_b wrote: »

it would be better if punter had it serviced and then lifted his left leg up did the hokey kokey and put the insp light out though:)

:rotfl::T:rotfl: in otherwords it isnt that hard to get the service light reset and dont really need the hi tech equipment to do it either.

Lum

atrixblue.-MFR-. wrote: »

:rotfl::T:rotfl: in otherwords it isnt that hard to get the service light reset and dont really need the hi tech equipment to do it either.

Yet main dealers still forget to do it.

They forgot to do it on my company Mondeo which was serviced at a Ford dealer.

Biketrials08

Many of the faults you list affect the safety of the vehicle and it should have never been released with them and puts your case in a stronger position. Now when you bought the car was it sold as one of their 'approved' second hand vehicles (not that this ever means much but does raise some accountability if things are stated as working aren't)? Did they reissue an MOT? Did you buy the car on finance (the finance company can be leant on to provide assistnace)? A trip to your local citizens advice bureau can help illustrate your consumer rights and the course of action to take. Personally I had a complaint against Evan Halshaw published in Auto Express back in 2002 so I'm aware of their lacklusture costomer service atitude. many of the motoring dedicated forums/websites can provide you with information on how to tackle the situation, have a look at:
honestjohn.co.uk
whatcar.com
and of course the directgov site
direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/Consumerrights/Buyingacar-yourconsumerrights/DG_183047