ford s max, end of tether!!

loony1

Please can someone help us. we dont know who to turn to. will explain.

I bought my Ford S-Max new from Evans Halshaw Ford (St Albans) in Nov 07. In March 11 it has broken down with a major engine fault whereby the car will not accelerate to more than 30 mph. This is just over the three-year warranty and just after a 37,500 mile servicing I had done in January 2011. I had recently moved into the area in Northern Ireland. As a result I initially put the car into a local garage for diagnosis and repair, as I live in a remote location and all roads to the nearest large town where a Ford garage is located are 60mph plus. After no progress in over five weeks I took the car back and contacted Ford UK, at which point I was advised to put it into John Mulholland motors in Randallstown. It has been there since May 18th 2011.

The fault diagnosis, to date, has resulted in the replacement of the throttle body assembly initially and then the PCM card as part of the EMS. I even had to pay £200 up front, on 1st June 2011, before the throttle body assembly would be ordered. Though I am now informed that the engine loom is at fault as the fault has not been resolved. Thus, the fault is with at least one major component of the engine, having failed within 41 months of purchase.

I have checked the Sale of goods and services act 1979 and taken advice from Consumer Direct, Trading Standards and the Citizens Advice Bureau regarding the cost for this repair and who is liable. As the car has been sold with parts that were of an unsatisfactory condition with regards to their durability, and having not misused the car in any way, I find that this act in line with the advice received, suggests the liability falls on the seller. I have contacted the seller by writing and subsequently e-mail after no reply, only to be informed that they have no intention of contributing to the cost of the repairs. Also claiming it is for Ford UK to resolve the matter.

To date, Ford UK have offered to pay half of the cost for the throttle body assembly, which I reluctantly accepted early on in the diagnosis as I find I am stuck without a car and must trust the diagnosis of the experts.

During the time my car has been with John Mulholland Motors there have been long durations when the car has not been worked on, due to the engineer being sent away on training courses or off work due to illness. I find this is unacceptable and in my opinion consider it unprofessional behaviour as they have more than one engineer in their employ. The work should have been passed to another engineer to continue, in order to return my car in a timely manner. This has undoubtedly contributed to the excessive duration of time I have endured without my car.

I did receive the use of a courtesy car from John Mulholland Motors, which I was finally offered on 10th June 2011, after four weeks with no car. Though the courtesy car is a Hyundai Getz three-door hatchback and is nowhere near the size I require with my young family.

The latest issue that is preventing progress on the repair to my car is one of the procurement of spares by Ford UK. The engine loom has been on order for over two weeks before today.

I am now in a position where my holiday from 12th August to 30th August may have to be cancelled or at the very least require the hire of a replacement car to meet my requirements. Thus, causing financial loss on my part in either case.

In summary, my new from purchase Ford S-Max has broken down with at least one major engine component being of unsatisfactory quality from manufacture. I submitted my car for repair to a Ford garage, as advised by Ford UK, only to have almost three months pass without any significant progress but escalating costs accruing against myself. The seller I purchased the car from has denied any liability, putting the full onus on Ford UK from their position. Ford UK is currently awaiting rectification of the fault to assess the final bill before a decision will be made to meet the costs. I am now in a position where my long planned holiday is in jeopardy. My health has been affected due to the stress I am under, having failed to meet a number of commitments due to the lack of a serviceable car.

I have been more than fair in my patience but I now feel I require assistance in resolving the matter in a timely and fair manner. As the matter stands I feel I should not incur any costs regarding the repair of the car and require advice regarding possible legal pursuit of recompense for my losses.

As off this morning, i spoke to ford and were told that we would not be getting a 7 seat hire car for our holidays. I was so upset i had to put the phone down. Please can someone advise me on where to go next.

Sorry it was so long!!

Hammyman

Find a solicitor.

atrixblue.-MFR-.

i agree with hammy, consumer direct will be able to point you in the direction to a solicitor who has dealt with this before and dont cost the earth.