Ford Focus TDCi problems

snail711

Hi, we bought a 56 reg Focus tdci on Nov 19th from a dealer with no warranty. We drove the car beforehand and everything seemed fine so we weren't unduly concerned.
We were pleased with car until Nov 28th when several warning lights appeared on the dash - including the ESP light. These went out after a short distance but drove it very carefully home and phoned dealer when arrived home. He said that there was no warranty on vehicle but he would have a look at it. Fair enough, however, I had to use the car for work the next morning as we don't have any alternative means of transport and this time it just stopped!!
It would not start again - so phoned dealer again and informed him. He picked up vehicle on Wed 30th after it had sat at side of road overnight.
Our query now is he seems to be quite slow at getting the car repaired and it is costing us a small fortune using taxis for work (no public transport due to location).
Can we specify a time limit for repairs to be done and can we claim back any travel costs incurred meanwhile (or request use of a courtesy car)?
The dealer does seem to be helpful just a bit slow and we need to gee him up a little - any suggestions bearing in mind we had only had the car for 9/10 days??

daveyjp

All dealer cars have an implied warranty. The fact the dealer told you there wouldn't be one suggests he knows the car is a bag of whizz and needed to get rid. When you get the car back ensure all lights on the dash light up before starting. One way of fixing lights which come on when they should't is to remove bulbs.

You need to give him chance to fix it, give him a 7 day letter, after which you are rejecting the car and want a full refund.

snail711

Thanks daveyjp,
Have just had call from dealer - our car should be fixed and back with us by Monday. Fingers crossed!!

snail711

Well....
Just to update, Focus wasn't repaired and returned today!!(surprise, surprise!)
Apparently, it has been fixed but mechanic is running around in it today to make sure it doesn't break down again.
Meanwhile it has cost me £77 in travelling costs whilst dealer has been attempting repairs - does anyone think I should ask him to make a contribution to this seeing as we wouldn't have to take taxis if the car had been reliable in the first place.

forgotmyname

You can ask but the answer is likely to be no.


You wont know if you dont ask though.