Problems with new-to-me car

stumpjumper

I've just purchased an X-reg Saab 9-5 from a reputable specialist Saab independant. I bought the car on HP (which was very competetive given my credit rating).

Yesterday I collected the car and after driving about two miles from the showroom the car broke down. We called the dealer from the scene and they came and towed it back. Once back at the garage we were met with a very apologetic salesman who immediately offered to get the car fixed under warranty and get the mechanic to give it good look over. We've been given a courtesy car and the dealer will deliver our car back to us once fixed so we don't need to go back.

Overall I'm happy with the way the dealer has handled the situation so far. The problem I have is that it has totally knocked my confidence in this vehicle and I'm starting to feel like I don't want the car anymore. If I was to reject the vehicle where would I stand RE: the HP finance? I don't want to be stung by loads of early repayment penalties and interest and who's responsibility would it be to sort it out with the finance house? I haven't made any repayments yet.

steveo3002

maybe find out the reason for the breakdown first? if its something innocent that can be fixed properly you can carry on your way without any concern

sounds like the garage are being reasonble about it

Quinny_2

I agree.

Let the garage give you an explanation as to what is up,and then decide if you wish to reject it under the sale of goods act.

Ken.

stumpjumper

steveo3002 wrote:

maybe find out the reason for the breakdown first? if its something innocent that can be fixed properly you can carry on your way without any concern

sounds like the garage are being reasonble about it

I'm going to see what happens tomorrow when the mechanic has seen it. I suppose I'm just a bit put out that it happened just after picking it up when I was hoping to be enjoying my new car. The dealer has been very good so far.

I just really want to know where I stand if the worst happens.

saintjanet

Its a fact of life,anything mechanical can go wrong at any time,give the garage a chance to put it right,they seem more than keen to sort it out for you.Hopefully that will be the end of your problems.

It has happened to me in the past,most garages are ok ,its just that you only hear about the bad ones most of the time!!

stumpjumper

Just to update: call from Garage - the Catalytic Converter has blown (£700 for a new one), and will be fixed and delivered to us by end of the week

BANANABUS

it broke down because the cat blew?:eek: would the car not actually run when it broke down?

Its the first time i have heard that a car will not run because the cat has blown!

what happend when you broke down?

Paul_Varjak

stumpjumper wrote:

Just to update: call from Garage - the Catalytic Converter has blown (£700 for a new one), and will be fixed and delivered to us by end of the week

Presumably, they will pay for a new CAT?

Mr_Grumpy_7

BANANABUS wrote:

it broke down because the cat blew?:eek: would the car not actually run when it broke down?

Its the first time i have heard that a car will not run because the cat has blown!

what happend when you broke down?

I've heard of this before, a couple of times. I believe it is due to the lamda sensors on the exhaust sensing nasty things and having a rather negative affect on the engine management system. The engine then either stops or runs very rough and with very little power.

stumpjumper

Paul_Varjak wrote:

Presumably, they will pay for a new CAT?

Yep, the work is being done under warrenty.
as is the brake light which blew while we where being towed back to the garage.

They are also going to deliver the car over to us, and pick up the courtesy car at the same time, to save us the 100 odd mile round trip to them.



As to the Cat - i was told that the cat had blocked and blown a small hole in the casing, which allowed the engine to breath enough to idle, but not enough so that when the engine was revved it would struggle then stall.

rosscobley

Sounds about right. When the cat breaks up it will block the exhaust and cause you to lose almost all power and can make the car cut out. How long is the warranty on it if its for 12 months dont worry about it nothing big has gone wrong and i will most prob be fine. If you only have a few month warrant ask them to extend it to 12 month as goodwill or tell them you will return the car and cancel the hp