Credit card payment protection - help please?

Heisenberg_2

Hi,

am looking to replace my inherited Frigidaire fridge freezer. It is at least 25 years old and still works as intended.

However I am getting a bit annoyed at having to defrost - 3 times a year - lol - but I am also concerned about the money I am wasting on electric on it and also the "salad crisper" drawers are a bit pointless as a lot of moisture accumulates in them.

I am after a new more energy efficient, possibly frost free fridge freezer. However I am on a tight budget and do not want to pay for any additional "protection".

I know that there is some EU law about purchasing goods over £100 on a credit card and the goods, electrical having to be long lasting. I think it is 5 years?

Am I right in this and does anyone know how easy it is to enforce this EU "protection"?

As I said - I have a fridge freezer over 25 years old - that still works but is just a bit of a pain.

I want to be able to buy a new appliance and ensure that if it doesn't last 5 years I have some kind of recourse?

Thanks in advance for any help or posting to the correct boards.

Cheers

visidigi

They have to last a reasonable amount of time - up to five years.

The mystery EU rule does not 'apply' in the UK, the SOGA offers you greater protection in any case.

If you want an appliance to last 5 years+ guaranteed then buy one with a 5 year warranty, plenty about if you look.

There is no 'guarantee' it will last 5 years without either a extended warranty or manufacturer warranty offered included or at additional cost.

wealdroam

Your best course of action is to read these two MSE articles...

Consumer Rights

Section 75 Refunds.

Then come back and ask any further questions.

unholyangel

If you're on a tight budget and don't mind if it doesn't look perfect, you could always try comet clearance auctions (i've been told other sites also have clearance sites too).

Some of them aren't damaged at all and have just been discontinued. Sometimes the damaged described is so light that you wouldnt notice it unless specifically looking for it.

I know argos had a hotpoint frost free for £333 (with a 5 year parts guarantee - so may still need to pay for labour depending on if it is covered by SoGA) but not sure if they still do or not. I suppose it all depends on what your individual budget is!

As for the rest, Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act basically gives you the same rights with your card holder as you would have with the retailer. In england, the statute of limitations is 6 years from purchase (5 years from discovery in scotland). As above, that doesnt necessarily mean all goods should last that long.......it is what the average person would expect that type of product bought for that price to last (you wouldnt expect a £20 microwave to last as long as a £200 one....would you?).

Personally, I would expect a decent fridge freezer to last longer than the statute of limitations. But perhaps thats just me I think most people would agree that it should last at least 5 years though (providing it isnt a budget model).

Heisenberg_2

Hey you guys,

thanks a lot for the advice and links. Will look into them and the advice available.

I think my point is that I have a FF that is at least 25 years old but still works fine.

There was a very highly rated Hotpoint that Comet were doing in the new year sales - £100 off down to about £190. I don't want to buy a FF or have to pay for an extended warranty because IMO a FF should last at least 5 years.

If not it is not fit for purpose IMO