Used car warranty question

Axled

Just wondering if anyone can give some advice.

We purchased a used car from a dealer last year (Sept) and negotiated a 12 month warranty with the "deal". Got news today that there is a problem with the gasket and timing belt and so will be getting a near on £1000 bill for the job. This is supposedly covered by the warranty but they only fork out a limit of £500, is this a standard warranty or did we not get a good policy? Was wondering if it would be worthwhile ringing up the dealer to complain or should we just suck it up and pay the difference?

Cheers for your help

thenudeone

It's not unusual for a poor warranty to have limits like this.

Car dealers sometimes use warranties as a way to claw back some of the profit they've lost by having to offer cheap headline prices on cars in order to remain competitive; so they can be [edit: missing word!] poor value when bought that way.

If the limit was in the paperwork, you're probably stuck with it, but it's certainly worth a call.

In the past I have managed to persuade a main dealer to pay for repairs that weren't covered by the warranty that they had sold me, [but would have been covered by the manufacturer's warranty which they were supposed to sell, as a main dealer] but I wouldn't hold your breath.

You're much more likely to succeed if it was a branded main dealer, as you've got the implied threat that you'll complain to the brand's head office.

forgotmyname

Even so called good warranties will usually have limits.

But generally they only cover parts that dont break or wear out.

If it not covered by the manufacturers warranty then keep enough money back to pay for your own repairs.

Axled

Thanks for your replies, the warranty company have agreed to pay for the parts up to the £500 value as the parts are covered (gasket and timing belt?) I am just a little surprised that there are limits which are so low on these things. It was a Citroen dealer selling a Peugeot car so not sure if that really makes any difference at all, but think it may be worth while giving them a ring as the car has been a nightmare in the 7 or so months we've had it (needing 4 new tyres 2 months after buying amongst other things).

I'll give the dealer a ring and see if they are willing to do anything. A long shot but why not, can't drive anywhere so have plenty of time.

Cheers