Advice needed please - car broken down 2 days before part-exchange

Crazyangel

Hi guys.

Any advice right now would be appreciated

I've been having trouble with my car breaking down and recently had the gear box and clutch replaced from 2 breakdowns.

I've put a deposit on a used car at a local Ford garage - and arranged to collect it on Tuesday this week. They agreed to give me £2,000 for my old car which only just covered the repair costs I've paid over the last month - but at least it's better than nothing.

Today my car has completely broken down - and I've called the RAC to come out.

I'm now worried what is going to happen. I've signed the contact for the part-exchange, and placed a deposit - however I can't afford to pay for expensive repairs for this car especially considering it has 2 days until it's part exchanged for only the value of the recent repairs.

Unfortunately as a single female I know nothing about cars, and don't know anyone who does.
I don't know what to do, and I am pretty upset. Please could anyone give me any advice? It'd be much appreciated.

Thank you.

balletshoes

What did the RAC say was wrong with the car today?

Crazyangel

They are on their way - could take up to 4 hours, however trying to plan ahead.

McKneff

~Come back when you know and research some car maintenance evening classes in the meantime.

No offence intended but you really should know how to measure oil,
check tyres etc. even change a wheel.

Crazyangel

I do know how to change a wheel/check oil etc - but thanks for the suggestion. I meant to say that I don't know anything about cars from a mechanical perspective but I understand that I might have phrased myself wrongly.

The RAC have just been - the alternator is overcharging the battery which is causing warning signs of all varieties which is causing the battery to burn out. Looks like I need a new alternator and battery.

I guess I just wanted a little advice from where I stand with regards to the contract - I assume the garage will not accept the car if it has since broken down, so I guess that I have no alternative but to get it towed to a garage for a new alternator and battery to be fitted and somehow find the money for it.

Destination_..._?

Hi

Unfortunately , you have signed the paper work ( contract) . Which i presume would refer to the part exchange then will probably have some reference to be condition this is required to be supplied in. Look @ the small print of the actual agreement . And , it also depends on the terms of the contract , u have entered into with the dealer regarding the part exchange

rxbren

best bet just get a battery and put it on the morning you part exchange it dont bother with alternator as long as you get the car there driving job done

banner188

also, get the battery from a scrappers, shouldn't cost you more than £20.
The scrapper will probably put the battery in for you if you say you can't and ask nicely, its just a few bolts and cables.

The battery will last more than a few days, bit sneaky to pass it on but an alternator is gonna cost some money and the dealer will source one and get it fixed for a lot less than you can.

vaio

£2k car to a ford dealer will likely be straight down the auction.

As others have said, get the cheapest battery you can find (second-hand if poss) and either minimise the car use or turn lots of things on when it's running to try and absorb the excess charge

eschaton

As long as you get it to the garage running with no warning lights you will be fine.

I once traded a car for £10k needing a new engine costing £3.5k - they didn't know it needed a new engine so it wasn't a problem

moses06

I'm with the others - get a second hand battery put on and get the thing part exchanged. The dealer will either get it fixed cheaply or auction the car. They will be very UNlikely to contact you once they have the money for your new car, if they do, swear blind it was fine when you had it!!
I've part ex'd a volvo with starting problems and a dodgy turbo, never heard a thing about it, the onus of "buyer beware" is on the dealer too and if they don't check it, that's their problem!