SGA section 14

arlecchino

Hello I bought a washing machine from COMET four years ago for £270.00 on sale but the full price was £350/360 to my best recollection.

Now the switch assy and the computerised part inside is broken and cost £100.00 pound to repair from a local engineer and part bought from Hoover.
I would like to make a claim through COMET to have the parts repaired at their expenses as i believe the parts are so of poor quality that could not even stand being pushed to turn the machine on. What the point to have a working washing machine if the push button brakes just to be pushed on!!

My Question is from the fact do I have a claim under durability.

I am fed up every four years to buy a new washing machine as is cheaper to buy a new one that repair it. I would like to stress that I have bought five different washing machines ranging from 350/ to 450 pounds and they all have a life span of four years, then all parts start to break down costing £200.00 to fix/ cannot be right/ what my rights against COMET? I have not yet contacted the shop.
Thank you for your help

arcon5

Washing machines made these days just don't seem to last. Some (myself included) may consider 4 years a reasonable time - those that disagree I suspect would think 5-6 years so not much longer at all.

Problem 1:-
they can insist you prove the fault is inherent ie not caused by wear and tear and/or misuse. This would be done by having an engineers report produced.

Problem 2:-
they can issue a partial-refund, representing the use you have had. Which could well be well below 15%. So even if they agreed to offer a remedy, you will still have to fork out to get a newer working machine.

So it really just comes down to how much hassle you want for £20-£60.

Fosterdog

After four years you won't have much of a claim against Comet, you would have to prove that the fault was inherent at the time of purchase (which if you've had four years use it probably wasn't). It is more likely that it is down to wear and tear which wouldn't be covered after this length of time.

It doesn't matter that the original price was over £300, you only paid £270 so it only has to last a reasonable time for a £270 machine which four years is (depending on use).

You have three choices really, pay for the £100 repair and hope the part lasts another four years (so 8 years for a £370 machine), you could buy a new machine now, or you could start taking things to a laundrette and not have to but a new machine or pay for repairs.

How often is the machine used? If you have a family of 8 with the machine being used three times a day it won't last as long as a single person using it once or twice a week so you do have to be realistic with how much use you have had out of it.

Techhead_2

The other point is that if you have already had a part replaced it will be very difficult to prove the appliance was inherently faulty.

arlecchino

No I have not repaired the machine I was waiting for few opinions on the time limits

arlecchino

How does it happen that in other parts of Europe washing machines last 15 years, I am Italian in my 30 years in Italy my family only bought two washing machines the must be something wrong with the system in England

unholyangel

arlecchino wrote: »

How does it happen that in other parts of Europe washing machines last 15 years, I am Italian in my 30 years in Italy my family only bought two washing machines the must be something wrong with the system in England

Dont think theres anything wrong with the system. My current washing machine is 11 years old and never failed me yet *touch wood*. I was thinking of replacing it and my 30 year old gas cooker (yes you read that right) as they don't match the colour of the rest of my appliances but......I know its sods law that I would replace them and the new one would break within just a few years.

Things used to be more sturdy I agree. But they also used to be more bulky, more expensive to buy (often being classed as "luxury items" instead of necessity) and more expensive to run too.

Unfortunately its mostly just sheer luck and these things just happen, often when you can least afford it :rotfl:

As others have said, after 4 years....an independent report could go either way (inherent or natural wear n tear). And even if it goes in your favour, you may end up with £50 or less. We're not saying you can't proceed if you wish (after all, your choice), just saying that it may not be worth the time involved.

Why not get different quotes for the repair job or see if you can get the part cheaper - online perhaps?

Evilm

arlecchino wrote: »

How does it happen that in other parts of Europe washing machines last 15 years, I am Italian in my 30 years in Italy my family only bought two washing machines the must be something wrong with the system in England

Things have changed since 15 years ago when they bought that one. I suspect if they bought one now in Italy they'd be looking at the same sort of time frame as us before having to replace it.

bod1467

A cynical person (moi? ) would suggest that items now are designed to a cost, and designed for a limited lifespan. Otherwise the manufacturers would put themselves out of business - if something lasted for 20+ years then they would sell far fewer products.

dalesrider

Seems a pretty good deal. Just over £1 a week over the 4 years.
Try taking your washing to a launderette and get it done for that price.

believe the parts are so of poor quality that could not even stand being pushed to turn the machine on. What the point to have a working washing machine if the push button brakes just to be pushed on!!

But it lasted 4 years ???? How many times a week do you use it?