How to get the promised repair rather than refund?

Prothet_of_Doom

I had this problem with a seat and a mini, where the cost of repairing the seat, or replacing it would have whipped out any profit, for the dealer. In the end I down loaded and printed out Official MINI repair manuals from the USA, Howto's from Various Mini Forums, and links to ebay auctions who were selling just the seat frame, so he could transfer all the parts over. It delayed purchase a week.

I'd obtain a couple of quotes from professionals, and take the largest, and offer to buy the car with a reduction in price, and if not walk away.

Joe_Horner

Thanks for the update - didn't want to push you away from your initital thoughts that you'd like to keep the car, but (now you've decided for yourself) it's probably the smart move in this case

Eta: please let us know if the car reappears on the forecourt a few days after you hand it back

shaun_from_Africa

I know that the OP has decided to take the refund (in my opinion, a wise move), but I just thought I'd bring this up for further discussion. (I might be totally wrong, and I'm sure if I am, someone will correct me).

The OP's problem is slightly different to the normal faulty goods queries that usually get asked on here and it may not actually be a straightforward SOGA issue.

The law states that faulty goods can be sold provided that the purchaser was advised of the problem and was willing to accept the item concerned.
As the seller had refused to honour their promise and repair the car, it could in effect be a breech of contract issue in which case the OP could have had a case for suing the dealer for the amount that it will cost them to get the work carried out elsewhere.