Can I Hand Back A Broken Car Under My HP Agreement?

meths

I bought a 58 plate Astra on HP in December 2009 and had the gearbox replaced under warranty in January 2011.

Now the new gearbox may have packed in and I've got the car booked into a garage on Monday to find out. Fingers crossed it's just a problem with the clutch and I can afford to get it fixed.

I've paid well over half of the value of the HP agreement but I'm wondering what I'd be liable for if I was to contact the finance company and try to hand the car back in it's current condition? Would I still have to pay for a new gearbox either way or could I argue that I've taken reasonable care of the car and the second gearbox failure must be due to an inherent fault therefore owing nothing extra?

colino

While you are right that you have to exercise just reasonable care over HP'd goods, the HP company are also allowed to expect the goods to be returned in reasonable condition.
First port of call is to have a decent garage check over the car to check your diagnosis and give you a chance to check your paperwork for guarantees and warranties. If you need a repair to the gearbox, either get it fixed or replaced yourself, you really don't want the finance company either fixing it at dealer rates, or putting it to the block as is and chasing you for the difference to proper value.

forgotmyname

2 gearbox failures in a 5 year old car?

As above if you hand it back they will say the gearbox is beyond normal wear and tear. Quick call to a dealer how much for a new gearbox £3000.

Then you get a bill for that amount. A cheapo box maybe fitted or it may go through the auction with a faulty box. But you still owe that money.

Get a 2nd hand one fitted.

meths

It's probably the clutch this time but I'm just thinking worst case scenario to see what my options are.

Will get it diagnosed next week so fingers crossed.

meths

Woo hoo!

just found out it's the clutch that needs replaced.

I've never been so glad to have to shell out £450. :eek: