Used Car Woes - Advice Needed

d1bram

Just got back from the garage I bought the car from.

I went back with it on a low loader this morning and was greeted by the mechanic, he was a bit miffed to see it back but I showed him the RAC report and suggested he had a play with the steering wheel to see if he could he the noises I was complaining about and the RAC had noted.

Fortunately it played up big style and he admitted it wasn't right. We stuck it on his lift and sure enough he can see the rack moving, he tracked it down to the two bolts securing the rack to the subframe having worked loose, he tightened them up and the movement stopped.

At this point I stated I was not satisfied it wouldn't simply reoccur so I suggested we call an Alfa dealer for further advice; they confirmed that new bolt should be used each time the rack is refitted.

They have ordered new bolts and I left in a hire car (provided by the RAC - more on that in a second).

The owners son did join us, and got a little shirty still trying to make out that I should understand why his Dad got upset with me and that they are still dong me a big favour as this isn't really covered by their warranty... I simply pointed out that the fault relates to work they have carried out on the car prior to sale and left it at that - oh how I'm calming down in my old age!!!

I have asked that they drive it and listen to the gearbox while they have it, they said they will look at it but no promises were made, I don't expect much though.

On the subject of Kwik Fit and Halfords, a lot of people slag these guys off, but they looked at my car free of charge and gave me sound advice.

The RAC meanwhile have been great, I got the membership as a bolt on to my insurance and it cost around £80 for their top level of cover (excluding European). This has included the call out (they were here in 30minutes), the recovery this morning (nice guy, did a good job) and the first 24hours of car hire. Quite simply a great service which has helped me out big time.

colino

I think the place you bought it from just side-stepped a major claim if they failed to secure the rack properly. New bolts and Loctite, because you really don't want to even think about losing the steering in a shopping car, never mind one that will be used enthusiastically.
I can't remotely agree with your support of those goons at Halfords and KwikFit. If they saw such a potentially catastrophic fault and failed to relay to you how important that was, never mind offer to nip up the bolts when the boss wasn't looking to get you home, that trumps just about every, "I've just been ripped off by a national chain" story I've ever heard. They clearly have no basic knowledge of the job they profess to do and are just as culpable as the trader who has passed this interesting car onto you. Frankly I'd be asking a local, friendly, independent, or an Alfanut to do a bumper to bumper check on this one.