Broken down after just 3 weeks

Kevtron

Hello, 3 weeks ago I bought an 03 Renault Clio, that was sold to me as being a 'good little runner' and that the guy at the garage had been using it for the last few weeks with no problems. 3 weeks later, having drove less than 800 miles in it, my temperature went up, oil light came on, and the engine started losing power and making a ticking sound. I got off the motorway as soon as I could, and the car stalled at the next give way sign and I couldn't restart it. Upon getting it recovered, I'm being told that I need a new engine.
The car wasn't given any warranty, but as it was sold in working condition, and for something as serious as having an engine replaced inside a month of having it, am I covered by the Sale of Goods act? And if so, what would be the best way of getting it sorted. It's currently sat in a garage waiting for the go ahead from me to get repaired.
Cheers in advance

jaydeeuk1

Considering its a clio, did well to last 800 miles.


But seriously, did you check the oil level any time during and after purchase? Could have been low anyway, or sump plug came out, none of which I'd imagine would be covered by any sort of comeback. Might have been a problem with the head gasket. I'm guessing car only cost £500 anyway, so doubt it would be worth the hassle of getting it inspected elsewhere, and then trying to get money back from LTD dealer, and then more money chucked at the courts. Scrap it, take off any bits thats still have life/value, either chance another clio and use these as spares, chalk it up to experience, or do what sensible people do and stay away from french cars out of warranty

topdaddy_2

Why is the engine needing replacement? What have they said is wrong?

Netwizard

An 03 Clio won't be worth much at all, Almost certainly not worth fixing, unless you can source an engine and get it fitted for a few hundred quid.

Personally I would take the money you are going to spend on repairs and buy another car, and maybe something that isn't French!

You will probably get a hundred quid scrap for the clio too.

bigjl

The temp went up then oil light came on and it conked out?

Does sound like it has been run with low oil and water to be honest.

I don't think the sale of goods act covers consequential loss

If an oil or water leak was the problem then they should fix that.

But i have had several cars with water or oil leaks and never killed one since i drove back from Scotland non stop. Never below 80 from Birmingham to North London.

Car ran fine but next morning it was siezed solid.

On checking the oil it the oil level was below the minimum

facade

Probably the Head Gasket went: happens all the time on Clios.
It could well have been fine when it was sold, and then a bit of fast motorway work killed it.

Nodding_Donkey

I doubt if you've got any comeback at all after driving it with the oil light on and the temp showing that it was hot.

motorguy

Kevtron wrote: »

Hello, 3 weeks ago I bought an 03 Renault Clio, that was sold to me as being a 'good little runner' and that the guy at the garage had been using it for the last few weeks with no problems. 3 weeks later, having drove less than 800 miles in it, my temperature went up, oil light came on, and the engine started losing power and making a ticking sound. I got off the motorway as soon as I could, and the car stalled at the next give way sign and I couldn't restart it. Upon getting it recovered, I'm being told that I need a new engine.
The car wasn't given any warranty, but as it was sold in working condition, and for something as serious as having an engine replaced inside a month of having it, am I covered by the Sale of Goods act? And if so, what would be the best way of getting it sorted. It's currently sat in a garage waiting for the go ahead from me to get repaired.
Cheers in advance

As above really.

Driving on with the coolant light on and then the oil pressure light has caused the damage - even a mile could have made all the difference. Stopping instantly could have saved the engine.

Older cars need regular checking for oil / water levels.

Either source a cheap engine or scrap it.

Sorry.

Norman_Castle

A car that loses enough oil or water to cause engine failure in 800 miles or three weeks is not fit for purpose. Contact the garage or trading standards.

AdrianC

Nodding_Donkey wrote: »

I doubt if you've got any comeback at all after driving it with the oil light on and the temp showing that it was hot.

Another vote here for "You've properly broken it". Yes, there was a problem. Maybe a hose blew. Maybe the head gasket failed. Maybe a stone through the radiator. But as soon as the lights/gauges indicated a problem, you should have slapped the hazards on, into neutral, ignition off (but not so far as to lock the steering), and coasted to the shoulder. NOT tried to drive on. The consequential damage - the serious damage - is entirely down to you doing that.

Even if you hadn't, it's an 11yo car. Mechanical issues are to be expected. If you could prove that it was a pre-existing issue at the time of sale, that's something you could pursue. But it would be damn near impossible in the circumstances you describe, and ABSOLUTELY impossible after you tried to drive onwards.

BeenThroughItAll

Kevtron wrote: »

3 weeks ago I bought an 03 Renault Clio... The car wasn't given any warranty...

That's a mistake you'll not make again I guess.

what would be the best way of getting it sorted?

A crusher.