Bought car with faulty engine - dealer refuses to return money!

Nodding_Donkey

OP if you can get the VIN or reg of the doner car I can check it's service record for you. That will confirm , or help to, the mileage.

LandyAndy

Nodding_Donkey wrote: »

OP if you can get the VIN or reg of the doner car I can check it's service record for you. That will confirm , or help to, the mileage.

Could the identity be obtained from the engine number?


Assuming it isn't going into its third home.

Nodding_Donkey

Usually the engine number is part of the VIN I think so you would need the full VIN number

LandyAndy

Nodding_Donkey wrote: »

Usually the engine number is part of the VIN I think so you would need the full VIN number

Ah Ok. But if the engine number isn't stamped on the engine you would never know if there had been a replacement from looking at a number stamped in the bodywork. This is clearly a fairly new car and I was guessing that a main dealer would be able to do a simple search on 'engine number' on the database of vehicles supplied in the Uk in recent years.

fivetide

LandyAndy wrote: »

Ah Ok. But if the engine number isn't stamped on the engine you would never know if there had been a replacement from looking at a number stamped in the bodywork. This is clearly a fairly new car and I was guessing that a main dealer would be able to do a simple search on 'engine number' on the database of vehicles supplied in the Uk in recent years.

They might do but the VIN should be accessible if they know the miles then they know the car (in theory) which is why I suggested the VIN would be where to start.

Then you should be able to get miles from the MOT (if it has had one) and potentially service history from a dealer.

Stoke

I would expect an engine of lower mileage or at least the same. Any news on that?

atrixblue.-MFR-.

I think it would be reasonable to allow the second hand engine fitted, if the mileage and service record turned out to be proven. I would not trust a sales receipt from a salvage yard, many SH engines ive seen from salvage state the mileage is to be taken as not proven or to the condition of the engine unless otherwise stated.
Also I would like the second hand engine to have a service and inspection prior to fitment oil, air, plugs, filters, and depending on miles it has done timing belt kit with water pump, turbo (if fitted) inspected for wear seals and gaskets inspected for leaks, EGR cleaned out. it could be questioned the clutch should be replaced as it will/may have been exposed to elements and contaminants prior purchase and during shipping. I would also be asking what are the terms of the warranty supplied with the engine, many salvage yards state a limited warranty with lots of exclusions if certain things are not carried out like a 500miles oil and filter change (will the dealer do this FOC).


the things like timing belt kit and clutch kit will depend on how amicable your dealer is, and perhaps a split 50/50 on costs for these items to be replaced you cant rely on service record and miles they are just indicators of such for when things need replacing, the dealer could argue that it doesn't require any of these to be done based on its history, you could argue that its best practice to have them done when the engine is out and has been stored for some time in unknown conditions.


personally If this situation was mine I would sit down with the dealer and try to negotiate with them, communication is the best way forward here now. I would like to leave the table feeling satisfied, and they would probably like you to leave feeling that they explained their POV, and haven't dented their reputation with you to pass onto other people to avoid them.

patman99

One question for the op. Ho did s/he pay for the car?.

SunReader

The noise was only prominent when engine was cold.

That's why I always try to view motors with a cold engine, but I use my ears as much as my eyes. Be aware that modern low friction piston and ring designs mean a lot of pistonslap is not uncommon when cold.

Personally, imo atrixblue above has the right idea, it might be a better solution. Negotiate on the clutch and timing belt kit plus service, throw in mention of a compression and emissions test after fitting and before acceptance even?

vauxmer10

there was a programme called the sheriffs are coming, they dealt with lots of disputes where someone bought a bmw for around £6ooo engine had faults and took the garage to court and had his money back plus expenses, but you have to get the correct name on the writ. :j