New Cars - Consumer rights?

MKBEANZ

Hi all,

Looking for a little advice if anyone is in the know of these things if possible..

I purchased a new car from a dealership last July (brand new!) and after 6,000 miles (February this year) it broke down and needed to be recovered. They told me it needed a new engine. Okay, I let that one go.. It happens!

Today, now 9,000 miles on the clock and on my way into work I broke down again and called for roadside assistance. Looks like the same issue, the AA chap explained the fan belt had snapped, the alternator wasn't secure or fitted property, water was pouring out of the radiator and the engine had got so hot that it even melted a part of the car..

Same warning lights as before (something to do with the coolent) and same outcome! Breaking down, engine not turning over!

I clearly believe this is not fit for purpose, they have had it in once and attempted to repair the car.. Just a few months later the same thing happens. I'm not happy to take the car back but want to know my rights?

The dealership haven't even given me a courtesy call today and haven't provided me with a hire car.. Luckily the AA done that for me in the end!

Anyone able to give me some tips? Sorry if this doesn't make sense or if it doesn't give you the full picture.. I'm a bit rubbish with car knowledge..

Appreciate any advice!

harveybobbles

"Same warning lights as before" scares me.. That suggests you ignored a warning light(s)

as for the first breakdown, to need a new engine, who diagnosed this?

Too vague with your info.

Sounds like you simply ignored a warning light and are now facing the consequences.

MKBEANZ

harveybobbles wrote: »

"Same warning lights as before" scares me.. That suggests you ignored a warning light(s)

as for the first breakdown, to need a new engine, who diagnosed this?

Too vague with your info.

Sounds like you simply ignored a warning light and are now facing the consequences.

Hi,

Thanks for your response..

The warning light (on both occasions) came on while driving and when it came on I pulled over. This is when the engine cut out and didn't turn over again. On both times. I had not ignored either warning.

The dealership diagnosed the engine issue last time, luckily it's under a 3 year warranty and it was all covered. But I don't want a lifetime of problems with this car now!

Thanks again

roonaldo

what car is this? i want to avoid it

Tiexen

Contact the Manufacturer direct.

forgotmyname

Got so hot that it melted parts? Does the car not have a temperature gauge?

Could you not smell the heat? Oily burning smell?

JJ_Egan

New engine then 3000 miles driving .
Fan belt snapped presumably due to the loose alternator .
Engine overheated due to coolant loss or non circulation .

For the coolant loss lack of coolant circulation you would need to drive a fair distance before the engine seized .

But yes your best route would be to contact the dealer and manufacturer in writing .

iolanthe07

Please tell us the make and model of the car. You cannot be sued for telling the truth.

teabelly

With only a 3 year warranty that limits what it can be. 2 catastrophic failures in such a relatively short time I'd be chatting to citizen's advice consumer line and seeing about rejecting the car and having either a replacement from that manufacturer or a full refund so you can get a decent car not the heap of junk they made. Do you have proof of the work that the garage claimed they carried out under warranty? Being a cynic I wonder if they trousered the money for a replacement engine but just bodged the one that was in it thinking it would last a few years so you'd never be able to prove it.

How often did you check oil/coolant levels on the car. Does it have an electronic dipstick or a normal one?

I'd bet it's French...