Faulty Repair Advice

Jonny_P_3

Hi,

I am looking for some advice regarding a car I bought from The Car People in Wakefield about 20 months ago.

The car in question is a VW Golf that was 3 years old when purchased with 15k miles on the clock and I paid approximately £9k (in-line with market value). This was a one previous owner vehicle (previous owner was VW) and I was assured that the vehicle had not been involved in an accident. All looking good for several years problem free motoring!! Or is it?

I had to return the vehicle shortly after collection as there was a slow puncture and a scrape on the windscreen (I didn't notice these as we rather naively collected the car in the dark/snow). The Car People acknowledged the scrape and attempted a repair (poorly) but would not accept the puncture and I had to fork out for a new tyre (less than two weeks after collection). Only £50 so not the worst thing in the world but as my confidence in the vehicle (and dealer quality checks) was dissipated, I requested all information from the dealer on what service/work had been done on the car before collection. I was assured that the car had a full service and quality check before delivery. No mention of any repairs.

For over a year all was well. However, after circa 18 months I noticed some spots of rust appearing in each wheel arch and the door hinge - not something I would expect on a VW <5 years old. Aware of the 12 year VW corrosion warranty, I popped down to the local approved VW bodywork repair centre today. Within seconds of looking at it, the engineer knew instantly that the car had been subject to significant repair and respray. This meant that the warranty would be invalidated and they would not touch the car as they could not guarantee any further repairs (as they cannot guarantee work done to date - understandable IMO).

Cue investigation into the vehicles history. Calls to VW (excellent customer service may I add) revealed the car had been booked into 2 dealers before I bought it - the dealer it was purchased from and the Leeds dealer for servicing - but no repairs/respray! A call to 'The Car People' now reveals that actually, they did perform some repairs to the car including "Smart repairs" and respray of the rear bumper and door - very concerning as the salesperson/service manager positively confirmed the car had not been damage/repaired.

Now I haven't yet laid out my position to the Car People as they have agreed to post me the report of what repair work was carried out to the vehicle before I collected it.

My problem is the repairs that they did have failed (rusty 5 yr old car) and the manufacturers corrosion warranty is invalidated due to those repairs. An estimate of cost to repair is circa £1,500 but I want The Car People to acknowledge this is their responsibility and fix it.

Any advice on how to approach them on this? Any statute/act to keep in mind?

PS - I expect the report of repairs to arrive within the next two days and want to raise this issue at the weekend.

Your help is greatly appreciated!!

Jonny

gilbert_and_sullivan

I don't think you have a hope in hell to be honest, but no harm in trying.

Most ex fleet/lease/company/rental cars will have had the attentions of a smart repairer before they get passed on.

The make in question are not as free from rust as many people think.

Your best bet is to find a small bodyshop (no free coffee carpets receptionists managers or courtesy cars to pay for) and use them regularly for these types of jobs, establish a relationship and you'll be able to get these rust spots and dings touched in cheaply as they appear.

Jonny_P_3

Thanks for the response Gilbert - I guess it's what I was expecting - but at the same time hoping there would be some leverage to get The Car People to take some responsibility and repair at cost/discounted rate.

I'll let you know how I get on...

Captaincodpiece

Jonny_P wrote: »

Thanks for the response Gilbert - I guess it's what I was expecting - but at the same time hoping there would be some leverage to get The Car People to take some responsibility and repair at cost/discounted rate.

I'll let you know how I get on...

So you want to pay them to paint the car again, given their previous attempt?

Jonny_P_3

... and do a decent job this time.

Captaincodpiece

Jonny_P wrote: »

... and do a decent job this time.

I wouldn't trust them, you'll be in the same position in 18 months time. Take it to someone who knows what they're doing and not just tarting it up to sell.