Car been in garage 3 weeks help...

Thriftkitten · 3 August 2015 at 9:50AM

Hi I am after some advice please,
I purchased a second hand mini cooper back in the middle of June from a used mini dealership, we agreed that the car would go in on a scheduled date to have the clutch replaced and that I could drive the car in the mean time until the mechanic could fit me in... I drive the car for about 2 weeks and on the scheduled clutch day as I was driving the car to the garage the power steering pump packed up leaving the car un driveable so to speak... I managed to get it back to the dealership, explained what had happened and was told not to worry as the power steering pump part would still be under warranty as was only done by the old owner 6 months previously...
When I purchased this mini we agreed a 3 month mechanical warranty, so I wasn't worried... Long story short the dealership contacted the garage that replaced the power steering part and they agreed on inspection that they would replace it if indeed faulty.
The car has been with the garage for 3 weeks today, I just rang for an update and the only work that has been done on the car is 2 tappits changed, the clutch has NOT yet been done and the new power steering pump has not yet been re fitted, I said I wasn't happy that it had taken 3 weeks and been left without any mode of transport and how much longer (daughter scheduled for surgery on the 10th more than 80 miles away) Mechanic said it will not be done by then and hopes to have another go at it this week sometime, but that I need to speak to the dealership as it wont be done by then... I have spoken to the dealership guy and played coy, he didnt know i had rang garage for an update... He told me a completely different story that my car is booked in for a full days work to finish the new clutch, and the power steering on the 6th... I did come clean and explain that I received a very different story from the mechanic, he assured me the car WOULD be done in time and still will NOT offer any kind of courtesy car if not... I am so depleted with all of this not to mention worried that I may not have transport for my daughters surgery...
My question is, what are my rights? if any...
I have stated that if car not done by 10th it wil be a month that it has been gone and that if no courtesy car I would like a full refund as only drove the car for nearly 2 weeks, yet i am paying tax and insurance on a car that is not with me. He agreed if not done by 7th a full refund would be given.
Is there a way through either my fully comp insurance that I could request a courtesy car? or through my break down?

rich13348 · 3 August 2015 at 9:57AM

I don't think your insurance will give you a hire car as you would need to make a claim and you have nothing to claim for...in their eyes. Also some breakdown cover will provide a hire vehicle but only if they attend the breakdown.

forgotmyname · 3 August 2015 at 5:20PM

Ask for your money back now and buy from elsewhere. Im sure they will manage to bring the repairs forward.

Thriftkitten · 6 August 2015 at 7:54AM

I did, the dealership man said, if it isn't fixed by the 7th Aug then he will " Buy it back off me".... which sounds fishy.... why not say, " I'll give you a refund"... that sounds to me like he would be giving me a lower price back probably minus the cost of what he is paying the mechanic for.

rich13348 · 6 August 2015 at 2:42PM

I guess you will find out tomorrow then. When you go back hold firm demand what you paid for it back as you haven't driven at all (well two weeks but that's neither here nor their with tyre wear and added mileage)