Used car rights

harg7769

I have bought a used Alpina D3 (07 plate 94k miles) last week from a second hand car dealer. The car was Mot'd and serviced before I picked it up.

Since I got the car, the diesel particulate filter warning has come on. I did try the usual trick of taking it for a run up the motorway but it's not going off so I am now worried that the dpf is going to need replaced.

Do I have any rights to take it back and ask them to fix it or even reject the car? There was no evidence of the problem during the test drive.

Mankysteve

not sure about exact legal situation I do know SOGA applies to used cars from a dealer. someone will be long with better knowledge in that area tan myself

As for the motor way trick it need to be done in a lower gear than your normally would for motorway driving a fast A road with some bends to get the engine really working nice and hot and hard works better.

Le_Kirk

If it was serviced before you picked it up, ask to see the service sheet and compare it to the actual requirements for the service at the appropriate mileage. If it should have been changed and wasn't - you have a case.

Strider590

Mankysteve wrote: »

not sure about exact legal situation I do know SOGA applies to used cars from a dealer. someone will be long with better knowledge in that area tan myself

As for the motor way trick it need to be done in a lower gear than your normally would for motorway driving a fast A road with some bends to get the engine really working nice and hot and hard works better.

This.

A lot of people think this "trick" is the same as doing an "Italian tune up" on a petrol engine, but it's not at all. You need constant speed and a fairly consistent RPM.

harg7769

Strider590 wrote: »

This.

A lot of people think this "trick" is the same as doing an "Italian tune up" on a petrol engine, but it's not at all. You need constant speed and a fairly consistent RPM.

That was my thought too. I did a 60 miles round trip from Glasgow to Edinburgh on the M8 in 4th between 2500 - 3500 run thinking that would force regeneration but it didn't make a difference.

almillar

Before you waste any more diesel trying to clear a fault that can't be cleared, check your manual. For example if it's lit up orange maybe it's blocked, take it for a run, if it's red maybe it's an actual fault. The manual might give the best advice for burning off in your specific car.

harg7769

Just an update on this. I took it back to the dealer and he agreed that the car need to be looked at so,he took it to a diesel specialist he uses. The filter was cleaned and the flash plugs replaced. I got the car back and it was fine for one day before the warning light came on again.

I have now asked for a refund as I say it's a fault. He's arguing it's just a warning and if I drove the car as recommended it would go away. Unfortunately I don't have the time or money to take the car for 60 mile round tips at 2500 rpm two to three times a week. He has asked to take it back to his guy again in case it's the sensor that is at fault. I'd have rather just handed it back but I have agreed to this on the understanding that if it happens again , I'll expect a full refund.

The Consumer Rights Act 2015 says goods must be as described, fit for purpose and of satisfactory quality. As my argument is that it isn't a satisfactory quality when a warning light comes on repeatedly, I can't see where he has an argument.

macman

Did you enquire as to whether the vehicle had any known faults before you agreed to purchase?

harg7769

No, would that make a difference? The advert described it as being in excellent condition and without stripping the car, I am not sure how we would stalls have the issue with the DP? The car didn't report any problems and has the dpf due for service at 120k. As it has done 94k I was expecting to have to deal with it in a couple of years, not a couple of days.

jimjames

If you're not doing the mileage to regenerate the dpf then is a diesel the right option anyway?

harg7769

My last car was a diesel too. I had to take it for a ten minute drive up the motorway about once every7-8 weeks. I've had this car ten days and it's been from Glasgow to Edinburgh and back three times and the filter has come on the following day.

I can adjust but taking a 60 mile detour is a bit excessive to keep a car happy.