Second hand car warranty

samc54

Hello,

I have recently brought a second hand car. With the car I got an AXA 12 month warranty gold. I am having a few issues with the car and took it back to them to look at. They have pretty much told me that there is nothing wrong with it which I do disagree with but as I don't know a lot about cars they are making me feel a bit silly. The problems are intermittent and haven't seemed to happen when they have looked at it which is typical. From what I understand the warranty only comes into effect if the vehicle breaks down. I'm not sure where I stand if I want to take it to a different garage for a second opinion and find that there is something wrong with it.

Any advice is greatly appreciated as I feel out of my depth at the moment. Thank you.

verityboo

What are the problems you are experiencing?

samc54

There is a squealing noise that seems to come from under the bonnet when I use the clutch for around the first 10 minutes of driving. Only happened a couple of times to begin with but is now getting worse. However they have said that they took it out twice and there was no noise.

I also seem to think that there is a problem with the electrics as a couple of times when I have put the headlights on no lights on the dash board have lit up. Also the headlights seem to dip when I put the car in reverse or indicate however I have been told this is normal. Yet it's not happened in any other cars I have driven and when I have told other people they don't seem to think it is normal either.

molerat

Some modern cars have adaptive or automatic headlights which do some strange things, the French seem to have it down to a fine art. There should be no reason for you to have main beams on when reversing so it could switch them off and they turn towards the way you are indicating. Read the handbook. What car is it ?

The noise sounds like the clutch release bearing squealing when cold. You need to leave it with the garage overnight so they can check it from cold or do a sound recording of it yourself.

samc54

I meant when I drive with dipped headlights on they dim more on one side when I put the car in reverse or indicate and turn. It doesn't seem to happen all the time from what i can see. it just really distracting but I'm sure I will get used to it if it supposed to happen.

The car is a 2007 Renault Clio.

They have had it overnight and said they took it out twice to test and there was no issue. Looks like they are keeping it again tonight as they have a another issue to fix which they have ordered a part for so they may try it again in the morning. If not I will record the sound and will take it back again.

david_a

Warranties usually only cover against a sudden and unforeseen failure. An intermittent fault won't be covered. By all means go to another garage so at least you know what you are dealing with. If you then feel that these problems affect the driving of the car you can then go back to the dealer.

Remember a warranty is in addition to your rights.

forgotmyname

Headlights or DRL's? DRL's dimming when indicating maybe the design.

bigjl

forgotmyname wrote: »

Headlights or DRL's? DRL's dimming when indicating maybe the design.

Not on a 2007 Clio. Unless somebody has fitted aftermarket ones.

Never had similar issues with out old Clio, that was a year older and a diesel.

Clutch squealing sounds like the release bearing is failing, though it is difficult to be specific without seeing the car.

saveallmymoney

Could all these symptoms be a slipping alternator belt?

samc54

Thank you for all your advice.

Waiting to hear from them to see when I can pick it up. Think it will just be a case of being persistent with them.

If it is the clutch release bearing will the whole clutch need replacing? Would this be seen as wear and tear? I'm just thinking of the clutch completely goes will I be able to claim this on the warranty I have?

bigjl

You can just replace the release bearing.

Though due to the labour involved most people change everything.