HELP! Bought a car 4 weeks ago - snapped clutch cable

Babybear83

Hi,


I am currently learning to drive so my husband thought it best I buy a little run around to help build my confidence on the roads, so I bought a second hand car at the end of June - (1997 polo, 55,000 miles, one owner). I have been out four times, mainly driving around town we live in and not far. Yesterday the clutch cable snapped and we had to call out the AA.


I spoke to the car dealer yesterday and explained that it needed to be repaired and since it was under 30 days old it can still be done on warranty. He agreed to pick the car up tonight and get it sorted.


I've phoned again today to arrange a time for him to pick the car up, and he's since informed me that he has been doing some research of his own, and a clutch cable replacement comes under 'serviceable items' so he will get it fixed, but he is going to have to charge me.


He is unaware how much this is going to cost at the moment.


When I bought the car I was told that the MOT had just been done, and everything was OK.


I just want to know where I stand with any legal rights I have? If I have to pay, I will pay, but I don't want to be ripped off if this is something the car dealer should be doing for free?


Any help would be appreciated.


Thanks

Hong_Kong_Phooey.

A twenty year old car will be expected to have some wear and tear. It probably been owned by a pensioner who used the clutch pedal as a footrest for the 2000 odd mikes they drove every year.

caprikid1

It is a 20 year old car, how much did you pay ? I don't think its unreasonable to state wear and tear but under the new consumer regulations you may have more clout given the time period. I would not expect a clutch cable for a car this old to be more than £100 fitted. It might be worthwhile just getting a mobile mechanic. I had it happen in the past and I have such a common car the breakdown fitted it there and then.

bertiewhite

Babybear83 wrote: »

When I bought the car I was told that the MOT had just been done, and everything was OK.

An MOT is only an indication of a vehicle's safety on the day it is tested and as far as I am aware, clutch cables aren't tested items.

You might get further if you ask the dealer nicely if he can meet you halfway on the bill as a gesture of goodwill?

Herzlos

Yeah you're largely at the mercy of good will on this one. Whilst it shouldn't have snapped that quickly, it's possible it's been sat for a few years and seemed fine until you started practicing in it.

Get a quote from a local independent on how much it'll cost to fix, and see what the dealer will offer you (he may waive the labour costs, for instance). Then go with whoever is cheapest.

DoaM

A clutch cable shouldn't be expensive at all (You can get one for <£30 on Ebay).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hip3hzKF5d4 ... video on replacing a cable.

bmw528i

so what if the car is 20 years old. The OP has only had the car for 4 weeks and driven it very little, they bought from a garage, I'd expect the garage to put it right.

OP what type of garage was it, I'd go in and make a fuss, at best you supply the part if it's so cheap and they fit it.

Herzlos

OP is a learner driver, learning to drive in said 20 year old car (with an average of 2k miles/year on it) and a wear and tear item has failed. A dirt cheap one at that. Dealer can easily claim that (a) wear and tear isn't covered and (b) it's the 4 weeks of learning to drive that's worn it.

If you can get it repaired for under £100, is it worth the hassle (and cost) of trying to get the money out of the dealer?

bmw528i

and another way to look at it is, if it's only £100 then surely the dealer should put it right to show goodwill.

DoaM

Dealer should charge retail for the part and waive the labour. So about £50. (That's my "reasonable person" view of this).

molerat

Last time I had a clutch cable go was as I was driving into Tesco. Walked to Halfords* and got new cable, walked back, fitted it, on way 30 minutes after failure

* Other car parts suppliers are available.