Car repairs - any advice gratefully received

Cholding

Two months ago, our car engine blew. We had owned the car for 12 months having bought it for £3750 from a local mechanic. After much consideration and advice from the mechanic we decided to get a new engine for our Zafira and got it sourced and fit for £1800, which included new water pumps, radiator etc. The work was all carried out by the same mechanic we bought the car from. Well yesterday, when we were driving back from Yorkshire the new engine blew out on the motorway. Radiator has split and the new engine is now a write off! This is exactly what happened to the last engine. Is there anything we can do about it? Does any fault lie with the mechanic or are we just ridiculously unlucky? Any help/advice would be gratefully appreciated

Quentin

Probably too late for any complaint over the first blow out


But you look to have one about this recent issue over the faulty radiator

Cholding

The radiator is under warranty but does that just cover the cost of the part (£99!) or the cost of the damage caused by that part failing (the whole engine!)?

chrisw

A split radiator on its own wouldn't write off an engine.

You would have to drive some distance ignoring the flashing warning lights and steam coming from under the bonnet. Even at that point, the cylinder head might have to be replaced if the overheating had damaged it, but you'd have to drive further still with much clattering noise to write the engine off.

It would also be a hell of a coincidence to have it happen twice in a short space of time.

Did the mechanic actually replace the engine the first time? Is there some other fault he bodge repaired? Might be worth getting a second opinion if you can.

Jackmydad

As chrisw says above, having a radiator go shouldn't automatically wreck the engine.
Had the coolant and oil been checked recently? I'd be checking every day with a "new" engine.

couriervanman

When you bought the car of the local mechanic did he have a garage or was he a diy home mechanic
Either way buying a car that age first thing too do is book in for full service and check


"Does any fault lie with the mechanic or are we just ridiculously unlucky?"......Think we know the answer....find a new mechanic

Cholding

No a local mechanic who runs his own garage. Have receipts for all work completed