Car Finance - Voluntary Termination query

[Deleted User]

Hi, so a year and a half ago I brought a Fiat 500 on finance. On Monday the car literally exploded and part of the engine fell out. 
I have been told that I cannot bring a case against the dealership for the car not being acceptable for use as it's too long after I brought it and as it's still on finance my only option is to VT. BUT I will liable for damages. The car is worth £1800 and the engine will need replacing and will cost around £3000 to fix. I cannot afford this but the finance company said I would be liable for the damages. I have really looked after this car and loved it so much. It was just an unforeseen incident. Is there anything I can do to avoid charges as I really cannot afford them? 

Over the last 3/4 months, I have paid £1200 because the warning lights have constantly been on. But now this happens, I'm now left without a car and no options for any help. I'm really upset as I have been helping several elderly people with shopping, etc., throughout this pandemic, but as I'm on my own, I have no help myself. SO any advice would be great.

Thanks for your help. 

k3lvc

How old ? Still under warranty (either Fiat or an aftermarket one ?)

If not under any warranty then you've taken the risk and it hasn't paid off in this case. As they've told you your can only VT a working/roadworthy car so it's a case of either repair then keep/VT or sell as is and realise you'll have to clear the outstanding finance as you sell

I'm sure others who know the Fiat 500 will be along soon by £3k for a re-con engine seems fairly steep - which year/engine is it ?


 

The_Fat_Controller

What were the warning lights related to ?

What faults were fixed for that £1200 ?

If they are related to what has subsequently failed, take it up with the garage, you may have some recourse there.

ndf9876

What about your car insurance - I assume you have Comprehensive cover as your vehicle is on finance, so minus an excess and perhaps a hit to your premiums, is that an option?

k3lvc

ndf9876 said:

What about your car insurance - I assume you have Comprehensive cover as your vehicle is on finance, so minus an excess and perhaps a hit to your premiums, is that an option?

Unless the OP hit something which caused the engine to 'explode and fall out' I can't imagine this is an insurance issue

[Deleted User]

k3lvc said:

How old ? Still under warranty (either Fiat or an aftermarket one ?)

If not under any warranty then you've taken the risk and it hasn't paid off in this case. As they've told you your can only VT a working/roadworthy car so it's a case of either repair then keep/VT or sell as is and realise you'll have to clear the outstanding finance as you sell

I'm sure others who know the Fiat 500 will be along soon by £3k for a re-con engine seems fairly steep - which year/engine is it ?


 

Okay, so the car is a 

Fiat 500 Hatchback 1.3 Multijet (95bhp) Sport 3d 2011/11

Its not under warranty, the dealership only gave me a 3 months warranty and within the first 2 months it went back to the garage a couple of times. 

[Deleted User]

The_Fat_Controller said:

What were the warning lights related to ?

What faults were fixed for that £1200 ?

If they are related to what has subsequently failed, take it up with the garage, you may have some recourse there.

The warning lights were the Start/Stop light, Engine Light, Generic warning light and ABS
They changed the battery and it seemed to work for a month.

So for £1,200 It had the brake discs and pads changed, both suspensory arms, battery, fuses changed. Then it was due to have a new accelerator pedal and glow plugs fitted for a further £447 but before that could happen it went bang. 

[Deleted User]

ndf9876 said:

What about your car insurance - I assume you have Comprehensive cover as your vehicle is on finance, so minus an excess and perhaps a hit to your premiums, is that an option?

My car insurance said they would only help in the case of an accident and yes I am fully comprehensive. 

Thrugelmir

No issues were noted when the car was serviced? 

foxy-stoat

Yeah, its 10 years old.  Try and find an engine from a running breaker, ebay they are £700-£1500, get that fitted and keep driving it until the finance is up.  Or keep paying the finance until its paid in full and sell it for spares/repair but in the meantime find a cheap car to drive.

Barny1979

What's left on the finance?