Help/Advice PLEASE re New Car problems.

Miniminxie

I'm not sure where to go with this and thought I might tap into the wisdom of MSE (If it's in the wrong area can you put it in the right place please?)

 In March this year, I bought a brand new plug-in car.  Before a week had elapsed I got lots of 'odd' warnings popping up every time I drove it. So I took it back to the dealer who thought it might be due to cold weather or bright sunlight, Sounds crazy, I know! but I was persuaded to take the car away and asked to return it if it didn't improve.

It got worse! Still putting up random safety 'warnings' every time I drove it. Eventually, in view of the safety concerns, the dealer agreed to lend me an inferior, but new petrol manual car pending repair.

I was assured that the necessary replacement 'part' would arrive on 17 May and would be installed by/on Friday 19th. I am still not sure exactly what the 'part' is. It is possibly the windscreen as the fault is allegedly to do with the cameras although I have been told it was a 'known' issue that happened to several cars in transit????

 On Friday 19th at 17:30!! the dealer's repair shop clerk phoned & said not that the car was ready for collection but that the part hadn't arrived!! To make matters worse she also stated that the next replacement part isn't expected until JULY!!!

My instinct is now to completely and utterly reject the car as not fit for purpose & demand my money back plus some compensation for being without my new car for such a long time.  (When/IF I get it back it won't be the 'NEW' car I bought, will it?)

Is this timescale acceptable or reasonable for a new car?

 Is this the sort of 'legal' thing my car insurers might deal with (I have legal expenses cover)

What would you do?

Thank you for reading

Aylesbury_Duck

Some car parts are in short supply at the moment, particularly electrical components.  They can't fit what they can't get.

Talk to them about your options, but I'd temper your expectations on compensation because you've had it: they've loaned you a car for the period.  If you end up keeping the electric car there's no harm in asking for something, e.g. a free service, but you're not entitled to compensation beyond what you've had already.

I don't understand your logic about it not being a new car when you get it back.  It will be.  In fact, it will be "newer" because you haven't put any mileage on it whilst it's been with the dealer, you've added the mileage and wear and tear to the loan car.

m0bov

Can you get your old car back? Can you reject and then whilst waiting for a replacement, get a loan car?

born_again

If they P/X there old car it will be long gone.
Many warranties do not cover a temp car, that is down to the dealer to sort. Given a lot are franchises, they may not want to stand the cost.

If OP rejects the car. They will have to fund a temp replacement. It would be a amazing dealer that would give anyone a loan car while waiting for another new car.

Miniminxie

Thank you for your thoughts I'm going to the showroom to speak to them this afternoon. I've got to the stage where I just want my money back. I'll find a different car I don't really want the faulty one back even after they've repaired it. I have lost confidence in it. I'd willingly have my old car back but pretty sure it will have been sold. "One careful owner, low mileage & looked smart"

Aylesbury_Duck

Don't be rushed into a decision. See what they say, what (if anything) they offer, walk away and sleep on it.

macman

Any refund would be subject to a deduction for the use you've had from it since March, which presumably isn't much.

Miniminxie

Thank you :)for replying.

I visited the dealers yesterday afternoon & put my case clearly & calmly to the manager who I was pleased to find understanding of my POV. He said I could have my money back if I wished, no problem, but asked for 48 hours to sort a remedy which I agreed to.

Miracles do happen! he's just phoned to say they have found a replacement part which will be couriered to them asap (By DHL not holding my breath on that!!) and that I may have my car back by the middle of next week.

Why this couldn't have been done sooner, I don't know.......