Faulty Beko tumble dryer in less than 2yrs

xxedrushxx

Our Beko tumble dryer purchased for £550 20mths ago has started making a loud grinding noise. I called Beko and they said because I didn't register for an additional 1yr guarantee that I must pay a standard £155 (30% of the appliance value). 

I tried to argue that I would expect an appliance to last longer, that 30% of the total cost to repair is excessive and that because I forgot to register I am now at a disadvantage compared to other customers (was having a kitchen extension at the time, so many things to manage).

I guess I am hitting my head against the wall with this and I have to suck up the charge. Any other suggestions to resolve or at least get repaired for less than that? 

(Just to add, I totally don't recommend Beko, I was already apprehensive but they were the only company that sold integrated heat pump dryers at that time!)

Penguin_

Are there any people local to you that could do a diagnostic report? After a certain period of time, the onus is on you to show the fault is not something you have caused. 

400ixl

Who did you buy it from?

You should be looking at them to resolve the problem under your consumer rights. You will likely have to get an independent report stating that is is in inherent fault which was there at the point of manufacturer (as in you haven't caused the issue).

They can then either repair, replace or refund. If the latter they can take into account the use you have had of it. So say it is expected to last 6 years then the fact you have had it for what will be 2 years, they can reduce the value by 33% for usage. Which unfortunately puts you back in the same position if the only option is refund.

Personally, all of Beko devices have laster longer that our expectations and been very good value for money. Our integrated fridge and freezer are both over 20 years old now and our washing machine over 10 years.

Ergates

xxedrushxx said:

Our Beko tumble dryer purchased for £550 20mths ago has started making a loud grinding noise. I called Beko and they said because I didn't register for an additional 1yr guarantee that I must pay a standard £155 (30% of the appliance value). 

I tried to argue that I would expect an appliance to last longer, that 30% of the total cost to repair is excessive and that because I forgot to register I am now at a disadvantage compared to other customers (was having a kitchen extension at the time, so many things to manage).

Your guarantee/warranty sits over and above your consumer rights so, as such, can have whatever conditions the warranty giver wants to attach (such as having to register).  

However, they cannot infringe/replace your consumer rights either - you still have those, and they sit with the retailer, not the manufacturer (unless you bought directly from the manufacturer).  As per what 400ixl says, after 6 month the retailer *may* ask for an independent report.  But they might not, so speak to them first and take it from there.

daveyjp

As above contact the retailer, but if it needs a repair £150 may be very good value as it could be a huge job.  Regardless of the actual problem if it has been used a lot  it will probably need a full clean inside which means a complete strip down, hours of work to do properly.

This is a decent youtube channel highlighting the issues around heatpump dryers.

https://youtu.be/AiWD8rqmQ6Y?si=MCmpyCBoWHDz1BuR

xxedrushxx

Thanks all for the advice. I'll give the retailer (Currys) a call and see what they say. Failing that I'll just try fix it myself using official spare parts 

Grumpy_chap

Is the £155 quoted as 30% of the appliance value, or is that simply how it happens to work out as a percentage?
Is the £155 a guaranteed fixed price repair?  If so, I'd say it is exceptionally good value for a Technician to attend your property, identify the fault, repair the fault.  Bear in mind that fixed price repair has to cover the easy fixes right through to the virtual machine rebuilds.  What warranty is then attached to the repair?