VAG main dealer going back on the agreed deal after the deposit has been paid

DontAcceptBullying

Hi Everyone, 

After a disappointing experience for my son with the purchase of his first 'new' (second hand car) for his new degree apprenticeship that starts in September, I wanted to understand if he has any comeback on one of the VAG dealers.

Basically the 8 year old car was purchased from the main (VAG) dealer on the condition that it had either had had a replacement cam belt fitted or if it hadn't that they would fit a replacement belt at no extra cost. The deal was done so my son had confidence in the car, deposit paid and my son was to await confirmation when the car would be ready.

The following day, my son was in formed that the main dealer that they didn't believe that the replacement belt was due and bluntly informed my son that they wouldn't do it. I stepped in and a number of calls later, rising up two layers of management, all he was offered was a top up on the fuel tank (approximately £40).

Under the trade descriptions act or similar, does he have any comeback against these main dealer bullies through the small claims court for the cost of the cam belt?

Your assistance would be appreciated. Thank you

MeteredOut

"..on the condition that it had either had had a replacement cam belt fitted or if it hadn't that they would fit a replacement belt at no extra cost."

Where was that condition documented?

SaverRate

I believe VAG have changed their cambelt intervals (depending on model and year) which have resulted in the intervals being extended. Could this have caused the change of mind by the dealership?

Have you asked what the cambelt change intervals are?

DontAcceptBullying

@MeteredOut , The condition was part of the sale, agreed by a hand shake and backed up with an email. They have not denied the agreement was made, they now just refuse to do it.

DontAcceptBullying

@SaverRate, The intervals have changed from 4 years to 5 to 6..... Unfortunately I have experience of one going and writing off the engine! The main dealer eventually paid for it as it was under warranty. 

My issue that they have gone back on the agreement and cost my son £600 to £800! 

MeteredOut

DontAcceptBullying said:

@MeteredOut , The condition was part of the sale, agreed by a hand shake and backed up with an email. They have not denied the agreement was made, they now just refuse to do it.

Can you post the wording on the email that confirmed it?

Small claims court is always an option.

sheramber

Who brought up the question of the cambt?

Was the agreement made on the assumption that it was due to/ overdue?

When is it due to be replaced?

photome

DontAcceptBullying said:

@SaverRate, The intervals have changed from 4 years to 5 to 6..... Unfortunately I have experience of one going and writing off the engine! The main dealer eventually paid for it as it was under warranty. 

My issue that they have gone back on the agreement and cost my son £600 to £800! 

   Most VAG cam belt intervals were 5 years but have now been changed to lifetime or 150000 miles I think

DontAcceptBullying

@sheramber, I brought it up as a condition to buy the car as they couldn't confirm that it had been done since new. They initially said it should be done after 6 years (hence they would check and replace if it hadn't been done) but now suggest there isn't an interval!? They sorted the scratches and confirmed the window screen was ok, just back tracked on the cam belt.

Aylesbury_Duck

Surely you just walk away with your deposit returned?  

eskbanker

Aylesbury_Duck said:

Surely you just walk away with your deposit returned?  

I'd have thought that this would be an option as far as the dealer is concerned but suspect that OP's hope is for there to be some way of enforcing the originally-agreed deal?