Used car fault - do I approach dealer or warranty provider to rectify fault

Ella_fella

I bought a used car from a car dealership about a week ago, they trade off a forecourt so don't have their own dedicated repair shop - have mentioned this as believe it's pivotal to the next part of my post.

So I check my car over this weekend after doing 100 miles since I bought the car, the car dealer claimed that they changed the oil prior to myself receiving the car (presumably they use another garage to do this), but the oil level was only three quarters full on inspection so I now cynically doubt that this was ever done. There is still a quiet grinding noise when I brake which I asked them to rectify when I test drove the car.

Much more importantly, I couldn't see any coolant in the expansion tank, took about 500ml of coolant to get it to the reach the maximum level. 

I'm now worried that there is a head gasket issue or something still significant like a severe water pump leak, in either event something which should not have been present in the car when they sold it to me.

The car dealer gave me a copy of a warranty when I bought the car, I've now googled reviews of the warranty company which are abysmal - having to pay upfront for the repairs then having to chase continually to get reimbursed is the common theme. 

I would like help in understanding what my rights are please, can I force the dealership to take my car and repair it at their cost at whatever garage they choose to take it to? Or will they insist I claim under the warranty and state they don't have repair facilities? I would prefer the former given the warranty company feedback.

I also understand I could threaten to make the dealer give me a full refund as within 30 days but then I have no car before Xmas which they probably know too. 

TIA 

Ayr_Rage

If the oil is clean and clear then it probably wasn't filled to the maximum, far better than being overfilled.

As for the coolant, once again you don't know if it has dropped in those 100 miles or just wasn't checked prior to handover.

Is there any sign of oil/water emulsion under the oil filler cap and has the vehicle overheated at all?

Is the heater working normally?

My opinion is that you do not have a right to reject at the moment as apart from the brake noise issue you haven't actually any proof that the vehicle is faulty.

Get them to fix the brake noise issue as that was pointed out before delivery, as for your other suspicions only time will tell.

sheslookinhot

What's more important getting the car right or having something in your driveway over Christmas ? Deal with the car issues, if there are any, first and foremost.