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.

Grey_Critic

Your initial complaint has to be directed at the dealer. Just because there is no workshop onsite soes not mean they do not have one. The warranty company will require an inspection and report before they will respond. Most of these warranties would reject a claim after just a week saying that the faults were there when you took delivery, the brake issue was there on the test drive.

shera12

Hi, I’d say you’re right to be cautious. Under UK law, a car must be of satisfactory quality when sold, so things like missing coolant or unresolved brake noise could be grounds for the dealer to fix it at their cost. You can request they repair it at a garage of their choice, but some dealers may push you toward using the warranty. If they refuse, you do have rights under the Consumer Rights Act, including a possible full refund within 30 days. Definitely document everything and get any communication in writing.

Ayr_Rage

shera12 said:

Hi, I’d say you’re right to be cautious. Under UK law, a car must be of satisfactory quality when sold, so things like missing coolant or unresolved brake noise could be grounds for the dealer to fix it at their cost. You can request they repair it at a garage of their choice, but some dealers may push you toward using the warranty. If they refuse, you do have rights under the Consumer Rights Act, including a possible full refund within 30 days. Definitely document everything and get any communication in writing.

Coolant and oil below the maximum level are not quality issues and the OP is only guessing about the lack of an oil change and possible head gasket, water pump or other reasons for coolant loss, if any.

Minor niggles don't give the right to reject.

However, knowing the vehicle had a brake noise issue the OP should not have taken delivery until that had been resolved, the consumer has to be savvy too.

PTP123

'' but the oil level was only three quarters full on inspection so I now cynically doubt that this was ever done''

I don't think the level on the stick being 3/4  means the oil level is at 3/4 full.

Mildly_Miffed

How old a vehicle are we talking about here?

The oil and coolant level are a bit low. Shoddy prep, but not a fault.

There may or may not be an issue with the brakes - it may be as simple as the discs are a bit worn and will need replacing with the pads next time. But you bought it in full knowledge of that noise, and it's simply a question of them having failed to do the agreed prep.

I presume it's old enough to be out of the manufacturer's warranty - but if we're talking about a 3yo car, then reasonable expectations are very different to a £2k 15yo one...

QrizB

shera12 said:

Hi, I’d say you’re right to be cautious. 

Hi, I'd say your reply was written by AI and is a breach of the forum rules.

See:

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/site/forum-faqs/

 This includes posts we believe have been generated by AI. Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool – MSE has its own AI features – but the Forum is a place for real people to share their experiences and insights.

forgotmyname

shera12 said:

Waffle.

Have you ever done an oil and coolant change on a car?  Perfectly normal for them to check the level is on max and for it to drop a little
as the air escapes and the oil circulates.

Nothing they have said so far shows any evidence that there is a fault other than a noise on the brakes which maybe just surface rust
on the discs because it's winter and the car was parked for a few days. Mines been parked for a week and has a surface rust on the
discs which will clear after a few decent brake applications.

No mention of when/where they checked the fluids. Outside my house looks level but depending on whether the dipstick is at the front
or rear of the engine it's enough of a slope to make a difference on a dipstick.

Mildly_Miffed

forgotmyname said:

Have you ever done an oil and coolant change on a car?  Perfectly normal for them to check the level is on max and for it to drop a little
as the air escapes and the oil circulates.

Usually because the filter is empty once first started...