Faulty car

jaybeetoo

A few years ago I was helping my younger son look for a used car. We ruled out Cinch because of the lack of information on their web site about service history. I assume they buy cars at auction, give them a good clean and a cursory inspection before selling them on at a profit. It’s always buyer beware. I wouldn’t buy a second hand car without seeing it and driving it first. Always take a knowledgable friend with you who will tell you the truth.

GDB2222

Undoubtedly, a knowledgeable buyer would look through the service history, but surely the point of the CRA is that it places quite a lot of the burden on the seller?

Personally, I’d contact Cinch, tell them that I’d just had to replace the timing belt after 5000 miles and ask them to show that it had in fact been replaced in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. At 60,000 miles. If it wasn’t, or they can’t prove it was, they may simply cave in.

Incidentally the op should ask the mechanic whether he thinks the belt may have been severely worn at time of purchase. He may have a view.

PTP123

Technically the belt started to perish the day it was fitted so I'm not sure you can use that as an argument.

born_again

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82140591#Comment_82140591

2 services in 81K miles should have been a walk away.

Soarfree

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82140695#Comment_82140695

thank you yes I have asked that waiting for response

Altior

These vehicles are a trap for the unwary, as the whole industry is fully aware. Consequently, to the unwary, they can look tremendous value in searches compared to those with standard belts.

It can be looked at both ways, as there is potential value but anyone knowledgeable about that engine and planning to retain the vehicle, with no evidence of the belt having being changed would change it asap, by default.

The retailer hasn't done anything wrong in selling it, but they are gambling that the engine won't fail soon after handing it over. I suppose if they are turning over high numbers, the risk is factored in. An indy forecourt would typically ordinarily stay away from the 1.2 puretech, but the few ones brave enough to persist would need evidence that the belt had recently be replaced, or factored in a replacement before retailing it.

born_again

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82140916#Comment_82140916

Best quess is that it was a pcp/lease or WBAC car & owner never bothered with servicing

Given sister co's

WeBuyAnyCar, BCA (British Car Auctions),

Altior

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82140982#Comment_82140982

Quite possibly. In most cases, owners will keep to the maintenance schedule to maintain manufacturer warranty, or to avoid charges at the end of a finance agreement and handover.

Strongly suspect that the purchaser here got a relative 'bargain' (finance aside), but they didn't know why it was such. It's like buying a cat s in many respects, the purchase price is lower but it contains inherent risk. Only in this case, there is no automated alert system for a wet belt, it's simply reflected in the comparatively discounted price.