Second Hand Car Woes! Need Help Fast!!

marko2002

Guys, hoping someone may be able to advise on this one as I probably don't have much time to act.

Basically I bought a second hand car on Friday 15th February for £3,000 - test drove it - fine, inspected it - fine and so I bought it. Come Sunday 17th the car was running like a bag of spanners and the emissions control light was illuminated.

Cut a long story short, I called out the AA and they diagnosed it as a Cylinder Head Gasket problem as I was loosing coolant way too fast. The AA also noticed a leak from the rear end of the exhaust system. The AA offered to tow it back to the dealer for me and challenge them, and as I had a months warranty on it they agreed to take it and have it sorted. They kept the car for a week and I was told to collect the car yesterday (Friday 22nd).

Car ran fine yesterday and travelled around 50 miles today although now the emissions control light is back on although the car doesn't seem to have been affected running wise or anything.

I have lost any confidence in the car I may have had to be honest and simply want to know if I can (LEGALLY) demand a full refund. I live in Scotland so not sure if the laws here and different from the rest of the UK.

Any advice greatly appreciated.
A very nervous and fustrated second car owner!.
Marko

jeannieblue

I don't know the law...

First, I would just ask them, nicely - and see what they say - and then, hopefully, someone may have some constructive advice for you.

jeannieblue

If its a Rover or a Freelander - make them take it back!

marko2002

nah, it's a Vauxhall Omega

jeannieblue

Doesn't hurt to ask them. And hopefully, in the meantime, you can find out your rights.

Anything in the paperwork?

marko2002

scouring over it all just now jb, but I'm guessing they won't offer a refund in their terms! I think statute law is my only hope on this one, but I'm planning to return to the dealer tomorrow and put my request to them.

jeannieblue

You might get lucky with some advice on here. They are very good - some are bad!

Its probably a bit quiet at the moment - as I will be, due to time of day - I've gotta go cook the dinner - plus sport etc on TV! Forum will liven up soon! Gets real busy in the early hours I've noticed!

I'll be back later when fed and watered to see if someone has some info for you.

Good luck

tomstickland

Ask the garage to fix the problem. Things do go wrong with cars.

marko2002

Looked over terms of sale, nothing unusual there - all the same bumf about not affecting your statutory rights blah blah, I would type it but I'd be here all night and would bore everyone to tears!

marko2002

tomstickland wrote: »

Ask the garage to fix the problem. Things do go wrong with cars.

I'm really not that naive honestly, but when a cylinder head goes after 2 days of owning it and 20 miles drivin it does make you wonder if they knew what they sold. After they kept the car for a week the same warning light as before is on after 1 day of collecting the car. In my opinion, this isn't value for £3,000 - and I'm wondering what exactly was done to the car in the week they had it - I might bite the bullet and pay the £170 odds for a full AA inspection, at the end of the day I might be down £170 but at least I'd probably know a lot more about the car and any other potential faults which could decide for me if I keep the car or demand a full refund.

hartcjhart

ask them if they had the head skimmed when they did the gasket if not that could mean that the gasket is on its way again