Am I being fobbed off by second hand car garage.

Am I being fobbed off by second hand car garage.

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Ash137

Original Poster:

1 posts

3 months

Tuesday 3rd September
quotequote all
I admit it, I'm a woman! No dad no partner, no one to ask so I'm hoping someone here can help.

Brought a car August 2023 2015 reg, 34,000 miles spent £10,000 came with 12 month warranty was from a big second hand retailer. A month after the garage I brought it from closed so I had to start using the parent company to help. Was having issues with suspension, lots of noise very bumpy ride etc rang company pre christmas couldn't get me in. Rang in the Jan couldn't see the car till April. Saw the car told me there was nothing wrong, staff couldnt hear or see what I was talking about, but they had greased the bushes for me a week later noises back took the car back, again it's all in your head but we have greased it again.

During these first 12 months I've had to replace two tyres one front one back. MOT is done it fails on brakes and 2 tyres with advisories for front suspension, and brake issues. I contacted company and they said well we aren't actually doing anything about warranties at the moment because we are the parent company we aren't taking the vehicles back to be inspected. I complained to head office was told I would hear back within 24 hours shockingly I didn't.

Fast forward 10 days the garage rings me, says car is under warranty and we will have a look now so bring it in. I take it in and low and behold they now see the problems with the suspension. They will probably cover the costs so book in they will check and ring me. They rang first offering me a courtesy car for the week whilst the work is done then realising they had left message for wrong person, they would not be covering the work but they will send me a quote for the repairs.

They are saying it is not covered under the warranty but have offered me £50 as a good will gesture.

Would I have a case with the ombudsman? Within 6 months of purchase I advised garage there seemed to be a problem. I was lied to and told there was not, these suspension issues will and have caused further damage to the car especially wheels which I've spent £500 on since car purchase. I was wondering if it would fall under consumer rights act if not the warranty?


StuTheGrouch

5,816 posts

169 months

Tuesday 3rd September
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It sounds like they have strung you along a bit, but ultimately these are consumable parts (tyres and brakes especially) so wouldn't normally be covered through warranties.

Personally, I would take it to a nearby garage that you can trust and have it checked out there. Hopefully, it won't be anything more serious than an anti-roll bar link. You will have very little success with this parent company over a year after you bought the car, even though you had reported issues within the 12 month timeframe.

Can you post the list of advisories?

blue_haddock

3,866 posts

74 months

Tuesday 3rd September
quotequote all
9 year old cars will need parts replacing and nothing you have mentioned would be classed as warranty as they are consumable items so your best off finding a decent local garage and getting them to do the work needed.