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'Wakefield'

We have a 2006 Outlander CVT with 94669kms on the clock. Recently it has developed a slight noise and when we took it to the Mitsubishi dealer they diagnosed a problem in the transmission - possibly a bearing. They need to have it repaired in Wellington (we live in Wanganui) and the cost could be $5000 + !!! We have heard from another dealer too that this is an uncommon problem. It is well out of Warranty but have we any comeback under the Consumer Guarantees Act? Should this problem have occurred?

Mrs Winsome Wake

Anon

The CGA doesn't have a defined time but it is by no means endless. I don't believe you have a strong case as your vehicle is already 7 years old and long out of the manufacturer’s warranty period but if you are to take this matter further the CGA route is the correct one to use. You can contact the Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal to have your case heard in court.

If you bought the vehicle new and always serviced at a Mitsubishi dealer it should work in your favour.

The transmission is a mechanical item and it is possibly a bearing has failed - but it will need to be stripped to determine the fault.