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Inthlight

We reciently purchased a newly imported 08 mark x from a dealer, the car was leaking and needed to be brought back for repairs, opon collection the car did not start as the new battery the dealer put in was dead, we charged up the battery but had to call AA twice as the battery again went flat, this is after long enough trips to charge it. The AA rep did a battery drain test and found it was drawing .69 A. I called the dealer and he said he can't help as they don't have an electrical mechanic and if they took it to someone it would taken them 10hrs and it would cost too much, what are our rights with this? We only have the car a few weeks. Thanks

Anon

Hi there,
The dealer must remedy the fault or authorise to pay someone to find and remedy the fault, under the CGA the vehicle must be fit for purpose. Cost is not an acceptable excuse, if the dealer won't fix the vehicle, then you may need to let them know that you will get it fixed and he will be billed or the matter will be taken to the disputes tribunal to seek reimbursement. https://www.consumerprotection.govt.nz/get-guidance/buying-maintaining-and-renting-a-car/solving-issues-with-your-car-dealer/

Inthlight

Thanks Cade, the dealer said it 'could' be the car alarm and suggested that he could turn this off and it should solve the issue. Even if it does solve the issue we are without the alarm and this is a problem if we want to sell it in the future, does your advice still stand given this?

Anon

It could well be the alarm, but if it is a feature of the car listed when you purchased it, then it should work and correctly. The fault needs to be diagnosed correctly to eliminate all guesswork.