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I brought a second hand car from a dealer in Upper Hutt 6 months ago. Its just failed a warrant check because the seat belt was frayed. My mechanic said I should go back to the dealer because this couldn't have happened within 6 months and they should pay for the repair. How does this work under the Consumer Guarantees act?

Hi there,
The CGA states that the vehicle must be durable, and fit for purpose. Any faults should be taken into account based on the age, mileage, and price paid for the vehicle. Ask, would it be reasonable for this problem to happen to this vehicle, or one of the same year? The CGA doesn't have an expiry date, so it would be worth speaking to the dealer.
More info can be found on: http://www.consumerprotection.govt.nz/for-consumers/motor-vehicles/got-a-problem

A friend of mine brought a low km's van and imported it from Japan, when he took it for a warrant, it failed seat belt and pedal rubbers, he subsequently found out the vehicle had done 300,000+kms.