Ask an expert


akistreet

Hi. there

Thank you for your professional advice on cars, I really appreciate your work.

A couple of days ago, I bought a car with some noise from a car yard.
The deal promised that he would change engine oil and get their mechanic to have a look at the car which produces some noise next time I visit the city (I don't live in the city where the dealer is based)- I gather it is something to do with an alternate belt and wheel bearing (2 different types of noises).
The car is a trade-in car.

Do we have a consumer right to take it back for a refund if they fail to remedy the issues or get the money back say within 2 weeks of purchase?

Also, is there any website which has information about market car prices?

Cheers

Anon

Hello I have found this extract in the CGA with regards to minor faults, you must give the dealer the first right of repair.

If your vehicle has a minor issue after purchase

The dealer must get any repairs done within a reasonable time. Be sure to tell them when you need the car back by. Ask for a 'courtesy car' while they repair the vehicle, although a dealer is not legally responsible for providing one.

If you agree to repairs and they don't fix the problem properly, or the vehicle develops further faults, your rights continue. You can choose your remedy options again until your problem is sorted. But if you misuse a vehicle, the CGA doesn’t apply.

If the dealer refuses, fails to do the repairs or doesn’t do them in a reasonable time, you can choose to:
•have the vehicle repaired elsewhere and claim the cost back from the dealer
•reject the vehicle and claim a refund or a replacement of the same type and similar value if it is available in stock.

As far as market value you could use Trade me as a starting point to gauge market value.

akistreet

Thank you Ian for getting back to me with the comprehensive response.
Another thing I noted on their advert is that the car is "fully serviced".
But AA picked up that it was not the case and the car has not been serviced for the last 20,000k.
I think this is a breach of the Fair Trading Act. Can I go back to the car yard to request to have the car fully serviced as well?

Regards

Aki