SEAT Ibiza engine failure at 37,000 miles

My 2009 SEAT Ibiza’s 1.4TSI engine has packed in after 37,000 mile. The car is out of warranty and supposedly out of SEAT's good will policy; will cost £5500 at least to replace. The car has had a full dealer’s service history since I bought it new.

I've quoted the sale of goods act but the dealer seems completely unmoved by the term fit for purpose or good quality. Supposedly the damage is due to a timing chain, tappets, piston o ring etc going. The car has always suffered high oil use and took it into the dealer several times to which they claimed this is normal. What can I do?

Asked on 10 April 2014 by Unhappy1.4TSiowner

Answered by Honest John

You could contend that the engine was never "of satisfactory quality" under the ruling in Clegg v Olle Andersson, House of Lords, 2014, citing the fact that VAG had to cease production of this engine in 2012 and replace it with the belt cam EA211 1.4TFSI.

Actually, the turbo/supercharged 'Twincharger' (which I think you have) has been such a disaster that the Fabia VRS was withdrawn, the Polo GTI was withdrawn, and VAG has even been buying back failed Fabia VRS models. A further part of the blame must be laid on 'Lifetime Service' oil changes which have clearly been totally inadequate, especially for twincharger engines that can add petrol to the sump oil.

Tags: legal and consumer advice technical issues

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