My 06-plate Renault Grande Espace suffered an engine failure after I bought it. Will the dealer contribute to repairing it?

I purchased a Grande Espace 06-plate 2.2DCI for £9999 with a full service history from a well-known internet dealer, plus a three-year AA warranty for £899. I went on holiday three weeks ago and the engine failed. The RAC recovered the car to the approved AA warranty repair garage, who advised the engine was broken and would need replacing.

Due to the fact we were miles from home without a car, I agreed to the repair. The AA warranty paid £1000 and I covered the remaining £2411. Obviously I want to speak with the seller about compensating me the £2411, as I believe this is their responsibility under the Sale of Goods Act. Any advice?

Asked on 30 August 2010 by Jon Dixon

Answered by Honest John

Yes. You approach the seller before you agree to any work. If you have work done without referring the matter to the selling dealer you lose your rights because the selling dealer may have chosen to refund your purchase price or fix the car itself, rather than authorise an external repair. That said, for the sake of good PR, the seller may well offer you some or all of the money you lost. Just don't go in there shouting, because legally you have destroyed the basis of your claim. (You also did not state when you bought the car. A dealer's liability ends six months after date of purchase.)

Tags: warranties legal and consumer advice sale of goods act engine failures

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