The dealer is refusing to accept my rejection of a faulty car - what do I do?

I brought a Skoda Yeti from a Skoda main dealer four months ago for £7000. I've been on maternity leave and only drove the car small journeys (only done 1500 miles). I recently went back to work via the duel carriageway and noticed the car would feel like I was losing traction and power. Also, since we had the car there was a number of electrical issues - like doors not unlocking and windows not working. I booked it into Skoda, who said the wiring loom had broken and the clutch was going too.They messed me about saying I took too long to tell them and it was down to my driving style. A couple of days ago, I told them I wanted a refund as is my right as a consumer. They told me to go to the Ombudsman. Please can you give me some advise, I'm a working mum with two young children and a baby.

Asked on 24 September 2017 by sarah

Answered by Honest John
The dealer is liable for the wiring loom because it can be assumed to be a problem that was present or developing before you bought the car and he is liable for any such fault for six months from date of purchase. But he might be right about the clutch. He is not liable to refund the purchase price, but he might make an offer to buy the car back at its current value. Might be worth going to the Motor Ombudsman. I think you'd win a Small Claim for the wiring loom but not for the clutch. See: www.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/consumer-rights/
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