Can we reject a faulty used car we recently bought?

My niece bought a 2016 Juke a few months ago. This week her orange engine management light lit up. She contacted the warranty company (warranty bought with the car) who advised her to go to a named garage near to her and get a diagnostic check for which she had to pay £80. The garage say there a timing chain problem but the warranty company seem unwilling to authorise the job. She is also worried she will have to pay the labour cost which she can ill afford. Where does she stand?

Asked on 13 March 2025 by Eddie phillips

Answered by David Ross
We would suggest pressing the warranty company for a decision on whether they will authorise repairs. You may also wish to consult any warranty documentation that explains inclusions and exclusions to determine whether this issue would be covered. You may also wish to raise a complaint with the supplying dealer and a trade body if the dealer is a member. You may wish to attempt to reject the vehicle, but you would need to prove that the fault existed at the time of purchase.

In the event that repairs are not authorised, we would suggest trying an independent Nissan specialist who may be able to offer a repair or exchange engine at a reduced cost.
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