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I've bought a used car with a major fault - is it the dealer's responsibility to repair it?

Two weeks ago I bought a used car from a small dealer with a three-month warranty. I have just found that there is a split in the main turbo hose. I have informed the dealer who told me to contact the warranty company, but they tell me neither the turbo nor hose is covered. The dealer tells me that if the warranty does not cover it I will have to pay for the repair myself. I live in Bristol but the dealer is in Enfield, so distance is an issue, but I believe that the dealer is responsible for this repair and I can insist on having the repair done locally. Is this correct?

Asked on 8 November 2012 by MM, via email

Answered by Honest John
You have to give the dealer the opportunity to fix it and that has to be fully documented, as well as his refusal to fix it. Once that has happened you can get it fixed and sue using the Small Claims Track of the County Court. Of course, this does not guarantee that he will pay. Scumbag dealers find all sorts of ways of ignoring court orders. See: www.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/consumer-rights/
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