My 2010 Polo, bought under the Volkswagen Options scheme, keeps going wrong. What consumer protection do I have?

I bought a Polo on the Volkswagen Options scheme (which means that every 30,000 miles or three years, whichever comes first, I can put down a deposit of say £1000 and get a brand new car, and continue paying the £340 a month that I do pay). So I do not think it is hire purchase as such; just finance in some form.

I have had so many problems, all under 5000 miles. DSG gearbox problems that Volkswagen refuse to acknowledge, as well as window regulators going at 2000 miles when I hardly used the windows. They said they would repair it but I want the car replaced, and I don't want to lay down a fresh deposit either.

So far I have had to go eight times in the span of four months to Volkswagen. It works out as a problem every two and a half weeks. There is always something new. I have had to prove the faults every time. I read somewhere that in the first six months there is a reverse burden of proof? What would you say the chances are of a replacement without adding costs like a deposit?

I spoke to the managers at this franchise and they were unhelpful: "It sounds like you have made your mind up, so you can hand the car in and walk away." What would you do?

Asked on 19 May 2010 by Gurpreet Bhambra

Answered by Dan Harrison
Sorry to hear about these problems. Have you tried taking the car to another dealer for a second opinion on the faults? As the car has a manufacturer's warranty, I don't see why you would have to prove the faults yourself.

If you've lost total confidence in the car and dealer, it may be better for you to cut your losses and hand the keys back. But make sure you have a replacement car lined up, so that you're not without a car. Many manufacturers offer similar schemes to Volkswagen's Options.

We've got a section on Consumer Rights on the site. You may want to get in touch with the finance house to discuss the protection you have under Section 75 of The Finance Act.
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