Why was I sold a Vauxhall Corsa diesel which is now suffering serious DPF problems?

I purchased a brand new Vauxhall Corsa 1.3CDTi on 07-09-2012. Since then it has been back in the garage five times due to DPF related problems. It has currently been in the garage for eight weeks waiting for a new DPF and hose which are out of stock in Europe due to demand. I was happy to purchase either a new petrol or diesel model, but was encouraged to buy a diesel by the Vauxhall salesman who now states that I bought the wrong car to suit my needs. What can I do about this situation? I feel that I was mis-sold the car, which is not fit for purpose as its advertised as a ‘city runabout’.

Asked on 7 December 2013 by LL, via email

Answered by Honest John

This is a massive problem in Corsa 1.3CDTIs, Corsa van 1.3CDTIs and Fiat 500 Multijets (same engine). In fairness, no one knew how big a problem it would become back in 2008/2009. But they have known since then and the salesman should have qualified you to find out what sort of use you intended to put the car to. If you can prove the car was mis-sold you may have a case. I'd get onto BBC Watchdog because it's the kind of big issue affecting a lot of people that they like to get their teeth into.

Tags: legal and consumer advice dpf diesels

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