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Our reconditioned engine was faulty and damaged our car - is the supplier responsible for the repair costs?

We bought a reconditioned engine for our Volkswagen Passat Estate TDI online, which came with a two-month guarantee. They delivered it and our mechanic fitted it, but it was faulty. We had to send it back to the suppliers for them to repair it. However, it's still faulty and has resulted in an oil leak into the fuel lines. We've now had to have a new turbo, which cost £1200, as a result. Can we take them to Small Claims Court for engine, turbo and associated costs?

Asked on 1 December 2017 by charlotte Atkinson

Answered by Honest John
Yes, but it might not do much good. There are more crooks in the secondhand engine business than there are in prison. If you get a favourable ruling, pay for a High Court Sheriff's Enforcement Order and that will give you your best chance of seizing assets to the value of your claim if the engine supplier fails to pay: www.gov.uk/make-court-claim-for-money
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