Vauxhall Corsa - Issue with newly purchased car not yet picked up.

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Wed 2 Jul 2014 21:48
Vauxhall Corsa - Issue with newly purchased car not yet picked up. - Hunty88
Hiya
I've got a question about an issue I have.

On Saturday just gone I put a deposit down on 10 plate 1.3cdti corsa at a local car dealer. It was due to be serviced and valeted before picking up today. However on my way to picking it up today the dealer called me saying that during the service, which is done on site, the mechanic has snapped a glow plug when trying to remove it so it wouldn't be ready.

I called back this evening to get an update and I was told that it had been sent a specialist in this matter as the mechanic was unable to remove it. They said they hoped that the specialist could remove it otherwise it's a remove the cylinder head job.

I guess my main question is could any damage be done by trying to remove the snapped glow plug or could any loose dirt/debris fall into the combustion chamber during the progress. I get a 3 month warranty with the vehicle but I'm worried that damage could be done that will rear its head a few months down the line.

Also would I be within any rights to say I no longer want the car and get my deposit back, especially if the specialist can't remove it without taking the head off and all that's involved, as the car isn't in the state it was when I reserved it?

Thanks for any advice.
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Wed 2 Jul 2014 22:02
Vauxhall Corsa - Issue with newly purchased car not yet picked up. - barney100
If you have misgivings on the possible damage better to try to scrap the deal but I don't know how the dealer would react.
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Wed 2 Jul 2014 22:24
Vauxhall Corsa - Issue with newly purchased car not yet picked up. - gordonbennet

I'm more concerned why were the glow plugs being removed, they are not a service item and i suspect were being renewed due to a starting or running problem.

I'd walk away, hundreds more Corsas for sale.

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Wed 2 Jul 2014 22:33
Vauxhall Corsa - Issue with newly purchased car not yet picked up. - oldtoffee

I'd insist on a deposit refund and then walk. If they argue tell them you'll go to Citizens Advice and get legal on them. You didn't order a car that had a cylinder head repair and broken glowplug so don't buy one. You're in a strong position and you'll find another car easily enough. The only alternative if they prove intransigent is to absolutely insist on a 36 month warranty no limit on mileage or claim value and no excess on any cylinder head, glow plug or related issues together with no charges for any explorative work the dealer has to carry out regardless of findings and have it signed and dated by the dealer principal in your presence.

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Wed 2 Jul 2014 22:51
Vauxhall Corsa - Issue with newly purchased car not yet picked up. - focussed

I'm more concerned why were the glow plugs being removed, they are not a service item and i suspect were being renewed due to a starting or running problem.

I'd walk away, hundreds more Corsas for sale.

Good advice - This 1.3 cdti motor is noted for chewing up it's glow plugs, I had one that did it, walk away if you can get the dealer to cooperate.

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Thu 3 Jul 2014 10:01
Vauxhall Corsa - Issue with newly purchased car not yet picked up. - RobJP

The thing about this is that you are not legally entitled to scrap the contract, the dealer can entirely legally keep your deposit if you do, or even force you to complete on the deal.

The dealer has identified a problem before delivery, and is getting that problem rectified. As such, if the car is delivered in working order, you are obliged to accept that car.

Now, the dealer MIGHT be willing to let you cancel the contract, get your deposit back, and walk away. But that is their choice - not yours

After all, if the dealer had identified a bald tyre, and was getting that replaced, would that be grounds for cancelling the contract ?

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Thu 3 Jul 2014 10:14
Vauxhall Corsa - Issue with newly purchased car not yet picked up. - Bromptonaut

After all, if the dealer had identified a bald tyre, and was getting that replaced, would that be grounds for cancelling the contract ?

A bald tyre is a one off job. Even if for some reason there was damage to the wheel and that needed replacement too it's straightforward.

I'd be glad they'd checked the function of the glow plug even though they're a non service item. They do have a finite life and it would be easy to ignore or leave on under par. The owner probably would not notice until December when first really cold mornings come along.

Having the head off/mucking about to extract a stuck glow plug is a big job with opportunity for more stuff to go wrong. I'd walk.

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Thu 3 Jul 2014 11:25
Vauxhall Corsa - Issue with newly purchased car not yet picked up. - Wackyracer

The OP has every right to ask for his deposit back. The car has problems he was not aware of when placing the deposit.

Ask for your deposit back and walk away is the right advice.

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Thu 3 Jul 2014 12:10
Vauxhall Corsa - Issue with newly purchased car not yet picked up. - Brit_in_Germany

I would follow RobJP's sound advice.

If the problem cannot be fixed you could withdraw but if all is working after the service, to withdraw risks forfeiting your deposit, especially if the dealer has dealt with the paperwork already.

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Thu 3 Jul 2014 12:12
Vauxhall Corsa - Issue with newly purchased car not yet picked up. - Gordon17

The thing about this is that you are not legally entitled to scrap the contract, the dealer can entirely legally keep your deposit if you do, or even force you to complete on the deal.

The dealer has identified a problem before delivery, and is getting that problem rectified. As such, if the car is delivered in working order, you are obliged to accept that car.

Now, the dealer MIGHT be willing to let you cancel the contract, get your deposit back, and walk away. But that is their choice - not yours

After all, if the dealer had identified a bald tyre, and was getting that replaced, would that be grounds for cancelling the contract ?

Was the delivery date mentioned in the contract? As the dealer can't actually deliver the car on the day he said he would I would be very surprised if he could enforce the contract.

As others have said, just find another Corsa.

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Thu 3 Jul 2014 15:12
Vauxhall Corsa - Issue with newly purchased car not yet picked up. - TedCrilly

Yep.....go find another Corsa and buy that one instead. Then you can hope and pray it has never been subjected to a major repair in its past or that it will not go on to develop a major fault.

Ignorance is bliss.

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Thu 3 Jul 2014 15:15
Vauxhall Corsa - Issue with newly purchased car not yet picked up. - Cyd

On the positive side, you are getting the glow plugs replaced. If you'd had this car 2 years and then snapped a glow plug yourself you'd be looking at a big bill.

I don't know this engine, but glow and spark plugs can often be removed without further damage and without requiring the head off.

If it were me, I'd ask who is carrying out the sub contract work and pay them a visit (it is your car after all!!). Also insist on the work being properly invoiced and for a 12mth workmanship warranty.

If the head does have to come off, then I'd be asking for the valves to be relapped and a full decoke and clean and new valve stem seals. I'd offer £100 towards the extra work. A full head recon is worth about a grand.

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