Reject or retain?

Author
Discussion

anonymous-user

Original Poster:

54 months

Tuesday 12th April 2016
quotequote all
Recently bought a used BMW 650i which misfired 4 days after collecting it. I also wasn't happy with the gearbox which had slightly jerky changes. It was returned to the dealer who has been more than helpful - I have been given a courtesy car and no attempts have been made to fob me off or question whether the faults were present at point of sale.

However, they have now had the car for 5 weeks. They have replaced the cats which were apparently blocked thus causing the misfire and they are now waiting on a part for the gearbox (a module?).

I know the consumer act states that the trader has a "reasonable amount of time" to effect repairs, but what is reasonable? I was wondering if anyone had a similar experience and whether I should reject the car and ask for a refund or possibly a replacement.

TooMany2cvs

29,008 posts

126 months

Tuesday 12th April 2016
quotequote all
How old is this 650?

anonymous-user

Original Poster:

54 months

Tuesday 12th April 2016
quotequote all
10 years - 69000 miles

55palfers

5,909 posts

164 months

Tuesday 12th April 2016
quotequote all
If it now runs OK, do you still like the car?

anonymous-user

Original Poster:

54 months

Tuesday 12th April 2016
quotequote all
55palfers said:
If it now runs OK, do you still like the car?
bmw535i said:
However, they have now had the car for 5 weeks. They have replaced the cats which were apparently blocked thus causing the misfire and they are now waiting on a part for the gearbox (a module?).

rockford22

361 posts

132 months

Tuesday 12th April 2016
quotequote all
55palfers said:
If it now runs OK, do you still like the car?
This.

I've had issues on cars from dealers right after purchase and been left with a courtesy car for a while in the past. Ultimately, if the problems are resolved and you want the car why not just keep it?

You mentioned gearbox issues which are fairly common on the ZF unit, if they've replaced the parts and given you new cats free of charge it sounds like it should be a well sorted 650?

Edit: appears the parts are still not with you!

anonymous-user

Original Poster:

54 months

Tuesday 12th April 2016
quotequote all
Just to be clear, the car is with the trader and has been for 5 weeks - they have still not carried out the repairs and are waiting for parts.

pinchmeimdreamin

9,951 posts

218 months

Tuesday 12th April 2016
quotequote all
bmw535i said:
Just to be clear, the car is with the trader and has been for 5 weeks - they have still not carried out the repairs.
They have started the repairs ( Replaced Cats ) and are waiting for the Module to fix the gearbox.

Do you still want the car ? if yes then let them fix it and you will know you have a well sorted car.

Is there a touch of buyers remorse ?

anonymous-user

Original Poster:

54 months

Tuesday 12th April 2016
quotequote all
pinchmeimdreamin said:
They have started the repairs ( Replaced Cats ) and are waiting for the Module to fix the gearbox.

Do you still want the car ? if yes then let them fix it and you will know you have a well sorted car.

Is there a touch of buyers remorse ?
Not at all, I do really like the car, but I'm starting to think that 5 weeks isn't a "reasonable about of time" to effect repairs.

daniel1920

310 posts

118 months

Tuesday 12th April 2016
quotequote all
Let me know if you reject that...getting a few 000's of maintenance done for free here...

paintman

7,687 posts

190 months

Tuesday 12th April 2016
quotequote all
If they can't get the part, it's on order & they have taken all reasonable steps to expedite delivery what else do you think they can do?
I can understand your frustration, but the timescale could be considered reasonable.

Blanchimont

4,076 posts

122 months

Tuesday 12th April 2016
quotequote all
If they're waiting on parts, it's not the dealers fault. Why not ring them and ask them nicely for an update and ask about any delay and whether it would be worth sourcing from another source. They're repairing it FOC (as they should) and you've admitted they've been brilliant. you don't want to upset the apple cart and piss them off. I doubt they want it hanging around the workshop either.

RobinOakapple

2,802 posts

112 months

Tuesday 12th April 2016
quotequote all
How about them changing the catalysts, if they haven't already, and you take the car and drive it until the part for the gearbox arrives?

Ex Boy Racer

1,151 posts

192 months

Tuesday 12th April 2016
quotequote all
The car you want. Lots of new bits. Free motoring in a courtesy car for weeks. Sounds brilliant to me!
I guess the only complaint could be that the car is now older so is worth less than you paid. Minor point though.
I'd probably just be asking for some free future servicing as a goodwill gesture and then jump for joy

Andy OH

1,906 posts

250 months

Tuesday 12th April 2016
quotequote all
OP, when was the last time you spoke to the dealer? Why not give them a call for an update on progress.

TooMany2cvs

29,008 posts

126 months

Tuesday 12th April 2016
quotequote all
Ex Boy Racer said:
I guess the only complaint could be that the car is now older so is worth less than you paid.
A month on a decade-old car...

Decade-old 70k car has some problems. Supplier stands by it. Parts are slow to arrive from manufacturer...

anonymous-user

Original Poster:

54 months

Tuesday 12th April 2016
quotequote all
Andy OH said:
OP, when was the last time you spoke to the dealer? Why not give them a call for an update on progress.
I have just rung them - the part for the gearbox will apparently be here at the end of the week and then they will let me know how the repair goes.

Cheers for the comments, my gut feeling says remain patient and see what it's like when I get it back. Given that I only had the car for a few days I am still well within the 30 days rejection period once I receive it back. Any further faults with the same issues will probably result in a rejection.

I was just wondering if anyone else had a similar experience really.

George111

6,930 posts

251 months

Tuesday 12th April 2016
quotequote all
bmw535i said:
Any further faults with the same issues will probably result in a rejection.
Why ? The dealer appears to be cooperative and is actioning the repairs as quickly as he can. The car must be what you wanted and you probably spent some time finding it. Why give up on it so easily ? It's a 10 year old car and people often trade in their cars when there is a fault they're not prepared to pay to fix . . . so you're bound to find some faults on an older car.

C70R

17,596 posts

104 months

Tuesday 12th April 2016
quotequote all
TooMany2cvs said:
Decade-old 70k car has some problems. Supplier stands by it. Parts are slow to arrive from manufacturer...
This, for me. Can't see why you're getting your pants in a knot about this. It's not like they have been ignoring your calls or trying to fob you off with a bodged/unrepaired car.

anonymous-user

Original Poster:

54 months

Tuesday 12th April 2016
quotequote all
George111 said:
bmw535i said:
Any further faults with the same issues will probably result in a rejection.
Why ? The dealer appears to be cooperative and is actioning the repairs as quickly as he can. The car must be what you wanted and you probably spent some time finding it. Why give up on it so easily ? It's a 10 year old car and people often trade in their cars when there is a fault they're not prepared to pay to fix . . . so you're bound to find some faults on an older car.
I understand it's an old car, but if the same fault persists I'd probably reject it. I don't want to keep losing it for indefinite periods.