Where Do I Stand Legally - Car Repair?
Discussion
I need some advice.
I purchased my Fiat Stilo September 2002 from a franchised dealer. May 2004, I noticed that the back rear near side tyre was seriously worn on the outside (as if the tracking was out). With the car still in warranty, I bought the car to the dealer to rectify the problem. The dealer took the car to a tire specialist and I was told that my rear tracking was out and was now correct. The dealer paid for a new tire and I was happy, up until now.
The car is now out of warranty and I have noticed that the rear tire is wearing out once again. I took it to the same place that my dealer took it before and was told that the axle was bent and misaligned by 2-3º (hence the wearing of the tire).
I have gone back to my dealer and after them having the car for a few days, they have confirmed it is bent and said that Fiat will pay half, the dealer to pay some and I have to pay £170!
I don’t think I should pay this, any help would be appriciated.
Fat Boy Haag said:
I need some advice.
I purchased my Fiat Stilo September 2002 from a franchised dealer. May 2004, I noticed that the back rear near side tyre was seriously worn on the outside (as if the tracking was out). With the car still in warranty, I bought the car to the dealer to rectify the problem. The dealer took the car to a tire specialist and I was told that my rear tracking was out and was now correct. The dealer paid for a new tire and I was happy, up until now.
The car is now out of warranty and I have noticed that the rear tire is wearing out once again. I took it to the same place that my dealer took it before and was told that the axle was bent and misaligned by 2-3º (hence the wearing of the tire).
I have gone back to my dealer and after them having the car for a few days, they have confirmed it is bent and said that Fiat will pay half, the dealer to pay some and I have to pay £170!
I don’t think I should pay this, any help would be appriciated.
In theory, any fault reported within warranty should be rectified whether or not the warranty has expired at the time of rectification or not.
Whether or not VW will accept that the fault was present in the first place (the first tracking incident) and the symptoms were fixed, rather than the fault itself is another matter.
If VW are willing to ake a contribution to the repair, they must accept that it was a manufacturing defect - rather than damage to the vehicle, so there is no arguement it seems on that front.
I would try and argue (with VW - not the dealer) that the fault was notified within warranty and as such should be repaired under the terms of that warranty.
Good luck!
To take a civil action to claim then you will have to prove who the negligent party is. Fiat, Dealer or Outlet who supposedly adjusted the tracking. Would appear fault was there before they had a go. Or can you disprove other than by words that you haven't hit something?
Consider having a word with your Local Trading Standards Officer who will give good advice free.
At the end of the day you just might have to bite the bullet and accept part payment you mentioned. Don't know the full cost but you might try for a bit more from their side.
DVD
Consider having a word with your Local Trading Standards Officer who will give good advice free.
At the end of the day you just might have to bite the bullet and accept part payment you mentioned. Don't know the full cost but you might try for a bit more from their side.
DVD
Honest John in Saturday's Telepgraph (www.honestjohn.co.uk/contact/index.htm) might be worth a try too - Streaky
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