4x4 just out of warranty develops major fault. Options!be ML

[Vanordinaire]

The initial message was deleted from this topic on 12 July 2019 at 23:32

[havoc]

1. 2 first, then #3 after.

But be prepared to be ignored - this is Vauxhall.

If it was noted on the job-card to investigate, then there WILL be a record of the in-warranty issue, which will be very valuable. But if he just mentioned it when he turned up then they'll probably not have written it down so it'll become a he-said / she-said.

It's also worth looking into whatever the current SOGA is regarding 'fitness for purpose', and then maybe throwing some useful quotes / statute sections into the second lot of correspondence with Vauxhall UK - if in the first letter it may set things off on the wrong tone...

[Vanordinaire]

Thanks.
Any possibility of using option 4, VT?
He's a bit disillusioned by this and has more or less decided to sell it once it's repaired, no matter who pays for the repair.
Might be better off financially if he could just VT it before it gets fixed.

[TooMany2cvs]

Permanent 4x4 with computer-controlled torque split, on a generic-brand fairly low-end car...

Any bets on the cause being unequally worn tyres - or different brand tyres - front and rear?

[syl]

I'm not surprised, but wish you all the best. My Z20LET engine destroyed itself at 60some thousand miles and 3 1/2 years old, despite regular main dealer servicing. Vauxhall couldn't have been less helpful. Obviously I have never owned another Vauxhall and have no plans ever to do so again. I tell the story when the opportunity arises and hope it puts other people off buying Vauxhall too.

[Vanordinaire]

TooMany2cvs said:

Any bets on the cause being unequally worn tyres - or different brand tyres - front and rear?

You might've thought so, but he's done everything by the book. Spent a fortune on tyres in accordance with the main dealer's recommendations. Couple of services a year and had the tyres changed by them without question whenever they said. He makes my "enthusiast's" approach to car maintenance seem positively haphazard in comparison.
That's the galling thing, he's left everything to them to look after, his only input has been to open his wallet on a very regular basis.

[jkh112]

I thought Vauxhall gave a lifetime warranty to the first owner of a new Vauxhall.
See here:
https://www.vauxhall.co.uk/owners/insurance-and-wa...
Limited to 100k miles so your car should be covered.

[anonymous-user]

Fault was reported before warranty run out so I'd go for 2 then 3 options too.

[TooMany2cvs]

jkh112 said:

I thought Vauxhall gave a lifetime warranty to the first owner of a new Vauxhall.

They stopped in January 2015 - so this car'll be a few months too new to be covered.
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/vauxhall/88802/vauxha...

[Vanordinaire]

jkh112 said:

I thought Vauxhall gave a lifetime warranty to the first owner of a new Vauxhall.
See here:
https://www.vauxhall.co.uk/owners/insurance-and-wa...
Limited to 100k miles so your car should be covered.

That's interesting! When was that introduced? He bought his in April 2015.

[4rephill]

Vanordinaire said:

jkh112 said:

I thought Vauxhall gave a lifetime warranty to the first owner of a new Vauxhall.
See here:
https://www.vauxhall.co.uk/owners/insurance-and-wa...
Limited to 100k miles so your car should be covered.

That's interesting! When was that introduced? He bought his in April 2015.

Try reading the post/link above yours - The lifetime warranty ended two months before he bought his car!

Here is the link again: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/vauxhall/88802/vauxha...

[Helicopter123]

CaptainMorgan said:

Fault was reported before warranty run out so I'd go for 2 then 3 options too.

You should certainly push for a generous contribution towards repair on this basis ^

[PorkInsider]

Surprising that the dealer isn’t trying to at least appear to be helping, given that the next step is going to be to approach VX and tell them that the transmission was making nasty noises and the dealer wasn’t interested.

[TooMany2cvs]

PorkInsider said:

Surprising that the dealer isn’t trying to at least appear to be helping, given that the next step is going to be to approach VX and tell them that the transmission was making nasty noises and the dealer wasn’t interested.

Maybe the dealer know their franchise is off anyway?
http://www.carbuyer.co.uk/news/163321/vauxhall-to-...

[QBee]

Is there any mention of the gearbox fault being inspected on the service bill?
Most garages I know at least note the work to be done and any outcomes on the invoice.


My next car might well be a diesel Mini....my horse's hoof-trimmer (God, that sounds pretentious ) bought a three year old one about 7 years ago.
He does a fair mileage, as horses don't tend to go to the farrier/trimmer, the trimmer goes to them.
Saw him yesterday, asked him how the now 10 year old Mini was going.
"Can't complain - it's now done 285,000 miles, does 60 mpg, and my only non-service costs have been two cambelt replacements (one last week) and a new clutch. The service guy says run it until it dies, but it doesn't seem to want to".

[Jag_NE]

QBee said:

Is there any mention of the gearbox fault being inspected on the service bill?
Most garages I know at least note the work to be done and any outcomes on the invoice.


My next car might well be a diesel Mini....my horse's hoof-trimmer (God, that sounds pretentious ) bought a three year old one about 7 years ago.
He does a fair mileage, as horses don't tend to go to the farrier/trimmer, the trimmer goes to them.
Saw him yesterday, asked him how the now 10 year old Mini was going.
"Can't complain - it's now done 285,000 miles, does 60 mpg, and my only non-service costs have been two cambelt replacements (one last week) and a new clutch. The service guy says run it until it dies, but it doesn't seem to want to".

That’s bloody good going, especially when you factor in that (I think) that car uses the somewhat dubious PSA 1.6d.

[TooMany2cvs]

Jag_NE said:

That’s bloody good going, especially when you factor in that (I think) that car uses the somewhat dubious PSA 1.6d.

The 1.6 diesel's issues are mostly related to low use and poor servicing.

[Charlie Croker mk2]

At that age it might be the Toyota 1.4 engine and they are possibly the most durable small engine ever made ? Slight change of topic but what would you buy new or near due that night be durable without "designed in faults"

Edited by Charlie Croker mk2 on Tuesday 29th May 18:26

[GuitarPlayer63]

Maybe something to consider in your dialogue with Vauxhall:

Who provided the finance for the vehicle? Was it the main dealer?

I'm asking because you said its on a five year finance deal. If it was Vauxhall or their affiliate, then the implication is they are selling you a vehicle thats expected to last 5 years - and not something less otherwise they shouldn't be financing it for that period of time.

I'd start with a healthy conversation (not email) with the dealer principal - (option 2). Go with all facts to hand especially the previous service where there was something not right which they appeared to be unable to diagnose properly.

If anything is committed, make sure its confirmed back to your BIL in writing. I am guessing the dealership won't want to have to pay for it (as it may well be their error).
If this fails then step 3 - seek assistance from Vauxhall. Be polite and persistent - if I'm getting nowhere with a company, a very polite letter to the Chief Exec can help (not every time, but more often than not).

Good luck with trying to get this resolved.

[surveyor_101]

Having paid alot of money to fix faulty VVT, getting my car back with a engine noise on cold start up and then find that it failed less than 12 months.

Don't be surprised if Vauxhall won't do much.

Also I follow an Aussy motoring jurno who slates the Vauxhall antra and its look line of issues. He has youtube vids on the problems.

AUTOEXPERT.AU