Wheel bearing gone on new second hand car

[schmalex]

Folks,

This isn't a dealer rant or anything like that.

We bought a new, second hand car just before Christmas. My wife has just mailed me to let me know that she thinks the wheel bearing has gone, as it is droning when she is driving.

Is this something that the trader should fix under the statutory warranty thing that they have to provide, or is this just classed as wear & tear?

As I said, it's not a dealer moan, as I haven't even spoken to the dealer about it yet.

Edited by schmalex on Friday 21st January 16:31

[confused_buyer]

If it's a 25k mile 58-plate car then possibly yes. If it is an 03-plate with 85k then almost certainly not.

[schmalex]

Falls right in the middle of those!! 56 plate with 40k on the clock

[v8will]

schmalex said:

Falls right in the middle of those!! 56 plate with 40k on the clock

Speak to the dealer, maybe see if he will make a contribution. He might be a good 'un.

[BliarOut]

schmalex said:

Falls right in the middle of those!! 56 plate with 40k on the clock

Luck of the draw I'd say. Second hand cars are always going to have faults, that's why they're cheaper than new ones

[kambites]

I think a wheel bearing failure at 40k miles is probably just wear and tear. It's quite a bit earlier than average, but by no means exceptional.

[confused_buyer]

I don't think you have any chance under any "statuary warranty" but you never know - the dealer might be in a good mood and offer something.

Unfortunately these sort of things do sometimes need replacing and as others have said is just one, of the many, reasons used cars are a lot cheaper than new ones.

[markmullen]

First of all there is no statutory warranty, you have statutory rights but no right to a warranty.

Secondly, ask the seller, a wheel bearing is a difficult one, they may help out, they may not, whilst I'm not mechanical (I leave that side to my mechanics) I would say a bearing is a wear and tear item and any contribution you get from the dealer is a winner.

[jagracer]

What car is it? 40K doesn't seem a lot for any wheel bearing.