Faulty Car Advice

[T25aj27]

Hi All,

Long long time reader and browser, and very occasional poster looking for some advice.

A few years ago I purchased a Mk4 Focus ST which I loved, but developed some issues with the drive modes... long and short I cahnged it at the start of the year for a '21 plate Audi A3 from a dealer - something 'sensible' was the brief.

Since I've had it a few times it has flashed up with a drive mode error - its not effected the way it drives, but EML has come on, with a light, and it says it may not restart. Sometimes this clears pretty quick, other times it stays on for a few days.

Despite raising this with the dealer and them ackowldging this, they have been pretty difficult to pin down and get it sorted.

Today, I got a different drive fault - no engine, no drive, wouldn't go into gear, left me stranded. It eventually got going, and then I also got the original fault.

I've had the car just over 2 months - where do I stand, and can I return it?

Thanks in advance.

[paul_c123]

If its after 30 days you can't return it, you would need to give the dealership an opportunity to diagnose and fix the issue.

What model, transmission, engine (size), etc is the car?

[mobile chicane22]

if its an auto it could be an issue with a switch on the gear selector lever common fault on the vag group cars of this era IIRC

[T25aj27]

Appreciate the input - thankyou!

It is an auto - I definitley felt today was gearboxy - it wouldn't go into any gear. In the past I was less sure as it didn't really seem to change how it drove.

So I can get them to try and fix it?

Buy a sensible, newer car they say!

[ABMA]

When was the first time you reported the issue to the dealer? Was it within the first 30 days after collecting the car?

[T25aj27]

Unfortunately it was just outside of the 30 days :-(

[AddyT.]

Doesn't the CRA 6 month protection apply here?

[T25aj27]

6-Month Rule: If a fault appears within 6 months, it is legally assumed to have been present at the time of purchase, meaning the seller must pay for repairs unless they can prove otherwise.

This? Finger's crossed! I've been assured it will be collected tomorrow and I'll be left with a courtesy car... I will update!

[stevemcs]

Is it a small engine dsg/stronic ?

[T25aj27]

Yup - 1.5 petrol with dsg

[stevemcs]

T25aj27 said:

Yup - 1.5 petrol with dsg

Usually it’s a sign the mechatronic unit is on the way out. They usually leave you stranded where you are flashing P and saying gearbox malfunction

It should leave a fault code.

[T25aj27]

Great - well, not great, but at least that gives me some info when talking to the dealer.

I really appreciate people taking the time to input 👍

Let's see what tomorrow brings...

[T25aj27]

Update...

Car has been picked up (got a call saying the driver will be outside in 10 mins, when I asked 'outside where?' they said your work... don't think theyd realised that I'm self employed so not at the same place all the time! Once that was sorted it was all fine)... I've been left with some sort of Seat SUV, and the driver said - 'Its got fuel so you're good to go, I'll take this and get them to sort it'. So heres hoping!

[T25aj27]

More progression...

Car has been with the dealer for nearly 2 days. They have identified the problem to be the 12v battery being poor, so have replaced that and are going to run some further checks. Lets hope!

[Pickle_Rick]

A dodgy 12v battery even when not completely flat does cause issues with modern electronics so they might not be fobbing you off, it's why it's often recommended to change them every 3-4 years. I'll be replacing mine on a 72 plate before winter.

It's also the reason why some like tesla have switched to 16v li-ion battery, as 12v just isn't suitable for a modern car and causes all sorts of weird st when on its way out.

[T25aj27]

Yeah - they seem genuine, and although tricky to pin down initially, when it left me stranded have jumped on the issue. I've had an oldish battery cause odd things in the past, so will see how we pan out 👍