Sale of Goods Act - help please

[happynappies]

I bought a camera 20 months ago at a cost of £322. It is now out of warranty, and has developed a fault which I'm told will cost £162 to repair, half the cost of the camera again. I've had a look at the direct.gov info on Sale of Goods Act, and it looks like I'd have to prove that the fault was there from when the camera was purchased if I was going to attempt to get my money back. This obviously wasn't the case - but it doesn't seem right that the camera has failed after such a short period. Does anyone know if this is just my hard luck, or is there any way I can get it repaired or replaced? Many thanks

[belledechocolatefluffybunny]

Hmm. They now sell cameras in a sealed box, meaning it's difficult to check them before you purchase them.

There is a 'life span' on products that you buy, meaning that you should expect them to last a reasonable length of time, although IIRC this just applies to white goods (washers ec) and TVs. I would contact consumer direct and seek guidance from them. The sale of goods act does come into this but it's long winded and just mentions sufficient quality. It does depend on what you have been doing with the camera and how much you use it. I get free legal advice with my contents insurance so it may be worth your while to check your policy. It also depends on what is wrong with the camera, if it was dropped and is now damaged then go through your contents insurance for accidental damage, if it's wear and tear then there's not alot you can do, if it's a manufacturing fault then the manufacturers should repair or replace.

there's some good info on here