Bought a car two weeks ago and now needs a new engine - just really bad luck?

[Carexpense]

Used car, great condition, full service history, MOT etc part exchanged at a dealership

Last week I was driving it and it suddenly lost power. Sounds like auxiliary belt snapped which took out timer belt and in turn wrecked the engine (I might be getting that slightly wrong - my understanding of what DH and mechanic said).

It sounds like the aux belt may have had some normal wear but that it was just a really unfortunate incident and one of those things but I am gutted about the 4K engine quote - it's nearly half the car's value again and obviously it was a big purchase. We do have the rainy day funds so we're really lucky and I know things could be much worse but it does make me feel a bit sick.

Friends have encouraged me to speak to dealership but I don't think we have any recourse here, isn't it just one of those really unfortunate things? We had a three month warranty but only up to about £500.

We researched the model thoroughly and picked it specifically because it was meant to be very safe and reliable especially for a second hand car. We never found anything about a known problem with the belt although subsequently have found several cases the same on forums including for newer cars. It's a Volvo.

Think you have come back with a car bought from a dealer if it goes wrong in six months.

Definitely go back to the dealership. There's some useful information here www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/advice/the-second-hand-car-i-bought-has-a-problem-what-are-my-rights

You can reject it within 30 days and get a full refund, or they should repair it for you. It also says 'During the first six months after purchase, it's the responsibility of the seller to prove the fault wasn't there, not for you to prove that it was.'

Sale of Goods Act, it's not fit for purpose, you have excellent case to make them fix it completely. Talk to Trading Standards. Don't agree to any offer from dealer without being clear what your rights are.

Thank you. I'd read these but I'd wondered if normal wear to an aux belt would be expected and therefore not included under the criteria (I admit I don't know much about it but it sounds to me like the "fault" is more of a design flaw of that type of Volvo engine than a mechanical fault per se)

It's the Consumer Rights Act now, and you have the right to reject the goods within 30 days if a fault develops and you are entitled to a refund or full repair.

Make sure you write to the dealership ASAP explaining what has occurred and state you wish to invoke your rights under the Consumer Rights Act. Ensure you send it recorded delivery. Which have some good template letters.

What car is it OP? The vehicle's timing belt is usually encased within a fully sealed plastic shroud (ironically-the timing belt cover), because if ANYTHING gets in there boom-game over.

I do find it hard to believe, although not impossible that a rubber aux belt has snapped and punched a hole through the timing belt casing, unless your alternator/Aircon/pas pulley has sheared off causing the damage.

There is a STRICT service schedule on timing belt replacement, which goes off age/mileage of car. It is not an MOT item, but this doesn't mean the garage hasn't done the filters whilst neglecting to replace the timing belt.

Sorry OP, could you disclose the model age and rough mileage of Volvo?

The timing belt on that vehicle absolutely will be enclosed behind a timing cover.

It's a Volvo XC60 2010. I'll double check mileage

I had something similar happen to me, it’s not normal wear and tear for the age of the vehicle, it’s the reasonable wear and tear you would expect given the length of time you have owned it.
Definitely use your consumer rights to get onto the garage.
Start by phoning them to see what they say, they might try and fob you off with the £500 limit, but you are entitled to full repair of refund under consumer law.

Mine went on a Volvo XC90 and took out the whole engine too. Volvo Uk covered it even not under warranty as it was so unusual. I would definitely go back to them, as this may be a fault.

Thank you.

DH tells me the aux belt went into cam belt housing and that there are a few cases on the Internet

Obviously it's a older car but I wouldn't expect this type of thing to happen although was under the impression it wouldn't be garage's fault. We will speak to them though given the above