to be really pissed off with Mothercare and Maxi-Cosi

[mellymooks]

We have a Maxi-Cosi Priori xp, we bought it in August 2008 (didn't actually start using it for another 6 months) and the straps have started fraying on it very badly and it is not safe to use. I took it in today, hoping to either get it repaired or replaced only to be told the guarantee from both Mothercare and Maxi-Cosi is two years.
If I wanted the straps replacing it would cost £72, I only paid £95 for it!!
Has anyone else experienced similiar probs with this carseat?
If the straps in my car only lasted 3 years I would not be impressed, I don't see that this is any different.
AIBU to expect a product that is marketed to be for 9months to 4 years to at least last that bloody long?!

Try trading standards for advice, I would try claiming it is not fit for purpose if the parts don't last the length of time the item is required for?

I would contact the manufacturer directly.

The manufacturer is not interested and just says the retailer should sort it out.

Trading standards say that after the first six months we have to be able to provide proof that the damage is through a fault and not just wear and tear or through something we have done, which is basically impossible as they will always argue we have used it wrongly/damaged it somehow, our word against their's scenario.

That isn't going to stop me emailing a bunch of people about this and I urge you all to check your maxi cosi priori xp as other people have said the fraying was inside behind the cover and they only discovered it when they removed the cover.

I too have a maxi cosi priori xp that is 13 months old - it has been in for repair 3 times already due to exactly the same reason!!

I bought two on the same day, the other one has never jammed, nor fraying on the straps.

Thankfully it has been repaired free of charge as it is still under the 2 year warranty, but last time, I insisted in writing a replacement seat should it go again, plus £60 in vouchers for my inconvenience.

the email address I used is for the Customer Services manager.. it is [email protected] - I can only offer you this and my sympathies as I know how frustrating it is... I too threatened BBC watchdog & trading standards...

PM me if you need any more info/help.

Good luck...

You should definitely point out this thread. It's terrible publicity for the manufacturer if they treat you like this. I was looking at Maxi Cosi carseats in JL just this afternoon, will reconsider my initial "first choice" now I have seen this.
I'm not surprised at Mothercare though. Would never shop from them Thought manufacturers might care a bit more than a chain which is rapidly going down the tubes anyway.

Thanks for the responses PLEASE if you know anyone with one of these seats urge them to check the straps even the parts they can't see.
Also to respond to this thread, the more people I can find who have experienced problems the more proof I can take to Watchdog/trading standards etc and try and get Maxi-cosi to take some responsibility!!
buster thanks for the info, I can't believe it's happened 3 times that is so awful, it's so frustrating fighting against these companies!

Ours is starting to go on the bit that you pull tight but is nearing the end of it's life. The other one we had, which is the same age with similiar wear didn't do it.