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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be really frustrated with this vehicle issue and wonder what to do next?

43 replies

SharkiraSharkira · 13/03/2017 14:05

I bought a vehicle back at the beginning of January. It was second hand and bought through eBay but from an actual shop as opposed to a random individual. It was second hand and a few years old (and fairly cheap) so I expected minor issues but they said it was mechanically sound just had a few cosmetic faults.

When it came it seemed fine, had a new MOT done a few days prior and it all seemed ok. Except that just a few weeks later when I tried to go home from work it wouldn't start. It's not worked ever since. I only had the vehicle about 6 weeks from buying it until it breaking down.

Fortunately DP is qualified to fix vehicles so tried to diagnose the issue but so far has been unable to exactly determine what the problem is, as best as he can work out it is an issue with the engine and it needs either completely replacing or needs to be completely taken apart and fixed. Either option will be expensive and time consuming to rectify, and that's with DP doing the work (rather than taking to a garage) - its all money I don't have right now!

Aibu to be really frustrated at having only had this a few weeks and now it either needing major and expensive repair work already? When I bought it, it said it had a 12 month warranty but they company I got it from is about 100 miles from where I live so I can't take it back to them for them to have a look and I can't afford to pay anyone else to have a look/fix it. Wibu to ask them to take it back and get my money back? Can I do that? So fed up Sad

OP posts:
Leggit · 13/03/2017 20:03

It's not as simple as if the car develops a fault though. If the fault is right for age and mileage of car then it's not going to be covered either way

Original poster
SharkiraSharkira · 13/03/2017 20:17

Cherry is that also the case if it isn't a 'proper' dealer eg; honda etc, just a random shop that sells all sorts? Does it have to be repaired by the same shop that sells it to be covered?

With the recovery to a garage is that just A garage, as in, the closest one, or can it be a garage of your choice? Because right now its sitting at my house and I feel like its slightly taking the piss to ring them up and say can you take it from my house to 100 miles away!

Realistically, given the distance involved, my only choices are either a) DP diagnoses the problem, we order the parts and he fixes it (however long that takes) or b) the shop agrees to take it back and give me a refund. I really can't afford to take it to a garage or pay for repairs any other way. Fwiw, DP is a qualified mechanic and knows what he is doing, its just a question of him having to take it apart and find the fault.

OP posts:
Foffyouwanker · 13/03/2017 20:28

Regarding the mot course, the current route to bring an mot tester can entail two courses. The first is to gain a qualification equal to nvq level 3 (if the individual does not already hold one) and the second is mot tester training, so this is plausible. However, telling you it could be a spark plug cap sounds like crap to me. Start doing everything in writing you could end up having to take this to court.
Has your dp checked the timing belt hasn't jumped/broken?
What make/model/age is the car?

Foffyouwanker · 13/03/2017 20:29

I suggest you seek legal advice before allowing your dp to take the engine apart, this could compromise any claim you have against the garage otherwise.

Leggit · 13/03/2017 20:33

Recovery details - check you policy.

Original poster
SharkiraSharkira · 13/03/2017 20:49

Its a motorbike, foffy.

The guy at the shop told me that the person doing the MOT course was re-doing it, back in January. So he was already qualified (and apparently the only one in the shop that was) but was just recertifying. In january. I did think the thing about the spark plug cap sounded weird without them seeing it but I thought I'd try it anyway but so far it hasn't arrived for me to try either way.

Just checked my insurance, can't get it recovered to the garage, only to a local one.

OP posts:
Happyandhungry · 13/03/2017 20:53

Its a motorbike?! Thought it was a car after all that! Just phone them and ask them to collect it. If your husband takes it apart etc it will invalidate any warranty and will also mean no small claims court etc. You cannot just go straight for a refund you need to give them the chance to fix it.

Or negotiate with them to take it to a local garage to get it diagnosed and then they can pay the bill (if they agree) if the works to repair the bike go ahead.

Leggit · 13/03/2017 20:57

How many times did I write CAR while trying to help you. Hmm

Original poster
SharkiraSharkira · 13/03/2017 21:01

Well I did write vehicle rather than car in my OP, I was trying not to be too outing! But anyway, all the previously discussed issues still apply, the fact that its a bike doesnt really make much difference.

OP posts:
Foffyouwanker · 13/03/2017 22:59

Oh I see!
Call your recovery and ask about relay. If they can't, ask the firm to collect as not fit for purpose. Document everything!

Leggit · 13/03/2017 23:30

That's great an all but my advice was specific to my knowledge of cars. I have no idea if there are different factors when it is a motorbike. The fact that you chose to let me continue to advise and repeatedly ignored the fact that I was talking about something that may not even be relevant is a bit off.

clairewilliams999 · 13/03/2017 23:50

motorcycle engine can be stripped in a day
but it is not necessary to do this to diagnose a fault if competent

cherrytree63 · 14/03/2017 08:27

Yes any dealer/trader has to rectify faults as it has to be fit for purpose.
The dealer I bought from sold from her house, not even a forecourt.
You need their authorisation before repair, first step is to get the fault diagnosed and then discuss it.
The dealer must be given the chance to recover it to their premises or communicate with the repairers to agree terms.
If you have it repaired without their authorisation you may not be able to get them to pay.
Who issued the warranty? Is it the trader's own warranty, or an outside company? If it came free with your bike it will be fairly basic, you generally have to pay for the all parts and labour if it's a 2nd hand vehicle.
But regardless of what's covered the dealer has to sort it within a certain timescale.

Leggit · 14/03/2017 08:31

Be very careful, not fit for purpose isn't an exact science. When cars are involved there is an element of what is normally for the age of the car. Again I know sod all about bikes but I don't think there can be too much of a difference. The dealer will not be obligated to sort EVERY possible fault. There will be many things excluded from that warranty, things that will also not be covered under the legal route either. Second hand vehicles are notoriously difficult when it comes to having faults put right.

peukpokicuzo · 14/03/2017 08:35

Did you buy it on a credit card by any chance? Any purchase on a credit card over £100 has extra protection as the credit card company has shared liability with the vendor for your right to get what you paid for.

Original poster
SharkiraSharkira · 14/03/2017 11:08

No, no credit card peuk, just cash on delivery!

Sorry leggit, I thought everything you said would be relevant for bikes too so I didn't mention it as I didn't want to out myself! Sorry to have mislead you Sad

OP posts:
Original poster
SharkiraSharkira · 17/03/2017 09:29

Well, little update I have spoken to them and the are collecting it next week to have a look so hopefully they will be able to either fix it or give me a refund Smile

OP posts:
Leggit · 17/03/2017 09:45

That's good news, hopefully they will be able to sort it for you

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