How long should a new car last?

[CrossPanda]

Hello All, I am an old timer (even made it into the first book!). I have set up a new profile, as today we are going public with our car troubles.

I have owned my Fiat Panda Cross for three and a half years and it has been one issue after another. Am I being unreasonable to think that a new car should last more than three and a half years and that a car with this service history is not fit for purpose?

The basic service history is below and the Q code is on fb and Twitter.

Right now my husband is sat outside the local Fiat garage with the car and signs (with Q code) in the window.

We have a twitter account

twitter.com/whyismypandacr1

And a Facebook Page

m.facebook.com/CrossPanda

www.honestjohn.co.uk Is always worth a look too.

This car’s service history:
When 7 months old, rear differential replaced.
Since then, this car has had two engine control units replaced, the turbo refurbished, two sets of wheel bearings replaced and a boot repaint due to an incorrect part being fitted prior to sale as new.
Now, after fewer than 60K miles, and 7 months after warranty expired the gear box is grinding and struggling to go into gear.

So trusty Mumsnet, am I being unreasonable to think this car is not fit for purpose?

Op having worked in the motortrade for 15 years this is not uncommon... Even amongst the premium brands I have worked with.

Firstly have you had the fault with the gearbox diagnosed so that you know exactly what is needed and what the costs are??..

On a vehicle 7 months out of warranty I can honestly say that I do not know any manufacturer who would not consider making a very large (potentially 100%) goodwill contribution toward the cost of the repair... All manufacturers do this and the amount you get depends on customer loyalty and service history... Based on the info you have provided.. First owner, full history, precious issues etc you have a lot in your favour.

So first step I would suggest you getting this diagnosed (there may be a diagnostic fee by your dealer... Either pay it or perhaps ask them to waive it given past issues) once you have joke diagnosis and breakdown of costs call fiat customer services.

Only ever buy Japanese cars.

It’s the mileage not the age that’s important.

All cars should reach 100k+

I had a Fiat Stilo previously and it broke down constantly! My current car is a 10 yo Ford Fusion with almost 80k on the clock which was owned from new by my dad before I had it off him and, apart from tyres, brake pads, a suspension coil and a cam belt change, it’s never missed a beat. It failed an mot once on a bulb but every penny I’ve spent has been on wear and tear items. I’m hoping it’s still going in another 10 years.

It looks like we may be close to a deal! Thank you for all the tips and suggestions they are proving useful. It turns out they were not being open about all our options and what is discretionary compared to compulsory. I suspect there may be more hurdles still, but one step at a time. We are looking at voluntary termination with the finance company, with some special exemptions due to the situation. We still need to see if they penalise in any way when they come to look at the car though. Fiat themselves are also now showing an interest, however it feels like too, little too late.

that sound encouraging. hope it all comes off and you find something else you love more. They've bitten off their own nose as despite the issues, if they'd dealt with you well, you might have convinced yourself you were just unlucky and continued with the brand. Not a chance now though eh?

Sickoffootball We tried to book it in to be looked at but they did not have a hire car available until mid August (which we would have to pay £17 a day for). They also said we would have to pay £400 for them to strip the gear box down, before they could tell us what needed doing. We were told, it wouldn’t be quick and the hire car was only for use for one day, which would leave us with no car (my husband’s is a labour of love, very old car, that is currently in the garage having major work done). At that stage no one seemed interested and there was certainly no sign of any goodwill. We also tried doing a deal for a new Fiat at that point but again no one seemed interested and we didn’t get the call back we were promised.

With all the history and the lack of interest (customer service), we would now rather walk away from Fiat.

Wax Absolutely we are just sat here saying exactly that! Last week we would have been happy with a repair or to sign a new contract for a new car, but no one helped. Earlier this week we would have been happy to pay the £1k remaining payments and give them the car, but again they wouldn’t do it. Now we are aiming to walk away, pay nothing and also open a small claims court case for losses. Such a shame, I have always loved Fiats quirky cars (I had a Cinqucento in my early 20’s) and despite everything would have stuck with them. The lack of customer service is definitely the thing that has turned my loyalty. I just can’t forgive the way every step has been turned into a battle!

That's very true. I simply can't fault any of the service we've had from our favourite dealer. From no quibble generous trade ins, actually just offering a fair price to start with instead of pissing you off with a low offer and then getting to an acceptable price anyway, to just excellent service. For example, the first Skoda we bought only came with 2 and not 3 rear headrests in the model we could afford. for no extra charge, he ordered in a higher spec model with the same interior and swapped the middle seat for us so we had 3 headrests. Last time we bought we were trading in one car and buying two, these were at a branch of theirs 30 miles away, they brought the cars over for us to our local branch so that DS1 who had only just passed his test, didn't have to drive back in one by himself and they didn't charge us for doing that. We picked up the cars and they were full of petrol with no extra charge. And on top of all that the cars are lovely and great to drive. They were also lovely with DS and treated him like a proper grown up picking up his first car and he felt really special driving away.

DH will be trading his in a couple of years and I know (and they know) that we will be back...