Car dealership nightmare

[BrainLife]

I recently bought a second hand car. Cost me 6k. Was given receipt of sale which states 6 months warranty which was agreed on. Two months later I still haven't received the warranty documents. Sent a text message asking for it and he replied right away saying he'd send the docs over, nothing. Sent an email asking for documents, ignored. Sent another text. Ignored. Have today sent an email giving 7 days ro get back to me or I'll go to Trading Standards. There is an issue with the car, I have no idea whether it will be coveted under warranty as I'm not a mechanic but I'm reluctant to pay for repairs that might be free to me. I can't use my car, I have an ND 5yo and need my car. Is there anything else I can do? Would you just pay for repairs then do small claims court and hope they reimburse?

I would be physically presenting myself to the dealer, and asking for my money back. Very loudly with other customers in earshot. That should focus their attention.

It's 1.5 hours away and I have no means of getting there. It would cost me £60 on the train and a long taxi ride to the back of beyond.

If it’s under warranty then, presumably, the dealer would arrange the repairs rather than your local garage. Have you told the dealer the car now has an issue that needs sorting, or just asked for the documents?

They've got amazing reviews online and autotrader, most verified. I turned down so many decent looking cars because of negative reviews. Spent weeks and weeks looking. I understand the issue might not even be covered under warranty but I don't want to pay for it just in case. I'm so fed up I could cry.

Yes I have. The warranty means you get it repaired at a garage and contact the warranty provider who covers the cost. I don't know who the warranty provider is though.

Who is the dealer?

I'm not going to say online. Why do you ask?

Can you not just ring the dealership and speak to someone?

Unfortunately, you are in a difficult position. What did they say when you phoned them?

Warranty won't cover anything deemed wear and tear. What is the problem with the car?

I've called twice his wife picks up as she works in the office, says he will ring back but he never does. I've also printed out the letter and am sending it recorded delivery via post first thing tomorrow.

It's making a repetitive whirring sound

If you got it on finance, let the finance company know as they can help.

I paid outright unfortunately. I've tried the motor Ombudsman but the garage has to be signed up. It's a shame it isn't compulsory.

Is it when the car has stopped or when you're driving?

Just out of curiosity as my Dh works for one and I thought if was his I could ask him to help that's all. I know there's a bunch out there but thought you could try your luck! My ds is also ND so I know how difficult it would be.

It makes a rhythmical whirring or humming noise, gets faster and higher pitched when I drive. Spoke to the garage and played them a sound of the noise. They said it could be alternator, wheel bearings, transmission, a belt, which may or may not be covered under warranty. I think I'm just going to have to book it in, pay it, keep trying to find put who the warranty provider is, worm out whether it's covered or not, and if it is, go to small claims. Equally I've only had the car for two months and would like the remaining 4 months of warranty in case something else goes wrong!

Thank you that's kind. Though I think it's very unlikely they work at the same dealer, that would be an incredible coincidence!

If it’s within 6 months the dealer has to repair, warranty or not. Take it back!

I think this only applies if you can prove the car had the issue prior to buying it. I completely understand that cars develop issues, and annoyingly this can be the day after you bought it, I'm not upset about that. I just want it repaired. I think I'm just going to call my garage again tomorrow and book it in.

My DD had similar issues with a car she bought in August and repeatedly asked for the warranty to be told each time it had been sent. Turns out even though the dealer had her email address correct for all other communication, they had transposed a couple of characters on her email address for the warranty docs. She asked the dealership to confirm the warranty company name/tel, contacted them directly, gave them reg, dealership name, etc and they sent her what she needed. That's when she found out the email address was wrong.

It would be worth you getting it looked at so you know what you're dealing with and whether you can safely drive it at all. I wouldn't pay for any repairs at this stage. I think by law you have to give the dealership a chance to look at and repair the car, which obviously means you would need to get it to them.
Warranties often don't cover an awful lot so the problem might not be covered anyway, although that's not really the point I know.

Very true. Though a warranty has saved me £800 in the past!

Those third party warranties are notoriously difficult to get any kind of payout from. Under the consumer rights act you do have 6 months from the dealer, and should give them a chance to fix it:

www.themotorombudsman.org/knowledge-base/what-is-the-consumer-rights-act

How much hassle that might be given circumstances though I don't know

It's such a pain. I really hope the motor Ombudsman is blanketed one day like the FOS as opposed to dealers having to sign up.