to think I should get this free.....

[posieparker]

I have an 07 Espace. When it got fixed last March the dealer reset my 'service due' button, which meant my reminder of 12,000/annual service reminder did not come on. This service would have told me a % wear on my brakes. The brakes have now worn down to the dics...which is much more money. Am I unreasonable to expect the dealer to foot the bill?

Short of an engineering course I have no idea how my car works, most mechanics just hook the whole thing up to a diagnostics device.

I am not some weak giggling woman, I am a car owner who, foolishly, relied upon her sophisticated car to tell her(for the second time) when to get it serviced.

ok, my wording is wrong - but there is a world of difference between understanding what goes on under the bonnet and understanding the mileage!

Don't these things need an annual service? I'm confused on dates, if it was in the garage in March and then should have had a service in May surely it being in the garage in March would have served as a reminder that the service must be due soon? Jogged a memory if you see what I mean, to check the paperwork etc.

I must be quite odd in that I never rely on car computers to tell me when to do these things. That is what the husband is for. (Joke.)

I no longer have a clue what is under the bonnet of my car but I do know the rough mileage and could tell that the brakes were not as efficient as they used to be (and I drive it every day). I also knew it was due an oil change, even though the automatic oil monitor said it as OK and that the front driver side tyre needed pumping up even though the automatic tyre pressure monitor said all wheels were fine.

"I thought I could relax and let it run itself"

Sadly, that was your mistake.

I really don't think you can blame the garage for the fact that you couldn't remember the date the service was due.

It is a lesson I fear I will learn he hard way!

Surely you might have thought to check your log book in the intervening years - it gives date of last service , mileage and when next due. Baby haze doesn't last 2 years. We also had a Renault which wore down to the metal on brakes between services. They would have worn down whether you had had it serviced or not. yabu

christ, you must be a terrible driver if your brakes wore down every year!

It is usually a year or 12k/18k miles. I was doing max 8k pa along country lanes. Can you even be sure you would have acted sooner if yours had been diagnosed as having say 40% left ? They could easily still go in between.

Brakes wear down at different rates for different drivers, depending on your driving style. My Dad waits until shortly before the roundabout before braking sharply. I start to slow as I approach the roundabout so have to brake less sharply.

If you have at any time done an emergency stop then you will have to replace the brakes earlier.

I don't think that you can blame the garage, sorry.

The garage have agreed to 1/3 responsible...first offer!!!

I think there is something faulty with Espace brakes - both DH and I are very gentle brakers and ours got down to the metal between services - I have NEVER had this with any of the other cars I have owned.

Ours has also just had a major electrical failure, having had a completely new engine last year due to a fault which Renault are aware of and have a slush fund for...we won't be buying another one!!

Anyway, to answer your original question, I don't think YABU to have a conversation with the garage about meeting you half way....

electrics, don't get me started....two radios and numerous trips for the FAP filter!!!

We actually wanted a Galaxy, but Renault came back to us before Ford with an option....I now understand why they don't rate so highly in customer satisfaction surveys, despite having loads of good points for larger families.

Glad to see that they have admitted some liability now though PP

i love my Espace....I hate Renault..

I had a Renault Laguna that was off the road more than it was on it!

In all seriousness, I can understand you chancing your arm and asking the garage to meet the repair bill if it saves you a substantial amount of cash - I would probably do the same if I'm being honest.

BUT you asked if you were BU and I'm afraid you are, it is pretty obvious when your driving if your brakes need done so you need to take responsibility for the fact that you didnt maintain the car properly.

posie, I'm glad garage will part take responsibility, think you got a rough ride on this thread

posie, just checked back in and I'm pleased you've been able to get them to pay at least something.
If Trading Standards are on your side then, as I think I said above, it doesn't matter if mners think you should be a bit more aware of what's going on with your car but I hope you will make yourslef some kind of note in future just to be sure you don't get caught out again.

bloody hell, you're lucky....