Fault on new car I’ve had for 21 days

[Led921900]

I’ve bought a new car using hire purchase. I put £1000 deposit on my credit card, £4000 bank transfer, rest is on a 4 year hire purchase with balloon payment.

Its a self charging hybrid and for the last week the battery has been on 0% and won’t charge. Today the windscreen wiper was on a slow wipe even though the controls were off and at the time the controls didn’t work I.e put them on fast and wipers didn’t respond just stayed on slow. I also got an air bag warning light. The wipers and air bag fault has since disappeared but I got photo/video evidence and sent to dealer. I’ve queried if I should be driving it to them at all (and it was a good deal but they’re about 50 miles away from me- local Citroen garage wouldn’t touch it).

What are my rights here and best course of action? Can I reject the car as soon as a fault is diagnosed? Or can I on evidence? If they offer to repair it do I agree even though it takes me beyond 30 days for “instant rejection” rights or does the fact the faults appeared within first 30 days cover me anyway?

In addition I don’t believe they’re under any obligation to provide a courtesy car and we’re a family of 5 with holidays booked this month I need a suitable car for?!

Any tips?
The dealer have said themselves to return to them then they’ll try to fix the fault and if they can’t the rejection request goes back to Citroen but I don’t think within 30 days I’m obligated to accept a repair?

Read a few things online but there are no practical examples.
I like the car but I don’t want 3 years of trouble!?!

Is it brand new?

Is from a Citroen garage?

Assuming it is I would reject it now as what they have said isn't acceptable . They should collect it and provide a replacement vehicle until it is fixed.

But Totally unacceptable on a new car and their service is shoddy so get rid!

Presumably you got the AA or RAC to do a full check before you bought it, what did that show?

On a brand new car? Why would you?

Surely it's under warranty?

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, you should be entitled to a full refund / right to reject if a fault develops within the first 30 days. The Citizens Advice Bureau has a dedicated consumer advice line which you can call for free consumer advice. They are open Monday to Friday from 9 to 5.

Sorry, I've just seen that your car is new. In that case, I am sure you will be covered by the warranty.

@Led921900 questions from me before advice can be given :

1. you bought a new car (you are the first owner) or a car new to you (there is at least one owner before you on the log book including the dealer being the previous keeper)?
2. How much was the car?
3. Did you see the car and test drive before purchasing or was it a distance sale?
4. Your local Citroen garage’s response is odd assuming it is a Citroen that you bought?

Reject the goods within 30 days, don't put up with a repair

I had a self charging hybrid from new, no end of problems with the battery. No Aircon as it drained the battery. I'd take it back and demand an exchange

1. car is new 24 reg
2. £26,000
3. car deposit was out down over the phone, dealership ordered car told me to collect it two weeks later. Finance agreement was independent for a lower APR that completed a few days before I signed for it on pick up.
4. I bought from Perry’s dealership that sells Citroen and Peugeot cars.

ive done 750 miles in three weeks as its kids summer holidays we’ve been seeing family up north so has put a lot of miles on. Like I say battery has been at 0% for a week. Other electrical faults developed and cleared today. RAC wouldn’t come out as the faults cleared. Battery issue remains.

I believe within 30 days for instant rejection the onus is on the consumer to prove the faults from the start which I don’t see how I can do it’s only been the last week.

I have 3 kids and a sick cat that I need to be able to get to vet’s biggest issue is not having use of a car!

I was going to give them one repair then if I have issues within the remaining 5 months reject the vehicle but they can deduct a cost for useage which seems arbitrary and no rules around I read
“In this instance, the dealer is able to claim a reduction in the value of the vehicle. This is based on the mileage covered and time elapsed. There is no guidance on how much they can charge you, so be prepared to negotiate this with the dealer. If it goes to court, the judge will decide.”

sigh

Ah sorry thought new to the OP. Yes as others have said you're entitled to a refund

Great to know that I am I wonder wether it’s worth to pull that trigger if it could be fixed easily and still within 6 months if it all goes wrong anyway?
after choosing car setting up finance, car insurance, gap insurance etc it will be a pain sorting out the whole refund! Just not sure what to do for the best!

Personally, I'd reject the car for a refund and buy something else. Yes a faff, but so is constantly going back to the dealer for repairs. I assume your local dealer wouldn't touch it because it's so new and they were a different franchise?

My logic would be that the faults are a result of manufacturing issues, therefore how do you trust that there aren't more? Or that it won't happen again?

Please reject the car.
It's a pain now and very inconvenient to sort out.
But compare this with the next 6 months or more of trouble, visits to the garage, curtesy cars or no car for a few days here and there.

So the only issue now is the battery not charging?

if that’s the case I’d ask them to fix the issue and give you a courtesy car whilst doing so. It could be something very easily remedied.

They’ve said they haven’t got a courtesy car available for 4 weeks 🙈

I can’t prove the fault was there on pickup so don’t think I have the right to instant rejection. But can give them one chance to repair it anyway.

The dealership may not have a courtesy car available but they should be able to give you on of their demonstrator vehicles. I would suggest if you are not happy with the dealerships handling of your issues with the vehicle you contact Citroen Customer Care.

Their handling of your complaint having spent 24k sounds very poor.

I’ve emailed and ask for a demonstrator. But not hopeful. I’ve looked at rentals to cover our upcoming holidays and it’s very expensive!!!! But don’t want to cancel the holidays.

Appreciate its no help saying this, but this is exactly the reason why you should never buy a piece of shit French or German car.

They are fucking unreliable. Even when new.

Should have bought a Toyota, Honda or Lexus.

Wishing you best of luck.

I’ve had a c5 for 4 years with no issues! Changed it for the new self charging hybrid and hit issues. Only 5 seater I can realistically fit three car seats in the back for my kids.

One French car thats good for just 4 years doesnt change the facts/data that French/German cars are dogshit when it comes to reliability.

You just havent done research.

You can get 3 kids seats easily in a Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Santa Fe, Lexus NX, Lexus RX etc etc.

As for self charging hybrids - again, do your research, Honda and Toyota have led this market for nigh on 30 years.

As said, wishing you the best, look forward to seeing what updates etc you get from the dealer.

You do have the right to reject. It is for them to prove that the fault wasn't there when you collected the car, not for you to prove that it was. You do not have to give them a chance to repair it.