Anyone know about consumer law, and evil car dealers?

[fizzbuzz]

Engine light kept coming on in car, and it kept losing power. Sent it to local garage who put it on computer, but couldn't find any fault. They charged me nothing, but suggested I took it to specialist Citroen place.

Sent it there, and they said....couldn't find a fault code BUT it needed software downloading. Went to pick it up, and was informed that engine light was probably designed to come on when new software was needed (every 6 months or so apparently). Losing power was the way of telling me it needed this new software.

BUT, it costs £85.00 to go on their computer, so basically I need to fork out £80.00 every 6 months, or my car won't work...This cannot be right surely???

When did you purchase the car? Seems a bit weird to me?

From a crappy big citreon dealer...a big company

Ok, well you have rights under the Sale of Goods Act....if your car is not working then you can ask for it to be repaired or replaced...if this is not possible then you can ask for your money back. When did you buy the car? How old is it? Did you get a warranty? Sorry, a lot of questions I know but you may have a remedy available to you if you wish to pursue it.

The car is just out of warranty, but it is the fact that it needed software (apparently), and the only way to access this is through their shitty computer which costs £85.00

If it was a one off £85 then fine - cars do need maintenance, parts etc but you say that you will need to fork this out every 6 months?? this cannot be right - this sounds like a fundamental flaw with the car. I would ask them to diagnose the fault properly. Did your warranty last for one year or was it a three year manufacturer warranty that you got?

It was a 3 year warranty that ran out in September

I agree it doesn't sound right, but it's what they were saying

I've already taken them to court once over a crap car.........

you've alrady taken them to court once before?? lol, but why did you go back??!! I would keep on at them. Or try and get in touch with Citroen direct and ask them if this is usual? And if you have already taken them to court I would ask them about their 'goodwill' policy (as mental as that may sound)

Citroen direct were not helpful re duff car that ended up in court, and will probably not be helpful again.

I went back, because the court ordered them to give me a replacement car and compensation. I just wanted a refund Feel physically weak at the thought of going through that again.

I hate shitty car dealers. Goodwill policy? Ha ha, crap company....

keep at them! God, if you went back because the court told them to give you a replacement car then your case is stronger! I know it is a pain and is the last thing you need but you should keep at them - have you been to CAB at all? They are really good at giving this kind of thing. I will have a look at some stuff and get back to you if thats ok - am off to bed now as exhausted!!

Could you not ring another citroen dealer and ask their advice. I did this when I had problems with Vauxhall, I rang another dealership to see what their advice was.

I had the same problem where I tried to use an independant garage but my car needed to be hooked up to a vauxhall computer to diagnose the fault, I just took it to another vauxhall gagage (wasn't going to give the crap one my money again)

Find the number of another citroen garage and speak to them (they have no agenda so it will be fine)

What about consumer direct? Some useful info on their website here
www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/after_you_buy/know-your-rights/cars/