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Garage trying to buy back faulty car at a reduced rate, what are my consumer rights?
I recently purchased a 2015 DS3 from a garage and noticed it was drinking oil within a couple of weeks of driving it. I have returned it to the garage who have had it for a few weeks testing, and have said it needs a new engine. This is under the waranty I purchased at the time. Unfortunately they have now said they cannot get a delivery date for one and that it may take months. They have said they want to buy my car back, However, they are trying to deduct cost for the 1,300 miles I have covered. I have argued that as it was sold with a fault I should be due a full refund as I will be out of pocket and am struggling to find a similar car at that price. Can you advise what my rights are? Can I simply say to carry on with the engine replacement and I will just hold on to their courtesy car?
Asked on 4 January 2022 by DAVID COPPIN
Answered by
Dan Powell
You are entitled to reject the car and the dealer is within their rights to make a fair deduction for the usage that you've already had from the vehicle.
I would urge you to work with the dealer to find an agreeable solution. It's possible they will let you keep the loan car until the new engine arrives, but they are unlikely to let you do this for free.
If you press for a refund the dealer will probably claim as much as 45p per mile for the fair usage, as per the HMRC approved fair mileage rate. I would argue this is unfair and counter with 25p and see if you can reach an agreement halfway.
For your consumer rights, see: www.honestjohn.co.uk/how-to-reject-a-car-your-cons.../
I would urge you to work with the dealer to find an agreeable solution. It's possible they will let you keep the loan car until the new engine arrives, but they are unlikely to let you do this for free.
If you press for a refund the dealer will probably claim as much as 45p per mile for the fair usage, as per the HMRC approved fair mileage rate. I would argue this is unfair and counter with 25p and see if you can reach an agreement halfway.
For your consumer rights, see: www.honestjohn.co.uk/how-to-reject-a-car-your-cons.../
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