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How can I retrieve £280 that I contributed to the cost of repairs on a warrantied Vauxhall Vectra last year?

I purchased a 2005 Vauxhall Vectra V6 CDTi last November. I also bought a year's warranty cover for £350 from the same dealership. After three months a fault developed in the high-pressure fuel delivery system. The cost of repair was more than £800, of which seven hours' labour contributed £560 to the total at £80 per hour. The parts cost was refunded, but labour costs were only refunded at a rate of £40 per hour, so that I had to contribute £280 towards the total. The cover company told me that the dealership had imposed the reduced labour rate. I was not informed of this stipulation at the time of purchase of the warranty policy. Is the action of the dealership acceptable? If not, can I claim for the 'lost' £280? If so, from whom?

Asked on 3 April 2011 by CS, St Leonards on Sea,

Answered by Honest John
Since this is entirely self-contained (you bought the car and the warranty from the dealership and had it fixed at the same dealership), you can tell the dealer that the warranty was not "of satisfactory quality" and if the dealer does not refund the £280 you will sue for it using the small claims track of the County Court.

Since this happened within six months of purchase you can also invoke the latest CPRs: www.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/consumer-rights/ and the Supreme Court ruling in Clegg v Olle Anderson (trading as Nordic Marine) 2003, which holds the selling dealer entirely liable for any fault that could have been present or developing on the date of sale. You'll get your £280 back.
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