Broken handbrake after recent repairs - should the garage pay? | Ask Honest John

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Broken handbrake after recent repairs - should the garage pay?

My Mazda MX-5 apparently requires a complete handbrake lever assembly after being delivered to my local main dealer on a tow truck due to an oil leak. There was nothing wrong with the handbrake when it left my house and I have a form from the recovery driver noting the condition of the car.

Both the dealer and the garage deny responsibility although the dealer has offered to pay for the parts, without admitting liability. This still leaves me with a £150 bill for labour. Where do I stand?

Asked on 17 December 2013 by pauline06

Answered by Honest John

If you say there was nothing wrong with your car apart from the oil leak when it left your property then it could be that to fix the oil leak the parking brake assembly had to be dismantled and it broke. If that is the dealer's explanation then the compromise solution he has suggested makes sense.

Tags: legal and consumer advice handbrakes technical issues

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