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I want to reject my faulty secondhand motorhome but the dealer wants to repair it - where do I stand?

Last Friday I collected a 2006 motorhome based on a Renault Master 2.5 with 25,000 miles from a reputable dealer. From paying the deposit to collecting the vehicle took six weeks because I noticed when I viewed it that the air conditioning was not working and asked for it to be repaired before collection. I also required the cambelt to be replaced along with water pump, tensioner ands pulleys. The price was £24,000. On collection the engine blew out a lot of grey smoke as I left the premises and the air con was still not working. It is now sitting on my driveway with a flat battery waiting for the dealer to come and pick it up. He wants to repair it. I now want to reject it. Where do I stand?

Asked on 29 June 2013 by AC, St Albans

Answered by Honest John
These are standard problems of expensive motorhomes built onto van chassis that are basically designed to last 200,000 miles and four years. They are not designed to sit idle on driveways through every winter. You could reject it, but if the dealer does not accept this it could lead to a long and expensive legal fight in the County Court that could cost you £15,000 and does not guarantee success even though the law would appear to be on your side. See: www.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/consumer-rights/
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