I have a motoring query that I hope you can help with. I purchased an Audi A4 Cabriolet 2004 plate on a PCP 5-year hire and purchase agreement just over two years ago from a main Audi dealer, so the car had the approved used Audi guarantee. Less than a year after the purchase the car developed serious gearbox problems and needed a new gearbox, so this work was carried out by Audi and the cost covered under the 1-year extended warranty after purchase. Just recently, whilst driving on the motorway, the engine blew up completely and, after having the car delivered to my local garage, they diagnosed that turbo pipe blew due to general wear and tear, which consequently caused the pistons to shoot through the engine.

Their view is that the car requires a completely new engine and the cheapest solution so far is to put a secondhand engine in the car, at a cost of £3500. The car has been serviced regularly (I would add by a local garage, not an Audi dealership as they are massively expensive) and has been driven sensibly, although my annual mileage has been 20,000 which is a bit more than I had previously estimated when purchasing the car.

I have complained to Audi about the matter on the basis that on an approved Audi within two years the gearbox and engine has failed, and you certainly should not expect the engine on a 6-year-old approved Audi to fail. As such, I requested that they cover the cost of the new engine as the car is no longer covered by warranty. I am really stumped about what my rights are in this situation and even taking advice from a solicitor they are unsure as the finance agreement is not clear on the implications of such an eventuality.