There's something odd here, 18k in 4 years is very low, previous owner verifying car as good but you are finding major defects! I would do a bit more digging of the history of this vehicle.

I hope you are not considering paying for this work ?

I suggest you read up on your consumer rights and reject this heap of junk for a full refund asap.

www.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/consumer-rights/

Yup. Once it goes past 4 weeks, you lose the 'short-term rejection' rights.

So write to them ASAP, informing that you have decided to reject the car under CRA, rather than agree to a repair. You could (your choice) inform them that this is partially due to the length of time it has taken them to source replacement parts.

Send it by first class 'signed for' post. So that they cannot deny receipt.

You will then need to drop off any paperwork, spare keys, etc with them, and they will have a maximum of 14 days to give a full refund.

The CRA is quite clear. You use your rights or you lose them once you go past the times listed.

I hope you are not considering paying for this work ?

They said they would cover the cost of the gearbox.... but a bit vague on the brakes.

There's something odd here, 18k in 4 years is very low, previous owner verifying car as good but you are finding major defects! I would do a bit more digging of the history of this vehicle.

I can't understand it either. I spoke to the husband, who seemed genuine. He was a bit peeved at the trade-in price, which Audi dealership gave him, but said I got a great car and low mileage. The car was registerested in the wife's name. He is a small business owner and had a company van too.

The issue with the noise going from 2nd to 3rd did not happen all the time. I just assumed it was a minor issue!. I have never had a gearbox problem in my life, so did not realise the seriousness.

It is with a heavy heart I have wrote to them to reject the car. I really like this car, it took ages to find a right one.

When I had asked the car dealer, if they would prefer me to ask for a refund rather then repair, their staff said, I would only get a 'trade-in' price. This is where I lost trust in the car dealer. Because if they were willing to mislead me over my rights, then could they also miselead me about the repairs. For insance put in reconditioned gearbox, instead of a new one (they told me they would not put an original mazda, but an equivalent one). Given that gearbox are expensive repair option, I was not happy about taking the risk.

Thank you all for your advice!