Audi A3 - Faulty car - can I ask for my money back?

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Tue 20 Aug 2013 21:06
Audi A3 - Faulty car - can I ask for my money back? - kirst29

I'm thinking I may have to take the car dealer to court but not sure whether to get legal advice first? I bought the Audi A3 4 weeks ago (paid cash) and knew the ESP light was on when bought it, I was told the car needed new brake discs and sensor and this would all be done by the time I collected the car 2 days later. When my partner collected the car (and handed over my Smart Roadster as part ex) he was told the EPS light was still on as they had found it needed a new ABS repair kit, he then arranged to take the car back the week after to have this work done. But 2 days later the engine management light came on and I took the car straight back and was told they would sort it out. A week later (after the ABS repair kit was fitted) my partner collected the car again but found it was driving in limp mode so took it straight back. Once again we were promised it would be sorted out. Another 7 days later we contacted the garage and was told it was a pressure gauge that had failed and it was going into Audi to be fixed as the german car specialist they took it to previously could not deal with it. A few days later we rang the garage again to see if was ready and was told (by the owner of the business) the manager we were previously dealing with was on holiday and he then swore at my partner when we asked when we would be getting the car back. The day after, I rang the german car specialist and they told me they HAD diagnosed it and it needed the gearbox refurbing but when the car was collected by the garage they were told not to do any work on the car as it wasn't 'worth the cost', I also rang Audi and they confirmed it was not booked in for a pressure gauge fitting. I rang the owner again and he then said he didn't know anything about this and was going to take it to a specialist the next day but that was a week ago and I still haven't heard anything. So I'm now left without the Audi (but I have a courtesy car they gave me a week ago - which am not driving as it has 3 warning lights on the dash!) and no idea what is happening!

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Tue 20 Aug 2013 21:29
Audi A3 - Faulty car - can I ask for my money back? - FP

It seems to me that you have given the dealer plenty of opportunity to sort the car out and there seems to be more than a hint that the dealer is dragging his feet because he knows he's going to be out of pocket if he does the work or gets it done.

So I reckon you're entitled to have your money returned.

I would write (recorded delivery) asking for your money, explaining why, and insisting on a response within a week. If there is none, write again, threatening court action.

It's just possible this will concentrate his mind, but you should be prepared to start legal action via the small claims route, bearing in mind this is not without costs (though if you win you should be able to recoup these).

You may wish to take legal advice, but this is not strictly necessary and the small claims process is relatively simple.

If you got the car very cheaply you may decide it's not worth it.

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Tue 20 Aug 2013 21:42
Audi A3 - Faulty car - can I ask for my money back? - kirst29

I paid £7000 (£5600 cash £1400 p/x) for the Audi. But I haven't even got the car, the dealer has kept it (I have only actually had the car in my possession for 42 hours in the 4 weeks I have owned it). Should I demand the car back or leave it with them as I am wanting to get my money back anyway?

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Wed 21 Aug 2013 12:18
Audi A3 - Faulty car - can I ask for my money back? - thunderbird

You are dealing with a trader who is clearly without business morals of any kind. They obviously have no intention of fixing your car.

If you leave the car with them who is to say they won't dispose of it and leave you with nothing but a court case to get your money, even then there is a good chance they will have insufficient funds to pay you.

If you get the car back you theoretically weaken your case against them, it could be interpreted that you are happy the car is OK. But at least you have the car which is better than nothing.

Its your call but I cannot see this type of trader returning any monies even if they loose a court case.

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Wed 21 Aug 2013 13:00
Audi A3 - Faulty car - can I ask for my money back? - pd

Considering the price of the car (OK so it is not new, but it isn't a £1500 banger either) you are entitled to a working car so, yes, in theory I'd say you are entirely reasonable in asking for your money back.

Is it a DSG (auto) version? A fault, if that is the case, with a DSG gearbox is always expensive.

Actually getting your money back if the dealer will not play ball, however, may not be that easy.

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Wed 21 Aug 2013 13:38
Audi A3 - Faulty car - can I ask for my money back? - Armitage Shanks {p}

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

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Wed 21 Aug 2013 14:00
Audi A3 - Faulty car - can I ask for my money back? - kirst29

Yes it is the Auto version, so if it is expensive then that explains why they are dragging all this out. It is not a small dealer I bought the car from though, he has two car sales businesses (but in different names) and has quite a lot of cars for sale.

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Wed 21 Aug 2013 15:34
Audi A3 - Faulty car - can I ask for my money back? - Cris_on_the_gas

You have given them a fair chance, if you want to get your money back then litigation through the small claims is the way to go.

From what has been said chances are you will win, but then comes the game of getting the money out of them

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Wed 21 Aug 2013 17:58
Audi A3 - Faulty car - can I ask for my money back? - FP

"From what has been said chances are you will win, but then comes the game of getting the money out of them."

Indeed. The next step would be to use bailiffs or sheriffs, which costs more money; again, if successful, you would get this extra money back as well, as part of your costs.

It sounds as if this dealer's business has the assets to repay you, in which case you may decide to go for it.

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