2007 R26 Renault Megane - Advice-Bought car from dealer, now its got issues!

Honest John Back Room » Motoring discussion
What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks
View Threaded
Wed 28 Aug 2019 03:19
2007 R26 Renault Megane - Advice-Bought car from dealer, now its got issues! - Lewiiuk1998

Hello, sorry in advance if this is longwinded!

I went and looked at the car a few days ago, test drove it, no rattles or noises out of the ordinary, I was happy with the car so I put a deposit down. Today I went to finalise and purchase the car under the impression everything was in good order.

Its a 50 mile drive home (for the most part motorway) and the car seemed fine at 60-70 mph, it wasn't until I was driving through town, stuck in traffic I started to notice the car vibrating/juddering when at a complete stop with my foot off the accelerator, as soon as i touch the throttle increasing the revs to anything past 1000rpm the engine smooths out and the vibrations are gone.

When home I get out the car, leaving it running and also notice the exhaust rattling like mad against the underside, not audible from inside the car.

So now the real question,

If the dealer agrees to fix the problem themselves does that mean I have to drive the car the 50 miles to them and back, possibly take time off work so they can fix it? OR Is it possible that I can make them aware of the situation/problem, get the problem fixed locally and foot them the bill?

Thanks in advance :-)

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 28 Aug 2019 05:08
2007 R26 Renault Megane - Advice-Bought car from dealer, now its got issues! - Chris M

You've got to give the selling dealer the opportunity to repair it. The downside of buying from a dealer some distance away.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 28 Aug 2019 08:37
2007 R26 Renault Megane - Advice-Bought car from dealer, now its got issues! - SLO76
This is a 12yr old car that’s not worth more than a few hundred quid and it’s not one anyone with even a passing understanding of cars would’ve recommended to you. Buying a cheap part exchange car like this should in most cases be regarded the same as a private sale, it’s bought warts and all unless you’ve overpaid and a warranty was inferred. Don’t buy a cheap old car like this without taking a knowledgeable person with you as any recompense is unlikely. The law will factor in age and value when considering any judgment against the selling dealer.

On the up side it’s likely to be a minor issue such as a rattling/loose exhaust mount assuming the car drove well otherwise over that 50 mile return trip. I’d just bite the bullet and get it fixed locally if the dealer isn’t willing to help. Even if they are it’s likely the cost of driving 100 miles and losing a day at work will be more than the cost of fixing a minor issue.

I know if you bought a sub £1,000 car from me as a dealer it would’ve been priced as a private sale and any faults would’ve been listed to you on viewing. No returns would’ve then been accepted. It all depends on how much you paid for it?
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 28 Aug 2019 10:31
2007 R26 Renault Megane - Advice-Bought car from dealer, now its got issues! - pd

No R26 is that cheap and on the plus side look after it and the value will eventually go up.

Any 12 year old R26 will have some wear and tear issues - you have to accept such a car is always going to be a labour of love to a greater or lesser extent.

If the engine isn't misfiring it is probably worn engine mounts - very common on all Meganes. The rubber goes meaning no damping between the engine and chassis passing vibrations right though from the engine.

The seller isn't responsible for worn our parts typical for the age and mileage of the car. They are not obliged to supply a "as new" car only something a reasonable person would consider typical for a 2007 Megane.

If it is engine mounts / exhaust I'd just say that is par for the course and it's your responsibility to fix. If the engine is actually misfiring then maybe the dealer should look at it.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 28 Aug 2019 11:07
2007 R26 Renault Megane - Advice-Bought car from dealer, now its got issues! - SLO76
I’ve based my comment on the car being an ordinary Megane, didn’t read it correctly. That said it is still a 12yr old Renault but much depends on price paid. A complex hot hatch like this isn’t something I’d buy at this age or likely budget but if it was retail money then the dealer should assist.

Edited by SLO76 on 28/08/2019 at 14:01

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 28 Aug 2019 21:11
2007 R26 Renault Megane - Advice-Bought car from dealer, now its got issues! - Lewiiuk1998

Thank you for the advice. I do plan to keep it as a weekend car to keep the miles as low as possible, it is a beautiful car, especially in liquid yellow!

Its going to a local garage to be fully inspected tomorrow so Ill post an update of the mechanics findings.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 28 Aug 2019 22:10
2007 R26 Renault Megane - Advice-Bought car from dealer, now its got issues! - elekie&a/c doctor
You don’t have to give the dealer a chance to fix it . You are within your 30 day “ right to reject “ clause for not fit for purpose. Up to you as to what you want do. If you do decide to reject , then don’t use the car and inform the dealer ASAP. Time is of the essence.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 28 Aug 2019 23:35
2007 R26 Renault Megane - Advice-Bought car from dealer, now its got issues! - pd
You don’t have to give the dealer a chance to fix it . You are within your 30 day “ right to reject “ clause for not fit for purpose. Up to you as to what you want do. If you do decide to reject , then don’t use the car and inform the dealer ASAP. Time is of the essence.

It has to be something which warrants rejection and on a nearly 13 year old Renault that has to be quite a lot.

You cannot just reject any old car for any old "fault" and it is wrong to suggest to people that they can.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 29 Aug 2019 00:07
2007 R26 Renault Megane - Advice-Bought car from dealer, now its got issues! - SLO76

Thank you for the advice. I do plan to keep it as a weekend car to keep the miles as low as possible, it is a beautiful car, especially in liquid yellow!

Its going to a local garage to be fully inspected tomorrow so Ill post an update of the mechanics findings.

Something like this will be a labour of love. If it’s a very very very rare unmolested and uncrashed example then it’s worth preserving. Few hot hatches make it through the idiot phase into classic status and I haven seen a Sporty Mk II Megane for many years. Your hand will frequently be in your pocket but it’ll be rare and fun to drive if standard.

Edited by SLO76 on 29/08/2019 at 00:08

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Looking for a garage you can trust? Honest John's Good Garage Guide has thousands of reader recommended garages, plus how-to guides and tips on servicing.

The Good Garage Guide