Apologies for not replying to your posts for some time - bit of a stressful time with 2 family members in hospital, all is well now tho thankfully.

Peter - I reported the whole incident - as best as i could remember to the police as I thought the chap was really out of line and quite possibly knew that he was in the wrong(see below)

Lucy - Thank you for your advice with regards to my car - I would like some further advice though, if I may?

I took the car to a Ford main dealer for a service and check (using their computers), since the car is Ford I thought they would be best to inspect it.

I'm afraid to say that their findings were rather concerning : -

Both front alloy wheels were buckled, the o/s headlamp was faulty and could only be adjusted by removal and refitting(to get the highlights aligned to the legal limits), the rear brakes were severly worn and incorrectly adjusted and they found one major fault - my injector seals were leaking, with the potential consequence that engine fumes could be drawn into the cabin. Also, they found several fault codes stored in the cars management system.

The total bill for the work was around £1030, however, it did not end there. Shortly after picking up the car I began to feel a loss of power so I took the car back to Ford (the mechanic their was beside himself to see the car back!)

After further inspection by the Ford mechanics, they found that my injectors themselves were suspect and send them off the a specialist to be tested - all four were found to be faulty and needed replacing - this time the bill was around £1060.

And just to add insult to injury, a day after picking my car up again, a coolant pipe burst and I had to go back to the garage once more - the bill this time around £130.

So the total bill to get my car running how it should was just over £2200 - and it is like a different car now compared to when I first purchased it, just over three months ago.

I did forget to mention in my original post that I e-mailed the garage (and received a 'read' receipt to my email so i know it was received by them) after I discovered the state of the air filter but I received no reply from them whatsoever.

Again, apologies for the length of this post, but as you can see, the car has been quite a bit of trouble and expense.

I've paid out just over half again what I paid for the car and I would like to know where I stand on claiming at least some of this money back from the dealer I purchased the car from, not to mention that fact that I was without a car for almost two weeks.

Would I be correct in saying that although I may not be able to claim 100% of the costs back, due to some issues (e.g. rear brakes) being down to wear and tear and obviously main dealer charges are higher than that of independant garages, but surely I stand a good chance of getting some compensation?

I look forward to your thoughts

Kind Regards,

Slick1978

Hi Dutchie,

Thank you for your thoughts, I think I've come to the same conclusion - since my e-mail prior to getting the car serviced was directed to the owner of the garage, with no reply.

I think its going to have to be a recorded delivery letter in the mail to them asking for some compensation, I'd probably even settle for a compromise if they're willing to negotiate but I don't hold much hope for a reply (although that may go in my favour if i decide to persue the matter further).

Oh well fingers crossed...!

Hi,

I've had similar experiences with a semi-knackered second hand purchase from a supposedly reputable garage, it stinks :-/ My method here would be to send a very stiff letter giving the full list of problems, ideally from the Ford techs if possible, and the massive additional cost that you have incurred. State in no uncertain terms that you are disgusted with their illegitimate sales practices and advise them that you are taking legal advice and are quite prepared to contact Trading Standards to further your claim against them, as well as the local consumer press. Alternatively, you will accept a reasonable settlement of whatever percentage of your repair costs that you deem to be acceptable, and will end the matter there. This type of bullying conman will sometimes see the error of their ways when faced with a punter who is not content to sit back and be scammed! Best of Luck.

Hi Dutchie & Happy Polo,

Just a quick update to let you know how I'm getting on. Since my last post I've written out a letter and it has been sent, recorded delivery, to the garage.

Many thanks for all your advice - I decided to go with a 'reasonable' letter - not aggresive but certainly stating my dissatisfaction and what I would like to achieve, which is a reasonable compromise.

I'm probably being too soft but I did throw them a bone or two, saying that i would cover the cost of the coolant leak and brakes, mainly as these two can be put down to wear and tear, and I've left it to them to make the offer. I did also say that if the offer was unreasonable then I'd seek further legal advice and take action against them though - so atleast they'll hopefully get the idea that I'm serious.

I really appreciate all your help and support, lets hope the outcome is a positive one, and of course as soon as I hear anything I'll let you know.

Kind Regards,

Slick1978