Daihatsu Charade - Cambelt change / dealers implications on 5 yr old

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Sat 13 Nov 2010 16:42
Daihatsu Charade - Cambelt change / dealers implications on 5 yr old - etg
To try to keep a long story short!

Recently bought a 5 year old Daihatsu Charade with 25K miles. The service record was fully stamped up and the dealer assured me it had been well looked after etc etc by a local owner and fully serviced by a local, reliable, garage.

When I got it home I noticed the service schedule stated the cam belt should be changed at 60K or 5 years so it should have been changed at this years service. I checked via with the selling garage and it hadn't been. I think he should do it; needless to say he doesn't! His argument is that it is an 'optional' service item and upto the owner. I argue that despite the service stamp, it had not been fully serviced to the manufacturers schedule and therefore was not as described by implication. (I do not believe the dealer intentionally mislead me). I do feel I paid (slightly) over the top for the car but was 'sold' on the reliability of a small dealer and full 6 month warranty but I don't feel like spending more now.

Have I got a case against the dealer who sold me the car. Indeed should I worry as the car has only done 25K and cambelts don't deteriorate with age (his argument, not mine). My last conversation with him resulted in the manager (owner) agreeing to go halves; on the one hand I don't feel I should, on the other hand I don't want the hassle of small claims court! Should I just forget it and renew the belt in a couple of years or so (mileage will be low)?

Many thanks for any opinions or advice.
(Perhaps I should also post in legal or technical??)
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Sat 13 Nov 2010 17:08
Daihatsu Charade - Cambelt change / dealers implications on 5 yr old - Collos25

It depends how much is half, its a very easy quick job on this engine I think the dealer should pay only to keep his reputation.You go back to good garage but never to one that you think diddled you.

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Tue 16 Nov 2010 12:14
Daihatsu Charade - Cambelt change / dealers implications on 5 yr old - daveyK_UK

Its worth getting it done.

The Toyota/Daihatsu/Perodua service requirements are worth taking seriously and doing on time.

Great little car.

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