Ask an expert

I have a Madza Bongo 1998, the cam belt broke in rotorua, 5 weeks and $6800 later the AA service centre in Rotorua instaledl recon engine with new head. On driving it back to wgtn there was a loud tapping noise and exhaust leak. I took it to 3 service centres and they could not say what the noise was but it sounded mechanical and serious. I spoke to the AA service centre in Rotorua and they agreed for me to take it to Turbo and Deisel specialist in petone. They fixed the exhaust leak and said the tapping was not related to the fuel injectors or anything to do with the head but came from the engine and was serious. The AA in Rotorua say they want to drive my vehicle back up to Rotorua to fix it (they accept responsibility and its under warrenty). Do I have to agree to it being driven 900 kms by someone I dont know (not covered by my insurance) and the engine is not working properly? I would prefer to have the work done in wgtn for obvious reasons as I would have no vehicle for several weeks if taken to Rotorua. Or am I within my rights to have them transport it up to Rotorua, they say it will cost them $1000 for truck transport. I am an AA member.

The vehicle belongs to you so the final say is yours. The vehicle should be towed/transported to the place of repair. I wouldn't recommend driving the vehicle in case the engine failed completely but having said that in that case it would be the repair centres problem to put it right if they decided to drive the vehicle. It sounds like the dealer is doing their part and taking ownership of the situation, which is a good start, but you should go back to them and let them know your concerns and have them find an alternative solution that would work for both parties. Towing/transporting the vehicle is the best solution.

If you need further assistance please e-mail us on aatech.co.nz