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Hi, I purchased a car for my daughter two days ago and she was sent away with a car that had not been serviced and it had a faulty battery. They assured my daughter that it had been serviced and that the battery would be charged enough by the time she reached home. Both were untrue. My daughter stopped a few minutes from home at around 5pm and could not start the vehicle. Fortunately she was near a mechanic and was able to have the battery replaced. When she contacted the dealer they told her they would only reimburse her $65.00 as that is what it would have cost them to put a new battery in. She paid $250.00 for a new battery and the installaion. They have asked her to return the car so they can service it, as we dont trust them we would rather return the vehicle for a refund. Can we do that?

Hi there,
The regulation that applies when you purchase a vehicle from a dealer is the CGA (consumer guarantees act) this ensures that the vehicle must be fit for purpose, be free from defect, and last for a reasonable amount of time. However the nature of the faults have differing remedy choices. Serious and non-serious, the later can be remedied by the dealer as they see fit, and must be given the first right of repair. Serious faults include the right of rejection of the vehicle, refund or replacement. If there is no clear-cut answer or resolution that both parties agree on, then the end may result in the motor vehicle disputes tribunal. More information can be found here: https://www.consumerprotection.govt.nz/get-guidance/cars-and-motoring/solving-issues-with-your-car-dealer/
https://www.justice.govt.nz/tribunals/motor-vehicle-dealer-disputes/