Ask an expert

Hi,
I’ve recently bought a car from a dealer. It’s Suzuki Swift 2006 year which has done approx 55,000 km. When I’ve started driving this car I’ve discovered that it smells quite bad inside, like something damp or mouldy especially during sunny days and the air from the air-condition system smells really bad as well (the same smell of dampness). Also after careful check I have found extensive stains from the water or other liquid on the upholstery of the back seats when I folded these seats to the front to make more room in the trunk. It looks like these car was flooded or there was a big water spillage in the trunk. We haven’t noticed any bad smell when we looked at this car first time and when we picked up from the dealer. I think it because he ventilated the car before showing to the customers. I'm worried that these seats still damp inside and the aircondition will smell forever (I'we changed internal filter and even clened external filter with special liquid which kills any mould and germs in the air cons, but id just slightly reduced this smell)
I would like to know what can I do in this case? What are my rights?

The first step is to make contact with the Dealer who sold you the car to discuss your concerns.

I would also consider taking the car to a panel beater for a visual check of the body work. They may be able to spot a reason for water entry into the car.

In cases like this the Dealer must be given the opportunity to investigate your concerns and if necessary have the necessary repairs carried out by a repairer of their choice.

It would also pay to take written notes for your records on who you spoke to from the Dealer and what was said.

When you purchase a car from a Licensed Motor Trader (Dealer) you are covered under the Consumers Guarantees Act which means the car must be fit for purpose. A major water leak discovered a short time after purchase should be covered under this warranty.

Hi,
Thank you very much for your advise. In your reply you said:"When you purchase a car from a Licensed Motor Trader (Dealer) you are covered under the Consumers Guarantees Act which means the car must be fit for purpose. A major water leak discovered a short time after purchase should be covered under this warranty." Could you please specify what the short time is?
I've taken my car to the panel beater for check and he has confirmed that the carpet in the car is wet, but so far no obvious reasons for water entry into the car have been found. I've contacted the dealer, but he doesn't believe my words and the written confirmation from the panel beater.

Thank you.

If the water leak was reported back to the Dealer within say 2 months of purchase then you are covered without question in my view.

And once the problem is reported, there is no official cut-off point, you keep going back to the dealer until the repairs are carried out to everyone’s satisfaction.

If the water leak continued, you then have the option of returning the car and asking for a refund of your money.

Eventually you may well end up in a Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal.

To get their opinion on time frames etc you can phone 0800 367 6838.