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airdata
By airdata | AA Member | 3 Posts | 21 February 2020 at 2:37pm

I purchased a Peugeot 207 in September 2011 as a new car. The vehicle came with a 3 year warranty and has been serviced regularly.

A diagnostic check has revealed that the timing chain has stretched and is in need of repair which has been quoted at around $4000-$4500 which is practically the value of the car. The car is now 8.5 years old and has done 89000km.

The warranty book states mentions the timing belt where it recommends 120,000km or 6 years. Further on, it mentions that “engines fitted with a timing chain are not concerned; for all information, contact a Peugeot service point.” As my car has a timing chain, I interpret this statement that the timing chain should, by right, last the lifetime of the vehicle.

I have approached Peugeot distributors and they are not willing to contribute or perform the repair leaving me with a vehicle which is practically worthless yet is only about halfway through what I would consider it's useful life. Would the consumer guarantees act be of help in this instance? I am trying to find out what time frame is considered as 'durable' for a vehicle purchase brand new.

Thanks

Anon
By Cade | AA Expert | 3937 Posts | 24 February 2020 at 9:45am

Hi there,
Correct, timing chains don't often list a scheduled replacement interval, however they can stretch. I've seen Honda's, VW's and Audi just to name a few brands and so it's not an unusual thing to happen. The issue is what determines the "life" of a vehicle and this depends on a few factors. According to the manufacturer it could be when they move to a completely new model of that vehicle series, so 5-7 years? In NZ we have one of the oldest vehicle fleet ages in the world which at last report was 14.5 years averaged. So NZ motorists view of the "life" of a vehicle can be a lot longer. So we end up spending a lot of money in ongoing maintenance to keep our pride and joy going, where as in other countries they just sell it on (or export it). However it is this decision that really only a Dispute Tribunal can rule (on the reaches of the CGA) because there would be many views and it can be a hard one to agree on.