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safe2u

Hi
Under 3 months ago I bought a 2004 Falcon xr6 with 68000kms from a caryard, and they provided a 3 month warranty. Within the 1st month of owning the vehicle the car was making unusual rattles from the front and back. I returned it to the dealer, who after examining it for a week fiited a new steering rack. They couldn't determine what the noise from the rear was. On getting the car back I noticed there was still a unusual rattle from the front. The car was returned to the dealer and they tightned up a few things under the front.
About a month after getting the car back there was a rattle from the rear left , then while driving the bottom rear shock absorber bolt fall out. The dealer checked the car and couldn't determine why this happened, they replaced the bolt and returned the car. My concern is what else may go wrong with the car, is there a major underlying problem or have I just been unlucky? Do I have the right to return the car to the dealer or should I just purchase another warranty? Or should I have a AA inspection done to ensure no other concerns?
Many thanks

jbiddle

When you purchase from a Registered Motor Vehicle Trader (Dealer) you are covered under the Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA) which states a vehicle must be fit for purpose at the time of sale.

The CGA has no official time frame but it is fair to say it becomes less effective as time moves on.

In recent times we have noted an increase in some used car sales staff telling prospective buyers their cars have limited or specific warranty time frames which is not entirely true.

Under the CGA the Dealer must be given the opportunity to inspect a vehicle and if they accept responsibility, have any repairs carried out by a repairer of their choice. It would appear they have not walked away from that responsibility at this stage so returning the car is probably a little premature at this time.

I understand your concerns however and would definitely be getting the vehicle independently inspected and keeping written documentation of the problems you have encountered to date.

I’m not sure an AA inspection is the most appropriate check to be honest. The car needs to go on a hoist and a mechanic needs to check the security of the complete underside. An AA inspection is non invasive and is more of a visual inspection only.

Once that inspection has been carried out you will be in a better position to decide the next course of action.

You would need to be prepared to pay for that inspection and give strict instructions for no remedial work to be carried out.

At this stage purchasing a mechanical warranty insurance policy is only going to increase your costs and there are no guarantees any further faults encountered would be covered.