Ask an expert

Hi, Briefly, I bought a car for my son three weeks ago (Peaugot 206 54 plate, 86000 mileage) from a local garage in Sunderland for £1200. 18 days later the cambelt snapped while he was driving on a motorway. Paid £180.00 breakdown charge to return it to his residence in Manchester. Contacted the garage dealer and explained above. Garage owner says he will repair the car very cheaply but will not pay for transportation from Manchester to Sunderland and I will have to pay the cost of parts to repair, saying this is the best he can do. He tells me the cambelt could 'go anytime' and this wasn't mentioned at the time of purchase, neither a warranty. What are my rights and choices if any for transport costs and repair. My son is distrought please help!

Hello there to you in the UK.. Unfortunately, you've found our AA forum in New Zealand, so I'm unable to give you much guidance as I'm not familiar with your consumer law.
However, cambelts will not "go at any time" if the car has been properly maintained. The 206 cambelt interval is 80,000 miles or 6 years (whichever comes first). It would seem that this car has gone over that in both age and mileage.
See this link.