Warranty laws

mondeo

Anyone point to a link as to where one can find info on car warranty laws?
I'm writing this in response to a lad on the BMW driver forum regarding a claim they are making. Engine/gearbox warranty with car, diff is leaking quite badly and the dealer claims differentials are not covered under the warranty? However dealer says HE WILL repair it on the basis that he agrees to having the remaining warranty period scrapped? Sounds abit unfair to me, surely a diff is an essential part of a gearbox right? It's part of the gearbox on a front wheel drive car so why should it be any different on a RWD?

What do you think?

Thanks

Topper Harley

Whether the differential is covered depends on the terms of the warranty. If it doesn't specifically mention the differential, the dealer will probably be in the clear but he could bring it to the attention of SIMI and see what they say. Even if the dealer isn't a member of SIMI he could ask them for their opinion. Here's a few links regarding consumer rights. They're just the basics which you're probably already aware of but nothing specific regarding the contents of warranties.

National Consumer Agency - Faulty Goods

Citizens Information.ie - Buying a Used Car in Ireland

Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act, 1980

mullingar

This has come up a few times now and the general consensus is that under the "sale of goods act" ALL used cars have a bumper to bumper warranty if sold by a dealer to a member of the public. This warranty is legally regarded as 3 months but its not set in stone.

The only time that a dealer can get away with it a known fault not covered under warranty is if the buyer was told at point of sale that it had a problem.

So, tell him to get back in touch with the dealer, inform them of his/her rights under the "sale of goods act" and if they still refuse to carry out the work, get a solicitors letter sent.