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Gearbox shot, on the way home from the dealers!

  • 08-10-2012 10:30am
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,967 ✭✭✭✭


    Looking for some advice/help on this one.

    We just bought a 07 focus from a main dealer. Lovely car, low mileage, all the specs. Got a nice price. We were very happy. Took it for a test drive, everything appears ok. They showed us evidence/receipt that it was just services & checked by their service team. All seemed ok.

    Drove it home (across dublin) Saturday. By the time we got home there was an audible "ticking" from the engine. Only slight. Only when ideling.
    Took the car up the raod to the shops on Suday, but the ticking was louder. Wife took the car to show her parents (around the corner) afterwards and the ticking we really loud.

    Rang the dealer on Monday to tell them. They said - no problem, bring it in & get it checked, it's covered under 1 year warranty. Couldn't do this until the following saturday. Didn't use the car during the week.

    Got in on Saturday to drive it back, and 10mins out the road it died. Had to get a tow to the nearest dealer. Smoke from the engine. It looks like the automatic gearbox is the problem.

    Clearly I'm not impressed. I'm waiting to hear back exactly what the problem is. Where do i stand?

    Ok there was no hassle with getting the repairs (by the looks of things) as it's all covered by the warranty, but that's not really comforting me too much. I'm very worried I've been sold a lemon (obviously).

    I take it a "return" isn't really on the cards as we traded in her car & this (probably) has been sold on to trade. Is there much hope in pushing for an "extended" warranty? or what can I push for/do? Am I fubarred?


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,302 ✭✭✭Supergurrier


    Check your warantee, it should cover engine/gearbox for 3 months minimum.

    Sort it asap don't let the dealer string you along and then try and wipe his hands of it once warantee is up


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 33,733 ✭✭✭✭Myrddin


    Check your warantee, it should cover engine/gearbox for 3 months minimum.

    Sort it asap don't let the dealer string you along and then try and wipe his hands of it once warantee is up

    But
    Zulu wrote: »
    Rang the dealer on Monday to tell them. They said - no problem, bring it in & get it checked, it's covered under 1 year warranty.

    Give them a chance to see whats wrong, & assess it from there. Sometimes sh1t happens, its how its dealt with is what matters. Not a nice experience buying a car & having to bring it back so soon, but they could have the best customer service in the country for all you know, & you might end up buying from them again next time.

    Just give them a chance to see what the story is first :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,393 ✭✭✭SCOOP 64


    I think Zulu is sure the repairs will be done, but concerned about faulty gearbox on a 07 car,whats the history of the car and how it was driven by last owner is what i would be thinking now, for it too have a fault soon after collection,i would be concerned as well ,not sure were you would stand for refund or different car, as its a main dealer you should be ok.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 33,733 ✭✭✭✭Myrddin


    nig1 wrote: »
    I think Zulu is sure the repairs will be done, but concerned about faulty gearbox on a 07 car,whats the history of the car and how it was driven by last owner is what i would be thinking now, for it too have a fault soon after collection,i would be concerned as well ,not sure were you would stand for refund or different car, as its a main dealer you should be ok.

    I've seen €100k BMW's come back days after sale with things go wrong, it happens. It doesn't always mean a worst case scenario.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,272 ✭✭✭✭Atomic Pineapple


    nig1 wrote: »
    I think Zulu is sure the repairs will be done, but concerned about faulty gearbox on a 07 car,whats the history of the car and how it was driven by last owner is what i would be thinking now, for it too have a fault soon after collection,i would be concerned as well ,not sure were you would stand for refund or different car, as its a main dealer you should be ok.

    If its fixed it shouldn't make a difference?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,237 ✭✭✭✭djimi


    I had a similar feeling when a part in my clutch went two weeks after buying the car. Towed it back to the guy who was very apologetic, fixed it for me on the spot and 3 years later Ive had no further issues.

    These kind of things happen. If he was prepared to give you a 1 year warranty then chances are he was happy to stand over the car, and if there are any more issues with it then they should show up within that year. Id let them fix it and see what happens after that; you might never see a moments trouble from it again!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,967 ✭✭✭✭Zulu


    Thanks folks. Yeah I'm sure they'll fix it. And their service, so far, has been brilliant. And I know these things happen. However, it's worrying none the less.
    There is an element that thinks - "lemon".

    ...so the consensus is to sit tight, and not push for a warrenty extention?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,575 ✭✭✭166man


    This is one reason why I would always be tempted to buy from a dealer, regardless of how much less the equivalent private sale is. It shows that no matter how nice the car is and how it all checks out that even these can still have problems and with a dealer, at least you have a leg to stand on OP.


  • Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators Posts: 17,852 Mod ✭✭✭✭Henry Ford III


    166man wrote: »
    This is one reason why I would always be tempted to buy from a dealer, regardless of how much less the equivalent private sale is. It shows that no matter how nice the car is and how it all checks out that even these can still have problems and with a dealer, at least you have a leg to stand on OP.

    Dealer prices are considerably higher in the main, so you effectively buy the additional cover.

    OP - if they fix the box properly you won't be in any position to demand an extended warranty.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 33,733 ✭✭✭✭Myrddin


    Zulu wrote: »
    ...so the consensus is to sit tight, and not push for a warrenty extention?

    I don't think on a five year old car you'll get an extension to the year you already have. Sit tight & give them the chance to look after you. You might get a free first service or something if you chance your arm


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,575 ✭✭✭166man


    Dealer prices are considerably higher the main, so you effectively buy the additional cover.

    OP - if the fix the box properly you won't be in any position to demand an extended warranty.

    I know that but I would almost be tempted to pay the higher price to ensure that if something happened within the year warranty that the car would be covered. Peace of mind driving is very worthwhile if spending a large amount of cash.

    Obviously I wouldn't bother with a dealer on a sub €2k car.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,315 ✭✭✭A-Trak


    And to be fair to the dealer a 1 year warranty on a 5 year old car is decent enough seeing as they're only obliged to offer 3 months.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 117 ✭✭Hal Decks


    A-Trak wrote: »
    And to be fair to the dealer a 1 year warranty on a 5 year old car is decent enough seeing as they're only obliged to offer 3 months.

    It's a common misconception. There is no obligation on any dealer to provide any warranty. (There is an obligation for the goods sold to be fit for purpose.)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,012 ✭✭✭✭Cuddlesworth


    Hal Decks wrote: »
    (There is an obligation for the goods sold to be fit for purpose.)

    And no limitation on the timeframe they should remain so. We have both one of the best and one of the worst consumer laws in the world.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 241 ✭✭ljpg


    djimi wrote: »
    I had a similar feeling when a part in my clutch went two weeks after buying the car. Towed it back to the guy who was very apologetic, fixed it for me on the spot and 3 years later Ive had no further issues.

    These kind of things happen. If he was prepared to give you a 1 year warranty then chances are he was happy to stand over the car, and if there are any more issues with it then they should show up within that year. Id let them fix it and see what happens after that; you might never see a moments trouble from it again!

    you were lucky,they dont normally stand over clutches,pity there was'nt more dealers like that


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 556 ✭✭✭Carson10


    Hi OP..you should check previous owners if you can. Sounds like it could be an ex rental that was trashed. Most rental automatic cars are Ford Focus.

    For example this is a trashed ex rental 2007 focus.
    http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3859319

    Good luck!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,043 ✭✭✭Wossack


    Carson10 wrote: »
    Hi OP..you should check previous owners if you can. Sounds like it could be an ex rental that was trashed. Most rental automatic cars are Ford Focus.

    For example this is a trashed ex rental 2007 focus.
    http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3859319

    Good luck!

    good ad title that.. guessing ST as in 'STyle' - plonkers :pac:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,863 ✭✭✭RobAMerc


    Carson10 wrote: »
    Sounds like it could be an ex rental that was trashed. Most rental automatic cars are Ford Focus.

    Are the people who pay extra for an Auto likely to be the types who trash them ?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,977 ✭✭✭rocky


    Speaking of Ford automatics ... how come the Powershift dual clutch gearbox is not more popular? You can count on one hand the number of cars available for sale...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,967 ✭✭✭✭Zulu


    The car isn't ex-rental, and assuming all is above board (which it appears to be judging by my checks) only has 40,000KM on the clock.

    Now I did the best to ensure it wasn't imported (its an irish car). And I did the best to ensure it only had one other owner. Clearly I was concerned it was clocked. However, there's very little wear inside. It's spotless. And it seems to check out. A case of being too good to be true? I dunno.

    Found out today that a hole has been worn in the transmission. It's a big job to fix. Sounds like it's a whole new automatic gearbox!


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  • Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators Posts: 17,852 Mod ✭✭✭✭Henry Ford III


    rocky wrote: »
    Speaking of Ford automatics ... how come the Powershift dual clutch gearbox is not more popular? You can count on one hand the number of cars available for sale...

    Mainly cost I think.

    p.s. I'm not certain they are that good either.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,977 ✭✭✭rocky


    Are they worse than the DSG?

    An ST with powershift I would enjoy...


  • Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators Posts: 17,852 Mod ✭✭✭✭Henry Ford III


    rocky wrote: »
    Are they worse than the DSG?

    An ST with powershift I would enjoy...

    I'm not really sure, but they are certainly rarer.

    You can't get an ST with a Powershift transmission afaik.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 596 ✭✭✭sumo12


    Zulu wrote: »
    Found out today that a hole has been worn in the transmission. It's a big job to fix. Sounds like it's a whole new automatic gearbox!

    Result! Best outcome to get it replaced completely, there are very few automatic transmission specialists in Ireland and you don't want a guy fiddling around in there - main dealers don't strip auto boxes ( I know, I work in one) as they are too complex and not an everyday repair.

    Relax, your 07 car now has a 12 transmission and you still have balance of warranty. Just one piece of advice, ensure they are fitting a brand new Ford transmission or a Ford factory recon unit. Ask them for part number so you can cross reference with another dealer. This part will be upwards of €3k even for a recon I would think. Unlikely dealer will be stumping this up as warranty is prob backed by Ford or insurance company so they shouldn't care.

    Hope this helps!
    Sumo


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,967 ✭✭✭✭Zulu


    sumo12 wrote: »
    Result! Best outcome to get it replaced completely, there are very few automatic transmission specialists in Ireland ...
    Ugh, this is turning sour fairly quickly.
    Bear in mind I dropped it in two saturdays ago at this stage...

    The first main dealer it was towed to, took a look at it until Friday just gone. (Thats all the info that I have been posting) On thursday they informed me that it'd be quicker to send it back to the dealer I bought it from, and that they'd do the repair. On Friday, they sent to car over to the wrong dealer.

    So now a third dealer are looking at the car. They rang Friday afternoon to explain that there had been a mix up, that they got the car in error, but that they'd fix it. Firstly though, they were going to have to examine it themselves to determine what had to be done. (So the week with the first dealer was for nothing)

    Got a call back from them later, and they said that the "torque converter" was kaput, and that they needed to contact <insert franchise label name here> to find out if they would authorise a "product replacement" or a repair. I was told that feedback generally took a few days, so not to expect word back until early this week. They could give me no approximate timeline on the completion of the repair.

    Oh, and I'm now going to have to collect my car from the other side of the city (whenever it's fixed) as oppose to around the corner from where I live.

    I'm not impressed, at all.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,967 ✭✭✭✭Zulu


    Rang there, still no word back re the repair/replacement.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,686 ✭✭✭✭mickdw


    This is an 07 car. What warranty is on it? I find it odd that it is being sent around the houses.
    Is it one of those mapfre warranties?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,967 ✭✭✭✭Zulu


    It's a big-name-brand warranty. (I'm not sure if i can post the name)

    What a "mapfre" warranty?


  • Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators Posts: 17,852 Mod ✭✭✭✭Henry Ford III


    Don't see the issue tbh. If the box was under warranty it should be replaced or repaired. Should be 100% after and good as new.

    If you are getting the runaround or anything less than satisfaction, contact the warranty provider and see what they have to say.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,967 ✭✭✭✭Zulu


    Don't see the issue tbh. If the box was under warranty it should be replaced or repaired. Should be 100% after and good as new.

    If you are getting the runaround or anything less than satisfaction, contact the warranty provider and see what they have to say.

    Well my issue is the time wasting at this point. I'd be a lot happier if the car was a week down the road of repair / if the part was ordered a week ago.
    I bought this car with the intention of using it. Sending it over reset the clock on the repair


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,686 ✭✭✭✭mickdw


    Zulu wrote: »
    It's a big-name-brand warranty. (I'm not sure if i can post the name)

    What a "mapfre" warranty?

    Mapfre are one of the companies that sell warranty cover to garages and or individuals.
    They can be good enough or not depending on circumstances.
    In your case OP, I would deal only with supplying dealer to get it sorted as fast as possible. I know some of those warranty companies wont cover failures in the first month or so to prevent garages catching them for repairs that they should have done before the sale. This wouldnt affect the garages obligation to you to repair the car but it could mean that they end up paying the bill themselves. In that case, I would expect hardship tbh.
    I have no idea how the main dealers arrange their used car sales warranty though.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 29,088 ✭✭✭✭_Kaiser_


    I'd also tell them when they DO fix it that they drop it to your home/local dealer seeing as they messed up on where to send it in the first place

    As a side note, is the warranty you got not with the original dealer then? Could you PM me the name maybe? I'd happily pay a bit per month if it'd cover anything big going wrong - but no doubt there's a mileage limit which means I'll be outta luck (what with 227,000km on a 06 car) but can't hurt to ask :)


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