Bought a lemon

KathleenF · 29-05-2015 10:30pm #1

I collected a used Honda Civic from an established dealer on Monday. Today I notice the car is chugging, and the engine, oil, and vehicle stability assist warning lights came on this evening. The car came with a third party warranty. I've driven the car less than 100k since I bought it. I've contacted the warranty company already, who only work Mon - Fri, which means I'll be without a car until at least Tuesday. If I return to the dealer tomorrow, can he just fob me off to the warranty company, or is he under any obligation to fix it? I'd really appreciate some advice. Thanks.

colm_mcm · 29-05-2015 10:46pm

Third party warranty is often provided to allow fobbing off.
Have you checked if it has oil?

When you say 'established' do you mean they have a good reputation?

RyanMGF · 29-05-2015 11:06pm

Do you have any more information? Is it a mapfre warranty?

Some places will sell a mapfre warranty (in lieu of their own shorter one) but AFAIK if a fault occurs within 7 days of picking it up you can bring it back to the dealer. Check your paperwork with the warranty.

I wouldn't be worried just yet anyway.

KathleenF · 30-05-2015 7:01am

RyanMGF wrote: »

Do you have any more information? Is it a mapfre warranty?

Some places will sell a mapfre warranty (in lieu of their own shorter one) but AFAIK if a fault occurs within 7 days of picking it up you can bring it back to the dealer. Check your paperwork with the warranty.

I wouldn't be worried just yet anyway.

Thanks for the reply. Yes it has a good reputation. It's a 12 month standard carprotect.ie warranty. I'm going to ring citizens information this morning and see what they say, as well as going to the dealer today. The car came 'fully serviced', but I'm starting to seriously doubt that. I've a good local mechanic who'll have a look over it, and see what he thinks. Will check oil too.

Del2005 · 30-05-2015 8:53am

KathleenF wrote: »

Thanks for the reply. Yes it has a good reputation. It's a 12 month standard carprotect.ie warranty. I'm going to ring citizens information this morning and see what they say, as well as going to the dealer today. The car came 'fully serviced', but I'm starting to seriously doubt that. I've a good local mechanic who'll have a look over it, and see what he thinks. Will check oil too.

Don't bother with the warranty your issues is the car isn't fit for purpose and that is covered by the Sale of Goods and Supply of services act. Have a look on here and bring it back to the dealer and calmly inform them of the issues and how you want it resolved.

bazz26 · 30-05-2015 12:46pm

Never understand why some people only get a mechanic to check a car out after they have bought it and find it has problems. Never assume because the car is being bought from a garage that you don't need a mechanic to check it out first.

KathleenF · 30-05-2015 3:02pm

Update - Brought back the car this morning after my mechanic looked it over. Looks like a sensor problem. Dealer was accommodating and offered me another car for the weekend until their service guys can look into it. Appreciate the input from everyone here.