Car dealer using Mapfre warranty.

Hi,

I bought a car from a dealer, Main dealer of Opel/ Vauxhall in my area, and when I bought the car I was told it has a 12-month warranty. The warranty I was given was by a company called MapFree. At the time I wasn't aware of who they were or what they were, and thought it was incase I was away from the dealership and needed repair.

I am now having an issue with the car I bought, 202 2.0ltr Insignia, and the dealership, who are about 650m away from me, or saying I have to go through Mapfre.

The fun starts here! Mapfre only covers certain elements, and has limits on this.

Does anyone know my legal rights in terms of buying from a dealership with a 12-month warranty, to now be pawned off? Had I known more about this I would have saved myself 4k and bought from a guy on the side of the road !!!

User1998

When did you buy the car? They are not required to give you a 12 month warranty by law.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121404437#Comment_121404437

I bought the car in June 2023, so 6 months.

It was part of the sale that it came with a 12 month warranty, and honestly, it was a big part of why I went with a dealer and not a donedeal ad.

Dave_D_Rave

Yes I experienced this previously complete pain in the a**. Unfortunately there is probably not much you can do in terms of recourse.

This is tactic often used by 2nd car dealers essentially your warranty is farmed off to third party company who as you said above only cover certain items. So its very much a case of buyer beware.

Only thing you can do that I can see is to start tagging them on social media. Bad press can sometimes be help.

Moanin

How long ago did you buy the car?

From my understanding the dealer has to legally give you 3 x months engine and gearbox warranty.

Are the issues that you are having covered with this period?

If not are they not covered in mapfre ? Have you been in contact with them?

Hi,

So when I bought the car, which is a brand that the main dealer sells and is the agent for in my area, it was advertised and the condition of the sale was a 12 month warranty.

I bought it in June, so six month ago and have now issues. I did ring Mapfre and they said to bring it back to the garage who ironically is thier repair site, but its only covered for some elements.

Its just a strange one, and I would not have bought from a main dealer had I known this was the situation

This content has been removed.

User1998

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121404629#Comment_121404629

Yeah but even an independent dealer will have limitations on their warranty. They told you it was Mapfre and you agreed to it.

Why don’t you bring it to your local Mapfre repair centre first and see if they can fix it free of charge? And if not you can contact the supplying dealer to see if they’ll help out?

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121404753#Comment_121404753

Gas thing is, the mapfre agent is the dealer !!!

Jim_Hodge

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121404731#Comment_121404731

All guarantees have limitations. What issues are you having?

ednwireland

I had an aircon condenser replaced and regas done on a mapfre warranty at a main dealer.

it wasn't done at the car dealers (they were small and couldn't do it anyway)

depends on the warranty sold I rang mapre and it was covered. I paid nothing.

this was 4 years ago

Hellrazer

Mapfre warranty is a disaster. Ive posted multiple times here about it but the search function is fecked on this site these days.I actually thought I still had a copy of their Ts&Cs here but it must be on my home email.

They cover very little. For example you do a Turbo they wont cover fresh oil, or the oil pipes. - really stupid stuff like that. Wont cover bushes if you are doing a wishbone and theyre a separate part. Really stupid stuff.

OP whats up with the Insignia?

And why are you claiming Mapfre - Its probably just out of manufacturers warranty being a 202 and Opel arent bad at goodwill claims especially if the car was sold by an Opel dealer.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121404991#Comment_121404991

I didnt think to ring Opel.

No idea the issue yet, car is going into limp mode in about 5 mins of driving, so it might be a turbo or pipes. I cant visually see anything, but then I could be looking at a pipe full of milkshakes.

monkeybutter

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121405038#Comment_121405038

those cars are a disaster waiting to happen, thats why the price is good second hand

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121405179#Comment_121405179

I had thought buying from a dealer with a 12 month warranty was a safer bet to be fair!

Oscar_Madison

Work with mapfire first- depending on the situation /issue they might sort it as good as any other reputable dealer guarantee would - if it’s out of scope then you can still rely on consumer legislation no matter what the limitations of the guarantee are. It might mean a trip to small claims court or at least a notification in order to get them to the table but first step is talk and enquire and reason with them if refused ultimately and then assert yourself if that doesn’t work and exercise your consumer rights

you currently don’t know the issue so the only first step is to get it assessed first

monkeybutter

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121405205#Comment_121405205

What made you go insignia in the first place?

i mean they are a good looking car, but you need to do a bit of research first

the others have already said no warranty is a catch all

find out what it is first

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121405255#Comment_121405255

Hi,

Yes I did research, the dealership has a solid 4.5 out of 5, its the main dealer for Opel in my area, insignia I have always thoguht of as a good car, I have had two in the past, Never had any previous warranty issues like this. The way the Mapfre thing was described to me was an extra cover incase I was down the country or away from the dealership that I could get it brought to any garage.,

goochy

If the dealer not offering an opel used car warranty scheme like most main dealers do ?

Oscar_Madison

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121405362#Comment_121405362

I bought a different make car in the last year but the dealer spun that line on me about dealer network- I pushed him on it and eventually got him to admit that it was only his garage that would work on items under guarantee without a fee - sales people will say anything to make the deal

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121406092#Comment_121406092

I had thought it was TBH, i only brielfy heard the Mapfre name and it was explained like " its just an extra warranty we have for if you are out of town and there is an issue, but there wont be any"

Squatman

a few comments, is you 12 month warranty with the dealer, and you have an additional warranty with Mapfre?

IMO the Mapfre warranty isn't worth the paper its written on, with step-back cover due to mileage.

if you think you have a turbo problem, then stop driving it, replacing a turbo is ok, replacing an engine is not.

2 lessons to be learned.

1. say no to mapfre warranty, and only deal with dealerships that will support it

1. don't buy insignias! you can watch them depreciate in your driveway

No.

The warranty isn't with the dealer apparently..it's with mapfre. Dealer is saying that it's not that his issue. It's a mapfre warranty.

This is despite the fact that mapfre are sending me to the same guy.

I like the insignia 😄. I have had less reliable cars, by far

User1998

Mapfre have authorised repairers. The Opel garage is an authorised repairer. They diagnose the fault and notify Mapfre of the issue and its up to Mapfre whether they’ll cover it or not. You can go to another authorised repairer if you wish.

mickdw

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058323870/car-dealer-using-mapfre-warranty

Has the manufacturers warranty run out? I guess so if its a 3 year warranty.

Mapfre can be hit and miss but the small print is usually the killer.

As an example, one of.the warranties states it doesn't cover electrical connectors. I mean that is a joke.

Anyway, surely you take the car to the dealer that's 650m away. Get the issue diagnosed. They will get on to mapfre. If covered. Happy days.

If not covered, it's time to put pressure on opel dealer to seek goodwill from opel as the car is not long outside of original warranty.

Whatwicklow

Consumer protection is with the dealer, as much as they may want, the dealer can't sub contract your rights to anyone.

User1998

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121409931#Comment_121409931

True but will consumer protection cover a 4 year old car that was purchased 6 months ago?

Hellrazer

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121405038#Comment_121405038

Its probably the seal between the intercooler pipe and the turbo or intercooler. Known issue on them and if I remember right there was possibly a recall on them to replace the seals.

Or else an accelerator pedal failing - used to sell loads of them.

I posted something about them a few years back.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2057972681/reliability-of-new-model-insignia/p3

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121409931#Comment_121409931

What rights are being subcontracted?

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121409937#Comment_121409937

Casr is 3 years old, its a 202, First reg was April 2020.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121410327#Comment_121410327

Thanks so much ! I will say it.

Its gone in now anyway, it was akward to say the least!

I also didnt know I could go elsewhere, thought you go where they tell you :)

Whatwicklow

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121409937#Comment_121409937

The devil in the detail, hadn't seen the car was bought 6 months ago.

Whatwicklow

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121410411#Comment_121410411

Consumer rights. Dealer purchases are protected by law (irrespective of any secondary warranty bought from a third party)

Weather this qualifies is between the buyer and deler, I hadn't initially realised the car was bought in June 23.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121412890#Comment_121412890

But the dealer hasn’t subcontracted the op’s consumer rights, a warranty isn’t a right, and the op has already stated that they knew when buying the car that the warranty was with a third party.

Whatwicklow

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121413505#Comment_121413505

Not sure your understanding my point.

A car bought from a dealer is protected by consumer rights.

The dealer selling the new owner a 3rd party warranty doesn't absolve them of thier responsibilities. Similar to a dealer selling a yolk "sold as seen" the consumer is still protected.

This sale is a little grey as 6 months have passed since the sale.

Seth Brundle

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121413918#Comment_121413918

A car bought from a dealer is protected by consumer rights.

Just to add to this...

https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/consumer/cars/problem-with-a-used-car/

https://www.ccpc.ie/consumers/cars/your-rights-if-things-go-wrong/

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121412880#Comment_121412880

was 5 months ago, end of june

mickdw

Any update on the car

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121424771#Comment_121424771

From a call earlier today, it looks like a drive system issue. I have no idea what that means but I have been told they need to take out the top of the engine to see more.

I am un familiar with how much information they can get from the computers on cars

mickdw

As an answer from a garage, that's up there with the worst response I've ever heard.

Reads to me something like this:

We have not looked at the car yet and we have no clue what is wrong with the car. We know you are clueless about cars so we are just.bullshitting you.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121424910#Comment_121424910

I think your version sounds more plausible, to be honest. They said it could be a turbo issue, but there is no black smoke and it goes into limp mode, not so much a loss of power before limp mode.

User1998

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121424985#Comment_121424985

I’ve had turbo issues with no black smoke and no loss of power. Just limp mode. So your better off just leaving it to the experts and see what they come up with

Hellrazer

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121424851#Comment_121424851

Sounds like bullshit - "drive system issue"???

What I would call the "drive system" would be the clutch, gear box , half shafts etc - and not usually the engine.

Someones telling porkies or else hasnt a clue what they are talking about.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121426625#Comment_121426625

Id say as above, they probably didnt even look at it yet, just drove it around the yard for a few mins :)

An update, they have said its the turbo pipes and turbo itself that is failing, there is damage to the pipes and the turbo itself is letting in air.

Hellrazer

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121428226#Comment_121428226

Ask them to check for recalls - there was a recall on turbo pipe seals but the turbo usually isnt damaged if the seals fail.

mickdw

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121428412#Comment_121428412

Looks like you were spot on with your own diagnoses based on your past experience.

Shouldn't be a major repair surely.

Hellrazer

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121429704#Comment_121429704

Helps when you worked for the brand for a few years :)

mickdw

Is it common for opel to be offering that kind of warranty on their own brand used cars that are being sold at circa 3 years old.

Hellrazer

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121430297#Comment_121430297

Being completely honest and having worked in probably every franchise out there at some time over the last 30 years I have to say Opel are one of the best franchises for "goodwill" warranty as long as the car has been serviced in the Opel network. They dont mind giving a decent goodwill if someone has spent their money in franchised dealers and Ive seen goodwill give even 50% warranty on a car that was 5 years old with full histories.

Used Opels however are sold with Network Q warranty which is Mapfre warranty and from experience is the most useless warranty you could offer a customer if the car ever had a major issue that needed fixing.

Some of their policies make no sense - for example you get a Turbo fitted under Mapfre warranty and they wont cover oil feed pipes and wont cover engine oil - stupid decisions and I used to fight with them on a weekly basis over these ridiculous policies in place. This is despite the fact that the repair procedure from OPEL warranty says to change the above extra parts. Silly stuff altogether and its like their claims handlers wouldnt know one end of a car from the other. They just refer you back to the warranty policy booklet which is pages long of exclusions.

In saying that for minor repairs say a window reg,coil pack, wheel bearing etc - no issues at all.

In the OPs case Id say it will be covered under Opel warranty and not Mapfre as the car is only a couple of months outside Opels warranty and if I was the selling dealer thats what I would be fighting for.

Ive linked to the excluded items list below and its honestly quite crap what isnt covered.

The casing one below was a major headache of mine as timing covers were leaking on Vivaros - They would not cover them at all as it was a "casing"

And this one below used to do my head in - you buy a used car and it has a manufacturing defect or design flaw and they wont cover the claim on it - surely thats what you have warranty for. Again this was the subject of a few heated arguments with them.

And also No EV components covered AT ALL!!!

The policy booklet is here if anyone wants to read it but its painful to read.

Moral of teh story - if you are buying a used car and offer Mapfre warranty try do a deal for dealer warranty instead.

https://www.opelnetworkq.ie/network-q-programme/warranty/

Exclusions

The Insurer will not cover claims caused by, or arising from or in connection with the

following:

1. Losses arising from manufacturer’s defects, inherent design faults, recall campaigns,

during or after manufacturer’s warranty period;

Items Not Covered

The following are not covered by Your Opel Network Q Warranty & Roadside Assistance

Policy:

• Bodywork components, panels, paintwork, door handles, glass, exterior & interior trim

trim, keys or key fobs, check straps, upholstery, cables, seating frames & runners, lamps,

light fittings, key blades and cards

• Normal wear & tear, service items or any item that requires periodic replacement. Such

items as, but not limited to spark plugs, plug leads, belts, brake drums/discs/ pads/shoes,

all filters, any adjustments or alignment, fuses, HT leads, bulbs, wheels, brake/clutch

frictional material and auxiliary drive belts.

• Burnt, sticking or pitted valves;

• Airbag systems and seat belts systems!

• Weather strips and body seals. All damage and repairs resulting from water ingress, or

leaks or flood damage of any form;

• Recharging of air conditioning system, unless part of a Valid Claim;

• Servicing of the Diesel Particle Filter as stated by some manufacturers, including isolated

regeneration and the top up of the fuel additive;

• If You have an electric vehicle the following Components will not be covered: Li-ion battery

(EV battery), traction motor, traction motor inverter, VCM (vehicle control module),

reduction gear, DC/DC converter, on-board charger, charge connector and cable;

• Batteries, all lamp assemblies, all illumination devices, exhaust systems, wiper blades,

wiper arms, wheel balancing / alignment, tyres, glow plugs;

• All casings: However, Should the failure of a covered Component result in damage to any

associated casing the replacement of said casing will be covered if required to successfully

effect the required repair. (provided the additional costs of repair, replacement and

labour are within the Policy claim’s limits);

• All Pipes and hoses;

• Fluid reservoirs and caps;

• Fuel Injector washers.

I was going to quote that but Jesus that is a lot.

I did take your advice and I asked was there a recall done and was my car brought in for it. It was not, so they are starting there now.

Just a pain as I have been without a car for the last week, Mapfre only gives you 30 euros a day for rental.

I think I will be getting a Mondeo in the new year !