Air Con Fault

G-Man · 26 Aug 2013 at 15:45

So, bought a Focus from a main dealer (only a 2005 one though) 2 weeks ago and it turns out the air con is dead, it's leaking at the condensor.

Whats the chances of getting this fixed by the dealer at their cost being that as far as I can tell it hasn't ever worked in the 2 weeks i've owned it?

Jono8 · 26 Aug 2013 at 17:03

I would say the chances are very much in your favour. They pretty much have to fix it.

dfarrall · 26 Aug 2013 at 17:23

I don't know, why don't you ask them?

G-Man · 26 Aug 2013 at 17:57

dfarrall said:
I don't know, why don't you ask them?

Have tried, currently waiting for the salesman that I was dealing with to return my call. Was just making sure my understanding of the law/rights wasn't completely wrong.

Richie · 26 Aug 2013 at 20:29

Why are you waiting on the salesman to get back to you? He doesn't fix cars, he sells them. Speak to the aftersales (servicing dept)

Out of interest, what group did you buy it from?

G-Man · 26 Aug 2013 at 21:02

No idea why the reception person wanted to put me to the salesman. Will be calling again in the morning if they don't beat me to it.

It's Evans Halshaw.

G-Man · 27 Aug 2013 at 10:55

Well this just got annoying. Salesman is insisting there is only a 30 day warranty on engine stuff and air con isn't covered. Completely refuses to listen to the whole sale of goods act thing other than to say i've waited 2 weeks to tell them.
Only just figured out the air con wasn't working as opposed to being crap this weekend so couldn't really tell them earlier.

paradigm · 27 Aug 2013 at 11:09

Reject the car tbh.

G-Man · 27 Aug 2013 at 11:10

Bit overkill when theres only one thing wrong no?

paradigm · 27 Aug 2013 at 11:23

If I had a dealership trying it on with a "30 day engine-only" warranty, I'd not want anything to do with that dealership.

Ergo, I'd be starting the ball rolling.

miniyazz · 27 Aug 2013 at 11:35

You won't be justified in rejecting the car at this stage.
Speak to a Manager.

G-Man · 27 Aug 2013 at 11:38

Managed to speak to a manager and he at the very least seems a little more interested in dealing with the problem instead of trying to fob me off, so far.

Waiting for him to call back with details on when to take the car in to be checked over.

Richie · 27 Aug 2013 at 12:39

Was this car sold under the Runabout section?

G-Man · 27 Aug 2013 at 12:47

Janesy B · 27 Aug 2013 at 12:58

paradigm said:
Reject the car tbh.

paradigm said:
If I had a dealership trying it on with a "30 day engine-only" warranty, I'd not want anything to do with that dealership.

Ergo, I'd be starting the ball rolling.

Most will, because they get away with it for the most part, book price on a condenser swap is £400 so I doubt they'll take that hit without a fight. If you think it's a worthwhile investment of time and energy in rejecting an 8 year old car with what is a common occurring fault on a lot of used cars, you must have a lot of spare time on your hands.

OP, just tow the SOGA line, threaten them with trading standards if they aren't acting. If the car was advertised as having air conditioning, you'd expect it to work. If the ad was online, make sure you print it so you have a copy before they pull it.

paradigm · 27 Aug 2013 at 13:18

I wouldn't be buying an 8 year old car from a main dealer in the first place...

Janesy B · 27 Aug 2013 at 13:18

No, nor would I. Little point paying the extra for 'dealer service' when dealers don't get a stuff about cheaper/older cars.

G-Man · 27 Aug 2013 at 13:45

Saved the ad before i even picked up the car

Taking it in on Friday morning to be looked at, no mention of a fix yet just a look at the problem to see if its pipes or the actual condenser. Also no mention of them covering costs yet either. Hate dealing with people over the phone anyway so easier to raise these points face to face.

Manager type person did say they check air con is working as part of the pre sale checks and such but I have no idea what check they'd perform, especially on the runabouts range.

Mostly bought from a dealer to have some sort of come back for crap like this, that and the private market around here is dire.

Janesy B · 27 Aug 2013 at 13:52

They will have to do a proper test using UV dye to identify the leak.

Hyburnate · 27 Aug 2013 at 13:55

I think this is fitting...