Update: the AA managed to fix it for me, the clutch had popped off the bearing he thinks the clutch master cylinder needs replacing but he put a tie round it so it should last until I can get it to the garage tomorrow or Monday! Thanks for everyone’s advice.
I bought a car 20 March this year. It broke down a few days ago, the clutch made a clunk and won’t lift off the floor. It’s parked (legally) about 2 miles away from my house.
Basically I’ve been calling round garages and none can fit me in for two weeks. A mechanic just told me really the dealership should be dealing with this for me as I’ve not had the car long – is this right? Should I just be calling them back and telling them to sort?
I’m so upset. Aside from the issue of the car, my son was knocked down and broke his leg just over a week ago so I need the car to get to school etc., and my insurance only offers a courtesy car in the event of an accident.
Can anyone advise? I don’t want a fight but I’ve hardly had the car two minutes!
TIA.
8 comments
It’s within 6 months so the dealer might sort if you speak to them.
Look up your rights when buying a car from a dealership under the consumer rights act. Usually you’re fully protected for 30 days and partially protected for 6 months.
Depends on warranty given, just the standard one ,after this time it’s engine and gearbox only. Clutch parts won’t be covered under that, but as a gesture of goodwill to save themselves poor reviews online and maintain customer loyalty it’s worth calling them.
Generally things like clutches are considered wear and tear so I don’t think you’ll get anywhere tbh. If it was within 30 days then you’d have a bit more comeback, but after three months I think they’ll just say tough luck. I’m assuming it’s a second hand car? If it’s brand new then the clutch definitely shouldn’t have gone after three months and it should still be under warranty.
Nope, certainly not for free. You’ve had and used the car for several months, and either you haven’t noticed the clutch plates wearing or there’s been a sudden failure in the hydraulics. Neither will be covered under warranty.
The mechanic who said that was just fobbing you off, don’t take it there either.
Call the dealer you bought the car off they should sort it out, yes clutches are wear items but they don’t just go with no warning, there are usually signs for months showing that clutch is in its way out.
Have a look at this:
https://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/advice/the-car-i-bought-has-a-problem-what-are-my-rights-aAnMC5b0ZzJb
Yes, the sale of goods act covers used products too including cars.
There is such a thing as a statutory warranty on used cars bought from a dealer.
https://www.car.co.uk/car-warranties/faqs/used-car-warranties/what-is-statutory-warranty-on-a-used-car