Hey guys, its a long one (and my first post) so please bare with me!
2005 Saab 9-3 bought off from a garage with 54K on 01/07/11. 3K later, car presents with EML around beginning of December and take it back to garage. They simply turn off the light with a diagnostic tool and see if it comes back on. Light is back on a week or so later and they advise us to go through warranty company. 12 months warranty was purchased at the time of the sale but with no explanation of claim limit and whats covered etc. Warranty coompany say take it to Halfords, car was drove to halfords on 14/12/11 and is still currently there. Long story short, cambelt kumper teeth leading to bent valves was the original diagnosis. Warranty company tried to wiggle out but Halfords put them straight. Engineer was sent out in new year and repair work authorised (cost £1031) and completed by 13/01/12. Expecting to pick the car up we were told that further issues were present namely loud knocking noise and not revving past 3000rpm. As we had been without a car for a month, Halfords gave us a courtesy car. Car was stripped with no fault found so sent on a recovery truck to diesel specialist. Diesel specialist unable to find a fault so car sent back to Halfords. Halfords then discovered the fault to be throttle body (revving issue) and small end bearing (knocking). 17/02/11 Halfords tell us car can't be repaired under warranty as max claim limit of £1000 has been used. They want the courtesy car back and suggest we take it up with garage we bought it off. Garage are suggesting Halfords are incompetent and they have no responsibility to fix the car. Consurmer Direct suggest I send a formal letter to garage which I will do.
Now it's been two months and the car is currently at Halfords with the engine still stripped. Forgot to say, Halfords recommend a replacement second hand engine rather than repair as labour will be less and poses less risk as further engine parts may be damaged. Halfords say we can keep the car there for free (they can charge storage apparently) although its not kept indoors. Desperately need a car so have a few options, need advise:
a. Considering driving the Saab so it's off public road and SORN it so I can get a runaround sorted but will driving the car be me 'accepting' the repair?
b. If this is the case, I could get it recovered but this will be costly obviously.
c. Leave car at Halfords with no tax/insurance while making Halfords aware.
Any help much appreciated!
2005 Saab 9-3 bought off from a garage with 54K on 01/07/11. 3K later, car presents with EML around beginning of December and take it back to garage. They simply turn off the light with a diagnostic tool and see if it comes back on. Light is back on a week or so later and they advise us to go through warranty company. 12 months warranty was purchased at the time of the sale but with no explanation of claim limit and whats covered etc. Warranty coompany say take it to Halfords, car was drove to halfords on 14/12/11 and is still currently there. Long story short, cambelt kumper teeth leading to bent valves was the original diagnosis. Warranty company tried to wiggle out but Halfords put them straight. Engineer was sent out in new year and repair work authorised (cost £1031) and completed by 13/01/12. Expecting to pick the car up we were told that further issues were present namely loud knocking noise and not revving past 3000rpm. As we had been without a car for a month, Halfords gave us a courtesy car. Car was stripped with no fault found so sent on a recovery truck to diesel specialist. Diesel specialist unable to find a fault so car sent back to Halfords. Halfords then discovered the fault to be throttle body (revving issue) and small end bearing (knocking). 17/02/11 Halfords tell us car can't be repaired under warranty as max claim limit of £1000 has been used. They want the courtesy car back and suggest we take it up with garage we bought it off. Garage are suggesting Halfords are incompetent and they have no responsibility to fix the car. Consurmer Direct suggest I send a formal letter to garage which I will do.
Now it's been two months and the car is currently at Halfords with the engine still stripped. Forgot to say, Halfords recommend a replacement second hand engine rather than repair as labour will be less and poses less risk as further engine parts may be damaged. Halfords say we can keep the car there for free (they can charge storage apparently) although its not kept indoors. Desperately need a car so have a few options, need advise:
a. Considering driving the Saab so it's off public road and SORN it so I can get a runaround sorted but will driving the car be me 'accepting' the repair?
b. If this is the case, I could get it recovered but this will be costly obviously.
c. Leave car at Halfords with no tax/insurance while making Halfords aware.
Any help much appreciated!