I want to be a happy AU owner :(

Chamelion · 27-12-2007, 12:04 AM

Hello all,

Back in October we purchased a 2002 ford falcon AU series 3 with 156,000km on the ODO from a local dealer. It came with a mandatory statutory warrant of 3 months or 5,000km, whichever comes first. (I have to date used 4,000 of those 5,000km and am around 2 weeks short of the time limit running out)
Before the purchase we took the car to my mechanic who performed a pre-purchase inspection and reported back that there was an oil leak, but would be a good car providing the dealer had the leak fixed.
This was reported to the dealer who supposedly had the a gasket replaced (timing cover I think) and the harmonic balancer and reported that the car was now leak free and ready to go. I say supposedly because on the rather unofficial looking printout I have here it only stipulates the harmonic balancer. So I went ahead with the purchase.

Fast forward a couple of weeks and I notice there are a few issues, which I'll list as per what I sent in the first statutory warranty request on or around the 1/11/2007 (qld stat warranty seems to cover a lot more than other states, so please don't assume anything I've listed isn't covered. I have checked and it is).. So.

1 Oil leak still exists underneath the vehicle
2 There is a squeaking sound whilst driving that seems to be coming from the front right wheel. Frequency of said squeaking increases with vehicle speed. It is also more pronounced whilst going over bumps or turning corners
3 Gear changes from gears 1 to 2 whilst in D (drive) regularly produce a surge like feeling. The RPM do not seem to increase but it does cause the vehicle and the occupants inside to lurch forwards
4 There is a clunk that occurs towards the rear of the vehicle at certain speeds, it seems to happen just above 40km/h and another speed higher up that I will attempt to clarify
5 Power steering fluid leaking

What they reported to have done to fix these issues:

1 Tightened sump bolts
2 Claimed it was just the wheel cover and there was nothing they could do... I have taken the cover off and I can still hear a squeak. The cover was definitely a factor, but it was merely masking the higher pitched squeak. A warp in the rotor has seemed to appear in the last few weeks.
3 Claimed there is nothing noticeable at all and it drives perfectly. It has settled down a bit, so consider this one crossed off the list.
4 The clunk/pop still occurs. I can reproduce it a reasonable amount of the time. It happens when going up hill and occasionally happens as I round a corner. It doesn't happen very often on flat ground. However, this could be related to how I use the accelerator in those situations as removing my foot from the pedal at a moderate to fast pace does allow me to reproduce the noise. They claimed there was nothing they could notice and 'sent me on my way'.
5 Tightened clamp on filter (power steering filter, that is)
6 They also replaced extension housing, which they refered to as the crank case extension housing.

Just as an extra piece to help clarify the situation... On a printout I received only very recently they reported the following in relation to the above issues

Leak at front of sump
Leak at rear of gearbox
Leak at rear of power steering pump
Tightened sump bolts
Tightened clamp on filter
Replaced extension housing
Washed all areas

As NONE of the issues had been resolved I contacted them again via fax on or close to the 3/12/2007.
The following is what I listed as needing repair.

1 Oil leaks under the vehicle.
1a Oil found on the bottom of the engine oil sump towards the front.
1b Oil found just to the rear of the transmission oil sump.
1c Oil found underneath the bell housing
2 Squeaking sound whilst driving still audible with the wheel cover removed. Once the wheel cover is removed the louder noise isn’t audible and was obviously the cover, but there is a quiet yet higher pitched squeak coming from the same location. Possibly a warped brake rotor based on the noticeable vibration whilst braking in everyday situations.
3 Power steering fluid is still leaking from precisely the same place as previously reported.

This was what they reported on a printout, mostly word for word with pieces added by myself for clarification.

Leak at rear of gearbox pan
Leak at rear of power steering pump
Weep on top of air conditioner compressor
Leak at rear main seal

Replaced high pressure power steer hose, filter and hose (This issue has now been rectified and no longer leaks)

Tightened bolts on gearbox pan, fixed rear main leak
Washed all areas

Road tested, no excessive knocks or squeaks heard

Now, upon them completing those repairs I was told by the dealer that the mechanic responsible said that I could pick the vehicle up and they would pop it back on the hoist to re-check it. I picked it up that day and returned as optioned the following morning. As it turned out the mechanic denied any knowledge of me returning to have it checked. He was VERY rude and abrasive. He attempted to tell me that the car had nothing wrong and was in ship shape. He then palmed me off onto one of his mechanics after having a 'stab' at me for apparently 'getting under the car every day'.
Whilst talking to this mechanic I asked him about another couple of issues that had shown up and I noticed in between sending the second fax and taking the car in.

1. Exhaust leaks to the rear of the cat converter where it bolts up to the 'cat back' section of the exhaust system. This happens when I first start the car, not all the time. The coolant level hasn't moved.
He proceeded to tell me that 'it's meant to happen'. To which I questioned the accuracy, in a polite manner, of that statement knowing that an exhaust isn't meant to leak and that if it's leaking water (water is normal for those who are unsure, it's clear looking water that was once exhaust fumes, thanks to the cat, it's just meant to evaporate and not leak out). He replied with some banter about how 'the gasket there is like honeycomb so the water can escape and that some exhausts are designed with holes in them for that reason'. Honestly, if anything was meant to leak there they wouldn't bother with a gasket now would they.

I intend to fix that one on my own. It's a cheap as chips gasket from ford and a little bit of time under the car, which I'm content with.

2. Stabilizer bar doesn't seem to sit straight. The passenger side’s lower mount is stretched out towards the centre of the car whilst the driver’s side lower mount is straight up and down. It hasn't moved from that position since I've known about it.
I honestly don't know if it's normal or not. He says it is. But after sitting through his stuttery bullshit about the exhaust and knowing their track record with this car I just don't have any faith in the accuracy of the assessment.

Now.. Just today I spent a little time underneath the car attempting to see if they did in fact rectify the issues. The first time I have checked since the 19th
I have found the following.

1. Leak above aircon compressor. Keep in mind this was what I reported earlier and they had cleaned it by the time I picked the car up on the 19/12/2007. You can see this demonstrated in the following pictures. I believe it must be a head gasket leak, which you can comment on if you agree or disagree.

http://it.pwns2b.us/ghoaty/prawned/hg2.jpg
http://it.pwns2b.us/ghoaty/prawned/hg1.jpg
http://it.pwns2b.us/ghoaty/prawned/hg3.jpg
http://it.pwns2b.us/ghoaty/prawned/hg4.jpg

Now that leak seems to follow the gasket across towards the rear of the engine, then proceeds over the side and continues down until it rests underneath the bell housing. (The rear main must have been leaking too; otherwise they wouldn't have replaced it, surely)

2. Leak to the rear of the transmission. It seems to start below where the driveshaft enters the transmission and leaks in the direction gravity stipulates it should. The fluid is definitely from transmission as it had a red colour to it. (On the bright side, at least I know the transmission fluid isn't all black and nasty hah)

Picture: http://it.pwns2b.us/ghoaty/prawned/crankleak1.jpg

3. Squeak is still there and is now accompanied by a warped brake rotor.

4. Clunk/pop sound, as reported earlier is still there. I now also find that when the cars overdrive engages it occasionally seems harsh, which 'may' be related.

5. It looks as if the transmission isn't mounted correctly. It's hard to explain and I wish I had a photo. I'll get one tomorrow if I can't explain it clearly enough.
Basically, where the rear of the transmission (right next to the driveshaft) is mounted you can see where the two bolts have once sat, which is evidentially different to the way it's sitting now. I'm not sure how that is even possible to be honest.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Right, I'll reserve a post below this one in case I have anything to add.

Cheers,

Matt.

JC · 27-12-2007, 12:24 AM

Wow, what a saga. Make sure you get that all fixed before the end of the 3 months/5000km. Once you clock that over, they WILL wash their hands of you.

Point 3 (squeaking) sounds to me like front wheel bearings need doing. You should always replace bearings in pairs. The warped braking could then be a result of wheels spinning not quite "true" due to dodgy bearings.

The exhaust leak is a funny story - it may just be that the bolts have loosened up, and when cold, the gasket has not expanded to fill the void properly - obviously when hot, the gasket may expand just enough to fill the void, but also, the cat would be burning most of the condensation off, and so the fluid leaking is only apparent when cold. A new $5 gasket should fix that for sure.

I'd go back to the dealer one more time, and in fact would show the dealer the list as you have it above. It certainly doesn't look like they're actually fixing everything, though it dos appear they have fixed most of the major stuff.

I also doubt your problem is the head gasket - pretty rare for a head gasket to let go in an AU, unless caused by constant overheating due to blocked radiator . My guess, based on where you say it comes from, is the metal pipe that goes in around the thermostat housing is leaking - most probably just the O ring that seals that pipe in that area. Not a hard fix to do, and certainly better and cheaper than a head gasket, and also, the amount it leaks is maintainable just be keeping the coolant topped up (not a fix, I know, but at least you know it won't cost a fortune to fix, and is manageable in the mean time).

As for the rest - some of that is hard to diagnose without seeing or hearing it, but as I said before - just go back to the dealer with your list of problems and half resolutions, or go to Consumer Affairs if you feel they are just fobbing you off.

Sorry about the long post, but you started it! LOL.

Chamelion · 27-12-2007, 12:27 AM

Cheers mate.

To clarify, the fluid that I believe is the head gasket isn't coolant, it's engine oil. I'm only guessing the origin, but I can trace the leak all the way down to the bottom of the bellhousing.

I really do love this car. I just want what I'm entitled to, nothing more nothing less.

GK · 27-12-2007, 01:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chamelion

Cheers mate.

To clarify, the fluid that I believe is the head gasket isn't coolant, it's engine oil. I'm only guessing the origin, but I can trace the leak all the way down to the bottom of the bellhousing.

I really do love this car. I just want what I'm entitled to, nothing more nothing less.

I've been there. They sell you the car and try to fob off their responsibility for warranty items. Keep a VERY good paper trail. Do not give up. Go back every week if you have to. It's your entitlement. If they continually aren't fixing things, tell them you will contact Consumer Affairs and that you have documented everything. That should get them moving.

As for the oil leak, it's probably the seal on the cam chain tensioner. The leak starts on the left of the engine just behind the power steering fluid reservoir. It drips down the head, down the case and around the sump, giving the impression that it's the sump bolts. I had this on my SR. There's a thread somewhere with really good pics. Swanny (trickXD) had some good info on it, as did some others.

I'll see if I can dig it up for you.

Keep at it, do not let them give you less than what you're entitled to. Do not take it personally, they are greedy and money blinds people to what's really important. Don't make it personal, just keep stating what your expectations are and that you know what you're entitled to. It seems as though you're doing a very good job at that so far. If they dig in, then it can become harder to remain composed.

Here's the link to the thread i was talking about.

http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthr...tensioner+leak

Here's another discussing the same issue - no pics though

http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthr...tensioner+leak
GK

Chamelion · 27-12-2007, 02:11 AM

Just went down for a look. There does seem to be oil coming from that location and there is oil around the sump gasket. (on the passenger side as per the photos, unsure about the power steering pump/drivers side, I'll look in the morning).
But, there is also oil up around the head gasket which is also shown in the photos. I can't see how the oil could gets from the cam chain tensioner around to the head gasket. Thats to say, I can't see any trail of it.

They listed the leak at the rear of the power steering pump in the printout they gave me. Having not seen it before now I'm unsure as to whether the oil there is fresh or not.

I think I'm going to have to foot the bloody bill and get a comprehsive check and diagnosis on the car. What terrible timing, just after christmas. :(

kcej · 27-12-2007, 02:21 AM

What did the car cost you?
keith

Chamelion · 27-12-2007, 02:38 AM

$8500 on road.

It does have a little panel damage on the rear 1/4 panel (quoted $350 to repair), a cracked tail light cover and the bumper isn't sitting quite centre.
However, I bought it under the false idea that it was so mechanically good that a little damage that needed repair was a good trade off.
Suffice to say my mechanic, the one who did the pre purchase inspection, will no longer have my custom.

Matt.

iwannaford · 27-12-2007, 08:56 AM

As stated previously, you purchased the car free of defects, if they fail to repair/replace during the warranty period, even after this expires, the problems had been documented and existed during the warranty period, so repairs on these are still valid. If they do fail to comply with this, state that you will consult consumer affairs to find a better way of obtaining a resolution to these problems. Once you mention CA your car will be on a hoist before you can say see you later, no business really wants to deal with CA especially if they are in the wrong.

Damn I hate car yards. Always buy near new at Auctions or off a 1st owner, look around at their lifestyle and the person you are buying from before you do buy their car. $8500 is pretty good.

GK · 27-12-2007, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iwannaford

As stated previously, you purchased the car free of defects, if they fail to repair/replace during the warranty period, even after this expires, the problems had been documented and existed during the warranty period, so repairs on these are still valid. If they do fail to comply with this, state that you will consult consumer affairs to find a better way of obtaining a resolution to these problems. Once you mention CA your car will be on a hoist before you can say see you later, no business really wants to deal with CA especially if they are in the wrong.

I reckon you don't pay for a comprehensive check until you've discussed this with Consumer Affairs. They'll be open today I'd imagine. They will guide you through the process so that you have them in your corner from the start.

Quote:

Originally Posted by iwannaford

Damn I hate car yards. Always buy near new at Auctions or off a 1st owner, look around at their lifestyle and the person you are buying from before you do buy their car. $8500 is pretty good.

Buying a car no matter how old is always a risk. Buying new doesn't insulate us from problems. I agree though that car yards are usually sweet with you until you find a problem they've hidden or fixed in a dodgy way. CA will help you sort it out.

Having said all that, I've heard of a few (only a few) places yards/dealers etc that are brilliant. They unfortunately are the exception not the rule!

GK

Chamelion · 27-12-2007, 12:29 PM

Small update: have been in contact with RACQ who have again confirmed that I am within my rights and have conducted myself in a decent and legal manner.
I also sent a draught letter that they have helped me to tweak a little.

Will be lining up a thorough inspection of the car as soon as possible.
I have given them enough chance to fix the issues I have found, it's now time to step it up a notch and have it checked completely by another party.
RACQ have advised me as such and have also advised that should I not get a satisfactory outcome that I would be within my rights to contact fair trading and should that prove futile, small claims.

I really, really just want this car to be free of oil/transmission/exhaust leaks as is legally required.
There are other smaller issues that I'm content with sorting out myself. Please don't for a moment think that I've cried to the dealer at every little thing that's not 100% with the car.

Cheers all.. Heres hoping I get a positive outcome. I don't want to end up with a commodore :p

Matt.

xertia · 27-12-2007, 01:50 PM

Damn, and I thought Wayne Phillis here in the south of Adelaide were bad (yeah, replace only 3 leads at a time, thats smart)

Good luck mate, hope it all turns out well for ya.

Riksta · 27-12-2007, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xertia

Damn, and I thought Wayne Phillis here in the south of Adelaide were bad (yeah, replace only 3 leads at a time, thats smart)

Never had a problem with them, they've looked after me & my AU quite nicely since I bought it from them in March.

ZA-289 · 27-12-2007, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xertia

Damn, and I thought Wayne Phillis here in the south of Adelaide were bad (yeah, replace only 3 leads at a time, thats smart)

Good luck mate, hope it all turns out well for ya.

Ford Sell their leads in packs of 3!!! probably trying to keep costs down for you! You just can't win sometimes! Any other guy would hav said "if one was broken why did you change all 6?!, are you trying to rip me off!?"

FGII-XR6 · 27-12-2007, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZA-289

Ford Sell their leads in packs of 3!!! probably trying to keep costs down for you! You just can't win sometimes! Any other guy would hav said "if one was broken why did you change all 6?!, are you trying to rip me off!?"

Ican see where you're coming from and it is true they come in bundles of 3 conveniently cable tied but I for one would never replace only 1/2 the leads

**Stav** · 27-12-2007, 04:43 PM

My advice is to go and get a quote for your repairs immediately.Then go to an office of fair trading if you have one and lodge a formal complaint by the expiry date.Also..go to your local court and lodge a statement of liquidated clain if they still have them for damages of the costs.Once you do that then watch them belly dance to your door to fix it..

xertia · 27-12-2007, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZA-289

Ford Sell their leads in packs of 3!!! probably trying to keep costs down for you! You just can't win sometimes! Any other guy would hav said "if one was broken why did you change all 6?!, are you trying to rip me off!?"

Haha yeah, keeping costs down for themselves actually, it was under warranty like 3 weeks after I bought the car. Of course they had failed to state exactly how many of the leads they had replaced on their print out, so I assumed they'd done the right thing and replaced the lot, only to be disappointed a week later when the other set of leads decided to pack it in also.

xertia · 27-12-2007, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Riksta

Never had a problem with them, they've looked after me & my AU quite nicely since I bought it from them in March.

Actually it was Wayne Phillis Kia at Reynella who I've had poor after-sales service with, so I can't really comment on the actual Ford branch on Beach Rd.

mik · 27-12-2007, 10:09 PM

the stabiliser support you speak of is very common to get damaged ,they sit pretty low and if the car has been across a kerb at some time its likely bent, when i bought mine my brother had a look over the car he picked it up straight away (he worked at a rental agency and he reported they commonly come back damaged), i took mine back and the useless mechanic reckons it was probably supposed to be like that(insert foul language here... ....... ....) they are supposed to be identical, anyway they are about 20 bucks each from ford and the new ones are stronger .

Riksta · 28-12-2007, 12:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xertia

Actually it was Wayne Phillis Kia at Reynella who I've had poor after-sales service with, so I can't really comment on the actual Ford branch on Beach Rd.

Ahh fair enough, all my dealings so far have been with the Beach Rd mob.

Chamelion · 28-12-2007, 06:53 PM

Thank you for the replies all. I went to have the car checked over by another mechanic and I'm damn glad I did.

Pic of the report

1. Was told it's so minor that it's not worth being concerned about. It may have been like it a while and might take a long time to get any worse. So it's a keep an eye on and worry about fixing it down the track. I'd likely attempt to do it myself.

2. When they say slight leak they mean it's not dripping puddles, but it's a noticeable leak and definitely requires fixing as soon as possible. They would fail it when doing a road worthy as noted by the asterix. This item would be a full day job and likely cost $700~. It's something the dealer will be required to fix as per the statutory warranty.

3. Minor and not worth worrying about unless it gets a whole lot worse. I'll keep an eye on it as leaks from here drop onto the alternator and kill it. It's something I can fix myself anyway at a cost of about $130~.

4. This was the item the dealers mechanic claimed was normal, it's not. It is a road worthy fail item. Thankfully it's a 5 minute job and a new mount. Should be a easy fix for the dealer

5. This is one of the issues thats haunted me from the outset. I've wiped it down myself and it's fresh fluid, just that the inspecting mechanic didn't know that until after the report was written. They replaced the extension housing (mechanic confirmed the seal etc is new) trying to fix this one and claimed last time that it was fixed. Guess it's not. Road worthy item and will have to be fixed.

6. This one I've noticed. I'm pretty sure it's one of the tensioner pulleys as I've shut up a squeek it tends to make until the engine warms up with a bit of multi purpose 'singer' like oil. Not a big problem or hard to fix according to the mechanic.

7. This is one thing I mentioned in my original post... Turns out I was right. There is a SLIGHT chance it's upset the driveline angles and the cause of that pop sound (which i couldnt reproduce when i took the mechanic for a drive, would you believe it!.. But he said it very well could be a loose suspension component in the rear).. Anyway, this is something they'll have to fix as anyone know how about these vehicles will know that they would have had to drop the gearbox to change the rear main seal. No way they would have removed the engine to do it.

8. This was cracked when I bought it. I didn't realise it was a road worthy fail item. Guess he'll have to fix this too. Only $50 if I had to though, so it's not terrible.

9. It's nice to know it's not too discoloured as ford specified these units never needed a service. A ploy from their end to avoid warranty work on boxes that died due to over filling in previous models. I had planned to have it serviced anyway, so no big deal whatsoever.

10. Brake pads.. I wonder how long they'll last? They're not something a dealer is ever required to replace, so I'll start researching what some good pads are and I'll do the change myself when required.

11. Good news, perfect compression in all cylinder.
---------------------------------------------------

So, there we have it. Time to start etching out a letter to fax away tommorow. I assume the car won't be looked at until late next week to the week after. But once I've notifed them of these issues in writing they're bound to fix them or offer a good reason why.

Cheers

Matt.

Chamelion · 29-12-2007, 04:29 AM

Just thinking... When they did the report and gave me the feedback about the head gasket they werent aware it had been washed clean a little over a week prior. I'll have to call and double check with them that it's still considered something to not be concerned about at this stage.

I certainly don't want to find myself replacing the head gasket a week out of warranty.

au2sw · 29-12-2007, 09:43 AM

glad to hear you had some luck with the wagon mate....now hope the certain dealer in question will FINALLY rise to the occasion and actually do something more then just take your car for the day, hide it out of view and tell you they worked on it.....or get an apprentice to work on it who knows absolutley nothing about repair work as all they do is services and sweep up after the tradies. I would be happy to show you my wagon and share my experiances if you want. Luckily, being a mechanic I havent worried about my "5 yr warranty" (great lure for any unsuspecting buyer!!) and have repaired most things myself....as Im still an apprentice a little help was required, but im more the wiser for it

Ive had the same sort of dramas you experianced, but now have a happy, reliable family car that is starting to look the goods too. Any way, hope things start looking up and all the issues get fixed quickly.

mik · 29-12-2007, 11:34 AM

looks like you did a good job checking it out(you stuck to your guns well done) let us know how it turns out.

Chamelion · 29-12-2007, 10:30 PM

Cheers

Had another look today and the head gasket leak doesn't appear to have changed since two days ago. So it looks like it's as minute as jose st auto said.

The one around the sump gasket is rather bad. It's all around the sump gasket, under the sump itself. It's making a right old mess of things.

I can now see the bent stabilizer bar bracket. Chances are the dealer will claim it's from me hitting something, so hopefully the bracket isn't expensive to buy nor hard to change. Same goes for the tail light, though I am looking for the pics I took of the car when it was still in the dealers yard.

AU2SW: would definitely like to have a gander at your wagon some day. I'm sure we'll cross paths at some point.

Matt.

Chamelion · 31-12-2007, 01:51 PM

Alright, little bit of an update.

I've been in contact with RACQ for legal advice. In fact, I've kept them in the loop since just after the first time the dealer had the car returned to them. They have offered information and have also proof read the letters I've intended and still intend to send the dealer regarding these issues.

RACQ sent me a little info relating to what is and is not covered under statutory warranty. The following what I received in RACQ's reply.

Quote:

Dear Matthew
Regarding the statutory warranty the basic premise is that the dealer warrants that the vehicle is free from defects at time of taking possession and for the warranty period and that defects reported during the warranty period will be repaired free of charge. Defects are all defects except those specified by the Property Agents and Motor Dealers Act. So unless any of the defects you have listed are specifically excluded by law then the dealer should fix them. Attached are copies of the relevant sections of the Act which provide a list of the items not covered by the warranty.
Suggested changes to your new letter are also attached.

As it seems, all of the items listed in the report (except the brake pads and discoloured transmission fluid) should be repaired under warranty and free of charge by the used car dealer.

So as it stands, the law is on my side in having all of the issues, including the head gasket, idler pulley and weep from the power steering pump repaired at the dealers cost.

I guess perhaps he had hoped this car would be sold to someone who wouldn't bother checking for issues, but would only chase them up if something catastrophic happened. I suppose a lot of people would be like that... Truth be told he'll soon realise that they should have repaired the issues properly the first time, because now I've had to add a couple of things to the list of items to rectify.

If he refuses to fix any of it I'll go straight to fair trading and certainly small claims if I need to. It's one of the cards I've been keeping quietly in my pocket to unleash when absolutely required, not before. Being that I've been receiving legal advice via RACQ I can't see how I have much chance of losing. I have met all of my obligations, I merely expect him to meet his.

Cheers

Matt.

au2sw · 01-01-2008, 08:08 AM

go hard man...most dealers think that mr joe average is a dim wit and wont care about his/her car. if only more people followed your way of dealing with them, then maybe there wouldnt be so many dodgy vehicles on the road. on one hand i hope it doesnt come to fair trade/small claims and you get the wagon repaired properly. on the other hand, even though they wont really care about it, if it does go to the above, maybe they will start to do the right thing......its worth a shot. good luck

Laminge · 01-01-2008, 09:47 AM

Can I ask, what has the dealer put in writing to you, I see allot of work on your side getting things organised but nothing from the dealership.

Chamelion · 01-01-2008, 11:13 AM

Laminge - Nothing whatsoever. In fact, they don't bother communicating at all. Well, except once, they called to let me know the car was 'ready'.

Cheers au2sw, it's a stress but I'm not conceding.

Laminge · 01-01-2008, 11:17 AM

May it be beneficial in your case to ensure you have a written response, maybe as a start outline the above and ask what course of action they will undertake, get them to respond in writing, at least then you will have a leg to stand on.

Chamelion · 01-01-2008, 11:32 AM

Cheers mate, that is a sound idea.

As it stands my most recent letter, which is yet to be sent, requests that they provide in writing permission for Jose St. Auto to carry out the repairs. It won't take much to alter the letter to include the request for a reply in writing outlining that they accept that they're responsible to repair the issues. I'll work on it shortly. Once I'm done with the letter I'll post it here.

Matt.