Very Disappointed..

[dannydrz22]

Hi all, I have a lovely Belle-ile blue DS3 DStyle plus, however things are not going too well on the car. I've only had the car 3 months and it has had to go back in 7 times for numerous things, the latest being rusted bodywork underneath the drivers wing mirror. Just wondering I'm not complaining about how the car is, best car I've driven and love the exterior but do I have any rights? I've contacted CUK about the matter and explained what has gone wrong with the car, the car is under CUK Finance so will I have any rights about maybe exchanging the car for another like for like car because I'm really not happy at this moment in time!

[Dangerousfish]

If it was less than 28 days ago you purchased the car you would have been able to return it no questions asked.

It's unfortunate you've had to go back so many times, but it sounds as though the dealer are doing the right thing and repairing the issues as they occur.

It may be worthwhile asking Citroen to run through the checklist they would do when selling a new/used car again and to run through MOT checks and confirm they're 100% happy with all the points. If you can get that in writing and you find any more faults, you'll have a much better chance of actually getting somebody to look at the issues you've had in the past when you contact CUK.

Alternatively you could look at contacting CUK now, explaining your dismay about the amount of times you've had to visit the dealership, potential loss of earnings whilst you've been without the car and any other inconveniences this may have caused.

It's not uncommon for CUK to offer gestures of good will, however if you do go down this route make sure you have everything documented in writing.

Edit: Good luck!

[WTF]

Thats a shame

Don't let it burst your bubble just yet Keep a good rapport with your dealership is also key. They are the guys in the middle at the end of the day between you the owner and CUK the manufacturer. I'm sure they will endeavour to help you get things back on track.

What would you like to do? Swap and get a replacement or continue with this one?

Keep us posted.

[dannydrz22]

Thanks for your replies, I'm just very annoyed that I have had to go back so many times with different problems. I'm actually not wanting to take my car back because it just seems to be problem after problem. I would like it to be exchanged but just going to see how it goes because im sick of it now. The car is great to drive just not happy with how I've had to go back so many times. CUK's customer service manager is contacting me back shortly.

[Old Bloke]

I agree with WTF above. Sometimes the dealer doesn't get to the issue of your disappointment properly. Have a proper conversation with someone in authority in your dealership and explain that you went to a main dealer for peace of mind and for the benefit of the approved used car programme and that whilst they are dealing with the problems you would like it sorted so that you can go forward and enjoy the car, or if they can't ask them for their agreement to exchange it. Everything is always fine when there are no problems it's how someone looks after you when there are problems that matters. Hope it all goes well for you.

[dannydrz22]

I am awaiting a call from CUK, so I will mention it to them. Thank you again for your replies. When I pick my car up I will have a word with the dealer saying my concerns and see if they will exchange it.

[WTF]

There is some information HERE on the Citizens Advice website - Problems with the car you bought.

Getting the car repaired or a replacement
If the fault is minor, such as a worn out clutch, or you don’t want a refund, it might be more appropriate to ask for the car to be repaired. You could also consider asking for a replacement car. The replacement should be of a similar age, mileage and model as the car you're handing back.

If you accept a repair for a major fault you can still claim a refund later if the repair is not of a satisfactory quality.

You discover the fault within six months
The responsibility is normally on you rather than the dealer to prove that a car is faulty in some way. However, the responsibility is on the dealer to prove that the car was of satisfactory quality when you bought it, if you discover the fault within the first six months and you are asking for:

• a repair or
• a replacement or
• a full or partial refund where a repair or replacement isn't possible, would cause significant inconvenience to you as the buyer or would cost a disproportionate amount to the dealer.
• Where the dealer is responsible for proving the car is of a satisfactory quality, they have to prove the fault wasn’t present using evidence such as an independent report into the car’s condition.

Lots of links and information.

And also the Sales of Goods Act

[manicm]

I tried this with my dealer, I've only done 500 miles in 6 months and was disappointed with the rust on the door and overall state of the car once I had finally washed all the dealership polish and crap off the car. After fighting with the dealership I got to the point I knew I wasn't going to win. Going to keep the car until it's worth more than I owe, reckon 12 more months should clear it, then trade in. Will def use a different dealer this time and take a mini torch with me and inspect the car much more than previous. I do love the ds3 and would get another it's just a pity some dealers can't be honest about the car before we buy them.

[dannydrz22]

Thank you so much WTF for that, will definitely have a look more into this. Manicm my dealer is not too bad, I'm going to mention it to them when I get my car back for the 8th time! Just wondering what's next now, CUK haven't got back to me so will wait for them to get back but now I'm wanting it replaced because this is not good enough, even for Citroen standards!

[WTF]

I tried this with my dealer, I've only done 500 miles in 6 months and was disappointed with the rust on the door and overall state of the car once I had finally washed all the dealership polish and crap off the car. After fighting with the dealership I got to the point I knew I wasn't going to win. Going to keep the car until it's worth more than I owe, reckon 12 more months should clear it, then trade in. Will def use a different dealer this time and take a mini torch with me and inspect the car much more than previous. I do love the ds3 and would get another it's just a pity some dealers can't be honest about the car before we buy them.

Can you not use a different dealer for the faults? Or would it need to be the same one due to the finance?

[WTF]

Thank you so much WTF for that, will definitely have a look more into this. Manicm my dealer is not too bad, I'm going to mention it to them when I get my car back for the 8th time! Just wondering what's next now, CUK haven't got back to me so will wait for them to get back but now I'm wanting it replaced because this is not good enough, even for Citroen standards!

I wouldn't hold your breath waiting for them to call back

Liam tried this approach the first time he had his engine replaced I believe?

[manicm]

Pretty much stuck with the same dealer, cuk aren't interested as the car was advertised wrongly missing blue tooth, sub, spare wheel all advertised but not there, and tbh I didn't check it enough, any car in a sale check every single panel, my roof is in a terrible state, more scratches than black. The door rust took 4 weeks to sort, I've put it down to experience I'm used to buying new cars, but can't afford that route anymore.

[Dangerousfish]

I wouldn't hold your breath waiting for them to call back

Liam tried this approach the first time he had his engine replaced I believe?

Like pulling teeth. Their first line team will be able to log a call for you but you're best using the line, "I'll wait on hold" if you want to speak to somebody who can help.

I think I hit my PB at around the 28 minute mark speaking with CUK.

[dannydrz22]

I really need to have a word with the dealer because the only thing that I am looking for now is an exchange because I've had to give up work to take my car in when it should of been fault free. I bought with confidence but obviously the dealer didn't look into the car enough. The salesman even said when I bought it "Its the cleanest car we've had" I think now he may have been giving the valeter a good review!