Advice needed please.

[simco999]

My sister owns a newish Golf bought from the dealer from new about 12 months ago. She paid £25k.

Last month it developed a gearbox problem and went in for repair. They fixed it and took it out for a test drive. During the test drive someone rear ended it. There was damage to the bumper which the dealer duly fixed.

Now my sister is saying she doesn't want it back as its been in a crash. The dealer has offered her 19k for it. Obviously she's not happy with that.

I can see it from the dealers point of view - they fixed it so she should accept it back.

Who's right - I don't know!!!!!

BTW its been in the garage for about 3 weeks now. Is there a time limit on these things.

[Eshrules]

sorry, but I don't see any grounds for the rejection.

the vehicle suffered light accident damage which the dealer has fixed, FOC and to an acceptable standard.

if the car had been involved in a more serious accident, I suspect there may some grounds to request compensation of some sort, but there's no 'fault' as such, on the back of which to reject the vehicle.

I'd suggest if your sister doesn't want the vehicle any longer to consider selling it.

[normclarke]

If you still feel at odds with the car can I suggest you take it to another VW dealer to give it a check for any defformation that may have occured during the incident. This may strengthen your hand in any subsequent negotiations.

Best,

normclarke.

[Gerryf]

Hi Simco, if it was only bumper damage and hasn't been recorded as an insurance claim.....I too think your sister hasn't a snowball's chance of backing the car ?

Why doesn't your sister bargain for an extended warranty or some such like.

BTW £19,000 is an excellent offer imho.

[percymon]

She'll be lucky to get £19k selling privately so the offer seems reasonable enough - of course she will need more money to buy another approved used car to similar spec due to the dealer forecourt margins - perhaps she could check their stock of similar aged cars and do a swap of vehicles to limit any additional expense. There's no guarantee that any other car hasn't also had some repair, even new cars can have quite extensive repairs prior to sale !.

[simco999]

Thanks for the repsonses guys. I think she has been persuaded to take the car back. For peace of mind she may have it AA inspected to be on the safe side.

I'll report back.

Cheers

Sim