Approved Used Car Issue

[rmm]

Hi AllI bought my first VW from a dealership on 20th December 2012, a MK5 Golf 1.9 TDI (55 plate).From day one there was a loud click noise when initially applying the brake and was reported to my local VW (different to the buying dealership) who informed me that my brake fluid service amongst others were due on 18th Jan so they would look at it then. Having looked at it, it turns out the backing plates behind the discs at the front have 'corroded in such away that they are crumbling'.Contacted the dealer I bought from and could not care less. Logged a complaint with VW UK who have been looking into it. In the meantime I spoke to the local VW and they confirm the backing plates could have been corroding for a long time, and a VW body specialist confirmed cast steel sometimes takes up to 15 years to corrode.Now VW UK have got back to me after liasing with the selling dealer and this is their response:- there was no corrosion visible when doing the check to make it an approved used car- corrosion has happened after I bought the car (which is a joke, after 3 days of owning the car)- VWUK say if dealer WILL not pay for the repair then not much they can do and can not force the dealer. Again it's all down to how dealers are franchises etc.What do I do from here? The repair is £200 and I am being literally messed around and told there is nothing much they can do.Many thanks

[Guest 2]

Pity you left it this long as you have a 30 day or 1000 mile period to change your mind about the car and get your money back or get another similar car.

You have a 1 year warranty with the car remember.

[rmm]

Pity you left it this long as you have a 30 day or 1000 mile period to change your mind about the car and get your money back or get another similar car.

You have a 1 year warranty with the car remember.

Hi Chris

Thanks for your reply. I consulted VW warranty services on 23rd Dec 2012 and corrosion is not covered.

The car is in very good condition, just the backing plates being an issue so still want to keep the car

[Teflon]

Small Claims Court. Costs peanuts, no comeback if you lose, which from the sound of your story is not likely. Presumably, even if the inspecting technician was too blind or incompetent to see the backplates he wasn't too deaf to hear the noise.

Threaten the dealer. Also, speak to VW UK and ask to go up the food chain to someone you can also threaten with legal action and/or Don't Get Done Get Dom/Watchdog. Record all telephone calls and don't forget to follow up in writing with proof of postage.

My last three ventures down this path have got me a) all my costs plus £50 compo b) A full major serivce for free c) A minor service for free and a bottle of fizz.