Hi there

Sorry, I think I misled you by saying 4 years from purchase - that's because I bought mine new. What I should have said was 4 years from new (ie one year beyond the normal warranty). The important thing though, is that they are clearly admitting culpability. Also, the legal advice I got was that you are entitled to claim under the Sale of Goods Act within 6 years of manufacture (it was brief free advice from my insurers, which I need to follow up more fully).

So, even with an 01 car, it may be that you have a whisker of a chance of claiming something - or at least, getting the fault repaired at a reduced price? Or even checked out for free??

As soon as I find out more about the legal position, I'll post anything useful here.

Hope this helps clarify things - and sorry to have misled you.