Can we refuse to take out an back after a major fault?

[Shazza 7]

Hi, just looking for some advice please.

My husband bought a brand new Renault Traffic van 2 years ago and he hasn’t had any problems until we went to France on holiday in May this year. The van broke down twice, whereby it was losing water with the engine warning light coming on. It was taken to a garage, who said that the water tank had split. We thought that this was the end of it - but it happened again on 3 further occasions. My husband then took van back to Renault garage from which he purchased it and on looking at the water tank, it was covered in thick black oil, so it looks like the water has been going into the engine. They have now had it for 2 weeks and have now informed us that they have got to completely strip them engine and change the jets! We are not happy with this, due to the fact that it has only done 40,000 miles and is 2 years old. Is my husband within his rights to refuse to take vehicle back? He is worried that this will just be the start of his problems with the van and he has totally lost confidence in driving it now - just incase it develops another major fault - especially as he will be travelling to France frequently over the next few months. They are due to strip the engine on Tuesday of next week - but my husband would like to know his rights before going in to see the Manager. Any advice would be appreciated. Many thanks. We do have the van on finance as well.

[des8]

Hi and welcome

Firstly as the car is on finance you must involve the finance company as they are the owners.
if it is through Renault Finance it might be easier

You do have the possibility of rejecting the vehicle, but the onus is on you to prove the vehicle was faulty when purchased. Quite a high bar to clear. so you may need to consider commissioning an independent report, although this will carry a cost. Visit the Institute of Automotive Engineer Assessors (IAEA) - www.iaea-online.org - to find a local inspector. As Renault are about to strip the engine you will need to have the inspector present when this happens (if Renault will allow it)

If you were successful in rejecting the vehicle, whilst obtaining a refund of monies already paid the finance company will be able to make a deduction for usage.

You might be better advised trying to negotiate a contribution from Renault towards the cost of repair or engine replacement

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