£1799 Philips plasma TV broken after 20 months. Please help....

[Coyney]

Hello all,

About 20 months ago I bought a Philips 42PF9946/12 plasma TVwhich has worked perfectly until today. When I switch the TV on the green light comes on followed by sound for 5/10 seconds but no picture, it then switches itself to standby. The red light then goes out for 10 seconds or so and then comes back on flashing.

It has been fine all day. I watched footage on my video camera and ever since it has been like this.

I have contacted Philips who have offered to refund anything above £303 to repair my TV. I have also contacted Curry’s who have said the cost to send someone out to look at my TV including any labour to repair it is £120 not including parts.

Do I have any rights to demand them to repair it or replace it? Any help or advice will be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks in advance,
Martyn

[rosiecotton]

You would not expect a TV of that value and age to develop a problem like this.

You have rights against Currys under the Sale of Goods Act, which states that all goods purchased must be of satisfactory quality, as described and fit for all normal purposes. Your rights can last for up to six years from purchase, although they get weaker as time goes on and it does not cover normal wear and tear.

I do not think that Currys can argue that this is normal wear and tear. Therefore you are entitled to a repair or a like-for-like replacement item, whatever Currys feel is more appropriate.

I would write to Currys stating that the television is not of satisfactory quality or fit for its purpose and therefore does not comply with the terms of the Sale of Goods Act. State that you are seeking a repair or replacement and give them a date by which to respond.

How did you pay for the TV?

[Coyney]

Hi Rosie,

Thanks for your reply. I paid for the TV with interest free finance which I paid up shortly after the interest period ended. How long do you think I should give them to respond?

I will write a letter tommorow.

Thanks,
Martyn

[rosiecotton]

You need to give them a reasonable time, say 10-14 days, but make sure you name a date and don't just say "within 14 days" as then they can argue that they didn't receive the letter until a later date.

You should also send a copy of this letter to your finance company with a covering letter stating that as you have paid on finance arranged by Currys, they [the finance company] are equally liable for the faulty goods under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974. Therefore you are also entitled to pursue the finance company for damages to cover the cost of repair. Some finance companies will help you pursue the trader (as they don't want to have to pay up themselves!)

Hope this helps.

[Energesis]

Hi Martyn

I've got exactly the same problem, only in this case I bought the wretched Philips set from Comet. I think we have a case of duff TVs from Philips. How did you get on?

Dave

[Coyney]

Hi Dave,

First of all I wrote a letter to Currys stating the laws etc. I then recieved a reply instructing me to get an independant Engineers diagnosis. After getting the report with a ridiculous quote attached I wrote back demanding my money, repair or replacement. I knew they wouldn't repair it as the quote was for about £600.

Several weeks later I recieved a phone call off of Currys offering me £800 in vouchers which wasn't negotiable. So I ripped their hand off as I had gone too long without a TV. I then sold the TV on Ebay for £180 which in total nearly paid for a £1300 52 inch Samsung from Currys as they price matched the £1050 internet price I found, so I was chuffed with the outcome.

Good luck,
Martyn