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Contessina

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  1. Hello, I am new to these forums and would be most grateful for any advice. I purchased a 2001 Saab with 12 mth warranty on the 1/7/09 for £4250 from a small local dealer, who had recently had it fully serviced. On the 4/7/09 having done less than 150 miles the oil light came on followed quickly by a knocking sound and warning lights to stop the car. I pulled over and had breakdown recovery come assess the situation. (oil levels appeared normal, smoking from the engine, tappits making crazy knocking sound). They told me not to drive the car further and I had the car towed back to the dealer who lent me a car worth approx £700 imo. On the 6/7/09 I phoned dealer who verbally offered a refund but as the car had not been assessed by a mechanic yet we agreed to wait for prognosis. He also told me warranty not yet registered so he would be footing the bill (I don't think this matters as warranty only covers repairs up to £1000). On 7//7/09 I rang dealer again who mentioned there may be a problem with a piston and he said he would call me 2 days later, he did not. On 13/7/09 I rang delear again, and was told that mechanic was waiting for a Saab specialist. I asked for a refund due to extense of problem and dealer said no, he was "going to repair, unless the mechanic suggested it needed a new engine." I asked why he never called when he said he would and he said "because there's been no progress so nothing to report." I sent registered letter to dealer asking for refund as advised by Consumer Direct. On 14/07/09 I took myself to the mechanics as I was fed up with not knowing what was going on, he showed me damaged piston and damaged bore. He said it would require reboring and new piston but possibly specialist would advise this to all four bores and pistons. On the 15/07/09 I spoke to dealer about my concerns for damaged engine again saying I wanted refund, he assured me work would be carried out extensivly as the mechanic would not want to be liable for poor work. I was then advised by mechanic on phone that the specialist said all four pistons needed to be changed. At this news I became heartened that extensive 'reasonable' repairs were being carried out and I left them to it for a couple of weeks. On 27/7/09 I went back to mechanic to check progress. He told me he had initially advised new engine. I asked to see 4 old pistons, told only one replaced and new piston rings on all others. Asked about rebore and told no rebore carried out, just deglaze and reglaze. He gave it a 60% success chance. He said he was in a tricky situation as the dealer was the customer although I own the car, he also said he would not have carried out this work except the dealer is a big customer. On 28/7/09 I took back possession of car from the dealer with Consumer Direct's advice that this did not mean I accepted repairs. I also sent a letter stating I did not accept repairs. I asked the dealer to see repairs work list and he copied me the mechanics invoice which states "no guarantee on engine due to damaged bore." Consumer direct suggested I get opinions on what was 'reasonable' repairs, which I have so far only managed 1 who suggested it was not the best course of action, he said oil will get into the engine and this will get worse over time. (I have also spoke with the mechanic who carried out the work and the specialist who deglazed and I can tell from their faces/manner that they are trying to remain impartial but they do not fill me with confidence and both have suggested I pursue refund if repairs proove not to work). Any advice on what to do now? The engine appears to be running smoothly, but I have lost all confidence in the car, I usually drive cars worth £400, but I'd saved up for the car I'd always wanted and I seem to have got a dud. I I have been lied to but as all verbal (have never received anything in writing) I have no proof. Thankyou for your time reading this and for any help. x
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