What ever happened to this case? Did you win?

I can sympathise, until I had spoken to the right person it was extremely difficult and frustating to say the least! However, I have had some faith restored that if there is a genuine issue that the company will take notice, it just may take a while. Personally I think it wouldn't hurt AC to employ a couple more customer-focussed people within the company (possible even some that come from a non-motor trade background), as when the right person looked at my case he took ownership of it until he could come back with a resolution, calling a couple of times to keep me updated. The company could seriously increase their feedback if they had more people like Alasdair within the business. From my case, I can imagine just how much information he would have had to go through; there is no way 1 man can take on everyones problems (if AC think he can they should pay him more!).

Hiya, Can you tell us who you bought the car from, and what kind of car is it? A dealer can't simply sell you a car without any recourse, if something goes wrong that is why the SOGA is there; you would need to go through the right process first but there are laws in place to protect buyers to an extent.

Hiya, Is there any update on this thread? I have been watching with interest and hope that you are getting somewhere.

Hiya, It sounds like a very unfortunate situation. I don't have years & years of motor trade experience, but I do have years of consumer action experience and my advice (just a personal opinion) is that you get a meeting with the lawyer and ask what they intend to do to progress your case. All correspondence that they send should have your copied in anyway; explain that you are extremely annoyed that you had trusted a previous solicitor who has let you down and ask how they can get this case back on track as quickly as possible. I hope all goes well with your case, please do keep us updated.

Hiya, Is this a trade or a private sale? You mention trade, but also say you drove it round the sellers house? Do the consumer laws apply to private sellers who don't sell for profit?

Hey Scaniaman, Sorry mate, I was away for a long weekends holiday. I am pleased to report positively in that Alasdair was true to his word and he looked through my case in detail, updating me as he went along and asking questions he needed clarification to. AC have put something together, and I have written to accept their offer; which will conclude the matter and the car will be returned to them. Mine was quite a complex case, those that I spoke to will understand, and I am delighted that there are good people in the right places within Arnold Clark, who listen to customers and correct and assist where others have ignored. I will let you know when it has all been done & dusted; I know quite a few had sent me PM's, if you have any questions please drop me a line however like I said I won't disclose any additional details regarding the settlement.

You need to give the seller a reasonable period in which to fix the car (exactly what the period is would be hard to determine as I don't think it has been tested). My advice is put it in writing what has happened, ensure that you keep copies of correspondence. If the car comes back again faulty I would imagine that is more than a reasonable opportunity however I am not a lawyer, but it is my interpretation!

Hi Lillies, Sorry to hear about your situation, that is just shocking. I would advise that you put everything in writing; follow up each phone call with an e-mail or letter to them. When did you buy the car last year? I am expecting to hear back tomorrow, so will let you know how I get on.

Touche sir! Difference is I haven't bought anything from a politician!

Hi Lex, I understand that, sorry mate, what I meant was that people will follow a case that is successful regardless of the court. If someone manages to win their case, then that will give others the confidence to follow suit. There have been a few people messaging me in simelar positions, I beleive that if they were to see me succeed that they would do the same as I did.

Absolutely mate. Although in saying that this chap looking at my case has been the first that has actually listened! He has said he will be coming back with a reply on Tuesday; like I said though I still expect this to go legal! The main trouble I have had is getting someone to listen; you present people with evidence to make your case as clear as day, yet some still reply with something that has totally gone against the written evidence you have provided! Should people be employed in that capacity if they lack the ability to read the cold hard facts and reply appropriately? Am looking forward to Tuesday with great anticipation though, have had quite a few people contact me with simelar problems so think they all want this to go to court too so that they will have a precident to follow!

Companies normally have a standard 30 day warranty on used cars, thereafter you can normally purchase extended warranties. Firstly you need to check over the paperwork to see what you have. From my experience of my current case, I would say that you should put everything in writing; even if it is an e-mail to them, stating what was found to be wrong and that you have asked them to fix it. Make sure you list exactly what the issues were in case you need that evidence in future. I don't know if they are under obligation to provide a courtesy car, however I would expect a courtesy car if I was in your position as you need your car to get to work.

Cheers matey! I will let you know what happens, I have done all that I can; I am happy that someone at AC is having a look at things, however like I said I beleive that they will come back with an offer for me to keep the car which I don't want to do so I do still see this going to court. At the end of the day, under SOGA, as the car was rejected within 6 months, it is up to AC to prove that the faults weren't there - it's not up to me to prove that they were. With written evidence, and copies of job cards from 2 of their own garages, I don't see any way that they can argue that the faults weren't there and hadn't been fixed in 6 attempts! My lawyer is ready to file a court action against them, all we are waiting on is AC coming back with what they can do before we proceed. It might take some time and cost money, however as I was always taught when working in Insurance - make sure you get everything in writing, and that I certainly did!!

I certainly will do mate! Like I said, I think they are trying to negotiate a deal for me to keep the car, however after all the aggro they put me through and all the problems the car has had it would take something special for me to consider touching the car again. After that whole BBC thing, I think they need someone to put this to court to demonstrate that consumers do have the power when things go wrong. From what I hear, AC don't seem to take cars back and all it takes is 1 person to prove it can be done and the rest will surely follow.

Hello everyone, I just wanted to post a wee update on what's happening; thank you again for all the messages of support! Arnold Clark called again today, and I have sent a list of the amounts that I have paid so far on the car for them to come back to me. From the sounds of things, it seems that they will come back with an offer for me to keep the car; although I am haivng serious reservations about that as I could be stuck with a broken car that I then have to pay repairs for! Having been all ready to get the court order filed before the intervention here, I thought it best that I let them have a wee look again to see what can be done, however from the conversations I have had it seems that they are desparate for me to keep the car! lol Still beleive that rejection and court is the best route, I have everything in writing. Under SOGA, they need to prove the car didn't have faults, and given that I have the jobcards from their own garages and all the written evidence I don't think they would have a leg to stand on. Anyway, will update when I hear what they are going to offer. Have read the BBC report from OFT about 2nd hand car dealers; it seemed quite fitting that it was released as I was getting ready to file a court order!

Did you have any warning that this was going to happen? Any notice served, collectors knocking on your door etc. ?

Is it an Arnold Clark warranty, or the actual car warranty? If it is the car warranty, I don't think that you need to take your car back to them to get it fixed. Double check what type of warranty you have and let us know please.

Great news; I look forward to hearing more about it. Haven't sent my case to OFT yet, but depending on what happens next that may be an idea.

Thanks to those that have sent me messages asking what has happened. Just to let you know, Alasdair explained during our conversation last week that there was a lot of information to go through so I haven't heard back as yet, still early days. In the meantime I have information from the finance company, who are looking in to the evidence - it's very handy having everything in writing!! Lawyer sent letter back to AC's customer services, who again seemed to ignore the cold hard evidence (that is in writing, some of which is even from their own garages)! Some of it is quite comical! Anyway, will post an update as soon as I have one & thank you all for the messages and advice!

I gave him a call, and when I gave him my name he knew a bit about the case! He has at least promised to print off and go through the information and come back to me. Like I said, everything I have is in writing which is why it has surprised me that I had to get a lawyer involved. If he actually looks through the information he will have been the first one to do so and I am pleased that he has at least offered to do so and sounded like he genuinely would. When I have a reply I will keep you guys posted. In the meantime I have a copy of the letter my lawyer sent back to AC, basically saying that they have failed to look at the evidence sent and therefore the information they were replying with (once again) was completely untrue and they would have known that if they had even had half a look at what has been sent on numerous occassions. If anyone has any questions about the case, you can PM me as I don't want to put everything on here in case an agreement is reached with them.

Hello, I have spoken to Alisdair at Arnold Clark, who kindly sent me his number. He has agreed to look in to the case and come back to me so will let you know what happens. Thank you for taking time to look in to this and I look forward to your reply. As I said, I have everything in writing so if anything is needed please let me know as I am confident it is all in order.

Hiya, I'm unable to buy another car as still paying finance on this one at the moment. Lawyer has advised to hire a car at cheapest rate possible. Cost would be negligable anyway; I will be seeking damages against them for the stress & inconvenience caused - Not to mention the tons of letters / phone calls etc.

Hi Alasdair, I am happy to contact you if you send me your direct number via private message, however I won't contact you on a general e-mail address as have tried that too many times now.

Hi Alasdair, I'm sorry, however both myself and my lawyer have sent letter to both the Customer Service Manager and Managing Director and it is still the same Customer Service agent who seems to reply to any correspondence sent. I've had to go down the legal route as I have had nothing but lies and broken promises from Arnold Clark for months & months now. I've been sent to different garages, been told to have faults confirmed and still get the same agent (R. Kane) sending me a letter back dispite the fact that both myself & my lawyer have sent the evidence to the contrary on numerous occassions. I didn't chose to go down the legal route deliberately but was left with absolutely no choice as the fact that a Customer Service agent replies to letters sent to the Customer Service Manager & Managing Director demonstrates just how valued Arnold Clark likes their customers to feel. Unfortunately it may be too late for you to do anything, as I fully intend to recover my full amount paid, as well as legal costs and the cost of a hire car each day until this has been settled. Unless you are able and authorised to pay all these costs I am afraid it is too far down the line for you to help now.