How long will my warranty last?

[G51NAV]

Morning everybody and straight in with a question.

 

My wife and I bought a Hotpoint fridge freezer from Curry's in August.

 

By December the fridge part had broken down and we had to call out a Hotpoint engineer, under warranty. He came twice, one week apart: once to diagnose that the fridge needed re-gassing and a second time to do the job (on Christmas Eve, of all days!). On completing the job the engineer blamed a fractured pipe.

 

Two weeks later, the freezer part has now broken down, in so far as the temp never drops below two degrees, even on the so-called fast freeze setting. Again we have an engineer on call today, on the first of what I will expect will be another two visits.

 

I was just wondering where I stood with the warranty. I didn't take out an extended warranty, nor do I want one now. But after what is now multiple breakdowns (and who knows, it may happen again, and again, and again...), if the infernal machine breaks down again in say September, I will not be pleased to be told "sorry Sir, you didn't take out the extended warranty, so ring someone who gives a toss". Or words to that effect.

 

Where do I stand?

 

Many thanks!

Edited January 9, 2010 by G51NAV
spelling corrections

[buzby]

Depends what caused the fracture*. If it can be attrbuted to you or similar misuese, you'll be on your own as no guarantee will cover for this, but a policy that allows for all problems in the unit to be fixed for up to 5 years would. After a repair, you usually get a short period that will extend the warranty - possibly 3 months.

 

*A fridge or freezer in a garage is a prime example of 'abuse' as they are meant to run in environments of 10-40c, and not outwith this range.

[G51NAV]

Thanks for the reply

 

No the unit is kept indoors and they have not suggested that any damage has been caused by our misuse or neglect. They fully accept that it just a faulty item.

 

Latest update on this is that the engineer came on Saturday and said that the cooling systems now seems 'full of oil'. It is to be repaired this Saturday.

 

With a bit of luck that could be the last problem we have with it. On the other hand, it may well not be.

 

Inbetween my first post and this one, I have been researching my Consumer Rights, and frankly it's very disappointing to find out that, having bought a new expensive electrical appliance which has needed two repairs five months, there is no legal obligation for the manufacturer to replace it a with a new item and a fresh warranty.

 

If I start having the same problems again after the warranty has expired (but within 12 months of the last repair) it seems I am relying on the generosity and good will of the manufacturer to see my point of view and repair it or replace it.

 

That is actually a pretty naff state of affairs, but presumably doesn't affect enough people with loud voices for the law to be changed.

[buzby]

Glad you're getting it sorted. however as to your suggestion that manufacturers somehow be liable for a free replacement and a re-started warranty. Supposing your problem didn;t arise until month 13...? Since it is invariably easy to spot the probem's cause - it would be realistinc to expect the point of failure to be overhauled and restored. A brand new replacement is all very well, but I'm not prepared to pay a higher price for the off-chance I'll might get a free-ish replacement down the line. I'll either take out a warranty or trust in my good decision!

[dx100uk]

if the infernal machine breaks down again in say September, I will not be pleased to be told "sorry Sir, you didn't take out the extended warranty, so ring someone who gives a toss". Or words to that effect.

 

Where do I stand?

 

Many thanks!

 

you do not need to take out an extended warranty.

 

who did you purchase this from?

 

under SOGA THEY are responsible, not the manu for the repairs, have you been through them so far?

 

i would expect most highstreet retailers to of replaced this by now.

i would also of expected the manu to have done this already, if you have gone direct bypassing the retailer.

 

time for a stiff letter me thinks.

 

give us more info please

 

dx

[buzby]

You can certainly remonstrate, but you have additional rights. IF you are worried, then take out an extended warranty or be prepared to fund the future servicing (as you would with a car).

 

The manufacturers may certainly assist if they believe their machine is deficient in a major way, but this is 'goodwill' nothing more.

 

Once the warranty period is up, anything else will be your persoal expertise - either SC court or complaining to anyone that will listen.