View Full Version : Car caught fire.
On the way to work this morning my car caught fire, it's gutted the inside looks like a write off, I've only had the car 3 weeks so I phoned the garage up where I got it from and he said it's not covered under the warranty, the AA lad who recovered my car said that these garages get away with murder on the warranties, the guy at the garage said under the warranty your only covered for £300 worth of work. Should I go and see him in person or go to Trading Standards?
I think you need to take it up with your insurance company. Insurers like to reduce their costs where they can by getting someone else to pay up. If there is a warranty, they may be interested in getting an engineer's report on what caused the fire and sticking it to the warranty provider if the cause of the fire was something that was covered.
At this stage I would have thought it is impossible for the garage to say 'fires aren't covered'. They can't possibly know what caused the fire, so they can't know whether the underlying problem was covered by the warranty or not.
See him in person first in case it can be settle amicably. But more importantly, did you take any pictures for us?
Bad news mate, sorry to hear it, at least your ok, warrenty wise, I wouldn't have a clue, shurely the car will be written off :shrug: if so, isn't it covered on the insurance ?
Chimaera
30-05-2006, 11:24
I'd go to Trading Standards and the CAB as well - TS would like to know of any 'dodgy' practices on their doorstep, they could have other complaints about these 'warranties' as well. The CAB will be able to tell you your rights.
I've had experience of one of these 'policies' before, from a private dealer. My ex bought an Escort from them, the gearbox jammed, when he took (towed) the car back he was told that the warranty covered the engine only!
PS - Glad you're ok - well I take it as you're posting you are!
Hi,
The most important thing is are you ok ?????
the thing is most of garages are con artists and the so called warrenty they provide aint worth didly , so my advise would be go to your insurance they would help...... good luck and I'm glad you are ok
homer
See him in person first in case it can be settle amicably. But more importantly, did you take any pictures for us?
Yeah I'm ust sorting them out now.
orangebird
30-05-2006, 12:22
Yeah I'm ust sorting them out now.
You need to inform your insurance people too. They should be sorting this for you.
Here are some pictures.
---------- Post added at 12:23 ---------- Previous post was at 12:22 ----------
You need to inform your insurance people too. They should be sorting this for you.
I've been on the phone to them, they are arranging recovery from my house, the AA dropped it off here this morning.
homealone
30-05-2006, 12:33
well thank goodness you got out of that, it is completely burnt out.
You don't want the local twoccers to see that - they will be wanting you to give them lessons .... ;)
..........the inside looks like a write off, ................
Erm .. yup that's a write off (outside as well !!!) :disturbd:
Looking at the pics and going by what you've said, I don't think any warrenty would cover that, it's obviously ( IMHO ) been an electrical fire, unless you dropped your ciggy ;) Are you insured for fire ? that would be the way to go, try and get something out of the dealer but I can't see you having much luck.
On the way to work this morning my car caught fire, it's gutted the inside looks like a write off, I've only had the car 3 weeks so I phoned the garage up where I got it from and he said it's not covered under the warranty, the AA lad who recovered my car said that these garages get away with murder on the warranties, the guy at the garage said under the warranty your only covered for £300 worth of work. Should I go and see him in person or go to Trading Standards?
There is no way whatsoever that anyone can say whether it is or isn't covered yet.
It needs to be determined exactly which component caused the initial fire-that may or may not be covered under warranty, & whether the warranty company covers all the subsequent damage depends on the terms of the warranty.
I would also mention the Sale of Goods Act to the garage, there is no way )IMO) that a car that you bought 3 weeks ago could be deemed 'Of Merchantable Quality' when it caught fire only 3 weeks after buying it.
Get the garage to refund your money ot tell them you will get your money back via the courts.
There is no way whatsoever that anyone can say whether it is or isn't covered yet.
It needs to be determined exactly which component caused the initial fire-that may or may not be covered under warranty, & whether the warranty company covers all the subsequent damage depends on the terms of the warranty.
I would also mention the Sale of Goods Act to the garage, there is no way )IMO) that a car that you bought 3 weeks ago could be deemed 'Of Merchantable Quality' when it caught fire only 3 weeks after buying it.
Get the garage to refund your money ot tell them you will get your money back via the courts.
Just been on to Consumer Direct they've taken over from Trading Standards, under the sale of goods act I'm entitled to a full refund because the garage has sold a dodgy motor, when we took the car for a test drive there was a whining noise coming from underneath the dashboard, the guy said that's ok it's only the Air Con pump, well that's where the smoke started coming from.
God Nidge after looking at those pictures I am amazed you are ok the only time I have seen a car like that is when it has been burnt out after being stolen!
Here are some pictures. <snip>
I take it it doesn't run amymore? :Yikes: :disturbd:
I take it it doesn't run amymore? :Yikes: :disturbd:
It does because we had to snip the handbrake to tow it back.
Just been on to Consumer Direct they've taken over from Trading Standards, under the sale of goods act I'm entitled to a full refund because the garage has sold a dodgy motor,
I told ya! :tu:
when we took the car for a test drive there was a whining noise coming from underneath the dashboard, the guy said that's ok it's only the Air Con pump, well that's where the smoke started coming from.
Perfectly feasible.
I hope you get a fast refund.
Just been onto the local paper for that area they are going to print this.
Local man Mr Nidge was lucky to escape with his life last week as the new car he had only recently bought caught fire on his way to work.
The Peugeot 406, which was purchased on the 6th of May 2006 from the Plough Garage on Mansfield Road in Heanor, had been making a strange noise during the test drive, but Mr Nidge was assured that this was just the air-conditioning unit and should be nothing to worry about.
Mr Nidge told us: “It was a frightening experience to see the car bursting in to flames in front of me. I had to pull over quickly or it could have been very dangerous. I was not far from my place of work and it went up like an inferno. By the time I had run into my work to get a fire extinguisher, the fire was unstoppable.”
The fire brigade was then called but in the five minutes it took to arrive, the car was burned beyond all hope of rescue.
“Fortunately I was alone in the car when it happened. I have * children and I dread to think how disturbing it could have been for them if they were in the car at the time. The worst case scenario doesn't bear thinking about”
“I have spoken to both Consumer Direct and Trading Standards and they both believe I should be entitled to a full refund on the car, or at least a replacement.”
But when former taxi driver Mr Nidge approached the garage, he was told that his warranty only covered the first £300 of the damage.
“I need the car to get into work.” added Mr Nidge. “Now from being terrifying it has now become a real ongoing problem for me and my family. We can only hope that the garage do the right thing and offer us a refund. We were sold a deathtrap and were left with nothng.”
I would be extremely surprised if what they print looks anything like what you have posted ... but if they are covering the story, it will certainly help concentrate the minds over at the garage. Nice one. :tu:
I can't believe you escaped that unscathed :o
Good luck with the refund, and here's hoping that your warranty covers the job lot after all.
Can I ask how much you paid for it? and good on the paper for running a story about it :tu:
Wicked_and_Crazy
30-05-2006, 22:05
Just been on to Consumer Direct they've taken over from Trading Standards, under the sale of goods act I'm entitled to a full refund because the garage has sold a dodgy motor, when we took the car for a test drive there was a whining noise coming from underneath the dashboard, the guy said that's ok it's only the Air Con pump, well that's where the smoke started coming from.
Air con pump (compressor) is under the bonnet not the dash!!
---------- Post added at 22:05 ---------- Previous post was at 22:04 ----------
I take it it doesn't run amymore? :Yikes: :disturbd:
no need for air con though ;)
budwieser
30-05-2006, 23:31
Got a whining noise coming from underneath the dashboard when I turn the key, it's whining all the time, it's starting to get on my nerves now, the noise is coming from underneath the glove box. Any ideas chaps.
It means your car's about to burst into flames.
what's that?
I'm too late?
d'oh!
:)
Oh Dear!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tempting fate i think.:rolleyes:
http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/showthread.php?t=47114
Can I ask how much you paid for it? and good on the paper for running a story about it :tu:
£1495
£1495
Push for a refund, use that money to get a similarly priced diesel Xantia with a Bosch fuel pump.
Stock up on Tesco vegetable oil and enjoy the extra power it gives (but don't forget to inform HMRC)
Push for a refund, use that money to get a similarly priced diesel Xantia with a Bosch fuel pump.
Stock up on Tesco vegetable oil and enjoy the extra power it gives (but don't forget to inform HMRC)
I was looking at one of them in the same garage I got the Pug from.
I was looking at one of them in the same garage I got the Pug from.
They're cheap to service (apart from the major stuff like cambelt/clutch etc which is expensive for most cars), and as long as you don't get a lemon, not a lot to go wrong.
Mine needs it's suspension sphere's replaced because the gas in them is going so it's a very soft lollowing ride, but it's something I can do myself, just need the new sphere's, replacement seals, and a strap wrench apparently (not that I can find a strap wrench anywhere, its' all chain wrenches for oil filters)
There was some Ebay shop that could do all the sphere's and fit them for £150 so I've got to find out how much most garages charge etc as I can get 2 sphere's for £40
Any updates on this Nidge?
Any updates on this Nidge?
The insurance have offered me £565, take the £100 excess off and I'd be left with £465, I've told them where to get off.
On the Car side I've just sent another letter to the garage where I got the car from saying that he's failed to respond to my letter so he leaves me with no option but to pass it on to Consumer Direct who told me I have every right to claim my money back under the sale of goods act.
Thanks for asking I'll keep you updated.
I am sorry to hear that Nidge I would have been very upset with the insurance offer.
The person who sold you the car is a disgrace, he should have given you your money back right away, I hope he goes out of business!
I am sorry to hear that Nidge I would have been very upset with the insurance offer.
The person who sold you the car is a disgrace, he should have given you your money back right away, I hope he goes out of business!
I went over to see him last week but when he spotted me getting out of the works van he did a runner in his car.
What's the point of having insurance when you get a platry offer like that? You can understand why people don't have any insurance can't you?
Shame his car didn't break down as he was trying to get away!
Shame his car didn't break down as he was trying to get away!
He he he I know that's what the missus said, mind you I don't know what I'd have done if I'd have gotten a hold of him.
Got it all sorted yesterday, I was passing the garage so I thought I'll pay him a visit, I'd just been to a site to collect 1000 liters of oil, I pulled up on the forcourt and he was there, he was trying to be nice as pie with me but I was having none of it. I asked him if he was going to do anything about the car? He said no, I asked him again and he still said no. Right I said I've got 1200 liters of used oil on the back of that truck it'll look nice all over your cars, I started the pump up, put the pump on to blow got the hose off the back of the lorry walked onto the forecourt, all the colour drained from his face, he shouted "alright we'll sort it, we'll sort it turn the pump off please turn the pump off":D :D :D He did sort it he gave me another car worth £500 more than the one I had plus it's got all the toys. So I got a result in the end.:D :D
mark_hamilton
29-06-2006, 17:22
:Yikes: Got it all sorted yesterday, I was passing the garage so I thought I'll pay him a visit, I'd just been to a site to collect 1000 liters of oil, I pulled up on the forcourt and he was there, he was trying to be nice as pie with me but I was having none of it. I asked him if he was going to do anything about the car? He said no, I asked him again and he still said no. Right I said I've got 1200 liters of used oil on the back of that truck it'll look nice all over your cars, I started the pump up, put the pump on to blow got the hose off the back of the lorry walked onto the forecourt, all the colour drained from his face, he shouted "alright we'll sort it, we'll sort it turn the pump off please turn the pump off":D :D :D He did sort it he gave me another car worth £500 more than the one I had plus it's got all the toys. So I got a result in the end.:D :D
now that did make me smile :D
well done mate..glad you got it all sorted in the end, just read through all this post....you should go back later and pump oil everywhere :D
and btw..did the paper print the article they said they would?:Yikes:
monkey2468
29-06-2006, 17:53
Got it all sorted yesterday, I was passing the garage so I thought I'll pay him a visit, I'd just been to a site to collect 1000 liters of oil, I pulled up on the forcourt and he was there, he was trying to be nice as pie with me but I was having none of it. I asked him if he was going to do anything about the car? He said no, I asked him again and he still said no. Right I said I've got 1200 liters of used oil on the back of that truck it'll look nice all over your cars, I started the pump up, put the pump on to blow got the hose off the back of the lorry walked onto the forecourt, all the colour drained from his face, he shouted "alright we'll sort it, we'll sort it turn the pump off please turn the pump off":D :D :D He did sort it he gave me another car worth £500 more than the one I had plus it's got all the toys. So I got a result in the end.:D :D
I wish I had been there! I wouldn't have the balls to do something like that.
budwieser
29-06-2006, 18:12
Got it all sorted yesterday, I was passing the garage so I thought I'll pay him a visit, I'd just been to a site to collect 1000 liters of oil, I pulled up on the forcourt and he was there, he was trying to be nice as pie with me but I was having none of it. I asked him if he was going to do anything about the car? He said no, I asked him again and he still said no. Right I said I've got 1200 liters of used oil on the back of that truck it'll look nice all over your cars, I started the pump up, put the pump on to blow got the hose off the back of the lorry walked onto the forecourt, all the colour drained from his face, he shouted "alright we'll sort it, we'll sort it turn the pump off please turn the pump off":D :D :D He did sort it he gave me another car worth £500 more than the one I had plus it's got all the toys. So I got a result in the end.:D :D
Excellent!!!!!!!!!! Great outcome Nidge, :tu:
Great tactics as well i might add.:D
Nidge I am proud of you, I wouldn't have dared do any thing like that :tu:
If you get chance post a pic of your new pride and joy :)
Nice one Nidge! :tu: :D :nworthy:
Nidge I am proud of you, I wouldn't have dared do any thing like that :tu:
If you get chance post a pic of your new pride and joy :)
I'll take a few later.
Great out come....
I had to resist the urge to say something along the lines of 'a bit a t-cut will sort that mate'
Great out come....
I had to resist the urge to say something along the lines of 'a bit a t-cut will sort that mate'
I've had a few comments since it burnt out, I laugh about them because you can't reverse what's happend, one of the lads at work said you'll not have to clean the windows again or hoover ir out.:D :D :D :D They put a sign up at work saying for sale, 1 406 slightly damaged you can feel the breeze through your hair.
keithwalton
30-06-2006, 13:19
They're cheap to service (apart from the major stuff like cambelt/clutch etc which is expensive for most cars), and as long as you don't get a lemon, not a lot to go wrong.
Mine needs it's suspension sphere's replaced because the gas in them is going so it's a very soft lollowing ride, but it's something I can do myself, just need the new sphere's, replacement seals, and a strap wrench apparently (not that I can find a strap wrench anywhere, its' all chain wrenches for oil filters)
There was some Ebay shop that could do all the sphere's and fit them for £150 so I've got to find out how much most garages charge etc as I can get 2 sphere's for £40
o/t i know but its help to xaccers.
http://www.tool-up.co.uk/shop/diy/MISBOA.html?id=2hffkQgZ thats the sort of strap wrench you need (check size of sphere fits in its spec easily) the bigger the better really.
I changed the front spheres on my xant a few months ago as one failed and it completly changed the handling at the front of my car.
One thing to note when they fail they fill with lhm at high pressure upon removal they discharge and chuck out lhm everywhere (makes a right mess) apparently they are supposed to self seal and only minorly leak.
But obviously when they have failed this no longer works!
o/t i know but its help to xaccers.
http://www.tool-up.co.uk/shop/diy/MISBOA.html?id=2hffkQgZ thats the sort of strap wrench you need (check size of sphere fits in its spec easily) the bigger the better really.
I changed the front spheres on my xant a few months ago as one failed and it completly changed the handling at the front of my car.
One thing to note when they fail they fill with lhm at high pressure upon removal they discharge and chuck out lhm everywhere (makes a right mess) apparently they are supposed to self seal and only minorly leak.
But obviously when they have failed this no longer works!
Them tools have saved me over the last few years, I've used them to take water pumps off cars, I'vev also used it to grip pipework. Good tools and cheap to go with it.
o/t i know but its help to xaccers.
http://www.tool-up.co.uk/shop/diy/MISBOA.html?id=2hffkQgZ thats the sort of strap wrench you need (check size of sphere fits in its spec easily) the bigger the better really.
I changed the front spheres on my xant a few months ago as one failed and it completly changed the handling at the front of my car.
One thing to note when they fail they fill with lhm at high pressure upon removal they discharge and chuck out lhm everywhere (makes a right mess) apparently they are supposed to self seal and only minorly leak.
But obviously when they have failed this no longer works!
Thanks for that, I managed to pick up a metal band strap wrench cheap from halfords.
Thing is, since I left the car on it's highest setting over night, the suspesion has been fine.
Might have just needed a bit of working.
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