Lower Suspension Arm Bushings

[tsedge]

Thanks Gary, I wasn't having a go at you, just trying to get it clear. Totally agree with the above.

 

[siteguru]

It is definitely time government changed the rules so dealers can't hide behind the manufacturer: the dealer should be liable for addressing warranty items regardless of whether the manufacturer plays ball - this separation of businesses should be invisible to the consumer.

Unfortunately that would have to be a specific deviation from the Consumer Rights Act 2015 ... as it as, ANY purchase is covered by the Act, and any enforcement action would be against the Seller. A Manufacturer warranty is over and above your consumer rights, and this can have any reasonable conditions the manufacturer sees fit. (Buying a car from a dealer is no different, per the Act, than buying a washing machine from Currys, for example).

Yes, the warranty terms form part of the contract, but you can only enforce those terms against the manufacturer not the seller. The difference with a car is that pursuing the manufacturer directly can be more difficult.

 

[tsedge]

Unfortunately that would have to be a specific deviation from the Consumer Rights Act 2015 ... as it as, ANY purchase is covered by the Act, and any enforcement action would be against the Seller. A Manufacturer warranty is over and above your consumer rights, and this can have any reasonable conditions the manufacturer sees fit. (Buying a car from a dealer is no different, per the Act, than buying a washing machine from Currys, for example).

Yes, it requires new legislation. That, in fact, is my whole point. We should have that legislation.

Yes, the warranty terms form part of the contract, but you can only enforce those terms against the manufacturer not the seller. The difference with a car is that pursuing the manufacturer directly can be more difficult.

That is also why we need new legislation.

By the way, the way I think would make sense to do this is - if a business takes on a franchise, with the logo and marketing of a manufacturer and presents itself as that manufacturer to the world, then it takes on the legal liabilities and responsibilities of that manufacturer.

In other words, if I get a bad burger at McDonalds, the franchisee has to put that right, not tell me McDonalds refused a refund and I can take it up with them.

This wouldn't affect shops just selling branded goods.

 

[LenEV2016]

Unfortunately sounds like another example of poor MG after sales.

It isn't an EV thing, as I've had a few and never had it.
Could be poor quality parts

 

[tsedge]

Heavier cars and cars with massive power can wear their suspensions much faster - that is a thing - but doesn't apply to the car I have, which is neither particularly heavy nor high performance and certainly hasn't been driven in any way out of the ordinary.

 

[OriginalBigAl]

It is black and white on the document I provided above on page 3: Bushings, 36 months and 48,000 miles.

Let me me explain this as clearly as I can ! without bringing the integrity of anyone on this forum into question.






Its Microsofts fault : it only downloaded page 1 .... ooops .

 

[LenEV2016]

Heavier cars and cars with massive power can wear their suspensions much faster - that is a thing - but doesn't apply to the car I have, which is neither particularly heavy nor high performance and certainly hasn't been driven in any way out of the ordinary.

Lots of heavy powerful cars out there without suspension parts giving up the ghost at 3 years, it's poor the dealer is even debating.
Speaks more to the hassle of MG authorising warranty repairs unfortunately

 

[tsedge]

In case I need a backup plan... does anyone know if the typical independent garage (eg an ATS) will press bushings into an existing lower arm that is not corroded?

It is £30 for a pair of bushings online and over £500 for my MG dealer to replace both lower arms including new bushings (which is all MG will do - won't replace the bushings without new arms).

Any experiences on this one? ChatGPT is telling me that changing bushings can be a lot of hassle, so many places charge as much for that as replacing the whole arm. Is it right?

I am also thinking I'd like to replace them with better bushings, not the same again - which would obviously have a cost, but I hear that higher-quality polyurethane versions tend to be available. However, I know very little about this so would appreciate any advice from the experienced. Thanks.

Let me me explain this as clearly as I can ! without bringing the integrity of anyone on this forum into question.

Its Microsofts fault : it only downloaded page 1 .... ooops .

I'm afraid I can't allow you to blame the manufacturer.... you have to honour the warranty that comes with the tools you use...... oh.... oops... been thinking too hard today! Totally understandable!

Lots of heavy powerful cars out there without suspension parts giving up the ghost at 3 years, it's poor the dealer is even debating.
Speaks more to the hassle of MG authorising warranty repairs unfortunately

Yes, sadly.

I'm trying to reconcile this with the experience I just had with our other car, my diesel 2014 Golf. Just had a main dealer* service with VW:

• Very polite and courteous.
• Told me various things that weren't needed as even though the car is old, the mileage is low.
• Passed service and MOT completely trouble-free.
• Wasn't charged for the cabin filter change.
• While I waited for the service/MOT, I overheard several conversations they had with other customers where they guided them AWAY from spending more than they needed / doing unnecessary work.
• Price was exactly the same I paid to have my MG4 serviced and MOTed (both minor services).

I'm beginning to think it might be worth switching back to VW - this is the sixth significant issue in 3 years and potentially the third not covered by warranty and my patience is rather thin.

*This was to keep up the history at dad's request, I inherited his car after he had to stop driving.