MOT Fail! 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.

 

[LenEV2016]

Always thought the service was good with previous VWs, not EVs to be fair, excellent with my Cupra, obviously same group, and EV servicing is only every 2 years.

The big kid in me really fancies the performance of an X Power and I like the look of the facelift but after the hassle and arguements trying to get the wife's MG fixed, it has completely put me off, I am going to stick with Cupra, looking at the Raval, although curious to see the facelift Born

 

[Tuareg]

Changing bushings on components such as lower arms costs almost as much as a new lower arm. When I had a 911 turbo, this was also an issue and my independent said exactly that. Just get a new arm. Most of the cost will be the labour anyway, removing and refitting and possibly realignment.

 

[tsedge]

Well, no response to my complaint so far. Would have been nice to have at least had an email acknowledging it on the same day.

Changing bushings on components such as lower arms costs almost as much as a new lower arm. When I had a 911 turbo, this was also an issue and my independent said exactly that. Just get a new arm. Most of the cost will be the labour anyway, removing and refitting and possibly realignment.

It is my understanding that this is because when it is often needed the lower arms are rusted as are the bolts. Mine aren't and they are in excellent condition - so it is my belief that this can be done fairly easily.

I am even thinking I might be able to do this myself with access to the right equipment - or impose on a friend who has.

Alignment isn't an issue as I need two new front tyres anyway and so I'll get that done afterwards and have it all set up by the tyre place.

 

[Macadoodle]

It is my understanding that this is because when it is often needed the lower arms are rusted as are the bolts. Mine aren't and they are in excellent condition - so it is my belief that this can be done fairly easily.

I am even thinking I might be able to do this myself with access to the right equipment - or impose on a friend who has.

Alignment isn't an issue as I need two new front tyres anyway and so I'll get that done afterwards and have it all set up by the tyre place.

Yep, if it's a TCA that's been on the car for 10 yrs I wouldn't bother messing around changing bushes, the ball joint will be worn and the arm itself rusty as hell.
Our cars are young however and the arm will be fine to reuse at this point I think.

Used to replace similar bushes on a Mondeo I ran many years ago, easier with the hydraulic press I now have I think but I used to just cool the new ones in the freezer overnight and whack em in with a big hammer as that's all I had

Do you have a link for the £30 bushes ? Sounds like I might be doing it again at some point

 

[tsedge]

I just put my registration into autodoc:

https://www.autodoc.co.uk/car-parts/arm-bushes-10672/mg/mg-4

Gave me this:

https://www.autodoc.co.uk/moog/26135599

 

[jamakr4]

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.

I have been at a similar point as well. Turns out in my case it was the dealers fault. My repair literally took ages (dealer A was not even able to diagnose the issue and call me back for 6-7 weeks). They also told me they don't know wether my issue was covered under warranty. So I went to a different dealer and they immediately knew what was off, ordered the replacement and they never even talked about this not being an issue not covered by warranty.

Even though my car is fixed now I don't know if I would get my self into another MG again. For sure I will never buy one again and rather go for a lease. Don't want to say that I am regretting my purchase (used price was good) but I feel like literally 80% of MG dealers in Germany are trash - Especially the one that primarily sell cars from the VAG Group, they are not only expensive but also don't know what on earth they are doing (I know some crazy stories from people from these VW dealers including my self).

 

[tsedge]

I think maybe the way to go with MG is buy a secondhand one and just use a good trusted local independent garage for servicing and MOT.

 

[jamakr4]

I think maybe the way to go with MG is buy a secondhand one and just use a good trusted local independent garage for servicing and MOT.

Buying these cars new is like burning money - The previous owner of mine lost well over 20.000 Euro within 1.5 years and 5000kms (If we go after the MSRP). Secondhand these are great value here as there is nothing that come close to this. If you want a Born or ID3 with similar specs you are spending a couple 1000s more.

 

[LenEV2016]

It's a real shame as the vast majority on here love there cars and I get that.
However there are far too many stories of fights with dealers (and it's all over, not just the same one or two) to make a lot of people not return for a second MG.

The warranty work should be seamless (it's covered so we do it) but it appears MG get dealers to jump through so many hoops before they authorise work that dealers can't even be arsed doing it.

That what car survey for aftersales and warranty work still rings true, the rating was extremely poor.

They are ruining a good car

 

[stevie211]

Aftersales service and warranty issues is the reason I wouldn't buy another MG.

 

[tsedge]

Fully agree now, I am sad to say. I think it is the end of the road for me. I have more important priorities to spend energy on than hassles maintaining my car.

 

[salty]

Buying these cars new is like burning money - The previous owner of mine lost well over 20.000 Euro within 1.5 years and 5000kms (If we go after the MSRP). Secondhand these are great value here as there is nothing that come close to this. If you want a Born or ID3 with similar specs you are spending a couple 1000s more.

Agree, buying any car, is like burning money. But we still do it. Coz we like car's and driving. That's why we're on here.
That's why I never fret about depreciation,
I just enjoy the car.