(T) Balljoint issue - car coming up to 3yrs old

Have had the wife's car in today for a service and MOT. The car is 3yrs old on 1st September.

My wife was contacted by the dealer to say that the balljoint had gone and it was going to cost £250 to replace it. Long story short I called them to discuss because I am under the impression this would be covered under warranty. The dealer just said 'well the car is over 3yrs old' to which I corrected him saying it wasn't.... The dealer then disputed the warranty anyway saying the 3rd year is a limited warranty - again I disagreed with this.

They have advised they will submit a warranty claim and see what Fiat say but it will be about 10 days before they get the part. In view of this being an MOT issue they didn't test the car as knew it would fail. However, as it stands, the part won't be ready until after the car turns 3 which leaves her without a motor.

Is my understanding re: the warranty correct and ball joints ARE covered? The car has just over 13,000 miles on it so it can't be classed as normal wear and tear and in the book it doesn't seem to mention any exclusion that would cover ball joints.

To say I'm a little unhappy with the dealer is an understatement. They took over the franchise within the last 12 months and have even tried to charge her today for some work that was done under warranty last year and has failed again. Their response was 'we don't have access to the previous dealers' records.

I just want to be clear re: the warranty issue. As I say, I'm sure they should be covered and the Fiat warranty page states the 3rd year dealer warranty is the same level as the first 2yr Fiat one.

Also, if it is correct that the part should be fixed under warranty, does she have any right to request a loan car until they can fix hers given it will be unroadworthy due to a fault? When she booked the car in last month, today was the first available slot.

Any help appreciated

No, she doesn't have the right to a loan car and no the warranty isn't the same in the 3rd year.

The issue with the balljoints is most likely that the boots have split and allowed the joint to become contaminated and fail.

So is this implying the ball joints aren't covered under warranty (apologies if I misunderstand)

According to the Fiat website, it states the cover is the same?

Doesn't that suggest its the same? I appreciate there's stipulation re: mileage however

i didn't say they weren't covered, i just said the cover wasn't the same. See what happens with the claim

OK, thanks.

I'm popping down later today to discuss this further anyway. Have found the previous service documents which details work that has been done under warranty that they have tried to charge for again today. Also, the end of the chat yesterday the lad said 'we're just off to wash and valet the car and it will be ready for collection at the agreed time. The wash and valet is part of the service'. Got home and the car hasn't had a drop of water near it.

In all honesty I wasn't expecting a wash etc (didn't know this would be done) but given the fact he stated that then it hasn't been done - well, another example of poor service.

It might suggest it try taking the car in with a wiring fault though................

To the op is this a suspension ball joint?

A new wishbone dependent on engine type can be had for £45 ish

Eg
http://www.buypartsby.co.uk/buy/FIAT...-control-arms/


And in a workshop it's a 20 min job tops to replace it (three nuts / bolts)

I know they need to make a profit but 200 sheets for 20 mins work

Not totally sure of exactly what it is yet as only spoke over the phone and there's no additional paperwork or recommendations been provided, just the receipt. Haven't even provided a service checklist that we've always received.

Its the principle more than anything - if its covered then it should be done. I spoke with an independent last night to get a quote and will be speaking again today when I know more (have used him numerous times in the past when I had an old punto). But as I say, I want to get to the bottom of it first - which leaves us in a sticky position given how close it is to needing its MOT.

Depending on the engine the labour can be a lot more.

thanks for that link andy monty. A timing belt kit only costs 65 gbp including water pump? Would be stupid not to get it replaced fairly often, may even use that website to order it!

Lucky escape there then. Never let a dealer "wash and valet " your car.

Have been down this morning and they have confirmed its been submitted (or was in the process of being submitted) as a warranty item to Fiat and we now await their response. They won't however, order the part in until a decision has been made. I am led to believe decisions are usually by the end of the day or at least the day after.

Prior to going down I spoke with the independent who gave me a quote and his understanding was it should be covered and I also called another franchised dealer within our region who also stated that they believed it was covered although couldn't state categorically as it does have to go via Fiat for a decision. I also spoke with Fiat customer service this morning and they stated similar re: it being covered.

The annoying thing is the other dealer have the part in stock but the one I am dealing with said because we've raised a claim via them it would possibly cause issues going elsewhere?

On top of this I showed them receipts the warranty work that had been carried out previously (that they tried to do and bill for yesterday). Subsequently these are also being submitted under warranty although I'm not as concerned about these. In fairness to the lad at the dealer he was fine and is only doing his job going on information he has. Hopefully common sense will prevail here.

As a matter of interest, any idea how much a Sept 2010/60 1.2 Lounge is worth? Just over 13,000 miles in Bossa Nova?

What's the difficulty with other variants maxxi ? Only ever had the 1.2 in bits

Know some mercs need half the front end removing to work on the suspension

As much as someone is willing to pay.

Plenty of guides online giving trade / private sale valuations

Just wondered if anyone had a clearer view.

Have done one via Parkers (yesterday) and its not too bad.