Can I reject my car over its leaky sun roof?
I bought a SEAT Alhambra new two years ago. The car is still within its manufacturer's warranty. Five months ago I noticed water dripping from the passenger sun visor, with water accumulating in the integral light. I booked it into the garage, but by the time the garage could see me, the water had dried out.
They did a water test, but could not replicate the problem. Last month the airbag located at the top of the passenger pillar was all wet. This time, I took a photo and again booked it into the garage. The garage had seen a similar problem and advised that the issue was the drains located by under the sun roof had become blocked. They said that if you park near/under trees, these can easily get blocked.
The remedy is to blow pressurised air into the drain to clear. The issue is not covered under warranty as it is considered to be "negligence" by the owner. The garage sorted it free of charge this time, but I was left with the clear impression that it would be charged for in future. Given that I wasn't advised when I bought the car that it wasn't a suitable vehicle for people who may have a tree in their drive, I wondered what rights I may have to either get the problem sorted or have the car returned for a full refund?
They did a water test, but could not replicate the problem. Last month the airbag located at the top of the passenger pillar was all wet. This time, I took a photo and again booked it into the garage. The garage had seen a similar problem and advised that the issue was the drains located by under the sun roof had become blocked. They said that if you park near/under trees, these can easily get blocked.
The remedy is to blow pressurised air into the drain to clear. The issue is not covered under warranty as it is considered to be "negligence" by the owner. The garage sorted it free of charge this time, but I was left with the clear impression that it would be charged for in future. Given that I wasn't advised when I bought the car that it wasn't a suitable vehicle for people who may have a tree in their drive, I wondered what rights I may have to either get the problem sorted or have the car returned for a full refund?
Asked on 7 October 2016 by Simon Eggleton
Answered by
Honest John
Sorry, I find this a ludicrous complaint. Of course you cannot reject a two year old car for a full refund because you allowed the sunroof drains to become blocked. It is common for sunroof drains to become blocked so it's an owner's job to maintain them, just as it is to clean the car, check the oil level, check the tyre pressures, etc.
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