*%£@ing Micra!!!!!

[wattfield]

As the Alfa Fund has suffered a few setbacks recently, I'm still driving the old Micra. Or at least I was until the rear axle rusted through, leaving me stuck in the car park at work with the right rear wheel at a jaunty angle. I bought the car from a dealer (a Mr. A. Daly, I believe) at the end of December, with a shiny new MOT. Now correct me if I'm wrong, but surely an axle rusty enough to break after 4 months normal use shouldn't have passed the MOT? Also, would you say the car was "fit for purpose" if it breaks so spectacularly 4 months later? If I paid with my credit card, do I have some protection? How hard is it to replace a rear beam axle? Why do I ask so many questions???

Wonderful timing too, as my role at work is changing, and I'll have more travelling to do

Edit: PS: I don't suppose anyone has a nice 159 they want to give away?

[156 Villian]

What age Micra is it?
Replacing a rear beam isn't too difficult, just take it carefully, clamp up the brake lines, have it up on stands etc.

[wattfield]

It's a 2000 model. I know I could do the job, but I'm not happy about it - I'd rather the dealer paid for it given that I only bought it 4 months ago.

[156 Villian]

Given that it's rusted through within that short a space of time, I would have thought that corrosion would have been present on previous MoT's and may well have been mentioned as an advisory.
Have you checked the MoT history, you can do it online at: Motoring : Directgov - MOT status check request
All you need is the MoT Test Number (or Document Number from the V5C) and the Registration Number
If it reveals something then I would be contacting your local Trading Standards office

[wattfield]

There are no advisories on the current MOT, I've checked the certificate and online. I've contacted Trading Standards already. Watch this space!

[156 Villian]

If you don't get any luck , you could always try contacting Watchdog - I think the dealer would pony up pretty quick faced with an angry Anne Robinson. Keep us posted & best of luck

[wattfield]

I spoke to the dealer today, and the best he would do was to offer to fix the car for a cheaper than average price, if I brought the car to them. I could buy a used axle and fit it myself for the cost of getting the car moved to the dealer.

Trading Standards are writing to them. It might not make any difference but if it causes them some annoyance, that'll be a start!