Hi all,

Has anyone had an engine replaced before? If so what engine was it and roughly how much did it cost to replace?

I have a 2012 mk3 1.6T Petrol that has an engine issue that will require a strip down and rebuild. I'm just weighing up the costs rather than having to hand the car back to the trader I bought it from as I really do love the car.

If you actually do have the option to hand the car back:
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/buying-or-repairing-a-car/problems-with-a-used-car/

Then that might be the best way to go IMHO unless they are going to repair it and you then get the opportunity to test it again then refuse.

Otherwise, what is the warranty?
If you agree to a repair, you may lose any further right to get your money back?
This isn't your problem to assess, seller should either refund or repair without you needing to get prices etc?
I see that you like the car but such a big issue needs a serious re-think and written agreement from the seller - there's plenty of metal around?

Hang on, this is not a new problem and actually a continuation of: 

I didn't notice that and I've already given my advice - over to you and anyone else (I won't bother contributing again as I made my views clear)

1 hour ago, Pburgess2208 said:

roughly how much did it cost to replace?

https://pumaspeed.co.uk/product-Brand-New-Ford-Service-16-EcoBoost-Engine_16611.jsp

I'd expect to pay around 2 days labour at garage rates.  So approx £800-£1600.  Plus all the new gaskets, fluids, and a new cambelt kit if you don't know engine history.

If you've got a driveway, and can borrow or rent an engine hoist, the only financially viable way to do this is to do it yourself.  I've swapped quite a few complete engines over the years.  It's not difficult as long as you're methodical.  It is heavy and awkward though so I really would recommend spending a bit on a crane if you do.

Though as others have said, just send it back, it's only an old Ford at the end of the day, there must be a better one to buy without all the additional hassle and cost of an engine swap.

3 hours ago, Shearers said:

If you actually do have the option to hand the car back:
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/buying-or-repairing-a-car/problems-with-a-used-car/

Thanks Shearers, I do appreciate your advice and everyone elses. I'll be sending it back. I'll probably have to trailer it back though, cos theres no way I'm driving it back to where I bought it from. I've told the trader that they need to take it back and I want a full refund. They must have known that something was up with it, I'm pretty annoyed to say the least.

UPDATE! 
 

looks like this is gonna go to court. The self proclaimed ’trader’ is refusing to take the car back, even though it’s within the 30 day period. They told me I need to go through the warranty company. Not happy at all, especially as I’ve had 3 mechanics look at the car now and all 3 of them say it needs a full strip down and rebuild and it would be much more cost effective to fit a used engine. In the meantime I’m left without a car and no money 😔

1 hour ago, Pburgess2208 said:

UPDATE! 
 

looks like this is gonna go to court. The self proclaimed ’trader’ is refusing to take the car back, even though it’s within the 30 day period. They told me I need to go through the warranty company. Not happy at all, especially as I’ve had 3 mechanics look at the car now and all 3 of them say it needs a full strip down and rebuild and it would be much more cost effective to fit a used engine. In the meantime I’m left without a car and no money 😔

If you paid by card, ring your bank or credit card company and ask for a chargeback (they seek the money from seller on your behalf. Explain the cars faulty and youve been refused a refund under consumer rights). Banks and credit card companies can sometimes help before it gets to court stage. See website of the financial regulator in the UK 

https://www.financial-ombudsman.org.ukconsumers/complaints-can-help/credit-borrowing-money/goods-services-bought-credit

Once youve got a yes or no from your bank as to whether theyll help you, contact the Motor Ombudsman with details.

This page from the Motor Ombudsman might help you

https://www.themotorombudsman.org/consumers/make-a-complaint

 

 

Might also be worth speaking to your local Trading Standards Office as I believe they carry a bit of clout too ???

@Eli_P thank you so much for the advice. I shall get on to the bank tomorrow. I’ve spoken to Citizens Advice and AutoTrader (where the car was advertised). I have evidence that the seller was selling as a trader as AutoTrader has kindly sent me the advert details. Citizens Advice have advised me to first contact the seller and to send a letter requesting the return of the vehicle in writing. If nothing is done about it then I shall then have to hire a solicitor to send a letter. After that I suppose it’s small claims court. Citizens Advice have told me that Trading Standards will be informed and they may or may not get in touch with me.

In the meantime I have no car as I’ve been advised to stop using it. This has to be the worst experience I’ve ever had when buying a car. I feel completely conned 😔

 

51 minutes ago, Pburgess2208 said:

@Eli_P thank you so much for the advice. I shall get on to the bank tomorrow. I’ve spoken to Citizens Advice and AutoTrader (where the car was advertised). I have evidence that the seller was selling as a trader as AutoTrader has kindly sent me the advert details. Citizens Advice have advised me to first contact the seller and to send a letter requesting the return of the vehicle in writing. If nothing is done about it then I shall then have to hire a solicitor to send a letter. After that I suppose it’s small claims court. Citizens Advice have told me that Trading Standards will be informed and they may or may not get in touch with me.

In the meantime I have no car as I’ve been advised to stop using it. This has to be the worst experience I’ve ever had when buying a car. I feel completely conned 😔

 

Always good to follow what citizens advice says, fair play. 

If you search companies house (see link below) you can find the legal company name and who runs it. Always useful when writing a letter, or indeed taking a trader to court. If they're not on there, they're probably personally liable. 

https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/

Hope you find a replacement car with better luck!

I don't think you need an "always expensive" solicitor (at any time) for Small Claim (under £10k):
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/law-and-courts/legal-system/small-claims/making-a-small-claim/

Template "Letter before action":
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/law-and-courts/legal-system/small-claims/Problems-with-goods---letter-before-court-action/

Sometimes the threat of that is enough to get things sorted (but obviously need to have a plan in place to carry through if not!

Is seller a member of any trade organisation for mediation etc?

Check all insurance policies/Union membership etc for legal support options?

Go back to CA for official advice if any problems.