Posts tagged pistons

My girlfriend bought a car on finance in January this year, with finance agreement in place with Black Horse for approx £5k.
Last week, the car broke down. Initial diagnosis showed it was a failed "coil pack", which we since purchased and replaced, showing no improvement.
We then had an independant mechanic have a look at the car, and he found that the "camshaft" was not turning, and therefore would represent serious damage to the engine itself. (Pistons/Valves). Just to confirm this would mean taking the engine apart, costing hundreds of pounds. Repairing this would normally mean installation of a new engine, which would cost thousands, or installation of a second-hand engine which would still cost in the vicinity of £1000.
The warranty we had covered mechanical breakdown, but was only for a 3 month period, so would have expired in March this year.
The main point to consider is that, the independant mechanic who looked at the car, noticed the spark plugs had never been changed since new, (2005 MK5 Astra). However, the company we bought the car from told us it had a full service a day before our purchase date, and have stamped the service book.
This could have contributed to the mechanical breakdown, so i am wondering what we can do in light of this, based on the Consumer Credit Act 1974;
1) In that we recieved and are paying for unsatisfactory goods
2) Sue either the supplier/finance company for the problem
Will i be succesful in either of these options?
One other point to mention is the fact the garage we bought the car from went bust locally, (company still operating in other areas).
Im basically thinking to threaten the garage with court action if they do not offer to repair the damage with no cost incurred by us.
Any ideas?
The mechanic said the plugs were old GM plugs, and are usually replace with different brands are they’ve left the manufacturer. Also, just by looking at the plugs you can tell the wear on them is far greater than 6 months, so again raises questions with their servicing?
I know im grasping at straws here, but she’s left seriously out of pocket, not to mention screwed with no having a car.
The only option is can see is raising this with the finance company/garage in respect to points on the documents, regarding recieving faulty goods, but like you’ve said it would be difficult…