Hello everyone. I am the new owner of an a3 S Line, 1.4 S tronic.

Sadly, a day into my ownership I have discovered my car making a noise which wasn’t there on the test drive.

The noise is like a whining / grinding noise when the car is in 1st gear and creeping. As well as when changing to 3rd gear.

I’m very upset about this and looking for answers. Has anyone else had this and what was the fix/diagnosis?

Edited April 13Apr 13 by broken a3

Welcome Harold,

Did you buy this from a trader?

Regards,

Gareth.

Hi gareth,

Yes i bought it from a trader

I have included a video

You will have a warranty on the vehicle, and it is the trader’s responsibility to rectify the issue - it isn’t your responsibility to diagnose the cause.

Did you buy it within the last 30 days? If so, you will have an option to reject the vehicle.

What is important is:-

You don’t ‘fiddle’ with it.

You notify the seller in writing (e-mail will do) of the problem and request them to inspect the vehicle and rectify the issue.

Regards,

Gareth.

Thanks for the response Gareth.

Is there any way they could try to wriggle out of a refund?

I have owned this car a day lol.

Take advice from CAB if you don’t get a positive response from the seller following advising them of the problem in writing As I understand it, you must give them an opportunity to rectify the issue, but beware that they may play you out of time in terms of your option to reject the vehicle within 30 days.

What sort of warranty did they give you?

Regards,

Gareth.

4 hours ago, broken a3 said:

Is there any way they could try to wriggle out of a refund?

They will undoubtedly try to, but a refund is your legal right so hold your ground.

@Magnet Seller wanted me to go through warranty and attempted to increase the claim limit. it’s with auto guard. i’ve read their reviews and seems as though payouts may be a headache. I eventually agreed with the seller to return the vehicle. A bit down as it’s a lovely car and faultless otherwise.

@cliffcoggin cheers mate

I said he'd try and wriggle out of it. In this case he tried to deflect responsibility onto the warranty company whereas in British law he, the vendor, bears sole liability for defective goods for the first thirty days. There is a good reason secondhand car salesmen have such a dreadful reputation. That's worth bearing in mind when you buy another car.

Under the same conditions that you didn’t leave his premises until the car was paid for - I would be making sure you don’t leave his premises until your refund is in your bank account.

Regards,

Gareth.