1. ...The right hand exhaust is sticking out slightly further than the left - Is that normal?
2. ...One of the alloys has some bubbling under the lacquer but no marks on the alloy - Will VW refurb under goodwill as its got FVWSH and is clearly a defect?
3. ...I bought it from a private garage so don't have any warranty on it...
4. ... [Warranty] Is this worth getting (The garage recommended going through them and using Warrantywise)?
5. ...Excuse my french but WTF is with the Timing Chain Tensioner failure all about and what can I do to cover myself in the event of this happening?
Welcome to a very good forum Sid and hopefully you're enjoying a very nice car.
Adding to the helpful replies to date, I've quoted you and numbered some of your queries to add my own tuppence worth, so here goes:
1. I don't think it sounds normal. As far as I know the chrome exhaust tips should sit symmetrically and evenly without one protruding more than the other.
2. These alloys can be prone to milk spotting/ a white rash under the lacquer. You say the lacquer is bubbling. Do you know whether or not the affected alloy wheel has previously had a refurb, the finish of which is now failing (if so, that would obviously invalidate any warranty)?
However, given that the car is older than 3 years and given that you did not buy from a franchised VW dealer, I would be amazed if VW entertained a request for them to repair or replace the wheel under warranty or goodwill. That's said, goodwill requests - for anything - will always have a greater chance of succeeding, even if you did not buy directly from VW, if the car has a comprehensive franchised VW history and if the facilitating franchise believes you to be a longstanding or potentially longstanding and loyal customer.
3. You say you bought from a 'private garage'. Not sure what you mean by that, however, you also say that they tried to sell you a recognised warranty and so I will presume you bought from a recognised motor trader. Therefore, as has been mentioned, if problems arise with the car, the trader who sold you what will doubtless have been an expensive car, has responsibilities to you and in particular during your first 6 months of ownership, regardless of what they might try and tell you.
Relevant legislation is the Sale of Goods Act 1979:
The act relates to the fact the consumer has a right to expect quality, fitness for all the purposes supplied, freedom from minor defects and a reasonable expectation for repairs to have been undertaken within a reasonable time without causing significant inconvenience. If these things are not the case with your purchase you can assert non conformity to the contract of sale within the period of six months from the date of purchase.
Buying from a motor trader (or dealer) extends you greater rights than buying privately -
'Wear and tear':
A seller is not responsible for fair wear and tear, so you cannot claim goods are unsatisfactory just because they've become a bit worn over time. For goods to be unsatisfactory they need to be faulty when you bought them, even if you didn't discover the fault until later. If the goods don't last as long as they should, this suggests that they were faulty from the beginning.
** If a defect is detected within 6 months, it is presumed that the defect existed at the time of sale or delivery, unless the seller can prove otherwise. **
Whilst better to do so, *** you do not have to examine items before buying them. This means that if you haven't spotted something wrong before buying an item, you can still claim it is not of satisfactory quality. This applies even if you would have spotted the defect if you had examined it closely ***. However, if you don't complain quickly, you may have to accept a repair, replacement or partial refund, rather than a full refund.
If it becomes necessary, more information on the S of G.A can be found on this link:
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/4. My own thoughts are - if you are not in a position to undertake competent repairs yourself - where expensive and complex vehicles are involved, it is always a good idea to invest in a reputable warranty, over and above your Sale of Goods Act rights and entitlements. Opinions vary. Also, it might be possible to now purchase a VW extended warranty for similar cost to other after market warranties, provided you allow a VW dealership to give the car a health check at cost to you beforehand.
5. As mentioned, the thread on timing chain "rattle" and potential failure is a must read. If your car has a full service history it should not be difficult to find out via the servicing garage(s) whether or not the tensioner has ever failed/ consequential damage occurred or even whether the tensioner and associated components have simply been replaced as a preventative measure.
If there is no record of the tensioner and component parts having been done, the relevant parts can be replaced as a preventative measure at an Independent Specialist for approx £350 and personally, if it has not been done, I would invest on that work before embarking upon expensive cosmetic modifications. Likewise, I would generally let the car 'settle in' and see how it behaves before lavishing expensive cosmetic kit on it (it appears already to be a highly spec'd car anyway).
Hopefully the garage selling you the car is reputable. Your taking away an expensive car from them, apparently under the impression that your only recourse - should future assistance be required from them - is to additionally purchase an aftermarket warranty through them would make me a little wary. I'm sure this can all be attributable to minor communication gaps at the point of sale but it's worth clarifying, particularly if you are potentially already querying the exhaust fitment and an alloy wheel finish for example.
Please take my post in the well intentioned manner it is sent which is to ensure that as opposed to "a wing and a prayer" you can enjoy a great car with confidence and should any problems arise, hopefully you will be in a well informed position to advance your rights and entitlement to prompt and hassle free resolution.
