Bought car in December 2003 from main dealer though second user. No problems at all , no wheels stolen , no oil loss like so many gripes from other people. That was until April 2005.
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<br>Car just stopped , called out breakdown and was towed to the dealership nearest my home. The diagnosis was water pump failure causing the timing belt to slip and the dreaded valve damage. I authorised repair and five days later collected my vehicle after parting with ?£1281 ! This was for top end re-build and water pump etc.
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<br>I left the garage drove 115 miles for a weekend away , the next morning the vehicle poured out smoke when it was started. After stopping the engine it was found there was no oil showing on the dipstick . Oil was topped up and again checked after 20 miles , NO OIL.
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<br>Found oil leak near timing belt area , purchased more oil and returned vehicle to garage checking and topping up on the way.
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<br>They appologised and said a faulty seal was fitted and was fine. NO , every morning smoke poured out. The garaged took the vehicle back , whilst i contacted trading standards .
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<br>I cant believe i lost the case as a garage can fit faulty oil seals causing major oil loss , accept they did so , yet not be reponsible for the resulting enginge damage.The resulting inspection found all oil control piston rings seized/tight in their grooves.
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<br>well trading standards accept that the garage had no idea of engine condition before the breakdown.
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<br>The whole story is a lot more detailed , but at the end of the day it has now had a re-con engine and a total bill of ?£3000 and cant wait to get rid . I will never buy a vauxhall again. OH , after getting it back , the air-con wont work , i cant be bothered. |
