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Irish Times
2 hours ago
- Automotive
- Irish Times
Stalled by ‘goodwill' for car repairs: Are Irish drivers being left in the lurch?
Many of us will probably have been given the same story at some stage of our motoring lives. A car, as likely a recently bought one as an older model, will develop a problem. A major one. It will be brought back to the dealership, who will prescribe an expensive repair, one whose cost may be defrayed by 'goodwill'. That goodwill can take many forms. It may be a total covering of costs. It may be a partial cover. It may be none of the above – but you might get a courtesy car. READ MORE However, in some situations, the issue your car has experienced may stem from a known manufacturing defect – and in many other countries, similar faults are being addressed through formal recalls. The whole concept of 'goodwill' can be problematic, as it implies that the consumer – quite apart from asserting their legal rights – must have been compliant in a particular way: had the car serviced only with a main dealer and kept it in such a condition that no questions could be raised about its overall maintenance. Equally, placing repairs on a 'goodwill' basis allows dealer and carmaker considerable discretion – after all, 'goodwill' is not a recognised consumer right under Irish law. Can the legal net be tightened on these kinds of repairs? Possibly. There has been a recent case involving cam chains and the diesel engines made by the Stellantis Group, formerly the PSA Peugeot Citroën Group. A cam chain is a crucial engine component, and if it fails while the car is running, it can cause catastrophic engine damage. One Irish customer, driving a 2021 Peugeot 5008, experienced such a failure and had the car recovered to a Peugeot dealer for inspection. What followed was a protracted series of inspections and repair estimates that left the car idle at the dealership for several months. At the time of writing, it is still there, with repair work scheduled under 'goodwill'. However, this specific issue is known within the industry, and is reportedly linked to a manufacturer-recommended engine oil that may not adequately protect the cam chain – identified officially as part number 9812647280. While some might view Peugeot's coverage of repair costs as an act of goodwill, others argue the fault should be addressed more transparently. In France, the issue has received greater public attention, prompting Peugeot to initiate what it calls a 'preventive update campaign' – effectively a recall – to replace the existing 7mm cam chain with a more robust 8mm version. The campaign also includes upgraded sprockets and other components, and is carried out at no cost to the customer, without reference to service history or owner behaviour. The CCPC found some Irish dealers were telling customers – incorrectly – that their vehicle warranties would be voided if serviced or repaired outside the official dealer network or with non-original parts. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw The issue affects at least 760,000 vehicles across Europe. Given its scale, consumer advocates argue it warrants treatment as a formal recall. Peugeot has confirmed it is extending warranty coverage for this component to seven years or 180,000km – but only for vehicles with a full service history. According to Gowan Auto, Peugeot's Irish importer: 'The issue with this particular car is that it has never been serviced since purchase. Therefore, the customer has agreed to pay the price to fit the new chain.' That service history requirement could be problematic. According to Gowan, to qualify for free repair, owners must provide 'a printed or digital copy of their service receipts which should state the date, dealer and itemise what work has been carried out, oil used, etc.' and this must reflect a 'full service history' – an unbroken record of scheduled maintenance. This condition may sit uneasily with a recent Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) report into potential anticompetitive practices in car servicing and repair. The CCPC found some Irish dealers were telling customers – incorrectly – that their vehicle warranties would be voided if serviced or repaired outside the official dealer network or with non-original parts. In some instances, independent garages reported being denied access to essential diagnostic tools or data needed to carry out repairs. [ Hyundai's big Ioniq 9 feels like an EV upgrade, but will buyers make the switch? Opens in new window ] The CCPC's stance is unambiguous: 'Such practices can break competition law.' While that conclusion does not directly apply to the Peugeot case above, it's a useful point for any consumer being told that 'goodwill' depends on main-dealer service records. Craig Whelan, director of antitrust at the CCPC, said: 'Motorists must be free to choose where they service their vehicles and what parts they use without fear of losing their warranty. 'Independent garages must not be blocked from accessing essential diagnostic data or tools. These restrictive practices hurt consumers, stifle competition and unfairly advantage authorised dealerships. We will continue to monitor this issue closely and will take appropriate enforcement action where we believe competition law has been breached.' The CCPC also notes certain mechanical issues may raise safety concerns. In the case of cam chain failure, the engine can seize without warning, potentially resulting in loss of power steering and braking assistance – a scenario with obvious safety implications. In relation to safety risks, the CCPC told The Irish Times: 'Consumers may have the option to resolve their issue under consumer protection law or product safety law. 'There are common consumer protection rules across Europe to protect consumers from faulty goods and services. These rules were updated in 2022 and became part of Irish law through the Consumer Rights Act 2022 (CRA) ... consumers in Ireland can seek a remedy for faulty goods for up to six years after purchasing.' That legal framework could open the door for consumers to claim redress even where manufacturers have not issued formal recalls. If the cam chain fault is acknowledged as a design issue, it may fall under CRA protections regardless of warranty status. That said, there is potential for jurisdictional confusion. While the CCPC previously handled motor recall issues, this responsibility now lies with the Road Safety Authority (RSA) , which is undergoing a significant reorganisation. The transition could delay or complicate recall responses for Irish consumers. Two main barriers discourage consumers from challenging manufacturers in such cases. First, the emotional and practical disruption caused by car failures often pushes people to accept whatever resolution is quickest, even if it involves out-of-pocket costs. Second, the low monetary value of most claims limits legal options – District Court rules constrain what solicitors can recover in fees, making it harder to take on complex, time-consuming automotive disputes. According to one Irish solicitor familiar with such cases, who asked not to be named due to ongoing client work, these challenges mean legitimate defects may go unresolved: 'We've seen instances where cars were sold with known issues, and consumers later found they needed to purchase extended warranties to cover problems that arguably should have been disclosed or repaired from the outset.' This solicitor also emphasised the human cost: 'I've seen people in tears over stuff like this. They couldn't get to work, school, or even bring children to hospital appointments because the car was off the road. And the responses often rely on technicalities. 'Did you use our recommended oil?' or 'did you get it serviced with us?' It can feel like trying to climb a wall blindfolded. People are under pressure, and that's one reason they don't litigate – the uncertainty, the delay and the cost.' Returning to the Peugeot case, Gowan Auto says the affected car is being addressed. It confirmed: 'The Stellantis customer care platform and website was launched in France and Spain in December 2024. However, it has not yet been rolled out to Ireland or other markets.' An announcement is expected in July, which would implement a new ten-year or 240,000km extended coverage policy across Europe – including Ireland. That would offer welcome consistency for Irish customers, aligning their rights with those of their European neighbours, regardless of whether they meet subjective 'goodwill' thresholds. In the meantime, if your car develops a serious fault, don't assume it's an isolated issue. If you can, take time to research it, and don't let vague references to 'goodwill' keep you from asserting your legal rights.
Times
3 hours ago
- Automotive
- Times
My garage won't give my car back. What are my rights?
Q. What do I do if the repair garage refuses to hand my car back? When I took it to them they said they would need to strip the brakes to give me an estimate for a seized brake. The estimate was more than £1,000 so I asked for the car back. The garage said I had to pay £355 for the cost of the estimate. It has threatened to sell the car if I don't pay. BR, PortsmouthA. The garage does not have title to your vehicle. It remains your property and cannot be sold without your consent. However, the garage could retain your vehicle under a lien — the right to hold property as security for a debt — until payment is made for authorised work. • Car Clinic: I've seen anti-speed camera covers for number plates. Are they legal? If the bill remains unpaid, they could attempt to obtain a court judgment or follow procedures under the Torts (Interference with Goods) Act 1977, which would include proper notice and a reasonable attempt to recover the debt. Hence, the legal sale of your vehicle is extremely unlikely. Unfortunately, they did make it clear that to evaluate the cost of the repair, they would need to conduct a diagnostic check. They indicated that this would involve stripping the brakes. You should have inquired how much this would cost and whether these monies would be deducted from the overall cost of the repair. A fee of £355 for stripping the brakes doesn't sound unreasonable (I am a lawyer, not a mechanic) as this would involve approximately two to three hours work. • Car Clinic: Can I make a supermarket share CCTV of my car being damaged? In essence, you now have two choices; Firstly, try to negotiate a lesser price for the preliminary work as this price was not mutually agreed, and then take the vehicle elsewhere. Secondly, negotiate a goodwill price for the overall repair. Having had the fault diagnosed, obtain two legitimate quotes from local reputable garages, and if cheaper than the £1,000, use these to attempt to secure a better deal. • Car Clinic: My notice of intended prosecution was sent to the wrong address. What now? You are now legally committed to the initial repair cost, and the garage could sue you if it remains outstanding. Therefore, you need to make the best of an unsatisfactory situation. Remember, in future, never authorise work unless a price for every stage is agreed. I suspect that some discount will be available if handled correctly, ie being reasonable, calm and fair. Nick Freeman, motoring lawyer aka Mr Loophole Post your motoring questions below or send to carclinic@
Associated Press
2 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Guild Garage Group Announces 20th Partnership with Jolly Goat Garage Doors
NEW YORK, July 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Guild Garage Group ('Guild'), an alliance of residential garage door service companies focused on replacement, repair and installation, has announced the completion of its partnership with Jolly Goat Garage Doors ('Jolly Goat'), a leading family-owned and operated residential garage door service company based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Jolly Goat is Guild's 20th acquisition since launching in 2024, and its 6th acquisition in 2025. In conjunction with the transaction, Guild will also be supporting Jolly Goat in its strategic acquisition of Patriot Garage Doors ('Patriot'), a leading family-owned and operated residential garage door service company based in Tuttle, Oklahoma. 'We are incredibly excited to welcome the Jolly Goat team to Guild,' said Tim O'Reilly, CEO of Guild. 'We have had the privilege of getting to know Jeff and Alan for over a year now, and aside from being superb human beings, I can say with the utmost confidence that they will make incredible Brand Presidents and leaders within the Guild system.' 'We are thrilled to be partnering with Guild. This growth capital investment and strategic partnership marks an important milestone for Jolly Goat.' said Jeff Gabelsberg, Owner of Jolly Goat. 'We are lucky to have developed a strong relationship not only with members of the Guild Executive Team, but also, several of their Brand Presidents. We look forward to playing a part in Guild's mission of creating the best and largest network of garage door service providers in the country.' Guild is actively looking for leading garage door service businesses across the country. Founders and advisors interested in learning more should contact Teddy Garner at [email protected]. About Guild Garage Group Guild Garage Group is an alliance of residential garage door service companies and is actively looking to partner with owners of industry-leading companies. Guild is guided by the vision of being the preferred partner to business owners through a 'made for you' brand positioning and invests in companies with strong management teams and cultures to create unmatched growth opportunities for them. Guild allows owners to take chips off the table but retain 'unit level ownership' so they continue to benefit through annual distributions and an eventual full exit as their business grows. Guild retains the employees and management teams of the companies they partner with, and provides them with the resources and processes they need to better serve their customers, employees, and communities. More information about Guild can be found at About Jolly Goat Garage Doors Jolly Goat Garage Doors is a leading garage door services business established in 2013. The business is headquartered in Oklahoma City, OK. The company boasts over 700 positive Google reviews and maintains 4.9 Stars on Google, making them a preferred choice for garage door replacement and repair across Oklahoma. Jolly Goat offers a range of services related to garage doors, including repair options, garage door replacement, and installation. More information about Jolly Goat can be found at CONTACT: Teddy Garner at [email protected] View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Guild Garage Group
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Council hails free bike repairs 'very successful'
Free bicycle repair workshops will continue running until the end of October, a council has said. North East Lincolnshire Council began the sessions in the Grimsby area in May and said it hoped more people would be encouraged to "get their bikes out of the garage and back on the road". Tim Gooseman, the authority's senior transport officer, said: "The sessions so far have been very successful. Repairs that have been made include gears, buckled rims, and chains as well as the general safety checks." The council is inviting people to book ahead of the sessions. Workshops will be held on the following dates: Tuesday 22 July (14:00 to 17:30 BST) at Duke of York Gardens Wednesday 23 July (15:00 to 17:30 BST) at Capes Recreation Ground Thursday 24 July (14:00 to 17:30 BST) at Grimsby Leisure Centre Tuesday 5 August (14:00 to 17:30 BST) at Grant Thorold Park Thursday 7 August (14:00 to 17:30 BST) at New Waltham Village Hall Tuesday 12 August (15:00 to 18:00 BST) at Immingham Civic Centre The council said it would be announcing further dates in due course. Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices More on this story Free bike checks and security marking on offer Related internet links North East Lincolnshire Council
BBC News
4 days ago
- Automotive
- BBC News
Free bike repairs offered to North East Lincolnshire residents
Free bicycle repair workshops will continue running until the end of October, a council has said. North East Lincolnshire Council began the sessions in the Grimsby area in May and said it hoped more people would be encouraged to "get their bikes out of the garage and back on the road".Tim Gooseman, the authority's senior transport officer, said: "The sessions so far have been very successful. Repairs that have been made include gears, buckled rims, and chains as well as the general safety checks."The council is inviting people to book ahead of the sessions. Workshops will be held on the following dates: Tuesday 22 July (14:00 to 17:30 BST) at Duke of York Gardens Wednesday 23 July (15:00 to 17:30 BST) at Capes Recreation Ground Thursday 24 July (14:00 to 17:30 BST) at Grimsby Leisure Centre Tuesday 5 August (14:00 to 17:30 BST) at Grant Thorold Park Thursday 7 August (14:00 to 17:30 BST) at New Waltham Village Hall Tuesday 12 August (15:00 to 18:00 BST) at Immingham Civic CentreThe council said it would be announcing further dates in due course. Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices
