We arrived in Australia 7 weeks ago to start our long awaited retirement trip around Australia. We purchased a Holden Jackaroo and Coromal poptop caravan. While the caravan is great we have had trouble with the Jackaroo and want to know if anyone out there can help or give us the name of a group that can support the 'little man'.
Our problem is the turbo blew on the Jackaroo 6 days after pick up and while this has been replace with a new one under the statutory warranty (took 4 weeks to get the vehicle back) it blew again after only traveling 200km. We realise it is not the dealer's fault but we need some local help to negotiate a resolve and try to rid ourselves of this 'lemon'.
We are stuck just outside Brisbane with a caravan and no tow vehicle and not much hope of moving anytime soon. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
Thanks. Yes the Jackaroo is with the original repairer and we are waiting for his phone call as to the problem this time.
We have also notified the car dealer as it is still under the statutory 1 month warranty - having been extended by 4 weeks for the other repair.
The Jackaroo is 2001 - 3Lt Turbo and has done 230,000km. Being new to this country we are out of our depth with anything legal.
We are hoping to negotiate a re-sell back to the dealer while it is being repaired so we can get on with our holiday but not sure if this would be accepted and we have to wait to see what this problem is.
We were just trying to get as much info/help prior to negotiations (so to speak). Thanks again.
Hang in there mate It's up to the dealer to fix or replace the vehicle . If having trouble and he doesn't want to come to the party ring consumer affairs for there legal advice and or negotiation skills on your behalf.
Sorry ypou got off to a bad start on your once in a lifetime experience.
Keep the forum posted on how you get on
Word of Advice a Jack with 2300000 ks on the motor and a new or reconditioned Turbo you may still have problems with other well worn engine components once the strain is applied. Hard to replace new in old and expect it to hold up
Don't be put off by the month warranty the dealer tries to put over if shoves becomes push there is a clause in the traders act that requires a fair run for your money and if a court decides you haven't had your monies worth then the dealer is deemed responsible.
Good Luck
-- Edited by Wombat 280 on Tuesday 11th of May 2010 01:32:35 PM
-- Edited by Wombat 280 on Tuesday 11th of May 2010 01:33:38 PM
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Pets are welcome but children must be leashed at all times
Thanks for all the helpful advice and good wishes. We went into the Consumer Affairs web site and found on-line lawyers who can help. Apparently there is a law that says goods sold, including vehicles, must be of a merchantile quality, that is - they must do what they are supposed to do without breaking down right away.
As the vehicle has only been able to be driven 9 days out of 37 we think that it is certainly not doing the job it was sold for, namely to take us round Australia.
We have now had a lawyers letter sent to the car dealer demanding a full refund or we will put a claim in through QCAT. Fingers crossed. He has 7 days to respond and we will keep you posted on the outcome.
Insure with NRMA or RACQ as well and ask for the Roadside assistance insurance. This will cover you for breakdowns no matter where you are. I think with NRMA it is called EXTRA or premium roadside assist. It is a bit dearer but can get you out of trouble real quick, offering towing, hire vehicle etc.
Someone from Qld may be able to fill in a bit extra here for us, I am NSW?
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I must be a binge thinker. I do it a lot at times, then, not much at all.
If you are looking at S/H again go Toyota or Nissan Diesel Turbos with low K's 100,000 or less is the best bet Pay a little more and see if you can deal with a dealer who has Australia wide coverage or take out the additional warranty coverage with a company who will cover you no matter where it is .
Some dealers have a quite legal clause in there sales contract regarding warranty that the vehicle must be returned to their workshops for assessment and or repair Bit costly if your in Darwin and you purchased it in Melbourne ALWAYS check the fine print . Some back yard dealers only provide a tail light warranty. Meaning that when they lose sight of the tail lights the warranty period is over. It's not legal but they are out there using bluff to get at ya
Pay the NRMA or RACQ to do a pre- purchase inspection then insure it with them for top cover road service
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Pets are welcome but children must be leashed at all times
Hi there. Well good news. We got a different vehicle and have left Brisbane and are in Toowoomba till tomorrow (Monday 24th) when we head for Roma via the Warrego Highway, which we hear is pretty bad to travel on so will be taking it nice and easy. We now have a Mitsubishi Pajero which we hope will take us on our forward journey. Thanks to all for the support and helpful comments. Cheers
Sorry to hear you had such a tough start but happy you are now on your way. I hope you continue to log into the forum and keep us up to date with your travels. We are still a few years away from doing what you are doing, so reading everyone else tales, keeps me enthusiastic for when we can finally do it. Good luck with the rest of the trip, and stay safe.
