any consumer rights?

[crisgal]

i have a washer that has broken down for the second time in 18 months. It wasn't the dearest in the shop, nor the cheapest - in fact it was recommended by the assistant, who had the same machine (yeah, i know!)
Anyway, this time its main gubbins have gone and will cost over �130 to get fixed.
I am disgusted that a well known brand (HOTPOINT) should only last this long. I know that things aren't built to last anymore, but surely I can expect a reasonable working life from my machine?
I want to complain to someone - but who? The first time it broke down, the shop made it clear that the problem was with the manufacturer and not them, so I doubt they'll be interested.
Where should i go?

[crisgal]

i forgot to say, the washer had a 12 month guarantee, and unfortunately, i could not afford to extend it at the time.

[Mumof2]

This link has Q and A's relating to faulty goods and at the end gives info about contacting consumer direct.
http://www.berr.gov.uk/whatwedo/consumers/fact -sheets/page38311.html

Are you aware that Hotpoint do a 5 year free parts guarantee,you only pay for the engineer to fit the part,to rely on this though you need to have registered the product

[crisgal]

thanks mumof2, i thought i had registered but my hubby says i didn't :(

[Mumof2]

http://www.hotpointservice.co.uk/hs/user_files /File/Instruction_Booklet_Hotpoint_T&Cs.pdf

This gives info about the guarantee and how to register,you could try and register it anyway as it doesn't seem to state a time limit for registering

This is all relevant if you want to go for the option of the 5 yr free parts,if you decide to explore other ways of getting your problem sorted I'm sure other ABers will give sound advice.

[Info Bank]

How About this
http://news.uk.msn.com/odd-news/Article.aspx?c p-documentid=12981022

[Hammer]

I agree totally with docspock. Your contract is with the retailer, not the manufacturer. Manufacturers often give guarantees of varying lengths but that is just to improve brand image, it is not the law. The law says that goods should last "a reasonable time", and less than two years is not reasonable for a washing machine in my opinion.

Read up on the Sale of Goods Act, quote some bits at them and threaten them with the small claims court. That usually works.

I have successfully done this with a laptop battery from Dell (gave up the ghost after 13 months - the guarantee was 12) and a DVD recorder from House of Fraser after 18 months (again the guarantee was 12).

[crisgal]

thanks everyone.
I have read all about my rights now and I have phoned and written to the manager. I am asking for a partial refund towards a new washer - and i WONT give up until I get it!