Hi, I'm a new member, just bought an A3 2.0TDi Sport. Had to reply to this thread - since I'm in Sheffield I was going to volunteer my assistance, sadly based on the worst experience of my life! I bought a Mazda MX6 from CD Bramall in Sheffield ten years ago, paying top dollar for it. They gave me a 30 day refund or exchange, 3 year extended warranty (the car was just 3 years old at time of purchase) and assured me they'd done an HPI check. I lived in London at the time. To cut a long story short, after 3 Mazda dealers in Herts, Romford and Sheffield having the car in, clocking up 1200 miles using my fuel - they all said it was fine. It wasn't. It should have been an insurance write off - previous owner had bodge repair done, then TOOK OUT FINANCE to fund their new Audi TT against my VRM. Thanks guys. Took me almost 3 years, enlisting the help of a solicitor for the last 4 months to help with court paperwork. CD Bramall were the 4th largest UK retailer at the time and everybody including legals told me I'd got no chance of winning.
But I did! And got a full refund and damages etc. Set a precident in UK law journals. I just ended up broke as I had to store the car (evidence) and buy another one to get to work. The wombles that sold the car to me had to give evidence at the trial, in the witness box one admitted 'I don't know anything about cars, I just sell them' and in his opinion (worth jack ****) the car wasn't at fault - I was, because I had the seat in the wrong position and basically I was female! I involved Mazda UK and Mazda Japan. Both were a total loss. Neither had any responsibility over dealers in UK. Looking back I can't believe the **** they all put me through, but if my horrific experience helps anybody in a similar situation I'd be happy to help - albeit with different tactics!