1998 Vauxhall Vectra Engine Seizure

craigw85 · Posted at Thu Nov 19, 2009 6:32 am

Engine Cooling problem
1998 Vauxhall Vectra 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Manual 131582 miles

Hi,
I bought a used car from a dealer and within less than a week, the car overheated and the engine seized. I was driving down a bypass which is a no stopping zone, when i noticed i couldn't accelerate past 40mph. Suddenly the oil light came on, then the engine management light and the battery light, and then within 1 minute, the car completely shut down. I have taken it back to the dealer, who said a burst pipe caused the cooling water to escape, causing the engine to seize up. They are saying that it is due to my negligence in not stopping, despite stopping at my earliest convenience, has caused the engine to seize and that they are not responsible. I dont know much about cars, but surely the pipe must have been faulty when sold and also something wrong with the car as it overheated for the pipe to explode. I just need to know if it is my fault or an underlying fault with the car, so i can seek legal advice and claim my money back.

Cheers,

Craig Williams

Dave H · Posted at Tue Nov 24, 2009 2:18 am

I would tend to agree there must have already been a fault with the hose/pipe or engine for the car to overheat ?? ..but getting the dealer to admit to this is going to be difficult ... good luck

craigw85 · Posted at Wed Nov 25, 2009 11:55 am

i threatened the dealer with legal action as i was seeking my £900 back and getting another car, to which he offered to fit another engine and test it for free so thats whats happening, i may still sell the car and get another one as i dont trust the electronics in it!

Dave H · Posted at Wed Nov 25, 2009 2:46 pm

I would sell the car once you have it back ...i'm pretty sure they will not be installing a NEW engine .. it will be a used unit from a scrap/breakers yard .. and maybe a good swap ? or maybe cause all sort's of other problems in the future !!!!

Hope this helps

craigw85 · Posted at Thu Nov 26, 2009 12:54 am

yeah its not a new engine i know that, it is a refurbished one and they have sent it for testing to make sure they dont have to give me my money back, lol!!