Am I entitled to compensation for my BMW being off the road?

My newish BMW has been at the dealer for two weeks awaiting a third-party component. Aren’t manufacturers legally obliged to maintain adequate stocks?

JS, London

There is no obligation on a car maker to produce sufficient — or even any — specific part. You do, however, have a contract with your dealer to service/repair the vehicle. Does it specify if it will be fixed within a certain time period? If that time has elapsed, you would be entitled to damages.

Browse NEW or USED cars for sale on driving.co.uk

Also, the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982 (or, for contracts signed on or after October 1, 2015, the Consumer Rights Act 2015) states repairs must be carried out “within a reasonable time”, but seek legal advice if you plan to litigate.

MR LOOPHOLE
Nick Freeman is a solicitor who runs a legal practice in Manchester specialising in road traffic law — read more from Nick here.

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