1998 Vauxhall Vectra Engine Seizure

131,582 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
Avatar
CRAIGW85
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
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
Nov 19, 2009 at 12:32 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
DAVE H
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 13,383 POSTS
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
Nov 23, 2009 at 8:18 PM
Avatar
CRAIGW85
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
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!
Nov 25, 2009 at 5:55 AM
Avatar
DAVE H
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 13,383 POSTS
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


https://images.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/266999_AAA2_271.png

Nov 25, 2009 at 8:46 AM
Avatar
CRAIGW85
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
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!!
Nov 25, 2009 at 6:54 PM
Add a reply
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.

Frequently Asked Problems for This Vehicle