I purchased a Honda Brio car from dealer APCO Honda located at Calicut, Kerala. I booked the car around 1st week of July and paid the token amount of Rs. 21000. The car arrived a week later and I was assured the car is a freshly manufactured one i.e. in the recent months of 2016. When I made the payment in full, I was allotted a car that was manufactured 8 months back I.e. January 2016. Which is ideally a car that has been kept in the warehouse for about 8 months and it can cause the usual problems a car can have in that much haul. I strongly suspect this car was used for Test drive too and repacked before it was sold to me. Kindly take action against the dealer and update me the status. Thank you!

In brief: Engine: 3 months – Not much to worry, but check for leaks if any. 6 months – Surface corrosion and associated seizures. Transmission: •? ? ?Gears & linkages could seize. Ideally, the car should be left in neutral during storage. •? ? ?Surface corrosion of flywheel facing could increase clutch wear slightly. Autobox transmission fluid could absorb some moisture (storage greater than 6 months). Electrical: Connectors corrode as do sensors. We also have the problem of rodent damage. Air Conditioning: If stored for 6 months, unused ducts can lead to bacteria forming and also strange odours. If the car was parked in a dusty area or near trees, the filters and trunking can get leaves and dust accumulation. A/C gas leaks can happen if the unit is not used as the refrigerant also acts as a lubricant. Brakes: •? ? ?If stored 6 months – The discs might have some surface corrosion, leading to rapid pad wear while bedding down and removing the surface rust. Handbrake mechanism, if used, could seize and might need to be freed up. •? ? ?If Stored 1 month – The handbrake, if used, could mildly seize. It usually gets released when the car sets off from rest. •? ? ?Brake fluid is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture. Fuel systems: Petrol – 3 months, it should be okay. 6 months, the fuel could have deteriorated and gotten contaminated.

I am looking for a compensation in the form of discount for the car as it is not a new car anymore and the dealer charged me the complete new car showroom price. I would ideally seek a compensation of Rs. 75000 in cash.

Email Id: sandeep@oceanofpanels.