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how long should a tv last?

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crisgal | 04:36 Sat 31st Jul 2010 | Shopping & Style
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our tv has broken after three and a half years. I don't think that is a 'reasonable amount of time' or whatever the phrase is.
Do you think it is?
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Our last one we had ever since i can remember up until two christmases ago by the more hi tech something is, the more things there are to go wrong with it but a telle should last longer than that.
It's the quality of the components used these days.Most of the metals used in the circuits,wiring etc are of poorer quality and are mainly from recyled scrap.
It's the price we may for having cheaper goods made in cheaper places.

It should last longer of course, I had a built in oven that only lasted 2 years,maybe thats why they always try and flog those cover policies.
I've got a fan heater ,made in England, that is over 30 years old and still going!
the term " you only get what you pay for " comes to mind
Under EU law, all electrical items (and many other other purchases as well) should be expected to last for a minimum of SIX YEARS from the date of purchase. (Obviously, expendable items like batteries are excluded).

If an item fails within that period, DUE TO AN INHERENT FAULT, the RETAILER (and NOT the manufacturer) is obliged to remedy the problem, either through repair or replacement. The consumer can indicate which of those options he would prefer but the retailer can substitute the alternative option upon the grounds of economic viability.

An 'inherent fault' is something which was wrong with the product at the time of purchase. (Such as the use of poor quality components or poor workmanship). For the first six months after purchase there is an automatic legal assumption (unless there is clear evidence to the contrary) that any problem which occurs must be due to an inherent fault. Thereafter it's up to the customer to show, based upon the balance of probabilities, that an inherent fault is the most likely cause of the problem. (Sometimes simply challenging a retailer to suggest any reason why a fault might have occurred so soon, other than the use of poor quality components, might be sufficient to do this).

HASSLE THE RETAILER, CRISGAL!

Chris
It's unusual to contradict Chris, but I really have to.
Electrical goods are not expected to last 6 years. 6 years is the time limit you can bring an action in court under the Sales of Goods Act.
The court looks at lots of factors, including price paid, amount of use, and most importantly, reasonableness.
Would a reasonable person expect a £3 kettle from Tesco used 15 times a day, every day, to last 6 years? No, they wouldn't.

The court would expect a high end, expensive television to last longer than a cheapo own brand one.
hc4361
i have a fridge freezer that i purchased in 1984 still works OK.
used it every minute since.
wanna buy it!! - lol -
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piggynose - it cost a bleedin' fortune!!

I wouldn't have asked the question if it was a cheapo one!

Buenchico, i remember you giving same advice when my washer broke after only 18 months. I did as you said and went back to the manufacturer. everyone said i was mad and wouldn't get anything. Not only did they let me choose another machine, but they lent me one in the meantime! (after a little bit of arguing).
I do intend to do the same with the tv, as it was expensive, but wondered if it was unreasonable to expect a longer life from it.

i'm off on holiday today, but will contact the retailer as soon as i get back.
A lot of tv's are made in Turkey today, the main boards are by Vestel who then sell them on to different manufactors who design different body's and put there own brand label on them, some cheapo's can last as long as expensive one's just the same as expensive one's can go faulty the same as cheapo's.
The 6 year rule applies to everything whether its a cheap and nasty to a top of the range, stand your ground
The one I have is coming up to its 10th birthday.
They should last until the next 'must have' technological development then go wrong so that you can spend more money on something that you don't really need with a clear conscience. So go and buy a second hand one that isn't HD ready very cheaply. You can probably get one free down the local tip.
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just a quick update:
my husband can get the part needed to fix it for £53.
so the shop will get away with it this time!

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