Lawn mower warranty

[mandamoo1989]

Hi everyone! I bought a petrol lawn mower from B&Q a year ago, that has developed a problem with it's idle speed. The mower is covered under a warranty scheme, with one of those stickers on that says "If you're having problems, don't take me back to the shop. Call this number etc..."

We called the number and to cut a long story short (no pun intended), they asked us to take the mower to a local mechanic to be repaired under warranty. The other half took it along and explained to the bloke what was the matter with it, to which the mower bloke said "Sometimes these aren't covered under warranty mind." Other half said "Well if it isn't can you call me and let me know."

The lawn mower bloke then rings 2 days later saying it's fixed but is to pay for! £50 for a service to 'fix' it. Obviously servicing isn't covered under the warranty, and that is fine. But if thats all it need to sort it out I really begrudge paying someone else to change the oil and spark plug because I can do that myself!

We are very angry that the mower was serviced without having been notified that the 'repair' was not covered and a price was not agreed, it was just done. Now he is holding my lawn mower to ransom: no money, no mower :(

Does anyone know what the best way to proceed is? The manufacturer Mountfield is reluctant to sort this out even though they recommended him!

[brainz]

I think this is one for trading standard. As you have clearly stated your requirements and he has not agreed to follow your instructions.

[daffy654]

As far as I am aware he cannot hold the mower until you pay the bill. He must return your property to you and then pursue you (possibly through small claims court) for the money owed.

[tonywiltshire]

Your contract is with the organisation that supplied you with the lawnmower not whoever is on the label, but I know it can be quicker to follow the route that has been arranged.
The repairer may retain the property as security against payments, but he is unable to just assume you will give the order to proceed with the repair or service, no doubt he will claim your Wife instructed him to proceed and he acted in good faith and now has a lien against your mower. If the Mower is still under warranty get the supplier to sort it out, if not your remedy will be to go to court for the release of the mower or pay for the work done.

[mandamoo1989]

Thanks everyone for your replies. Lastest info: ransom money has been paid, against my better judgement. Mountfield are reimbursing us (alledgedly). But mower is still as bad as it was before.

I think I'm going to try and return it to B&Q. It's a good job there's been nothing but rain since it's been gone, grass is looking desperate!