Q: I have bought a brand new car which is still under warranty. A few days ago I had to tow the car to the seller’s repair garage after a serious noise developed in the engine. On the same day I was informed that the water pump in the engine caused the noise. They also told me that they had to order the part and that it would take from 10 to 15 days to arrive.

When I asked for a replacement car I was told that the company is not obliged to provide me with a car even though the repair is being made under warranty.

I would like to know what rights I have?

A: If the car was bought less than two years ago your purchase is still covered by the Consumer Affairs Act giving you the right to claim a free repair or replacement. Since the repair will cause you a significant inconvenience to stay without a car, the seller should either provide you with a replacement car or cover the costs of hiring a car.

If, on the other hand, your car is no longer covered by the two-year legal guarantee, but it is still covered by the commercial guarantee, you need to check the terms and conditions of the commercial guarantee to see if you are entitled to a replacement car while your car is being repaired under guarantee.

If the commercial guarantee does not include a replacement car during repair then legally you do not have the right to make such a claim.