On February I traded in my 2007 Renault Megane saloon. I live on my own and wanted a smaller runabout that was cheap to insure and run. I have an auto licence and getting hold of a small auto is pretty difficult, especially when like me you're on a limited budget.
The garage that I had bought the Renault from had a 2006 Micra. I had ideally wanted a newer car, even by a year or two, but looked at it. It's not perfect, a couple of small paint scrapes and being the Initia model it's pretty basic but I took it for a test drive and was happy with it.
I paid around £2100, and got a £900 trade in for my Megane which I thought was generous. What drew me to this was the fact the car had only about 46000 miles on the clock. I used the KnowYourCar app and checked it's MOT history which seemed good.
All went well until about a week ago.
The engine management light came on, and stayed on, rather than flashing. This I understand is the lesser mode where its not "you're in deep crap" mode. Sometimes the light would go out and shift would be a bit harsh and the rev counter wouldn't work.
I took it to my local garage that I trust they suggested an oil change as gear ratios was being read.
The day after I had said I would consider it, the NATS light came on. However, there was no alarm problems but occasionally the car wouldn't turn over, taking three or four tries with the key. I tried both ignition keys.
However, worse was to come. The garage had checked and suggested the oil change and on the way out the power steering went totally. There was no power steering light though. The light does come on in the self check when you turn the key before starting the engine, so it does work.
My brother works in a plant hire and knows cars and checked it today. The battery level was fine, commenting it was a good battery, and the voltage was decent. Fuses n the drivers compartment and under the engine were checked and all were fine. Oil level is fine, ditto with coolant and brake fluid. ATF is a bit low, but that wouldn't affect power steering.
Without power steering I feel like I have the turning circle of a Boeing 747, and despite what someone might say I feel its potentially dangerous if it just cuts in and out when driving. When it does work, if anything the steering feels a bit too light. I have driven a range of cars, all automatics, and know they all have their characteristics and although I haven't had this Micra long, when the power steering is working I do feel that it doesn't feel 'right', its TOO responsive, if that makes sense.
I went back to the garage I bought it from and first off the guy there says he had never heard of EPS steering failing, and then he said it was 'wear and tear; which seems like a contradiction.
He then went onto his phone and suggested I buy a motor off Ebay that was priced at £70-80. I'm not happy buying parts like that off ebay as you never know the condition or if its even the right one. Basically he's saying that its not their problem and I refuse to spend £500 upwards on something that might be a solution.
What was even more suspicious was something in a wiring loom under the engine compartment. The car is fitted with aftermarket rear parking sensors, but I don't think this will have anything to do with this rather slapdash looking job.
Advice anyone?
The garage that I had bought the Renault from had a 2006 Micra. I had ideally wanted a newer car, even by a year or two, but looked at it. It's not perfect, a couple of small paint scrapes and being the Initia model it's pretty basic but I took it for a test drive and was happy with it.
I paid around £2100, and got a £900 trade in for my Megane which I thought was generous. What drew me to this was the fact the car had only about 46000 miles on the clock. I used the KnowYourCar app and checked it's MOT history which seemed good.
All went well until about a week ago.
The engine management light came on, and stayed on, rather than flashing. This I understand is the lesser mode where its not "you're in deep crap" mode. Sometimes the light would go out and shift would be a bit harsh and the rev counter wouldn't work.
I took it to my local garage that I trust they suggested an oil change as gear ratios was being read.
The day after I had said I would consider it, the NATS light came on. However, there was no alarm problems but occasionally the car wouldn't turn over, taking three or four tries with the key. I tried both ignition keys.
However, worse was to come. The garage had checked and suggested the oil change and on the way out the power steering went totally. There was no power steering light though. The light does come on in the self check when you turn the key before starting the engine, so it does work.
My brother works in a plant hire and knows cars and checked it today. The battery level was fine, commenting it was a good battery, and the voltage was decent. Fuses n the drivers compartment and under the engine were checked and all were fine. Oil level is fine, ditto with coolant and brake fluid. ATF is a bit low, but that wouldn't affect power steering.
Without power steering I feel like I have the turning circle of a Boeing 747, and despite what someone might say I feel its potentially dangerous if it just cuts in and out when driving. When it does work, if anything the steering feels a bit too light. I have driven a range of cars, all automatics, and know they all have their characteristics and although I haven't had this Micra long, when the power steering is working I do feel that it doesn't feel 'right', its TOO responsive, if that makes sense.
I went back to the garage I bought it from and first off the guy there says he had never heard of EPS steering failing, and then he said it was 'wear and tear; which seems like a contradiction.
He then went onto his phone and suggested I buy a motor off Ebay that was priced at £70-80. I'm not happy buying parts like that off ebay as you never know the condition or if its even the right one. Basically he's saying that its not their problem and I refuse to spend £500 upwards on something that might be a solution.
What was even more suspicious was something in a wiring loom under the engine compartment. The car is fitted with aftermarket rear parking sensors, but I don't think this will have anything to do with this rather slapdash looking job.
Advice anyone?