Automatic or Manual??

[Sharon Needham]

Hi

I bought what I thought was and what was advertised as a Toyota Aygo last month.  Turns out that there is no such thing as a fully automatic Aygo.  So can anyone please help me here? I have asked the car warehouse for a full refund but they have declined.  Can anyone tell me is this car a manual or an automatic??  I am on the verge of going to small claims court as I think i was mis-sold but need to know what the gearbox is first.  Manual say it is "Multi-mode manual transmission" which sounds like a manual.

[alan333]

Technically its a manual gearbox with an automatic clutch.  From a driving point of view it drives like an automatic and is classed as such.  It has only two pedals and you put it in Drive and away you go.  I don't think you have grounds to return it based on the type of auto gearbox.

[Sharon Needham]

but this is the problem, it doesn't drive like any automatic I have had before.  It is slow and sluggish, noisy and most annoyingly of all rolls back on hills.  I'm so disappointed.  Spent more money on it than I wanted to and it just feels all wrong

[FROSTYBALLS]

The 'auto' option in the first generation Aygo, Citroen C1 and Peugeot 107 (effectively the same car) is the Multi Mode Transmission - a manual gearbox with an automated clutch. The VW Up/Seat Mio/Skoda Citigo offers a similar transmission as the auto option. 

The Hyundai i10 has a traditional automatic gearbox.

Which automatic cars have you had?

 

[Sharon Needham]

I've had a Vauxhall Zafira, Skoda Fabia and a Citroen C triptronic.  Also 2 x Saab 900 back in the 80s too

[Cyker]

There are, right now, 3 common types of automatic gearbox:

1) Torque-Converter - This is the classic type of automatic gearbox that uses an epi-cyclic gearbox and hydraulic fluid. Smooth, bullet-proof and very reliable, but sluggish and rare now as pumping-losses in the hydraulics mean they get worse mpg. Only modern car I can think of off the top of my head that has one is the GT86. Sometimes called a slushbox.

2) Freetronic/MMT/DSG - This has a clutch (2 in the DSG) and discreet gears like a manual, but the gear selection and clutching are controlled by the car. Matches the efficiency and performance of a Manual but have the least long-term reliability of the 3 due to complexity and wearing parts. Sometimes called a semi-automatic <--This is what you have

3) CVT - This uses a belt and two pulleys that change size to alter gear ratio. Used to be pretty bad due to high wear on the belt but new metal push-belts seem to be stronger. Least fun to drive of the 3 as will hold a high-rev under load but gives the best efficiency if driven gently as the engine is run at its most efficient RPM and the gears change around this.

All of them are considered 'full' automatics.

That said, if you just bought it I'm pretty sure the law specifies a cooling-off period so you should be well within your rights to return it for a full refund regardless of any actual reason. (Our resident guru Frosty should be able to confirm or refute this!)

 

[FROSTYBALLS]

The Aygo is the smallest engined, least powerful of the cars you've had, so may appear sluggish by comparison or from memory.

[Sharon Needham]

Yes it is smaller, the C3 was the nearest in size.  My biggest problem with it to be honest is that I live in a hilly area with loads of schools on the way to work.  Roll back is a real problem.  I have to find the biting point so feel like I am in a manual!

[FROSTYBALLS]

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, one has a 30 day Right to Reject period - so depending when last month you took ownership of the car(which may be a different date to when you bought the car) you may or may not still be within the 30 day Right to Reject period.

If you're outside the 30 days, the fact that the car has a different type of automatic gearbox to the type you're used to, doesn't necessarily mean the car is faulty and rejection would be difficult. However, if at the time of sale, you made the salesperson aware of specific requirements, and the Aygo doesn't meet those requirements, you may be able to reject it as not fit for purpose - although may still be difficult.

See https://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/regulation/consumer-rights-act

If you have a local Citizens Advice Bureau, seek their opinion.

[Sharon Needham]

Thank you.  I have been on the which consumer site and sent both the first and deadlock letter to which they responded to my deadlock letter stating it is their final decision not to refund.  I thought as you said that I have the 30 day period and wrote to them well within that timescale.  I paid on 9th took delivery on 12th and wrote to them on 14th.  

[FROSTYBALLS]

If you're a Which? Member, you may have access to their Legal Services - if so, I would seek further advice from them. If you don't have access to Which? Legal Services, your best bet may be CAB. May be a case of Mediation (see http://civilmediation.justice.gov.uk ) or the Small Claims Court.

[Sharon Needham]

I'm not a member no.  I have also been trying to contact CAB all day with no joy but I will look at the civil mediation.  Thanks so much for your help

[RUToyota]

Am I missing something here.?...did you not DRIVE the car BEFORE you actually bought it.?