Debate with dealer about issue on recently bought used Fiesta
So, I am hoping to get some opinions from you lovely car people.
I bought a 72 plate Ford Fiesta ST from a reputable independent dealership just under two months ago for £17k, with a part exchange. The car I bought only had 33k miles. The dealership is about an hours drive from me, but I bought it from them because they had the relatively rare 3-door version.
I recently took the car back to them because I noticed that there was a loud metallic squeaking sound coming from the car usually while parking or pulling away, which is intermittent but it happens frequently enough to be a serious annoyance.
The garage looked at the car, and their mechanics said it was likely to be an issue with the electric power steering motor, which apparently is common on Ford Fiestas.
Having done my own research, the issue with the steering components seems to be known to Ford and some people had them replaced under warranty. However, my car is about 9 months out of the Ford new car warranty period. It is however covered under the 3 month dealership warranty.
However, they said that because the issue is “within threshold” and does not affect the operating of the car, they are not willing to replace this steering component, as it is apparently quite a significant job. They have instead said that they will guarantee to fix it if it becomes a serious enough issue (?) within one year.
I am very unhappy with this as I do not want to have to suffer with the car making this noise, it drives me up the wall, and it gives me concerns about the safety of the car. They basically just said I have to live with it? This car is less than 4 years old with less than 35k miles. I find this to be plainly unacceptable. I spent £17k on it!!
I am planning to pick up the car soon and am meeting with them in person, not really sure what my best course of action is from here. I am very disappointed and am not afraid to voice this. I want the car to be fixed.
Please advise?