Fourth return

There were a number of issues:

• Fylde Coast Accident Repair Centre had told me that they couldn't get the radio working again as they didn't have the code and it wasn't in the book. I didn't have to code either (I'd bought the car second hand). So the radio didn't work. Apparently this is a 20 minute job to fix if I went to an appropriate garage or so I was told by Fylde Coast Accident Repair Centre - why they didn't go I couldn't really work out.
• As the engine had been changed I was driving it at no more than 3500 revs (I'd been told to do this when I bought my first Leon brand new in 2001). On the 30th January the engine warning light came on and stayed on.
• There were various bits in the car. There was another valet's rag under the passenger seat and a small plastic panel that presumably fits something.
• The rear wash wipe didn't work whereas at the last service this was reconnected.
• I have no documentation at all with regards to the new engine. According to the DVLA you have to inform them of any change to the vehicle (like a change of engine). I'm not sure of the penalties but I don't want them. And I'm doubly sure that Tesco won't be that keen on them either.
• The bonnet, wings and bumper are all slightly different colours.
• The whole car shakes when idling and the idling is somewhat erratic.
• The lights dim off when the engine is started from cold for quite some time. This is the dash as well as the headlights.

On the plus side, the clutch (I'd had that fitted by Volks Service while they had the engine out) works well. Also the grinding of the gearbox which was always there hasn't got worse.

I called Tesco on the 5th February 2010 to suggest that something was done. I really didn't want Fylde Coast Accident Repair Centre to get the car back so I didn't want to call them. I had to go to Anstruther that day and wanted reassurance that I could do that in the car even though the engine warning light was on. They really couldn't give any guidance as they weren't an engineer. The boss called back later and he couldn't help either because... you've guessed it... he's not an engineer either. My problems were escalated to a complaint.

I went to Anstruther and back doing no more than 3500 revs and all was well.

A few days later a complaint person called. A little later and another complaint person took over the case. After quite a lot of discussion he got the car taken back to be checked (10th February 2010). Unfortunately it was collected by Fylde Coast Accident Repair Centre despite me clearly saying I really didn't want them anywhere near it.