Yakutian individual returns to "UAZ Patriot" official dealer, disgruntled by constant vehicle maintenance issues
In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) upheld the city court's decision on August 14, siding with a Yakutsk resident, Mr. K, in his dispute with car dealer LLC "Kolmi" over a faulty UAZ Patriot vehicle.
Mr. K purchased the UAZ Patriot for 1.2 million rubles from LLC "Kolmi" in March 2020. However, persistent engine RPM fluctuations and coolant leakage marred his ownership experience. Despite visiting the "Kolmi" service station 14 times, with the total repair time exceeding 30 days over the three-year warranty period, the issues remained unresolved.
The court dismissed arguments that the vehicle was used off-road, heavily soiled, tuned and modified, fueled with poor-quality fuel, repaired outside the warranty service, or that the owner had been fined for speeding. Instead, an expert conclusion attributed the engine's fluctuating RPM, issues with oxygen supply, and the neutralizer to more intense wear and tear on the vehicle due to the region's harsh climatic conditions.
The court's decision was based on the Law on the Protection of Consumer Rights, which does not exclude the seller's responsibility in such cases. The court ordered the return of 1.2 million rubles paid under the contract, the difference between the vehicle's contract price and its current value (1.1 million rubles), a penalty of 1.2 million rubles, compensation for moral damage of 50,000 rubles, a fine of 200,000 rubles, and court expenses of 50,000 rubles.
This ruling serves as a reminder for consumers to carefully review their contracts, technical documentation, and service books, especially when purchasing vehicles for use in harsh climates. It is essential to understand the warranty terms and any special conditions that may apply to the vehicle's performance in such conditions.
While the UAZ Patriot, a Russian off-road SUV, is known for its ruggedness, owners in extreme climates like Yakutia's severe cold have reported frequent mechanical problems due to the demanding conditions. Comprehensive data on malfunction rates or outcomes like refunds from manufacturers or dealers is not readily available. Therefore, seeking local user reviews, official dealer warranty information, and consulting regional consumer protection laws can provide valuable insights into repair services and refund policies.
This case highlights the importance of consumer rights protection, particularly in cases where vehicles fail to meet the expected standards due to the unique challenges posed by extreme climates. It encourages consumers to stand up for their rights and seek legal recourse when necessary.
- In light of this ruling, consumers should exercise caution when purchasing cars, especially those used in harsh climates like Yakutia's, as the industry's harsh environmental conditions can lead to frequent mechanical issues in vehicles, such as the UAZ Patriot.
- The finance sector must pay close attention to car-maintenance concerns in the automotive industry, especially in extreme climates, as poor vehicle performance could lead to disputes and financial liabilities, as seen in the case of Mr. K and LLC "Kolmi."
- As a result of this ruling, it is essential for consumers to seek detailed information about their vehicles' maintenance and warranty terms, including any conditions that may apply due to extreme climates, to ensure they have the necessary protection under consumer rights laws.
- With this case serving as a precedent, transportation companies operating in extreme climates should make efforts to improve their vehicles' performance and durability to meet customer expectations, allowing them to maintain a positive reputation in the automotive lifestyle industry.
