Nippon Spares Ltd.

Unit 1 Anglian Industrial Estate, Atcost Road, barking, Essex IG11 0EQ, www.nipponspares.com.

On 18th May 2007 I took delivery of a replacement second hand Subaru Engine purchased from the above company. This company is one of several salvage companies who use the internet to pick up spares/ parts requests and quote. Upon inspection of the engine it was apparent that transit damage had occurred. I signed for it damaged and called the suppliers. Basically the pulley covers had been cracked and the dip stick pipe bent and buckled. I was assured by their staff that all engines are dispatched on pallets, be wrapped and banded to the pallet securely. This had not been the case and clearly the engine had rolled about in transit. Nippon Spares agreed to send replacement pulley covers and also payA370 towards the costs of replacing the pulley covers (which means removing the cam belts/ pulleys and having the timing re-set - not an easy job).

On 15th June no covers or payment received, despite the promises. Emails to this company went unanswered and phone messages ignored. Until the pulley covers were replaced the engine could not be fitted. I chose to obtain the pulley covers elsewhere and got on with the fitting of the replacement engine. By now the cost to me on top of the engine was in excess ofA3200. Most of the work fitting the new engine was done by me in my spare time, fortunately however, I was working in a workshop which specialized in similar vehicles so took a lot of advice (and help).

Eventually the replacement engine was fitted, however by 19th July all efforts to start the engine had failed, all probable causes were checked but found not to be the problem. Ultimately it was necessary to remove the engine again and dismantle. Upon inspection by mechanics it was found that on one side of the engine the inlet and exhaust valve cam shafts had been fitted the wrong way round. This engine was fitted in the same condition it was supplied but was never ever going to start in such condition. Once the engine has been re-built and re-fitted, it will have cost me in excess ofA3825 on top of the price of the engine to put everything right.

Detailed explanations have been sent to Nippon Spares, who initially hid behind their Terms and Conditions and then suggested I was lying about the engines condition. After further exchanges they simply said, bring the engine back and it would be replaced. This however, is not the issue or the point. Due to this companies negligence they have supplied faulty goods which are not fit for purpose. As a result of this, considerable costs have been incurred which they simply ignore and have no intention to accept or recognize. Simply changing the engine will not resolve this issue.

I highly recommend anyone thinking of dealing with this company to tread very very carefully as they cannot be trusted, if possible seek a far more reputable dealer.

David Tudor.