![Frown :( :(](/forum/styles/default/xenforo/smilies/frown.png)
Which takes us to what happens next, which I thought would be helpful to anyone else in similar circumstances.
Several of you have already commented on the Forum about the (possible) limitations of Humax's warranty exchange program, and so when they offered this, I thought it wise to ask them to detail it explicitly. The response was :
"The Humax exchange under warranty will be a reconditioned unit. We would not be able to exchange with a new unit. We can get the unit repaired for you if you would not like an exchange. This would take 5-10 working days to complete."
I don't know about anyone else, but I do not think this is a good deal for faults arising within the first 6 months. Under the exchange I am being asked to accept a refurbished box, whose provenance, condition, age and fault history is unknown to me, and who's value (as sold on Humax Direct) is only 75% of what I paid for it only 4 months ago, and with a warranty of only half that of the original.
I have therefore decided instead to invoke my statutory rights to a refund under the Sale of Goods Act 1979. Under the Act, there is an implied contract term that the goods be as described, fit for purpose, and of satisfactory quality.
Additionally, any faults arising within the first 6 months are assumed to have been present at the time of purchase, and the onus is on the supplier to prove otherwise. By invoking my statutory rights to a refund of all monies in these circumstances, I will be restored to the status quo ante, and as I have no reason to believe that, for example, there are a batch of HDR-Fox T2s with this fault, I can repurchase a guaranteed new one, thereby resetting my statutory rights and warranty period in respect of its replacement.
The letter has been sent off. I shall update this thread if it does not transpire as expected (I expect, perhaps, some initial resistance on their part), but they would be unwise to have it tested in the small claims court as all of this is established case law, and they would lose on those points.
So, an important principle for all of us: keep a sharp weather eye out for any problems arising within the first 6 months of ownership, and be aware that you statutory rights take precedence over any maufacturer's warranty scheme.