Yakut driver returns to UAZ Patriot dealership, finding repeated repairs tiresome
In a landmark decision, the Yakutsk City Court has ruled in favour of a local resident, Mr. K, in a dispute with car dealer LLC "Kolmi" over a UAZ Patriot vehicle purchased in March 2020. The court's decision, upheld by the Supreme Court of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) on August 14, has significant implications for consumer rights in extreme climates, particularly in Yakutsk, Russia.
Mr. K, a resident of Yakutsk, bought a UAZ Patriot for 1.2 million rubles from LLC "Kolmi". However, over the next three years, he encountered multiple malfunctions, including fluctuating engine RPM and coolant leakage. These issues, which occurred repeatedly from November 2020 to spring 2023, required 14 visits to the "Kolmi" service center and a total repair time exceeding 30 days during the three-year warranty period.
The court based its decision on an expert conclusion that the malfunctions were due to more intense vehicle wear and tear, considering the climatic conditions of the region. The court rejected LLC "Kolmi"'s arguments that the car was used off-road, was heavily soiled, had been tuned, was refueled with poor-quality fuel, was repaired outside the warranty service, and that the owner had been repeatedly fined for speeding.
In addition to the malfunctions, the court found that the car's value at the time of the ruling was 1.1 million rubles, lower than the original purchase price. As a result, LLC "Kolmi" was ordered to pay Mr. K the difference between the car's contract price and its value at the time of the ruling (1.1 million rubles).
Furthermore, the court awarded Mr. K compensation for moral damage of 50,000 rubles and imposed penalties on LLC "Kolmi". A fine of 200,000 rubles was imposed, and the defendant was ordered to pay the plaintiff the amount paid under the contract (1.2 million rubles). A penalty of 1.2 million rubles was also imposed on LLC "Kolmi". Court expenses of 50,000 rubles were also ordered to be paid by LLC "Kolmi".
The Law on the Protection of Consumer Rights does not provide for any exceptions to the seller's responsibility in such cases. This decision underscores the importance of sellers meeting their obligations, particularly in extreme climates where vehicles may face unique challenges.
UAZ Patriots, known for their strong build and simple mechanics, are designed to withstand harsh conditions. However, they are not exempt from issues caused by Yakutsk's severe subarctic climate, where temperatures can plunge drastically and terrain is challenging. Owners often must proactively adapt maintenance and repairs to local conditions.
While direct detailed troubleshooting and customer rights specifics for UAZ Patriot in Yakutsk are not abundantly documented, general issues and customer concerns in harsh climates can be inferred from the brand’s profile as a rugged Russian off-road vehicle with simple mechanics prone to cold-climate vulnerabilities and from typical regional challenges.
This case serves as a reminder for consumers to be vigilant and assert their rights, particularly in extreme climates where vehicles may face unique challenges. It also underscores the importance of dealers providing clear communication and support on maintenance guidelines tailored to extreme cold weather. For precise data on warranty claims or legal consumer protections specific to UAZ in Russia, especially Yakutsk, checking with local dealerships, Russian automotive consumer forums, or legal consumer rights resources could provide more targeted insight.
- Despite the UAZ Patriot's reputation for durability in harsh conditions, home-and-garden maintenance for such vehicles may need adjustments in extreme climates like Yakutsk, given the unique challenges posed by the region's severe subarctic climate.
- Individuals living in areas with extreme climates, such as Yakutsk, should be mindful of their car-maintenance needs, as it may impact their lifestyle and consumer rights, as demonstrated in the recent case involving Mr. K and LLC "Kolmi".
