Cylinder Head gaskets - life expectancy?

[nec]

Help needed please

I am off to the County Court to argue the merits with a trader over a Fiat Doblo Diesel whose cylinder head gasket went within 4 years and at 35,000 miles.

A full service history and one owner vehicle meant to me that I had bought the right vehicle and so had expected to get many years trouble free life from the engine.

For the court the Judge is going to need something / someone to say that the failure is not through fair wear and tear.

I know that it is not fair wear and tear and I am sure every other right thinking person does but I am struggling to find some 'analogy' or other thing that will suitably help - anyone got any inspirational thoughts please ?

Thanx in advance

 

[Hitachimad]

Do you know/ can you prove the previous owner didnt cook the engine?
I thought not.

 

[nec]

It transpires that the first keeper suspected the head gasket had gone and his dealer put it out to auction from where it ended up with my trader.

I am satisfied that there is a problem with the HG on these vehicles as I have discovered through the trade and from comments made at:-

//www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=47750&highlight=

What I really want is an authorititive 'opinion' on life expectancy from HG that will help the court.

 

[Hitachimad]

Have you tried Fiat? Not your local dealer.

 

[nec]

Have you tried Fiat? Not your local dealer.

No not yet - do you feel that it is worth speaking with them?