Donate SIGN UP

Faulty Car - Rights!

Avatar Image
Islay | 18:58 Mon 19th Jun 2017 | Law
36 Answers
Hi I bought a car on Thursday and picked it up on Saturday, so far there have been a few issues. Please no lectures of 'told you so' can I please have advice on where I stand getting my original car back.
Firstly it developed a hell of a squeak in the front wheels, on getting my own garage to check it - I was advised that I needed a suspension coil (or something) part is £130 plus labour, then this evening the passenger window has dropped and not come back up and then on the way back from the dog park, the engine light came on and the car lost all power - I have managed to limp home because the RAC kept me on hold for 15 mins.
Where do I stand legally I need to go back to the trader tomorrow with cold hard facts!
Gravatar

Answers

1 to 20 of 36rss feed

1 2 Next Last

Avatar Image
http://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/advice/the-second-hand-car-i-bought-has-a-problem-what-are-my-rights
19:02 Mon 19th Jun 2017
Take the car straight back Islay, and complain. If there is no response, then contact your local Trading Standards....this garage may be "known"
Question Author
Do you know legally where I stand Mikey?
Question Author
Thanks Chris do you know if I phone him first or just drive it down there?
Was it a private sale or from a dealer?

I think that will make a lot of difference.
It shouldn't make any difference really. If you're not sure that the car will actually get you back to the dealer's place anyway though, it might be worth inviting him to collect it!
^^^ My reply was to Islay's post, not EC's.

(However, as my link shows, you've still got rights when you buy privately).
What car is it? Year?
Question Author
It was a dealer Eccles, I have px'd my Honda which whilst chewed my dogs was in perfect running order!!
RAV4 2005
As well as your rights referred to in my link above, it's worth noting that Section 75 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 makes it an offence to "sell, supply or offer to sell or supply, or expose for sale an unroadworthy vehicle". (That applies both to dealers and private sales).

A vehicle with a broken coil is unlikely to be regarded as 'roadworthy'. (It certainly wouldn't pass an MOT test!). Any responsible dealer should have fixed any such problem before offering a car for sale. (Of course it's possible that the coil broke after you purchased the car but you'd usually hear a ruddy big bang when it did!)
Question Author
Lol just looked at what my garage wrote down and it was the shock absorber not suspension!!
Still should not have gone like that!!
Question Author
I have emailed them whilst I wait for it to open tomorrow but I now can't get to work!!!
Beunchico's link says you must stop using it immediately if it is 'not fit for purpose' So I'd ,phone the dealer and tell them to come and collect it and bring your old car back at the same time.
Some good advice offered, Islay, hope you have a successful conclusion tomorrow!
Question Author
Right been to the garage, the engine light was tripped but no action required following the diagnostic check, they have fixed the window it had come off its runner it has been repaired so it won't happen again.
He denies there is an issue with the shock absorber but has says if it fails its MOT he will pay to replace it (the mOT is 9 months away)
So I have it booked into my own garage this afternoon for a full check over and will make a decision after that.
I have to say its a lovely drive and I do love it but I drive a lot of miles in it especially to Scotland so I need a car I can rely on.
Question Author
All sorted - all repaired at their costs, and then checked over by my garage and all seems in good condition
yay!! am glad it's sorted Islay.
Wish you many years of happy driving xx
Well done.
excellent news ..no girly racing tho x
Question Author
As if Bernie!! lol have you seen my licence? pmsl

1 to 20 of 36rss feed

1 2 Next Last

Do you know the answer?

Faulty Car - Rights!

Answer Question >>