Ask Honest John

Most recently answered private sellers questions
I live in Scotland and sold a car privately to someone from England, the new owner later sent me a text to say it was running fine after he had done a few miles. He then put different wheels on and other...
What’s the best way to (reluctantly) sell my blue, one owner, 2004, 2.2-litre Z4 with 50,000 miles and FSH in great condition.
I privately sold a car 3-4 weeks ago. Now they've come back with a huge bill saying the clutch has gone even though it was serviced three weeks before. It was sold as all okay with no advisories. Who has...
My son bought a BMW 1 Series this week from a private seller for £2500. He has had it five days and only driven it 25 miles. Yesterday, it failed to start. It would turn over but not fire up. When we got...
I'm considering selling my cherished number plate. What do you think?
I have a 12-year-old BMW that is getting expensive to keep on the road. I want to get an electric car. It needs to be one that can handle the bumpy lane I live on (full of potholes). Is there a scrappage...
I bought a used car privately and it developed a fault when I drove it home, can I do anything about it?
I purchased a 2012 Land Rover Defender in a private sale. Within 30 days there was a warning light for the oil pressure followed quickly by engine failure. The car now requires a new engine at approximately...
I've agreed a price with a private seller for a car I want to buy and am happy to proceed with the sale. They've asked me to pay by bank transfer and I can collect as soon as it's cleared. As the amount...
How should a contract be worded for the purchase of a private second hand car and what details should be included?