Radiating badwill

I recently bought a car from a car dealer some distance from home. Before leaving the car lot I pointed out that the coolant level was way below the minimum line but the dealer assured me that topping the reservoir up would sort the problem out. I headed straight for the nearest garage where I bought coolant and I topped up the levels. I checked the reservoir on the way down the motorway and as soon as I arrived home and it was obvious that there was a leak somewhere as the levels had gone down below the minimum. I had done 165 miles from the dealer's premises at this stage. I called the dealer to let him know about this and I arranged for the car to be checked over by a local garage mechanic. The mechanic identified that the radiator had failed at the seams, necessitating a replacement radiator. I told the dealer about this and he disputed that the problem existed at the time of sale. I advised him that I was having a replacement radiator fitted and that I would send him the bill, which I have now done. The selling dealer is refusing to pay.

Asked on 9 January 2010 by JH, Cheltenham

Answered by Honest John
The dealer is automatically liable for this and if he doesn't either give you your money back, arrange a repair, or pay for you to have it repaired you can get the money out of him by suing him using www.moneyclaim.gov.uk . You will almost certainly win. Here is the law: www.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/consumer-rights As soon as you make him aware you know the law he will probably back down. He remains liable for any faults on the car for 6 months from date of purchase.
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