A garage is trying to charge me 45p per mile depreciation for a 10-year-old car. Any thoughts?
What’s a fair depreciation charge per mile when returning a secondhand car to the sales garage? I bought a 10-year-old Skoda with 78,000 miles but, after 6 weeks, it was obvious that the engine was shot having been badly looked after. The garage says it will take it back but wants to charge 45p per mile depreciation - which seems like they’re having a lark. How can a car that cost £4500 with 78,000 be worth only £3500 at 80,000 miles? It seems like they want to charge me with an engine rebuild. Any thoughts? Am I being taken for a ride here? Thanks for any advice.
Asked on 28 June 2021 by Andree
![](http://images.honestjohn.co.uk/imagecache/file/pad/120x120/media/10703035/dan-p-polaroid.jpg)
45p per mile is an HMRC approved fair mileage rate, which most dealers use in these instances. I would argue 45p is too much for a 10-year-old car, though, so would counter with 25p and see if you can reach an agreement halfway.
Tags:
depreciation
garages
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