I have discovered my car's been clocked - what are my options?
My son purchased a Vauxhall Vectra SRi CDTI 120 in June 2011 with 57,985 miles on the clock from a local dealer. At an MoT examination in December 2013 he received a VOSA Test Certificate that indicated a mileage of 101,961 in May 2011. Clearly, the mileage has been reduced by at least 43976 miles.
The purchase price was £5350 less a p/x allowance of £150 against a Toyota Celica. He has contacted the dealer and returned there to discuss this, and the dealer has offered to take the car in p/x against a replacement vehicle, and offered £1500. It has a current recorded mileage of 114,097 (the actual mileage is probably in excess of 158,000).
We believe this offer to be unfair and, under the circumstances, would prefer not to buy another vehicle from this dealer. In addition, the car has required a dual mass replacement fly wheel and the replacement of an assortment of other components. We have taken advice from the CAB who have advised us to write to the dealer to request a refund or compensation. Can you advise us on how to calculate a reasonable compensation, or is it reasonable to request a full refund?
The purchase price was £5350 less a p/x allowance of £150 against a Toyota Celica. He has contacted the dealer and returned there to discuss this, and the dealer has offered to take the car in p/x against a replacement vehicle, and offered £1500. It has a current recorded mileage of 114,097 (the actual mileage is probably in excess of 158,000).
We believe this offer to be unfair and, under the circumstances, would prefer not to buy another vehicle from this dealer. In addition, the car has required a dual mass replacement fly wheel and the replacement of an assortment of other components. We have taken advice from the CAB who have advised us to write to the dealer to request a refund or compensation. Can you advise us on how to calculate a reasonable compensation, or is it reasonable to request a full refund?
Asked on 24 February 2014 by Graham Butler
Answered by
Honest John
The passage of time here is in the way of a successful result. Firstly the 101,961 recorded could have been a mistake. Secondly it is perfectly normal to expect a DMF and clutch to fail after 114,097 miles. Thirdly, an offer of £1500 for a 114k mile car three years after paying £5200 implies a depreciation of £3700, which is only £1250 a year for 20k miles a year and perfectly acceptable.
But if you want to get legal, the law is here: www.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/consumer-rights/
But if you want to get legal, the law is here: www.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/consumer-rights/
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