Faulty used car - how can I get the seller to pay for the repairs?
A few weeks ago I bought a used Skoda Yeti. We got off to a bad start after the purchase in finding the windscreen was badly scratched by previously defective wipers. We paid £199 for a new windscreen.
After this problem, we noticed a knocking sound coming from the engine. We took the car to a local Skoda retailer who discovered the flywheel was damaged along with the clutch due to water ingress. We paid £1600 for the repairs and contacted the selling retailer and Skoda UK to declare our displeasure at the prospect of a huge bill. After nearly two weeks the car has finally been repaired and we've paid the full bill, £1,594.96. We'd been informed by Skoda UK that they had been in discussions with the selling retailer who has declined to contribute to the repair costs because we did not give them the opportunity to examine the car. Can you tell us what we can do to recover this money?
After this problem, we noticed a knocking sound coming from the engine. We took the car to a local Skoda retailer who discovered the flywheel was damaged along with the clutch due to water ingress. We paid £1600 for the repairs and contacted the selling retailer and Skoda UK to declare our displeasure at the prospect of a huge bill. After nearly two weeks the car has finally been repaired and we've paid the full bill, £1,594.96. We'd been informed by Skoda UK that they had been in discussions with the selling retailer who has declined to contribute to the repair costs because we did not give them the opportunity to examine the car. Can you tell us what we can do to recover this money?
Asked on 25 May 2014 by Rachel & Iain
Answered by
Honest John
Presumably you bought this from a Skoda franchise? But anyway, the dealer you bought it from is fully liable for all faults present or developing on the car on the date of sale for a period of six months from the date of sale. Nothing to do with a warranty.
If you reported the knocking to him and he did nothing about it then you have a very straightforward claim under Clegg v Olle Adersson, House of Lords, 2003. Law here: www.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/consumer-rights/
Tell the dealer to refund the £1,594.96 and if he fails to do so, start the proceedings by suing for it using www.moneyclaim.gov.uk
If you reported the knocking to him and he did nothing about it then you have a very straightforward claim under Clegg v Olle Adersson, House of Lords, 2003. Law here: www.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/consumer-rights/
Tell the dealer to refund the £1,594.96 and if he fails to do so, start the proceedings by suing for it using www.moneyclaim.gov.uk
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