Trade buyer paid deposit, but has now disappeared - what do I do?

I agreed the sale of my car (a 2011 Volkswagen Golf GTI) to a guy who buys cars on behalf of a trader. He left a £150 deposit (just over 1% of the value) and told me he'd be back with full payment. He called the next day to come over but I was out and he said he'd call back.

This was four days ago and when I call him someone else is answering his phone claiming they don't know what I'm talking about. The dealer he said he worked for isn't answering their phone either. I still have all the documents and the car. All he did was leave a deposit. What are my rights? Can I sell the car to someone else?

Asked on 21 July 2014 by hankdavros

Answered by Honest John
Yes. Leave it a couple of days in case you have recorded a wrong number for him. Still no contact, keep the deposit to repay him. You have applied all "due diligence" to try to find him. No reason not to sell the car.
Dear Honest John,

Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:
    Select a few terms below
Similar questions
We have a 2014 Land Rover Freelander (15,000 miles) and a 2013 Kia Rio (22,000) on 17-inch rims (big mistake for country roads). We have a budget of about £20,000 and would like to change the Kia Rio for...
I currently have a 2.0-litre Mazda MX5. I need car with high driving position (against headlight glare), but a small car that's fun and comfortable. What do you suggest?
I have seen a car for sale with an online retailer. It includes a number of extras in the price. Can you tell me who would honour the warranty and service plan if the online company went bust?
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer