Ask Honest John

Is it legal for a dealer to sell a car, which he knows has been in an accident, but doesn't tell the buyer?

I bought a 2015 used Ford Fiesta from a Honda dealer, but it's developed a noisy engine on start up. I returned it under warranty three month later, but they failed to fix it. They did not disclose the...

I was sold a car that was previously damaged - am I owed compensation?

I’m having a nightmare with my local Audi dealer. They sold me a six month old Audi A6 with 7000 miles on the clock. After owning the vehicle for just over six months, paint has started to come off the...

If I unknowingly buy a car with outstanding finance on it, am I then liable for any remaining payments?

I have found a used car that I wish to buy, however, I have become suspicious about the past financial history of the car. I think it may have been bought on finance and there are still payments to be...

Is it legal to park a faulty car in front of the business of the dodgy dealer who sold it to me?

A used car dealer sold me a faulty car. Is it legal to park the faulty car in front of the dealer's gates with a sign in the window telling everyone of the dodgy deal?

Is it smart to get warranty cover on a used car?

I own a 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC with 23,500 mile on the clock. It has full service history (mainly dealer servicing). I'm thinking about taking out warranty cover. Could you advise on how much this might...

A dealer won't send my car's documents, so I can't tax or insure it - what do I do?

I bought a used car online. The seller said he was a trader and the car was advertised as a part-exchange, just MoT'd with a one year warranty. I booked to view it (80 miles away) over the weekend at his...

Is it worth spending more to get a manufacturer approved-used car?

My Hyundai i20 was written off recently. My insurer has offered me £3695 to find a replacement. I found one on the AA used car website from for that price, but it's not AA-approved. Can I buy it with confidence?...

What happens if a used car develops wear and tear faults after six months?

What is the position if someone buys a used car from a garage and then it develops wear and tear faults on two or three components, but after six months has passed, say the clutch, handbrake or suspension...

What's the best used car for under a £1000?

I'm looking for a used car and have £1000 to spend. I want something with a bit of power, motorways at weekends and city driving during week, any suggestions?

We bought a faulty car in a private sale - do we have consumer protection to get it fixed?

My step-son just purchased a 2008 Citroen C2 from a car dealer for £1700. The dealer said that it was not their car, but an employee's car. The money was paid, via bank transfer, to the employee and not...