"...his hands are tied ...he said as it was bought on a business to business transaction I don't have any statoury rights."

Alarm bells ring at this point. I stand to be corrected, but this sounds complete ballcocks to me.

If I'm right, this guy is ready to worm his way out of his responsibility and needs firm treatment. Initially, a letter demanding the vehicle is repaired as per your rights under the Sale of Goods Act 1979 (it's now too late to reject the vehicle).

If no joy, a letter informing him that you will make a claim via the "small claims court" and then be prepared to go down that route.

Keep all paperwork. Send letters recorded delivery.

Thank you, B-i-G. I've done some more homework and hold up my hand and admit I was wrong in assuming that B2B sales are covered under SOGA in exactly the same way as sales to "consumers".

However, I understand SOGA still does apply, albeit less favourably; in particular, Terms and Conditions may be applied to B2B transactions that would not be allowed otherwise, so it is up to the OP to check exactly what he signed up to.

It is also my understanding that any such Ts & Cs may be tested in court (no doubt at the risk of incurring considerable legal fees, unless small claims can be involved) on the grounds of unreasonable contract.

It does now look as if the OP will have a much harder job of getting anything out of the dealer.