Trading in a faulty car - advice please!

Nick_sub

We’ve just started looking for a “new” used car. Our current car has a problem in that it sometimes stalls when it’s cold, especially when it’s wet. I have tried a few simple things to fix it with no luck and I’m not going to send it to the garage as it’s only worth about £1800 anyway, and I know from reading relevant forums that the problem can be difficult to diagnose. It would be too easy to waste several hundred pounds unsuccessfully diagnosing it, and we'd like to change it anyway.

So I was thinking the easiest thing to do would be to trade it in against our new car. I know I won’t get as much for it but I think it could be tricky to sell privately with the fault.

I haven’t traded in a car before (I’ve only bought privately until now) so I was wondering what my obligations are regarding letting the dealer know about the fault?! The car can be just fine, and is always OK once it’s warmed up, so they would be unlikely to notice the problem on a test drive. It’s as much a moral question than anything else but am I obliged to tell them of any faults, or is it up to them to check that they are happy with the condition of the car? Is there likely to be a clause in their T&Cs which state that I should reported any known faults on a trade-in car?

I've actually been pondering this for months now, so I'd be grateful for any thoughts/advice.

stugib

I'd imagine, unless there's something specific in the terms you sign with them, that caveat emptor applies!

I traded in a car where the engine warning light wouldn't go out - the garage couldn't diagnose it so could've been a simple or expensive job, but it had failed on me a couple of months earlier so wasn't going to waste money finding out when I wanted to get rid anyway - so decided to trade in.

Would've answered honestly if I'd been asked but they never did, and heard nothing since, and there was nothing in their T&Cs.

Nick_sub

Thanks! I read a story regarding trading in a car with the warning light on on these forums earlier today but I can't find it now - was that you? Glad to hear there was nothing in the T&Cs and you haven't heard since.

Would be really interesting to have the view of someone in the trade on this!

stugib

Nick_sub wrote: »

- was that you?

Nope not me, so that's two cases

Conor_3

Nick_sub wrote: »

We’ve just started looking for a “new” used car. Our current car has a problem in that it sometimes stalls when it’s cold, especially when it’s wet. I have tried a few simple things to fix it with no luck and I’m not going to send it to the garage as it’s only worth about £1800 anyway, and I know from reading relevant forums that the problem can be difficult to diagnose.

Easy that....stepper motor on the idle control valve.

Nick_sub

Funnily enough that was one of my first thoughts. I tried taking it off and cleaning it out but that didn't work. I eventually came to the conclusion that the IACV wasn't the problem although i can't remember why now. It does make a strange high pitched sound though.

I don't really want to try fixing it again though, it's a slippery slope and before I know it I'll have spend hours and hours on it again and probably got nowhere!

It's a 2001 MGZR by the way. I have read of a few people who found that replacing the IACV fixed it, but I've also read of people who changed the ECU and that fixed it, and so on...but more than anything else I read of people who never managed to find the source of the problem.

loofer

Think it comes down to moral obligation... would you expect the trader to inform you of any knwon faults??

Yes we know there is a legal obligation for the trader but don't we always complain about the typical "second hand car salesman".... the consumer should play fair too

Nick_sub

In answer to you first question, no. I have never had a car salesman point out any faults to me, and I have bought cars with faults.

On your second point I agree. Morally i should mention the fault, I'm only concerned that the dealer would hammer me down horrendously on the trade-in value (perhaps even knowing that the fault could be easily fixed!). But I should mention it I think, and I certianly would if asked. Apart from anything else I'm an awful liar!

standupguy

Remember you are not selling your car to someone who will keep and drive your car - you are selling to a motor dealer who will probably sell the car on straight away as is to a motor trader or put to auction.

Anyone retailing the car from thereon has an obligation to ensure the car is of satisfactory condition and roadworthy.

As you say, any excuse to knock the price down to you - and don't think the dealer will put anything right before he trades it on - he won't.

Giving you less money will not help any future purchaser?

peter_cox

When you go to look for youre new car the salesman will 90% of the time walk round looking at the bodywork of the car.He will ask relevant questions about owners ,service history,and how long you have had the car and any outstanding finance.Then he will give you a price which will be subject to glasses guide trade price depending on condition.He may do a deal on the car and the only time he will drive youre car is when he puts it round the back of the showroom when you are driving away in youre new car.Let me know what you are looking for car wise and i will advise you on prices as i am a business manager at a franchised gararge who sell ford,citroen and nissan.I dont like people getting ripped off when its not necessary.

Nick_sub

Thanks again for your thoughts. I'm looking for a Mini, but I've already got a good idea of what I want and how much it'll cost. I guess when I find the car I'm looking for I'll just let the dealer ask the questions.