Dodgy dealer

Rileysmum

Hi everyone.

First post so be gentle!

I bought a car on Friday (21st) and within 4 hour of owning it the cam belt snapped.

The car had full service history so I assumed it had been done. The dealer also said it had but obviously no proof in that.

I called the dealer as soon as the RAC had been out and he immediately said that he would bring my car (part-exed it) and my cash back and take the car away and that he was sorry blah blah.

Yesterday all went silent, wouldnt respond to texts or answer calls. So I got my other half to contact him regarding a different car he had for sale, surprise surprise he answered! My other half came clean about who he was and the shocked dealer said he hadnt answered as he was at work but yes the plan of bringing my car back was still going ahead. Whatever.

Fast forward to today, dealers phone is off. he isnt here and I am without a car.

The car is now at my local garage where I will have to either cut my losses or get it repaired. Still dont know how much it will cost.

But where do I stand in terms of getting my money back?

Thanks and sorry for the long post.

forgotmyname

Is this a proper car yard/dealer or did you meet at some random address?

If its a proper car yard, Pop down and annoy them until they sort it. Any customers he gets will run away when you say loudly the car you just bought didnt even make it home.

OldFartPlumber

If your local garage is a place you can trust - ask them which it is of two types of engine - The type that when a cam belt snaps, the pistons don`t hit the valves OR the type that stuffs the valves . First type let them fix it , get a quote for that . Second type , sadly you`re probably into big £ and I would say go down the legal route with the dealer . First type you get a running motor and can then approach the dealer with the bill. That`s just my personal take on it , and what I would do.

Alexwild

If it's a proper dealer (ie one with a forecourt of cars not some guy with a few cars in a layby) and he told you it had a cambelt done, if he doesn't answer your calls it could be worth speaking to trading standards. It might not get you your money back (certainly not quickly) but at least you know you've done something to stop him selling other cars under false pretences. If the RAC kept the snapped belt the garage may be able to tell if it is a new(ish) one or if it was clearly a worn out part. Worth asking them as it could help you prove the work wasn't done.

steve-L

Get the quote anyway...
Then you need to write to the garage, check the trading name etc. and the directors under companies house webcheck.
READ BOTH THESE

http://www.oft.gov.uk/713560/publications/reports/consumer-protection/oft1241#.UU4iqY4oyEw

Tell them either:
1) You are rejecting the car
2) They have the option of repair, replace or refund

Read the two documents before doing ANYTHING (including posting or saying thanks!)