Campervan not as advertised

Hayleigh

My dad recently bought a campervan that we found on Ebay, but paid cash when he went to get it.
He asked the guy if there were any leaks to which he was told no. We get the van home and start to clean it ready to go away and I found a leak in the roof, the rain was dripping in quite badly, but luckily it was going into the bathroom sink.
We rang the guy right away and he was on holiday and said he would come to us when he came back to have a look at it, after extra time and more phone calls where he was saying he had a heart attack and was in hospital, he finally came to see us.
Right away he seemed to know where this leak was, he got up on the roof removed some screws and put some sealant on it.
We had also found other faults as well, the toilet doesn't work and the shower tray has cracks and has been sealed many times with a terrible job done and was covered up with a mat.
We didn't know about either of these problems as there was no water in the van when we went for a viewing, so a bit hard to check on the toilet being able to flush correctly. So my dad had been to the citizens advice to see where he stands. Lucky we had the description of what was on the advert and the only defect listed was the Spanish aeriel needs updating, which obviously is nothing. They said my dad has a case because of this, however once we spoke to the guy, he didn't seem to care, he said it wasn't sold with a warranty etc and the faults could go on forever. In his advert he states that basically you can throw in your duvets and off you go on your holiday, which clearly wasn't the case. When we brought up the shower and toilet, he said well you don't need them if you're on site! But my dad didn't buy it to always be on site, and with his description I think it's unreasonable for us to think that all those facilities were usable.
I will paste his advert underneath, but any ideas what happens now? My dad has to go back to the CAB on the 12th August, but thats only to write a letter to the guy, we really don't think he is going to offer a full or partial refund. Where do we stand after this? Will they help us on what to do after that or will it be up to us to pursue it?
I am really upset by this, my dad didn't want to spend this much, its something he has wanted his whole life, a campervan and I persuaded him to spend the little bit extra because the advert made it sound perfect, we are both aware it wasn't new, so wasn't expecting it to be perfect, but I was expecting for him to be able to go away in it the week he bought it and four weeks later he still can't and last night he found another leak in the front bed above the cabin. He looked on the roof and all the sealant is all unstuck.
Hoping for some advice or even if we stand a chance on getting a refund.
Thanks

Seller assumes all responsibility for this listing.
Item specifics
Condition: Used : Split the cost with friends
Seller notes: “Defects: Spanish TV aerial could do with up-dating.”
Type:
Motorhome
Number of Bedrooms:
3
Model:
670
Axles:
2
Mileage:
72,679
Colour:
White
Engine Size:
2,500
Total Length (feet):
20
Transmission:
Manual
Number of Previous Owners:
2
Fuel Type:
Diesel
Equipment:
Hob, Fridge Freezer, Toilet,, Fridge Freezer, Toilet, Solar System, 12V Lighting, 240V Lighting, Air Conditioning, Awning, Blinds, CD Player, Central Heating, Central Seating Group, Double Glazing, External Side Lockers, Hand Washbasin, Mains Hookup, Radio
Year of Registration:
1995
Safety Features:
Anti-Lock Brakes, Back Seat Safety Belts, Driver Airbag, Immobiliser
V5 Registration Document:
Present
Manufacturer:
Ford Sir Mobil
Sleeping Capacity:
6

Here is a 1995 Sir Mobil 670 2.5 turbo diesel, 5 speed manual, 6 berth, 20 ft motorhome with Power Steering and 4 very good tyres. We purchased our motorhome in Spain about 5 years ago and all paperwork and fees for registering it in the UK have been completed and it now has UK plates.
It is in immaculate condition throughout with all the usual motorhome accessories including 12 stack CD multi-changer system, with speaker in the front cab and in the rear too. Curtains and blinds with mosquito screens to all windows and privacy curtains by sleeping areas.

• ü12v with solar panels on roof so batteries never fail.
• ü240v hook-up and gas.
• üOn-board water and waste tanks.
• üWater heater and a panel that registers the quantity of water, waste, 12v level etc.
• üEasy clean vinyl floor
• üGas heater
• üSeat belts/harness in rear cab seats
• üSecond dining table/main sleeping area at back.
• üGas hob
• üFridge/freezer which runs off 12v, gas, or 240v (3 way)
• üAmple storage with inside and outside lockers plus wardrobe.
• üRear end double bedroom, king-size over the cab and a further double in the centre of the m/home.
• üShower room with hand basin and toilet with further ample storage for toiletries etc.

Outside is a ladder to the roof where there is a large travel storage box and home to the air conditioning unit. Also has a bike rack for 3 bikes.
Full awning with Safari room which makes for a lot of extra space.
A few words about the air conditioning: This really is a life saver when touring hot climates such as Spain, Italy etc. When we collected it in Spain we never used the A/C first night and it was unbearable. We soon sussed it out and the resulting nights kip can only be described as magic.
And there’s more…..Levelling chocks, hydraulic trolley jack, emergency stuff, fire extinguishers etc. etc.
We are also leaving all utensils, pots, pans, cups and plates, toaster kettle and more. Just throw in your duvets and off you go into the sunset.
Finally, as soon as we arrived in the UK with the motorhome we took it to be professionally Waxoiled underneath, even inside the chassis itself, because we wanted to keep it as we found it. We have also kept it inside, away from the elements of the British climate.
This is a quality built German motorhome and not to be confused with lesser models. It has not been used as an ashtray, pet kennel or children’s playground. It’s great!
The motorhome is currently on a sorn as were not using it, however we can be tax it at the new owner’s expense if wanted.
JUST IN TIME FOR SUMMER FUN OR EXPLORING EUROPE OR THE WORLD………
Any inspection welcome.

campdave

You have far fewer rights if you turn up and inspect the item and pay cash. You will need to look into taking the buyer to small claims court, and should take advice from a solicitor or Citizen's Advice.

McKneff

I don't think you are going to get very far to be honest.
Presumably you inspected the shower tray, you would have seen cracks surely, You should have got him to get some water to test the toilet.


A private sale, you have so few rights, if any


Buyer beware.

nomoneytoday

It's almost 20 years old, and not bought from a dealer.
Caveat Emptor..

RFW

nomoneytoday wrote: »

Caveat Emptor..

Ironically a great name for a Campervan company;)

hollydays

Take in to a caravan place ask for a quote to repair the leaks, negotiate with him .
He'd had a heart attack, then he climbed up on the roof?!!

hollydays

According to the ad, an offer was made in error and retracted?
The purchase was made outside ebay?

pinkshoes

Anyone remember the caravan thread...?

A letter before action should do the trick.

mrs_sparrow

Yes, I do!! Will see if I can find it.

ETA: It seems it has been removed but there is some mention of it in here: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/1839309

Hayleigh

We think the illness wasn't real, but yeah, he got on the roof after telling us they think he had a heart attack.
We weren't expecting it to be perfect by any means, but just wanted what the description said. Something we could go away in right away.
We did an offer and he sent it back saying he accepted it, I've never used Ebay like that before, only on ones you bid for, so just thought that was how it was.
Thanks for your replies, we will see what we can do, it's stressing my dad out and I feel terrible!
Even just getting the roof repaired would be something.
Thanks again.

mgdavid

surely you didn't expect to buy a defect-free 19-year old campervan !