Used car problem

sxmr

Tonight we collected a new car that we purchased from a dealer that was one they had taken as a PX. The ad on ebay did not outline any issues, just that it was sold as seen, not mechanically checked and no guarantee or warranty. We viewed last week and test drove with no issue al be it short as there was 7 miles on the range. Oil and water levels are fine. Its a 2005 Vauxhall Astra 1.4.

So tonight we drove it home and the spanner light light goes off and comes back on then the engine starts making a tapping noise after about 10 miles at idling speed. We were told that this was the service light and that it wasn't turned off. Our neighbour is a mechanic (cliche I know but true!) and has had a look over and basically told us to take it back (Wish he was with us when we purchased)

I guess my question is, do we have any chance of "rejecting" the car? I have read this forums and I am aware that its a case of buyer beware when purchasing but is this the case here as its via a dealer and not private? Just want to be clear before we take the next steps!

wrightk

is it a diesel or petrol


the spanner is not a service light its the engine management light

arcon5

What is the exact wording of the ad?
Was it an auction style listing or classified listing?

If you have a get out clause it will be on a technicality really. I'm surprised somebody can basically buy a car in such a way then be surprised when it turns out to have problems!
'Sold as seen' isn't necessarily a legally compliant term. But something like 'spares of repairs' would be as it would imply faults with the car in the description.

sxmr

It's petrol. We have looked at the book and it explains what the light is and to not drive and take it to a dealer.

sxmr

arcon5 wrote: »

What is the exact wording of the ad?
Was it an auction style listing or classified listing?

If you have a get out clause it will be on a technicality really. I'm surprised somebody can basically buy a car in such a way then be surprised when it turns out to have problems!
'Sold as seen' isn't necessarily a legally compliant term. But something like 'spares of repairs' would be as it would imply faults with the car in the description.

It drove fine on the test drive, no noise or tapping. oil and water levels were fine and we were told that the light was a service light that had not been turned off. Don't get me wrong, if this happened after days/weeks/month then we'd take it on the chin but we've basically got it 10 miles down the road after purchase and looking further in the book its an engine fault and not to drive and take it to your nearest Vauxhall dealer. We took the chap who was selling it on behalf of the garages word that it was just a service light and it just needed turning off following last service.

Ad was classified. Wording of ad was basic, sold as seen, not mechanically checked or inspected and no warranty or guarantee. No mention of warning lights or any other issues.

At the least are we entitled to ask them to sort the problem?

bigjl

wrightk wrote: »

is it a diesel or petrol


the spanner is not a service light its the engine management light

A mate bought an Astra 1.6 petrol from the auction (55 plate) and I am certain the engine management light was the usual engine outline type.

Turned out to be the usual Lamda sensor issue which can be common on petrol Vauxhalls.

First thing to do is get the fault codes read.

If it is the Lamda sensor issue a bottle of Cataclean often fixes the issues by cleaning both the Cat and the sensor.

forgotmyname

They said it was a service light, I would have insisted on them servicing it and switching off the light.

Buts its a fault light that maybe something simple or something quite costly.

You can take it back and trust them to fix it properly or pay to get it inspected properly and then take it back knowing what needs doing and can get it checked to see if they fixed it properly and not bodged it.

Marktheshark

Is he registered as a trade seller on e-bay ?

sxmr

forgotmyname wrote: »

They said it was a service light, I would have insisted on them servicing it and switching off the light.

Buts its a fault light that maybe something simple or something quite costly.

You can take it back and trust them to fix it properly or pay to get it inspected properly and then take it back knowing what needs doing and can get it checked to see if they fixed it properly and not bodged it.

If only we had asked them to switch it off, then it would have come to light. Lesson learnt.

My OH called them and explained the problem (it was a chap doing this on a mobile on their behalf if you think this has happened all to quick!) we're taking it in tomorrow to get hooked up and looked at. If they can sort it, no problem but if they refuse or want us to stump up then I've told him not to accept. He did say on the phone again that it's sold as seen, fine, we get that. It's a 10 yr old car with lower than average mileage and full service history (only just been done along with MoT) we took his word that the light was the service light and to get it switched off. We knew it wouldn't be perfect (currently drive a 15 yr old Ford!) but they should have pointed it out in the ad and correctly upon viewing. We are more than willing to allow them to recify the problem first. Fingers crossed!

sxmr

Marktheshark wrote: »

Is he registered as a trade seller on e-bay ?

Yes. The PX cars are sold under the same username as the main stock but you deal with someone different on their behalf.

patman99

As it's a PX, then he must be a dealer. He is therefore attempting to remove your right to a warranty of not less than 12 weeks.
I feel this may well end up in Court.

Btw, what is the make/model of the car ?.
The service light on my Berlingo is a spanner. It shows up on the odometer alongside the miles to the next service. It then goes off and the odometer then reverts to the actual mileage.

On my mate's old vectra the service light was also a spanner, but this remained on if not reset after a service.

It all depends on the vehicle.