Neighbour bought a now broken down car on gumtree..

BykerSands

Tenpmix wrote: »

Thanks to all that gave helpful replies to my first ever post on mse forums. For me forums are a place to share and learn from other people's knowledge and experience and give back where you can. I was at a loss to think of other options for someone who asked for my help. I'm hoping it will be easy fixed after all. Merry Christmas!

And we hope you get your vehicle sorted too.

societys_child

Most likely glow plugs if its a diesel, or injectors.

Glow plugs? Can of Easy-Start

facade

motorguy wrote: »

and a disposable phone thats switched off when the heat gets too much and replaced.

I agree about the seller being shady, but never, never, ever give gumtree your phonenumber.

I sold my car through gumtree, and filled in my details with my spare phone. (It did not appear in the advert)
Now I get one or two calls a day from different unknown numbers, if I google them they are known PPI.

I'm going to use all the credit and bin the sim then get another from tescos.

jimjames

Tenpmix wrote: »

I thought as much, he's been naive and is paying the price. I guess he has no choice but to take this risk with a £500 budget. I feel so sorry for him and his family. Lesson learned the hard way.

You can get a perfectly decent car for £500 if you know what you're looking for.

patman99

I paid £300 for a 1997 Astra 1.6TD a few years back to use as a temporary vehicle whilst I saved for a better car.

Cost me £375 for a new suspension leg 3 weeks later, but I kept the car for 3 years with no further costs, then sold it for £475.

So, you can buy a good car for £500 if you know wht you are doing.

arcon5

motorguy wrote: »

I would say with the "meet you at tescos" tactic its a low life trader, so technically he has rights - however the odds of enforcing those rights are practically nil.

Actually even as a private sale it must be "as described".

There are some bonafide traders from home out there using car parks... not many mind

Edwood_Woodwood

It's probably a great little car OP and your neighbour's just screwed the life out of it on his way home.

Leave the seller alone, it's Christmas.:beer:

bigjl

Tenpmix wrote: »

I would be the worst person to bring along about cars. Tbh we don't know each other that well, he's been in this country for about three years and wanted our advice on what he could do. I'm not sure there is anything more we can do. It is a Nissan Primera.

So your neighbour that you hardly know knocks on your door for advice and you sign up to MSE?

Because people normally knock on the door of somebody they hardly know and ask for legal advice....

missile

Tenpmix wrote: »

Our neighbour came to our door this morning asking for advice. He bought a second hand car for £500 via gumtree. He met the vendor in a shopping centre car park. The car got him home but the next morning it wouldn't start. A mechanic has looked at it and it will be £300 to fix. He contacted the vendor who won't take it back. Is there anything he can do? It's £500 they barely can afford but he needs the car to get him to his work. I feel so sorry for them especially at Christmas. Thanks.

Could it be this car?> https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5383244


or more likely OP is a troll

motorguy

missile wrote: »

Could it be this car?> https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5383244

Clearly thats a !!!! take thread.