Uncooperative car trader

Mirkom

Here's the scenario, we need a car just until October, when we are getting a brand new one from the company I work for. In the interim we needed a cheap runaround, nothing flash, all we wanted was a car with an m.o.t and reliable. We found an Astra a trader was selling, 50 miles from where we lived, nothing flash but was advertised as quote unquote, very reliable with 4 months m.o.t.We went to have a look, and for the price it was being sold at it seemed good enough. Drove it home the 50 miles, no issues. Now on coming to start it up this morning, a full twenty hours after it was purchased, the engine turned over and started, then immediately cut out and would not turn over again. We contacted the trader and politely told him of the issues. To which his reply was "he couldn't make the car drive 50 miles and then not work, hope you get it sorted, thanks". No further correspondence was received. Any advise off some friendly experts would be appreciated.

forgotmyname

Put some fuel in it and try again.

George_Michael

forgotmyname wrote: »

Put some fuel in it and try again.

The OP stated that the engine wouldn't turn over so it won't be a lack of fuel causing the problem.

NewUserHere

Might just need a battery

Mirkom

It has fuel in it, and the start up symptoms suggest it isn't a battery issue. I'm basically asking for some legal advice as the car is clearly a dud and wasn't fit for purpose after less than 24 hours from purchase

facade

Take it back and ask for a refund.

Mirkom

The car just won't start, so can't take it back, it's a 50 mile journey to the garage. I'll be in touch with trading standards when they open tomorrow. Worst case I'll have to tow it back and leave it with the trader who is in denial of the situation

Le_Kirk

It's not really a motoring issue I suggest you ask for the thread to be moved to Consumer Rights where you will receive advice about what to do next.

angrycrow

Whilst by the letter of consumer law you are entitled to reject the car you then have the problem of getting it back to the dealer.

Could well be a really simple fix.

When you turn the key what happens.

If it tries to turn over but really slowly the battery is drained. If it just clicks again the battery is dead and does not have enough juice to turn starter. If it turns over but does not start it could be crank sensor. If it does nothing at all either starter is dead or a wire has come off. Connect a jump lead from the negative battery terminal to the engine block, does it then start which would show a broken main earth lead.

Can a neighbour jump start it with jump leads.

What year of Astra is it as mk4 and mk5 astras had a function to call up fault codes as flashes of a light in the dash by doing set set sequence on the pedals.

Mirkom

It doesn't try to turn over really slowly, it turns as normal, but there is no end product, it's nearly there but not quite. I'll look to post this on the consumer rights forum too

Mirkom

And it's a mk 4 astra