Bought dodgy used car from “trader”. Do we have any comeback?

PocketLady

Over the weekend my partner bought a used car listed on Autotrader supposedly from a trade seller (as opposed to private). When we went to look the car, we met the lady at the postcode we were given, but this was not her specific address, she came and found us where we were parked. She said her husband was in the trade and that she sometimes sells the odd vehicle here and there for him. We bought the car which seemed fine, and paid via bank transfer to what I assume is her husbands bank account as it had a male name.

Anyway, today the car wouldn’t start, and when we finally did get it going, there is a fair bit of white smoke coming out for 10-15 mins, the coolant level was also a little low. It could well be the head gasket. So anyway, all we have for this woman is her phone number really. We can maybe complain via Autotrader, but the question is what to do? Do we still have consumer rights? As I said, it was listed as trade on Autotrader but the rest seems a little ambiguous. We haven’t contacted her yet, but I just have this funny feeling that we have been conned in that she is selling dodgy cars for her husband who probably has a genuine business.

I would really welcome any advice here please. Thanks

DUTR

Was that the only car he looked at? Did the lady force you to buy that particular car? From what you have written there were enough signals not to go through with the purchase but yet you chose to ignore them.
My advice is put it to experience.

PocketLady

No he had looked at other cars, just not with her. Looking back it’s easy to spot some signs, but not as easy at the time I’m afraid. Anyway, whether we were foolish or not is not what I’m asking, I’m asking legally where do we stand? Do buyer rights apply in this case? Has anyone successfully complained via Autotrader before? I believe they do have a system for making complains about traders.

arcon5

Auto trader won't be interested in your complaint but may be able to assist in getting her address.

macman

You do have rights if it was a trade sale, but without even an address, you have no way to enforce them. You broke the first rule, which is never to buy a car that is not at the seller's home or place of business.
Does the fault recur once the coolant is topped up? Did you examine the service history, and did you ask if the car had any known faults? How did you come to the conclusion that it 'seemed fine'? Were you offered any kind of warranty? Did you test drive it, and if so, was it already warmed up? Make, model, year and mileage?
At this stage, you don't know if there is definitely a fault, or what it might be.
Your first port of call is to speak to the seller.

DUTR

PocketLady wrote: »

No he had looked at other cars, just not with her. Looking back it’s easy to spot some signs, but not as easy at the time I’m afraid. Anyway, whether we were foolish or not is not what I’m asking, I’m asking legally where do we stand? Do buyer rights apply in this case? Has anyone successfully complained via Autotrader before? I believe they do have a system for making complains about traders.

There is nothing to lose by contacting the autotrader.
You won't be in a worse position (maybe better) but a long thread debate about the matter isn't going to solve much especially as you only have to wait until office hours to contact them.
It is only reasonable to have asked why go for that particular car if others had been looked at?

PocketLady

Thanks for the replies. The reason he went for that car is it was really low mileage 57,000 for an 11 plate, and a very good price. It’s a Chevrolet Aveo. He is knowledgable about cars and checked over thoroughly and test drove it. Didn’t seem to be any problems, but I imagine it was probably warmed up, because it wasn’t smoking like it is now. It has a full service history and almost a years MOT with no advisories. We know we’ve probably made a silly mistake and probably had rose tinted glasses because he desperately needed a car for Monday and it seemed like a really good deal. Waiting to find out tomorrow what the situation is with the coolant and obviously we will take it from there. I was interested to know what our rights are before we try and contact the seller, and yes, we will definitely get on to Auto Trader to see if we can get an address. Thank you

PocketLady

Yes we do have a receipt

jamesperrett

PocketLady wrote: »

The reason he went for that car is it was really low mileage 57,000 for an 11 plate, and a very good price.

Was the price good enough for him to have the car repaired and still be in pocket?

paddedjohn

Op, Google the phone number to see if other ads pop up, this will help to establish wether they are traders. If they are traders then they may need to stump up to get the car repaired for you.

arcon5

Surely they gave you an address to go look at it? Otherwise how would you have known where to go?

Have you phoned the woman yet?

Failing all the above see if any other cars available from this woman and pretend to be an interested party to get her address