Purchased Car - Misinformation, False Specifications, Unsafe

Hasbeen

LyamBa wrote: »

Hi JJ Egan,

There are 4 images here: imgur.com/a/496yRwa

1. Windscreen view (from inside) - unfortunately, it doesn't show the extent of it with a picture
2. Windscreen view (from outside) - again, doesn't really show the extent of it
3. Front right tyre - the tyre doesn't fit into the alloy properly like the other tyres
4. Front left tyre - seems very low on tread

https://imgur.com/a/496yRwa

LyamBa

Thanks Hasbeen.

Just a quick update:
Couldn't get an MOT done today due to no garages having availability, but I'll get one tomorrow. Tried contacting them multiple times, but no answer. I used my work phone to call and they answered immediately. I was given the same "manager will call you tomorrow" but I made it clear that I was sold this under false pretences and the car has many faults which weren't ever listed or explained. I also mentioned if they didn't contact me tomorrow I would make an official complaint.

foxtrotoscar_2

LyamBa wrote: »

Thanks Hasbeen.

Just a quick update:
Couldn't get an MOT done today due to no garages having availability, but I'll get one tomorrow. Tried contacting them multiple times, but no answer. I used my work phone to call and they answered immediately. I was given the same "manager will call you tomorrow" but I made it clear that I was sold this under false pretences and the car has many faults which weren't ever listed or explained. I also mentioned if they didn't contact me tomorrow I would make an official complaint.

Why did you not test drive the car?

NCC-1701

What are the many faults? An 11 year old car is never going to be completely fault free. Again...why no test drive?

LyamBa

foxtrotoscar wrote: »

Why did you not test drive the car?

Hi Foxtroyoscar, like I mentioned earlier there were many reasons I didn't which mostly come down to me being naive and trusting.

NCC-1701 wrote: »

What are the many faults? An 11 year old car is never going to be completely fault free. Again...why no test drive?

I agree, it isn't, but this was sold to be in extremely good condition with no listed faults. Again, the advertisement stated this:

"IMMACULATE CONDITION INSIDE OUT EXCELLENT BODYWORK DRIVES LIKE SHOWROOM CONDITION A1 WELL MAINTAINED FULLY VALETED READY TO GO PART/X WELCOME COMES WITH WARRANTY 1ST"

So though I understand the above statement is a sales tactic and I'm not naive enough to think it was like buying a brand new car, but I certainly didn't expect to encounter the problems I have.

From the faults I've seen so far:
-Left mirror nonadjustable
-Windscreen smeared
-Burning smell (unsure what this is)
-Steering pulling to the left
-Mirrors do not retract
-Non-standard, nor worthy windscreen wipers
-Windscreen wipers not below hood
-Heating in the car doesn't work sometimes
-Temperature gauge faulty
-Left tyre seems bold (see pictures)
-Right tyre doesn't seem to fit the allow properly
-Potential tyre puncture

And like I've said many times, I understand I had a responsibility to do a thorough check, but there are things like the heating sometimes not working, the temperature gauge not working, punctures, etc. which I never would've spotted on a little test drive. I regret not being more thorough and laying my trust in the dealership. It doesn't give the dealership a right to mislead me...and this isn't just a little white lie - there's much more to it. Bear in mind, these are things I've noticed with no mechanical/motor knowledge.

wesleyad

Personally I think you are heading down the wrong route by worrying about the MOT and mechanical faults. A lot of these are up to MOT discretion and it will be hard to prove fault.

You have a slam dunk with the spec. As long as you still have the advert that shows all the options included (and they arent) then it's clearly not as advertised and they can have no argument.

Just tell them you wish to exercise your rights to return within 30 days for full refund on goods not conforming to contract.

DId you pay deposit on a credit card? If so that gives you S75 protection for the entire amount if they start playing silly !!!!!!s.

LyamBa

Thanks for your reply wesleyad! I have screenshots of the car advert showing the company's name, address, etc. but unfortunately I used bank transfer as I don't own a credit card.

But a positive update:
I got a new MOT done today and it failed on 5 things (1 of the things was the same as the original MOT). I drove the car to the dealership and refused to leave until we'd sorted this. I needed a car so I was happy for an exchange and pay/they pay the difference. I found a decent car which was £400 less. They transferred me the £400 and I did proper checks and test drove it too.

I'm happy with the result and my issue has been solved. But I'm wondering if I have an obligation to report them? I'm not asking for any kind of compensation, but I think I should voice my concern to an organisation which will support the dealership in abiding fairly. Thoughts?

Overall, I know I made a mistake and I won't be stupid again.

Really appreciate everyone's input on the matter!

gettingtheresometime

LyamBa wrote: »

Hi Foxtroyoscar, like I mentioned earlier there were many reasons I didn't which mostly come down to me being naive and trusting.

The number of threads on this forum recently where people have bought cars that they haven't test driven or just seen on the internet is gobsmacking.

LyamBa

gettingtheresometime wrote: »

The number of threads on this forum recently where people have bought cars that they haven't test driven or just seen on the internet is gobsmacking.

Yes, perhaps so. I regret being naive and I'll never make this mistake again. However, there's a responsibility upon the dealer to ensure they're selling an 'as-advertised', safe car which brings comfort to people. Also, there're people who haven't been driving for long so whereas a test drive for an experienced road user may have them question the brakes, handling, etc. but for a new road-user it might not. In my case, had I done a test drive I'd have known immediately there was something wrong, but like I previously mentioned, I wouldn't have noticed the AC not working, the light wiring being faulty, the heated mirrors not working, etc.

Either way, no matter how naive, trusting, mechanically-uneducated a consumer may be, it never gives a dealership the right to sell a dodgy car.

peter_the_piper

Thanks for coming back to tell us how you got on , most don't.