Consumer rights? Vehicle purchase

amateur_saver

So this week we purchased a truck, which we had initially saw on eBay.  The seller was a dealer.  We didn’t go through eBay as he was just advertising, so it was done off the app. 

They were based over 4 hours away, so we did a video call where we were shown the vehicle, it looked clean & he said it was a straight truck. 

We paid and transport was arranged & it arrived on Monday.  

My OH was off to work, so the next day he had a good look at it. The dealer insisted it was a straight truck and it seemed perfect. 

However on closer inspection the paint work that has been done recently, is awful and it’s about 3/4 resprayed, which has been done because of a history of damage.  Mechanically it’s fine, apart from a noise in the gearbox in third gear. The vehicle is 10 years old but we don’t believe him when he says that he’s unaware of this as it’s recently done & he may have even got it done himself. 

Superficially it’s fine but it’s going to be awful very soon where it’s been filled and the bad paint job. 

We rang the dealer as we wanted to return it, and of course he’s refused. 

Do we have any consumer protection, was asking for a full refund and it be returned something we were entitled to do? 

If anyone could give advice, i would appreciate it.  It was paid for by bank transfer. 

Thanks 

Grumpy_chap

This was a complete remote purchase.  Is that correct?

Was it a business purchase or personal?

amateur_saver

Yes, complete remote purchase and it was personal.  It was a long way away to go and see so we did a video call. 

MalMonroe

There's the Consumer Rights Act 2015 which says that you are entitled to a full refund if the goods you buy are faulty and you tell the dealer within 30 days.

Unfortunately you didn't buy through eBay - which would have guaranteed you a refund and you didn't use a credit card - which would have enabled you to use Section 75 to get a refund.

All is not lost though. Some info from Which -

 https://www.whatcar.com/news/your-legal-rights-if-something-goes-wrong-with-your-car/n3307

and some info from Citizens Advice.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/problems-used-car/

This site had some info too, old but still helpful - https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/reclaim/how-to-complain/

Seems like you may have to write some letters but please do let this dealer know that you mean business and he can't just take your money for a load of old rubbish. 

Four hours is a long way to travel to buy a truck, though. Wasn't there anything a bit nearer home?

MovingForwards

eBay would not have been involved even if it was purchased through them ".......eBay does NOT offer any of these programs or refunds for vehicle purchases on the UK site".

Grumpy_chap

amateur_saver said:

Yes, complete remote purchase and it was personal.  

In that case, CCR applies and you have the right to cancel for any reason or none up to 14 days after delivery:

https://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/regulation/consumer-contracts-regulations-ajWHC8m21cAk

https://www.thecarexpert.co.uk/rejecting-a-car/

Hope that helps.