Bought a dodgy van 😭

Rochelle1652

So I already know the responses I’m going to get but I’ll try anyways 😂 I bought a van yesterday, checked visually how I could, checked mot online bla bla. Bought it, drive home fine. Drove it today, engine has dropped out (not 100% sure on issues yet) it’s waiting to be recovered as I type. Cannot drive. It was a private sale so is this unfortunately just a sold as seen issue ? Literally been home 24 hours with it when 6pm hits 😂 citizens advice is closed until morning so thought I’d ask. Thanks !

Grumpy_chap

As a private purchase, there is not a lot you can do.
How old was it and how much did you pay?
What do you mean by "the engine dropped out"?

Rochelle1652

My husband was actually driving it so I don’t know all the details yet I just know he’s waiting for it to be towed- he said it dropped (as if the engine mount had snapped) and that he’s been picking up what looks like bearings off the road. It’s 2007 campervan. We paid £8000

marlot

Even as a private sale, the vehicle has to be roadworthy, and match any description given.

Rochelle1652

marlot said:

Even as a private sale, the vehicle has to be roadworthy, and match any description given.

Had a little read into things and hopefully will be covered somehow. Van is stuck and was unable to move last night, bigger van needed to tow or carry it will get it back today. Engine mount had been welded and it’s cast and cast can’t be welded. It’s snapped the drive shaft on the way down and also got stuck so engine can’t move. After doing some digging the seller has sold 6 other vehicles in 2023. Going to ring citizens advice today and see if there’s anything I can do or whether I just have to suck it up! 

Grumpy_chap

Rochelle1652 said:

 After doing some digging the seller has sold 6 other vehicles in 2023.

That does not really help.  It may mean the vendor is trade and not private sale.  That gives the OP more rights.  Enforcing those rights is another matter entirely.

TripleH

Save down that evidence though just in case it vanishes.