Bought defective vehicle from broker

Icarus65

Late last year I bought a rather expensive camper van from a broker. The purchase took several weeks to complete during which time necessary checks and servicing were carried out on the van (which is only 3 years old) including a “habitation check” that ensures all the onboard facilities are working - lights, hot water, gas etc.

I collected the van and drove it home. It was immediately obvious that there were significant problems with the electrical system that made the van unusable for camping. I immediately contacted the broker who suggested replacing some batteries but this did not solve the problem. To cut a long story short after 5 months the problems have still not been solved and it is clear the van was sold in an unusable condition and the check that confirmed the serviceability of the facilities could not have been carried out.

I no longer want the van and would like a refund. Can I sue the broker for misrepresentation of the vehicle if they refuse to do so? 

cw8825

how late last year did you buy the van?
who organised for the checks to be carried out?

did you ever go and look at the van before buying?

Icarus65

Bought in November, broker arranged the servicing, MoT (early but easier than trying to arrange it over the Christmas period) and he also arranged the all important hab check. I video linked a viewing (these vans are quite rare so people travel some distance to buy them), but as this was the first Campervan I have ever bought I didn’t know what “normal” looks like so I relied on the hab check (that costs £200+ so should be dependable).

Tucosalamanca

What are the problems? It's often a case of user error, or users not fully understanding how the systems work?

Can you elaborate on the issues?

By buying from a broker, you've saved thousands of pounds compared to purchasing from a dealer.

That's the compromise, you have less rights but save money. Perhaps you need to spend some of those savings to get the vehicle exactly as you would like it?

As an aside, motorhomes are not reliable and are not mass produced, it's not like buying a car.
Problems are part of ownership (regardless of age or price paid). Motorhome and caravan groups have thousands of similar tales.

I have many years experience and carry an extensive tool kit, along with a number of spare parts. I probably end up helping a handful of strangers each year.

Almost every problem can be resolved, it might seem like a disaster but most of the time it's not as serious as you might fear...

prettyandfluffy

You might get good advice as to the seriousness of the problem(s) by posting on one of the motorhome forums, motorhomefun.co.uk allows you a few posts before you have to become a paid up member.  Be as specific as you can about the issues and include a copy of the hab check (suitably redacted) if you can.