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Dead car after 6 weeks - do I have any recourse?
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Hi MSE'rs
I bought an old used car 6 weeks ago from a small independant dealer, I signed a form saying that I was buying it as a "trade" deal.
The cylinder head needs replacing, the thermostat housing was leaking and the radiator burst.:mad:
Do I have any comeback, or should I just chalk it up to yet another one of lifes experiences ?
Any advice appreciated
xxxxxxxxxxxx
I bought an old used car 6 weeks ago from a small independant dealer, I signed a form saying that I was buying it as a "trade" deal.
The cylinder head needs replacing, the thermostat housing was leaking and the radiator burst.:mad:
Do I have any comeback, or should I just chalk it up to yet another one of lifes experiences ?
Any advice appreciated
xxxxxxxxxxxx
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Comments
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Sounds to me like someone put just water in instead of coolant and it's frozen.
Does it really need the cylinder head replacing or just the gasket? The cylinder head would usually only need replacing if the engine has overheated and been kept running while too hot.
Thermostat housing and radiator shouldn't be particularly problematic to sort out.0 -
The cylinder head has a chunk missing out of it, the housing was replaced 10 days ago. It's going to be an expensive repair0
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either one of these could have caused all 3 faults.
the radiator and thermostat will be cheap repairs and should be done when repairing the head gasket anyway in good practice.
change the water pump aswell while your at it.
try and get a tested recon head with some kind of garauntee....work permit granted!0 -
"Old Cars" need loving care,because they have not recieved any over the course of its short life, a trade car is that like sold as seen? If you like it spend some time and money on it. Yes I repair cars and have all the tools or buy what I need as and when and get on with it, much cheaper than a garage. Buy a brand new one and you get some piece of mine for a few years and some reliability thrown in, but old second hand or third hand then you better know what you are doing. As mentioned pop the head off and a new head gasket and thermostat (water pump?) and away you go.0
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It's a trade deal. There's no comeback.0
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^^WHS^^
its a trade deal if it blew up the day you bought it same thing applies.'Beware of little expenses. A small leak will sink a great ship'. -Benjamin Franklin.0 -
So if I sell an old clapped out car, all I have to do to get out of having any comeback is say it's a "trade deal"? All the second hand car dealers will be doing it.0
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I bought an old used car 6 weeks ago from a small independant dealer, I signed a form saying that I was buying it as a "trade" deal.
Presumably you are not a motor trader, so the whole "trade deal" thing doesn't apply. I would contact your local Trading Standards office, they may be able to bring pressure to bear on the dealer to contribute at least some of these repair costs.
I have been providing assistance, including Lay Representation at Court hearings (current score: won 57, lost 14), to defendants in parking cases for over 5 years. I have an LLB (Hons) degree, and have a Graduate Diploma in Civil Litigation from CILEx. However, any advice given on these forums by me is NOT formal legal advice, and I accept no liability for its accuracy.0 -
Hiya the Sale of Goods Act should still apply as the dealer was selling it in the role of a dealer, and therefore the car needs to be of suitable quality, as described and fit for the purpose.
Signing a piece of paper saying it's a "trade deal" shouldn't absolve the dealer of this liability. A car that breaks after a few weeks isn't fit for the purpose (unless you have abused it) and therefore you are probably entitled to your money back.
So, go and have a friendly chat, then if he won't give you a refund issue a letter before action and then take him to the small claims court (unless it was an expensive car in which case you'll be going to the proper county court - more care needed).
Small claims court is very inexpensive and the judges are quite friendly and helpful. There's virtually no risk of being found liable for the other side's costs if you lose and the process is simple. So don't be scared of going all the way if necessary!
PS I am a lawyer but this is outside my area of expertise and therefore this shouldn't be considered legal advice as your particular circumstances may vary. Please double check for yourself0
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