Three weeks ago I bought a 2001 Skoda Fabia from an individual who sells cars for a living. He doesn’t have a forecourt, but does have a website with multiple cars for sale. Since buying the Skoda I have discovered it has a major fault, with the head gasket failing within days of collection. I’ve had two garages inspect the car and both have said the problem was most likely there before I bought it, with coolant added to mask the problem.

I have written to the seller requesting a refund, but he has refused claiming he is not a business and was unaware of any problem. What are my rights in this situation? Would he be viewed as a private seller or is he still deemed a dealer/trader by law?