Faulty used car - what are my legal rights?
I bought a car, which less than 2 months down the line has a ruined fuel injector and ECU. I was not expecting such an issue because the engine management light was not lit. The car was never as exciting as I thought, I was always suspicious of its quality but I was reassured by the fact that the engine management light was not visible.
The mechanic is suggesting I bought a car with a non-functioning engine management light. He said he has seen this before. Some people actually disconnect or cover the engine management light so they have more chance when trying to sell a duff car.
I want to hold the dealer responsible for putting these problems right/refunding me but the car came with a 'service' and an MoT. Would proof of the MoT and service documents mean that I am unable to prove the car was faulty when they sold me it?
The mechanic is suggesting I bought a car with a non-functioning engine management light. He said he has seen this before. Some people actually disconnect or cover the engine management light so they have more chance when trying to sell a duff car.
I want to hold the dealer responsible for putting these problems right/refunding me but the car came with a 'service' and an MoT. Would proof of the MoT and service documents mean that I am unable to prove the car was faulty when they sold me it?
Asked on 7 May 2015 by JamesG
Answered by
Honest John
That is correct. The selling dealer is responsible for any major fault that is present or developing on the date of sale. If he refuses to fix it, you will need to prove that the car has a fault but you do not have to prove that it was present when you bought the car. The dealer's only defence is to disprove this, which he can't. Law here: www.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/consumer-rights/
Similar questions
I'm thinking of getting a moped for my 16-year-old son, putting the insurance in his name so he gets a year's no claims towards his car insurance at 17. Would this work?
Can an insurance company sue me because I was at fault for an accident and gave the other driver a false name and address?
I have two cars. Both are registered in my name, although one of these is mostly driven by my wife. To avoid complications, I now wish to transfer this car into her name. How and when is the best way to...
Elsewhere on 
