So we found what we thought was a great car on this local garage website, of course it stated everything was perfect on it etc so we went over to have a look & test drive, found things werent perfect but the guy agreed to address everything we mark down, he would include it all in the price and that it would be ready to pick up yesterday with a full MOT. Silly of me I know but I paid in full as we wrote the list out and he signed/dated it.
Anyway, I went there as agreed yesterday and he assured me all was done etc and it had passed the MOT, so I checked it over and yes all seemed ok and the list had been done..........apart from..... the horn which wasnt working before had now been replaced by a "button" which he had made himself by drilling a hole under the steering column and sticking a switch on it!! He went on to explain its easy to do if you bend down and press it whenever you need to sound the horn!!!!! In addition to this, he said the radio just wont work as there is now an electric fault, the steering wheel controls now dont work due to this electrical fault and the passenger electric window now didnt work and was jammed in the "down" position!?!. I obviously said I wasnt having the car to which he has said "well the window issue & steering controls wasnt on the list (yes, because they were working before!!) that he wont be sorting that, the radio just wont work and cant be repaired apparently and as he has sorted out a button to replace the horn, he says it is legally roadworthy....
We got into a huge debate and I told him I wanted a full refund. I am delivering directly to him today a rejection letter (Ive left the car there also) quoting the sales of goods act and a copy of the original advert stating "CD player, steering controls, electric windows" etc showing the vehicle was misadvertised. He is sticking his heels in though. Surely I have a right to my money back(?)
Unfortunately, I paid half cash / 1/2 Debit Card so no comeback but Im really thinking that he surely hasnt got a leg to stand on. Its not a huge amount of money but its still my money and I need transport for work. I have the original advert and half of the listed items do not function. I think he is really sticking to his guns though as he is FULLY aware that nobody in their right mind is now going to buy this car from him in this condition and he has my money now.
I have some contacts at the SMMT / Motorcodes so I may mention that to him aswell or get them to give him a call....
It's now gone 2 o'clock so they should be back from lunch at your local trading standards office. woofgang has suggested you establish contact with the LTSO as quickly as possible......Give them a telephone call, immediately, is my advice.
Hi all, well after a huge show down and having to take some big burly men as back up, I got a full refund, Trading Standards were dragging a bit and I needed it resolved there and then. Anyway I went strait onto Auto Trader and there is the car, re-advertised at a HIGHER price (£300 more) and with 15,000 less mileage than when I got it. Yes same reg and apparently in "mint" condition so back on to Trading Standards. Can't believe these people can sleep at night!!
I named the garage that sold a duff car to my daughter , no come back so far. They still have done nothing even though the court ordered them to repay her £1500 . Last news was that they were in liquidation.
Ok well I won't directly name and shame for another few days but if you "happen to search" for a Meriva 1.6 2004 model for sale on Auto Trader for £1190.00 in the Bedfordshire area, 86,235miles in a baby blue colour reg starting YW04 stay well away!!!!!!! :))))
We all live and learn but you stick to your guns and don't sign anything more
as I am sure he would need you to sign on receipt of the car
Threaten him with a lawyer but don't take the car