Legal Eagle Column by Dean Durham.
Consumer champion & legal expert from
www.youandyourrights.co.uk
Don’t get caught out with a second hand car
Over the past few months I have received lots of emails from consumers who have had disasters with faulty second hand cars. Before you buy a second hand car here’s what you need to know:
Who are you buying from? If you buy from a dealer you will have the full protection of the Sale of Goods Act, which provides that the car must be: • Of satisfactory quality; • •
Fit for purpose and roadworthy; and as described in the advertisement
However, if you buy from a private individual the protection that you will get from the Sales of Goods Act is greatly reduced. Here the car only has to be as described in the advertisement and elsewhere by the seller. With this being the case if you buy from a private individual ask lots of questions about the car and insist that all of the answers are provided to you in writing, as this will extend the description of the car.
Check the paperwork This is an essential part of the purchase as the car’s paperwork provides information on the history and ownership of the car.
The Registration Document (V5) •
•
• •
Check that the person selling the car is shown as the keeper of the car;
The cars vehicle identifi cation number (VIN) shown on the V5 matches that on the actual car;
The details on the V5 actually match the car (ie: colour);
The V5 is an original and not a copy.
MOT •
76 If the car is more than 3 years old it must
have a valid MOT. As well as checking the actual certifi cate you can also check the car’s MOT history online using its registration (number plate) and either the MOT test number or the reference number
from the V5C registration
certifi cate. This will tell you the date of previous tests, the mileage readings at those tests and any reasons for failure.
Service History •
You should check the full service history of the car as this will give you an idea as to how well it has been maintained. This will also give you an indication as to whether the mileage displayed on the clock is correct.
In addition to checking the paperwork it is advisable to carry out an independent check in relation to the car. You can also carry out a search on the DVLA website.
Inspect the car Unless you really know your way around a car you should always get an independent mechanic to check the car for you. There are various national brands that can give the car a thorough health check for you at very reasonable prices and this will be money well spent. If you’re buying from a private individual insist on seeing the car at their house so that you have confi rmation as to where they live.
Paying for the car If you are buying from a dealer the safest way to pay is by credit card. This will therefore give you the protection of section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. This means that if anything goes wrong with the car and
To advertise in thewire t. 07720 429 613 e.
the.wire@btinternet.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100