Fair wear and tear on a previously owned car?

[astraman]

Hi i am voluntary terminating my cars HP contract as i am halfway through payments but the finance company says i am liable for fair wear and tear.The car was 3 years old when i purchased it and had slight scuffs on the front steel wheel and a scratch on the rear spoiler.I have maintained all aspects of the car which is now 6 years old including servicing and repairs.Am i responsible for the scuffed wheel and scratch on the spoiler which was already there when i took out my agreement.

[EcclesCake]

If you didn't make the HP company aware at the time of the pre-existing marks/damage then I would imagine you are responsible.

[Mamyalynne]

I agree at the time of the agreement being taken out a detailed inspection listing pre existing flaws should have been given to you.

[tonyav]

Yep, unless you can prove otherwise they will say that you are responsible for them. Is the scuff actually on the wheel or is it on the wheel trim ?
You could have the scratch on the spoiler repaired by Chips Away or similar.

[astraman]

Hi the slight scuff goes round the outer rim of the steel wheel iteself(alloy).Can i purchase from local shops the product to repair the light platic scratch on my rear plastic spoiler i.e halfords etc?

[astraman]

Hi i also purcahes the car at my local arnold clark whom gave no report on vehicle condition and advised me to go with this HP agreement as i could simply hand the car back halfway through and get another one.This was my first HP car and im just worried what sort of bill the HP company will provide.

[tonyav]

Hi astraman, Chips Away or similar can repair your alloy wheel, you could try some T cut on the spoiler scratch ( which you can buy from most car part / spares shops ).

[astraman]

Does the t-cut work on platic spoilers.Its the rear one on a hoda civic.Thanks for your advice.Much appreciated.

[tonyav]

Yes if it is painted.

[TWR]

This maybe a lesson learnt the hard way Astra, you should always check a hire / leased car & cars you hire when abroad, would there be any chance you finding out who the previous owner was? if so, contact them & see if these marks were on the car when they traded it in.

[BRIGHT SPARK]

Ask the lease company whether they follow the BVRLA fair wear and tear guidelines.Most do, you can download a copy and you will know exactly what you will be charged for.Get any repairs done before the hand back or you will be invoiced later...and at a far higher cost.As said any pre-existing damage may be charged to you if its outside the guidelines.