new faulty car..

[dan no1]

my sister bought a new second hand car - an S reg (1998) Renault Clio 1.2. but there are a couple of problems with it - the speedometer does not work properly - it starts at 40mph (so if it says 60mph, she's doing 20mhp, i think) and the immobiliser has a fault on it. she bought it from a man who sells many cars from his house, as a business i think. is there any way that my sis can take it back and demand a refund or money back for repairs? thanks

[maviscoull]

if she bought it in the last week then i would say take it back to him. BUT......he will probably say it was sold as seen ! did he give her any warranty ?

[Toureman]

Traders who sell many cars from their house are still controlled by laws that apply to garages. Sold as seen does not mean anything, if the goods are not fit for purpose then tell him this and to repair it because selling a car that is illegal to drive, (because of the speedo fault) is illegal, let him know you will get in touch with the authorities, ie. trading standards, police, etc, if he won't help.

For the immobiliser fault see here...........

http://www.renaultforums.co.uk/search-148318.h tml

[dilligaf]

Try your local trading standards. I read some time ago that if this sort of person sells more than ?? cars per year he is classified as a trader and has to comply with the rules and regulations the same as the local car showroom.

As he is working from home are the income tax authorities aware, is he claiming benefit, is his home classified as a buisness premises for Council tax?

All ammo for you.
Good luck.

[rugeleyboy]

very good advice from the above but can i ask one thing?

have you spoken to the man who she had it off yet? i am sure that not all car traders are bad people?

it may be just a cable problem with the speedo (if it is a cable) and the immobilisor problem can be cured?