Car part exchange

[BillyNoMates]

I recently did a deal with a used car dealer.

I part exchanged my car (Car A) for a vehicle he had on offer (Car B).

I left Car A with him - totally owned by me with no finance and we transferred the V5C certificate to him for Car A and the V5C certificate of Car B to me.

The balance owing to me was �2005.00 as Car B was cheaper than Car A

I have a signed receipt / order form from the dealer to confirm the transaction.

I have heard nothing from the dealer until today when he rang up and said the deal is off because of a text message I sent. The text message was sent because no Emails or calls had been answered.

So they have Car A I do not have Car B and I have only received �550 of the balance owed to me.

Where do I stand ? My partner was with me throughout the transaction.

[tubeway]

You could sue for breach of contract - although a call to trading standards is usually enough to scare a car dealer into action

PS what did you say in your text?

[NORMANTHEDOG]

why did you not take car b when you gave him car a.

[BillyNoMates]

Thanks for the rep[lies.

I have been in touch with Trading Standards and they are looking into the matter.

The delaership have a website which allows Email feedback. I listed the problems with the car such that when it went for it's pre-delivery service all of the items were attended to.

As I didn't get a reply, nor did I get any response to 3 anserphone messages I left I texted both of the mobile phones of the owners stating that if the car wasn't right then I'd involve Trading Standards.

I didn't take Car B as it was untaxed and unserviced which was part of the deal.

I am a member of the RAC so will contact their Leagl Department tomorrow who I believe will be able to help.

[BillyNoMates]

Just a quick update - Trading Standards went to see the dealer in question and told them to give me the vehicle I had purchased.

Received it and still have all the outstanding problems with it that were present on the test drive.

The dealer has booked it into a Merc specialist tomorrow at their expense.

Thank God for Trading Standards.

[Matthewwhite1985]

As this post was written in 2007, I presume the issue has been resolved. However, it highlights the need to 'back yourself' in these kinds of transactions. I found this useful article that has more info about exactly how to get the best out of a part exchange: http://www.breakeryard.com/blog/top-tips-to-part-exchange-your-car/