Rights when buying from a private seller?

I bought a car off a friend, the agreed price was £800 for an 02 plate Punto.

I paid her £450 when I picked it up and we agreed another £350 when I get paid at the end of this month. I have relocated 230 mile away. On the ride down the car started breaking down. I just managed to get it home.

The next day I called the garage and they picked it up and called me telling me the car requires a new clutch which will cost £357.

What are my rights regarding this? Can I refuse to pay her in order to use the money to fix the car?

I have contacted the seller and told her if she wants to come down and collect the car and give me my full £450 back we can call it quits but she doesnt seem willing to do that.

I have also later found out she hasn't sent the log book to the DVLA but i have got my new owners slip. I dont know what to do?

Asked on 14 June 2012 by Laurariley

Answered by Honest John
No rights. It was a private purchase of a cheap car. You can expect failures like this. The only rights you would have would be if the car was sold as roadworthy and it was in an unroadworthy, unsafe condition. She hasn't sent the V5C off because she doesn't yet have the rest of the money she is owed and that she remains owed. Sorry. Bad luck.
Dear Honest John,

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