Used car failed within five months of purchase - who's liable for the costs?
We purchased a used Citroen C4 five months ago and the car has now suffered a breakdown. The garage have told us the bearings have mechanically failed prematurely which has affected the cam belt, valves, pistons, etc. The car will cost half what we paid to fix it.
Where do I stand? Should this be a claim against Citroen or is the garage where I bought the car liable?
Where do I stand? Should this be a claim against Citroen or is the garage where I bought the car liable?
Asked on 31 July 2013 by DebbieH
Answered by
Honest John
In theory the garage that sold you the car is liable because the law assumes that any serious fault that occurs within six months of purchase must already have been developing on the date of purchase. Law here: www.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/consumer-rights/
Looking for a garage you can trust? Honest John's Good Garage Guide has thousands of reader recommended garages, plus how-to guides and tips on servicing.
The Good Garage GuideSimilar questions
I bought a second-hand Dodge (2008 model) around four months ago. The car was sold with a new MoT which had an advisory foe the rear subframe (corroded but not seriously weakened).
This week the axle...
I bought a 2009 MINI Cooper S in February. Since then I have put 1100 miles on it. About a month ago, I noticed it was making a strange screeching noise when I pulled away from a standstill. My local garage...
I bought a van on finance and have now found out that it's been clocked. The mechanic just found multiple issues and it needs new gearbox. I bought over the phone from a van company three hours away. It's...
.jpg)
