Buying a used car - should I have to pay an admin fee?

A branch of a national dealership has a three year old Ford Kuga at a very good price. However the salesman quotes £99 administration charge to check HPI outstanding finance etc.

He gave me some guff about a logbook loans obtained while the car was on their forecourt. This is a national dealership - I consider that they should sell it me unfettered, and if subsequently finance is found to be outstanding it is their problem to sort - am I naïve or should I pay the fee? They want £14,500 for the car.

Asked on 5 November 2014 by Alan Orchard

Answered by Honest John
You are right. If someone took out a logbook loan on the car while it was on the garage forecourt then the garage would be legally liable. Up to the garage to pay for these checks. Not you. Tell the guy you'll give him £13,000 for the car, including the £99 admin charge.
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