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Intergalactic

I purchased a used 106k-mile Ford Galaxy 1.9 diesel automatic from a garage in Lincoln in April 2007. In the first month the gearbox had to be replaced at extra cost to myself. Since then I have had numerous other bits and pieces of work carried out and have decided to cut my losses and part-exchange the car for something else. Today I purchased a car from another garage and offered the Ford Galaxy as part exchange. The garage completed an HPI check and informed me that in September 2006 the Ford Galaxy had a mileage of 217,000, which showed on the MOT certificates. I was sold the Galaxy with history showing mileage up to 98,000 and that it was a fleet car. I contacted the fleet company today and was informed that the car was never registered on their books and that all the paperwork I have is a forgery. Is there any advise that you can give.

Asked on 14 February 2009 by

Answered by Honest John
Contact the Trading Standards Office for the area where you bought the Galaxy, and sue the trader using the small claims track at the county court for your 'reasonable' losses suffered as a result of his deception. Obviously if he gets sent down for what is a criminal offence, then you won't stand much chance of getting any money out of him and could eventually suffer some degree of retribution, so try to work towards getting compensation rather than revenge.

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