After a few weeks of research I purchased a 2001 VW Golf cabriolet on 6 July. The car was advertised on eBay, but due to being located only 40 miles away I visited the seller to view the car before agreeing to buy it. The car has had one owner from new and covered 51k miles. All the MOTs were supplied as were the handbooks and original keys including the plastic 'garage' key. The car had been on a private plate and was tested in June 08 and again in April 09, which is when I assume the car was traded in and given its age-related plate. It had covered 500 miles since the MOT. I thought I had checked that everything worked on the car and accepted it had the usual electric window problem. However, following a checkover by a local VAG specialist last week I was informed that the ABS speed sensor and airbag warning lights had been disconnected - something obvious I had missed. I have not asked for this to be investigated further yet but have gone back to the seller asking for him for answers as to why this had been done as it could shed light on the problem and give an indication on the work required (and the cost) to rectify it. The seller has a small sales unit on an industrial estate in Essex and informed me when I looked at the car that he 'gets a few cars from a friend who buys trade-ins from local dealers'. When I told him of the findings he said he had no idea and that I would have to speak to the previous keeper. I know that he is liable in law as he sold the car but can I demand that he fix or at least pay for these faults to be rectified? (I had already written to the previous keeper as I want to know if the
cambelt has been changed. Over a week later I have not received a reply despite including a SAE). As these warning lights are part of the MOT I can only assume that they have been disconnected since the test in April - unless it wasn't picked up by the tester - is this likely? Would VOSA or Trading Standards be interested in this case? What would you suggest I do? I did get the seller to sign a 'sales receipt' stating there was a 2 month warranty on the vehicle, witnessed by a friend, however he said he would only cover major items like the engine/gearbox.