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The car I bought from a dealer looks like it's been involved in an accident - what are my rights?
Five months ago purchased a one owner Fiesta from a dealer with a 12 month Ford warranty. Just after delivery, I contacted the dealer explaining that the boot wasn’t opening/closing correctly and they replaced the struts free of charge.
This week, the boot lid has again started playing up and I'm finding it increasingly difficult to open/close the hatch. This afternoon I noticed a mark in the paintwork, too, on the nearside rear wheel arch. My neighbour looked at the mark on the paintwork and thought it looked like filler had started to split. There is a definite lip in the thickness of the paint
I wonder if this marking on the bodywork is linked to the boot problem. Perhaps the car has been involved in a previous accident? If this is the case, would I have any comeback against the Ford dealer?
This week, the boot lid has again started playing up and I'm finding it increasingly difficult to open/close the hatch. This afternoon I noticed a mark in the paintwork, too, on the nearside rear wheel arch. My neighbour looked at the mark on the paintwork and thought it looked like filler had started to split. There is a definite lip in the thickness of the paint
I wonder if this marking on the bodywork is linked to the boot problem. Perhaps the car has been involved in a previous accident? If this is the case, would I have any comeback against the Ford dealer?
Asked on 26 July 2021 by Albert Greenway
Answered by
Dan Powell
The dealer has a legal duty to tell you about any known accident history (as per the Consumer Protection From Unfair Regulations Act 2008). If the car was advertised as being in 'good condition' then you will also have grounds to demand a refund under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
Ask the dealer to inspect the car (and the paintwork) and provide a report on its condition. If you are not satisfied with the quality of the inspection (or the dealer doesn't take your complaint seriously) you can seek a second option from an independent garage. If the car been involved in a smash then you will be entitled to demand a refund or repair.
Ask the dealer to inspect the car (and the paintwork) and provide a report on its condition. If you are not satisfied with the quality of the inspection (or the dealer doesn't take your complaint seriously) you can seek a second option from an independent garage. If the car been involved in a smash then you will be entitled to demand a refund or repair.
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