I'm an independent car trader and I buy and sell two to four cars a month as well as doing my day job.

I recently purchased a car from a private seller that was advertised through eBay. I carried the necessary HPI and VOSA check on the car, which was all clear.

I sold it on to a customer and she carried out the same checks on the car, the customer was later stopped by the police and car was seized, apparently the car had a stolen engine and gearbox.

I have been in touch with the police regarding the matter and they are saying insurance company has an interest in the engine and gearbox but not the car itself and they also arrested someone regarding the car.

I have also received an email from the customer threatening legal proceedings as the customer requires her money back or another car. Which I have no problem with as long as I get the car back from the police. The customer isn’t willing to wait for the police to finish the investigation as the whole process can take up to 4 months.

I will have to take a loss as the car may be returned back without the engine and gearbox.

I can’t get hold of the guy who I bough the car from and there is no reply at his address.

Can I legally ask the customer to wait for the police to finish with the investigation and then look to resolve the issue and how can I proceed with legal action against the guy who I bought the car from to retrieve my money?

I have bought the car in good faith and have sold it in good faith.