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Discovered car I bought has accident damage, what are my options?

I bought my Honda Civic in August from a dealer with a clear HPI check and have done 4,000 miles, I took it to Honda dealer for an early service today and found out that the car was crashed by the previous owner and repaired without informing the insurance company. The front passenger side wheel is not located correctly in the wheel arch suggesting a bent chassis rail requiring rejigging, this will cost £500+ to rectify.

What are my options? When I was buying the car I noticed slight cosmetic damage to the plastic grille (indicative of a 5mph bump), I asked the dealer if the car had been crashed and he said no, it's got a clear HPI check. I negotiated a reduction for that, and several other reasons.

I got the car home and checked the tyre pressures and one wheel was down to 12psi, later discovered this was due to the wheel being so badly buckled it wouldn't hold air. I have written two letters requesting compensation for the cost of the replacement wheel and have had no response to either letter.

I really want to return the car and get my money back plus compensation for the time and money I have spent improving the car, is there any chance of this?

Thanks in advance.

Asked on 28 November 2012 by Hugo

Answered by Honest John
In that case, under the Supreme Court ruling in Clegg v Olle Anderson (trading as Nordic Marine) 2003, the dealer is 100% liable and must either take the car back and refund your money or fix it to your entire satisfaction. You are not entitled by this case law ruling to any additional compensation.
Tags: buying
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