What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Faulty used car - can I demand a refund?

Last year I bought a Volkswagen Polo from an authorised dealer. The car was an ex-demonstrator and had just 7000 miles on the clock. Over the past few months the car has been suffering from a number of faults and is on its fourth set of injectors.

Last week the car broke down again and I was told the compression unit has gone. I'm very unhappy as the car hasn’t worked properly since I bought it, can I reject it as it’s not fit for purpose?

Asked on 8 September 2013 by Sian Williams

Answered by Honest John
Law here: www.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/consumer-rights/

Since the evidence shows that the car has been faulty almost since you bought it, you could quote Clegg v Olle Andersson 2003 House of Lords and demand a refund or replacement car. If the total amount involved is less than £10,000 you can take the matter to the small claims track of the county court. Discuss this with the supplying dealer who may capitulate and throw in the towel. He will know he is legally liable, but car dealers are notoriously tight.
Similar questions
My daughter has seen a car for sale, but it's off the road and is not taxed or MoT'd. How can it be legally driven to the garage to be tested?
Last week I bought a 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 for £1799. It was cosmetically very good inside and out and had a full service history. I checked the oil and it was clean and up to the maximum mark, so I bought...
I purchased a 2010 Volkswagen Polo on behalf of my Mum from a local authorised dealer. Within a week of getting the car, my Mum noticed a clunk upon starting the engine and movement in the gear stick....
Related models
Neatly styled and easy to drive. Room for five. Most come with full size spare. High quality interior. Double folding rear seats give flat load area. Frugal 1.2 TDI BlueMotion.
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer