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Am I right to reject my car?

I bought a 2011 Berlingo Multispace diesel with 98,000 on the clock recently. I put a deposit down on the understanding that the clutch would be fixed as it had a rumble on it.

They fixed the clutch, I picked it up last week and drove it home after paying for it. On the journey home I didn't feel like I had full control of the car to the point where I pulled over to regather myself. I put this down to me getting used to the car.

The next morning I put it into my local garage as a precaution and they discovered that the front shockers were gone, the track rod end had significant play, rear tyre was punctured and worn at the sides and the front brake pads were worn with a 2mm lip.

I told the garage I wanted a refund and return of my cash and p/x car the same day, this was one day after I bought it. They have refused the refund and have told me I will have to take them to court. I have now formally rejected the vehicle after immediately stopping using it.

My question is: was I premature in rejecting the vehicle and should I give the garage a chance to rectify these other faults?

Asked on 15 January 2014 by anonymous coward

Answered by Honest John
In this case, no. Because the garage sold you a car in a dangerous condition and can face a criminal prosecution for doing so. Point this out to the garage owner.

He can refund your money no fuss. Or he can face criminal charges brought by Trading Standards for selling a car in an unsafe, unroadworthy condition followed by your small claims court case for recovery of the purchase price.
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