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Discovered accident damage on my new car - is the dealer liable ?

I purchased a Skoda Superb (2008 model) four months ago from a local dealer. The car only had 20 miles on the clock and was fine to start with, but a few weeks ago I had problems with the boot, which would not close.

I took the car back to the dealer and they fixed the problem. However, a few days later the problem started again and the boot appears to be out of alignment. I returned to the dealer and a technician said it looks like it has been in an accident. He then pointed out that both rear light fittings had been removed as all the plastic screw covers are missing.

If the car has indeed been in a crash, will the dealer be liable? Or will it be down to me to pay for the repairs?

Asked on 1 January 2015 by David

Answered by Honest John
The dealer is liable under the 2008 CPRs that protects purchasers agains misleading omissions by suppliers. See: www.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/consumer-rights/

Specifically the bit that begins: "The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 (CPRs) contains a general prohibition against unfair commercial practices and, in particular prohibitions against misleading actions, misleading omissions and aggressive commercial practices. The Regulations are enforceable through the civil and criminal courts......."
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