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

"Sold as seen" - what does it actually mean?

When a trader uses the language "sold as seen", is this legal? If so what rights do I have if something does go wrong?

Asked on 8 March 2016 by honestshaun

Answered by Honest John
If the car is sold as a non runner for refurbishment by the buyer then it is "sold as seen". If it is sold as a runner, then it has to be legal and has to run. Obviously how well it can reasonably be expected to run and for how long depends on the price paid. You can't expect much for a car under £1000. You can expect a decent life from an ordinary car sold for £2000 or more.
Dear Honest John,

Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:
    Select a few terms below
Similar questions
I've recently been battling the DVLA and collection agent about a car I sold in 2015. When sold, I filled out the V5C, had the buyer fill out their part and sign a receipt of sale. It was all addressed...
I'm thinking of selling my BMW 3 Series privately. It was declared Cat D in 2014 and had an engine replacement after I bought it back from the insurer. Since then, it has been okay. If I sell privately,...
I bought a vehicle and paid in full for it, only to find on the trip home there was a gearbox problem. I then found out that only the seller singed the logbook. I have the vehicle and one half of the logbook...
 

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