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Undisclosed faults on used car - what are my rights?

I bought a 2008 Vauxhall Zafira from a local garage in January this year. I was aware of a couple of minor cosmetic issues but this was to be expected due to the age of the vehicle. In the seven months that I've owned it I've noticed things wrong with it that I think the trader was well aware of. I also believe it has been in an accident and/or severely water damaged.

I regularly drive past the garage and have noticed that they have damaged cars delivered regularly and seem to be working with the body shop next door to them and scrap yard opposite them. I suspect they are bodging damaged cars and not telling the buyers on a regular basis. Is this legal? If not, who should they be reported to? Do I have a case for a refund after seven months of ownership?

Asked on 4 September 2016 by DANIEL H

Answered by Honest John
The greatest danger with this age of Zafira is a wiring fire caused by a short in the heater motor and a bodged resistor. But, since May 2008, any trader selling a car to a member of the public has to make them aware of any faults he is aware of under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. It's covered quite a long way down here: www.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/consumer-rights/
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