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I bought a car with a mileage discrepancy - do I proceed through Trading Standards?

I bought a car from an independent car dealer at the start of July, which still had four months' manufacturer's warranty left. The car advert stated warranted miles and a full service history. Two weeks after purchase, I took the car into my local main dealer to get a windscreen washer unclogged. When they did the work they told me the car had a mileage discrepancy and, to my horror, the mileage at the last service was 70,000 more. The service book provided with car is also fake. I have spoken to the dealer I purchased the car from and stated I want a refund as the car is not as advertised. The dealer is refusing to give a refund, stating that they did not know about the mileage discrepancy and he is trying to contact the previous owner. If I go through Trading Standards and courts, is there any likely outcome or will this end up costing me in legal fees without any end?

Asked on 7 August 2010 by BobbyW

Answered by Honest John
The dealer is liable in law for the mileage discrepancy and if he cannot prove he showed 'due diligence' in checking the mileage, selling it to you with false mileage is a criminal offence. Immediately get local Trading Standards onto this with the threat of a criminal prosecution against the dealer.
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