On the 23 October 2009 I purchased for my daughter a used car with 67,000 miles on the clock for £2200, but she did not use it until disposing of her existing car in January 2010. In May 2010, with only an additional 1050 miles on the clock, the timing belt failed and the RAC recovered the vehicle to a local garage with the resulting damage costing £1700. The original dealer declined any contribution as he had stamped 'trade sale' on the invoice when she signed it and he would only have provided six month guarantee in any event. When she questioned this additional 'Trade Sale' stamp he explained that it was because he was selling the car at trade price instead of 'through the trade because it was in such good condition'.

Local Trading Standards advised that whilst they may discuss the Trade Sale' issue, the fault arose too long after purchase for me to have any claim against the dealer, as the low mileage was not relevant. Do you agree this to be the case?