Following the sale of my wifes Clio recently, we were under a bit of pressure to buy a replacement car. So, last weekend went to look at a Rover 25 (wifes first choice).
Now I consider myself to be fairly knowledgeable about cars and what to look for. FIRST RULE: Don't buy a car in the rain. Saturday evening, light fading and raining, we looked at the car. Exact words from me "we should come back and look in the dry." Wife was excited at the prospect of a good deal and telling me to hurry 'cause we had to pick up the kids. So, judging old chap who 'dabbles in home trading' and armed with clear HPI report bought the car.
Got it home, parked it on drive and left it pending 01st May. Two days ago, walked past it and noticed passenger window had dropped. Started to examine cause, noticed overspray, then the red paint under the blue. Car had been (badly) repaired along its whole offside and sill. Then noticed that it wasn't equipped with ABS as per the advert.
Rung chap up, explained what I had found. Explained my dilemma and the misrepresentation of the car. Said I didn't feel we had to resort to any legal nasties, but I did have access to free legal representation. Blow me down, he told me to bring it back and gave me (with muttered objections) a full refund.
Moral of the story. Always follow your own rules and don't always trust a clear HPI report.
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As an addition, anybody got a nice 5dr Rover 25 or similar to sell. £3500 cash burning a hole in my pocket.
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You jammy git! When I had similar issues with a gentlemanly home trader about 5 years ago, I ended up getting a visit from his "heavy" mates telling me to drop the court action if I knew what was good for me.
I took a pretty large hit on the car and he is probably still wondering how..... No, that one needs a pint or two to tell.
:o)
No Dosh. Don't get mad; get even.
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Rule no 3, never take the wife with you on first visit to car.
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