Missing paperwork & keys from vehicle I purchased weeks ago. Would I win in court?

[Tez4b4]

I purchased a Vehicle from an internet site (Private sale) £1200. I asked questions before bidding & was told (Via messages) that he has all the paperwork & spare keys, on arrival 3 hours away the vehicle was there & said the V5 other paperwork and other keys are not & he would send them on later, I agreed to this paid in full & took the vehicle. I still have not received the other items & he is not answering my call/ messages this is weeks later. The vehicle is worth less in value without these items. Do you think I would win in the Small claims court if I asked for my money back & travelling expenses as I have not received the paperwork/ keys missing?

[des8]

You can get a duplicate V5C (https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-log-book)
Depending on what the vehicle is, keys will be obtainable.

What documentation is missing that will make a great deal of difference to the vehicle's resale value, bearing in mind the price you paid?

I doubt the wisdom of stressful court action, and winning is always a bit of a lottery.,

[Tez4b4]

Hi Yes The duplicate V5 will cost me £25 I think? (I will pay this if I have to) The vehicle Service history, spare keys & old Mot certificates have not been forwarded etc.

[swiss_toni]

Arent't all the old MOTs online now, at least the last few years?

[Tez4b4]

Yes the vehicle as only done 10,000 mile (1999 year) I think it would make a few hundred pound in difference to the value as it would be proof of the history.

[Tez4b4]

Yes I could get some of the details on line, I think the genuine booklets/Mot certificates are much more valuable. Please tell me if you think I.m wrong, and It is not worth pursuing?

[swiss_toni]

I'm no expert but if you can see the full MoT data for the last 5 years in full inc. reasons for failure (if any) on anything earlier would surely be considered a nice, but not valuable, bonus? Its unlikely the car was sat around without an MoT for the previous 12 years, plus 3 from new, although that might explain the alledged low mileage I suppose. Alternatively, perhaps the seller is trying to hide the real mileage.

Regards service history, was it presented as 'full' or 'some'. Either way this could still just be an 'honest belief' and paperwork not guaranteed unless specifically promised.

[Tez4b4]

Ok Thanks for the replies. I guess I've learnt a lesson by paying in full & being to trusting. Its nice to have your other views on this matter.

[pt2537]

Ok Thanks for the replies. I guess I've learnt a lesson by paying in full & being to trusting. Its nice to have your other views on this matter.

you could apply for an order for specific performance, if he hasnt complied with his contractual obligations and damages alone wont resolve the problem then you could apply, that would if successful get you a court order compelling him to do what he said he would.

[MrSandman]

Hey! How did your story end? I have a similar problem right now. And I really don't know what to do. Maybe I should call a locksmith so he just instal another lock on my car? The point is - what if I just ignore the fact that I don't have keys. And the paperwork... well, maybe I can restore it another way? I even know a locksmith (http://www.locksmiths365.ie/) which can change a lock on my car. At least, I think so... They did it just perfect with my house door.

[ostell]

You should be able to get a spare key for the car from a dealer as long as you gave an original key.* But be prepared for the price!!