Bought a faulty car.

[Dlkc111]

I did no threaten to take to court in my letter. Just they have 14 days to respond.

[Dlkc111]

The garage only wrote in an email they confirm the seals are rotton and nothing more. I have the receipt from previous repairs and a AA report from when we called them out saying possible engine damage.

[des8]

Which seals are rotten?

If you take this to court, you have to prove the vehicle was unsatisfactory when you took delivery, or that it was not as described.

You should be writing a "Letter before action", warning the dealer that if he does not refund you, you will initiate court action.
There's a template here; https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/la...-court-action/
and more can be found here: https://legalbeagles.info/forums/for...Before-Action=

Perhaps post up before sending so it may be tweaked

[des8]

"the seals are rotton"??

Do they mean the sills are so heavily corroded the vehicle would not pass an MoT test?

[Dlkc111]

They just said seals on both sides, there is a whole heap of other things wrong too which they have not mentioned as the engine light is on and the car does not drive.

when buying the car and driving it home, the heater was blowing out hot air constantly however as they told us the car was sold as seen and they have no responsibility for the car when we drive it out, I felt this issue was not the garages problem (even though they confirmed the car had no faults). It’s also an old car. As the car was driving and everything else seem to be ok, I thought nothing more of it. After the 9th day when I called the AA out and they told us what the problem was I researched it and erratic heating is a symptom of heater valve leak problems.

there is also a food container lid budged under the bonnet amongst the engine, tubing etc.

Thank you for your help, do I need to try and get a report from a mechanic?

[des8]

I think it would be a good idea to get a report on the vehicle condition, which could specify if any faults were present when purchased.

Are you a member of AA? they do vehicle examinations and also give legal advice

Before ordering a report can you visit the garage and ask them what they mean by "rotten Seals"?
If they are referring to the sills on either side of the underneath of the car (which is what I think they mean) photograph the corrosion.
It might not be necessary to get a report

[Dlkc111]

Hi

Just looking at the MOT report this was in it as an advisory, the MOT was done in April 22

• Nearside Rear outer sill corroded weak not affecting structeral strength at axle mount
• Offside Rear outer sill corroded weak not affecting structeral strength at axle mount
• Nearside Front floor corroded near suspension mount not significantly weakened
• Nearside Front Power steering pipe/hose slightly corroded (2.1.5 (g) (i))
• Rear fuel filter only secured by a tie strap

Probably the problem with the sill is likely my fault for not checking the mot history. He told us there were a few advisories but not serious.

Apart from the sills I know they sold me a faulty car and knew this which is why they kept saying if anything goes wrong they are not responsible.

I may try to get a report anyway.

[Dlkc111]

However I assume by the time we bought the car they may have been even more rotten where it would now fail an MOT test. Our garage said completely rotten. We bought the car just over 4 months after it’s MOT test. Given the advisory’s is there any point still asking the garage for photos?

[des8]

If the sills are as corroded as your garage states, photographic evidence could help your claim.
Just pop along and get a few snaps on your phone which you can then keep.

Did you go back over the MoT record to check the mileage?

[Dlkc111]

March it passed MOT not April. Yes the MOT history appears consistent. The car is back home, ill some how try and get photos even if we jack the car up. The car does not drive unfortunately.

[Dlkc111]

Please see attached photos

[Dlkc111]

Another pic

[Dlkc111]

Looking at these photos, think they may have sold us an unroadworthy car.

[des8]

assuming those areas of corrosion are on load bearing sections, they give rise to concern

Have you yet drafted your letter before action?

[Dlkc111]

I sent them a letter a while ago special delivery but been delay due to strike. Is this what you mean? I have no written no other letters.