Trader refused repair/replacement after engine failure

[Thomas Hall]

I bought a 2019 courier van from a trader at the end of June, which 3 months later has had engine failure and needs a new engine. The trader has fed me a pack of lies and refuses to repair or replace as per the Consumer Rights act, so after a couple of weeks of trying to reason with them I’ve sent them a letter before action today and will most probably be pursuing a court claim.

so, my main question is, can I go ahead and repair the vehicle? I’m without a work vehicle at the moment and really struggling. I’m worried the court may ask them to repair the vehicle, which means I may have to wait months before I can get it back on the road.

And will I need an engineers report for court? As apparently the onus is on the trader to prove there wasn’t a fault at the time of purchase. But obviously if I go ahead and repair the van then there won’t be evidence.

im so stressed and confused, if anyone has any advice it’d be greatly appreciated.

[DE DOGS]

Personally, I would employ a Company such as the AA for a written report that will stand as evidence if this then develops into a court case, no point employing a garage that will not support the evidence. Plus that will prove your claim.