Faulty used car purchased but from garage not local. SOGA Enquiry.

[Ludlum]

Hi. I recently purchased a used car from a garage some 85 miles from my home address. Within a couple of weeks I noticed a knocking and some steering issues.


It's a Volvo v70 d5 2005 with 220,000 on the clock.


I had the car inspected by an independent garage and also tasked a main dealer specific to the vehicle to carry or a full check.


They confirmed the following.
NSF lower ball joint incorrectly fitted and stub axle damaged in process
Failing lower gearbox engine mount (causing knocking)
PAS fluid leaking severely from steering rack
Air con condenser corroded and damaged.
Brake fluid thick and black
Left and right CV boot leaking.


The mot does state play in steering rack inner joints but does not mention a massive leak it also states NSF suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated.


Am on a losing streak as a result of what is mentioned on the mot or does the fact that they faults have been subject to professional scrutiny enable to me to make a claim against garage as they are blatantly a fault with the car. The main dealer stated that the NSF ball joint issue makes the car unsafe to drive and with he PAS leak, I have to keep topping up the PAS fluid once a week.


I wrote to the garage under SOGA and received a fairly polite reply, he stated he was not there to "maintain my car". I have pointed out that I just want the car to be roadworthy and asks him at minimum to finance the repair costs for steering rack, the ball joint and the engine mount.


He wrote back and said that under SOGA he is entitled to first inspect the car. However, he is miles away so do I have to travel to him or can he be compelled to attend to the car where it is. Especially as a main dealer has said it is unsafe to drive as a result of the ball joint and I have sent him close up photographs too.


Can I push for costs based upon the evidence I already have and the safety issues surrounding these faults or am I going to have to drive the car all the way back to him.


Am I able to be told who it is that will be inspecting the car if I end up taking it there.


Your collective advice would be much appreciated.


Ludlum

[charitynjw]

Re: Faulty used car purchased but from garage not local. SOGA Enquiry.

http://sogahub.tradingstandards.gov.uk/sogaataglance

http://sogahub.tradingstandards.gov....ecklist-12-13/

[bluebottle]

Re: Faulty used car purchased but from garage not local. SOGA Enquiry.

The Supply of Goods & Services Act 1982 permits the consumer to recover consequential loss from the supplier of the goods or services. The garage is right in that it has to inspect the items highlighted. Just out of curiosity, did the car have a brand new MOT certificate when you purchased it?

[CleverClogs]

Re: Faulty used car purchased but from garage not local. SOGA Enquiry.

The Supply of Goods & Services Act 1982 permits the consumer to recover consequential loss from the supplier of the goods or services. The garage is right in that it has to inspect the items highlighted. Just out of curiosity, did the car have a brand new MOT certificate when you purchased it?

And, more to the point, who tested the jalopy or who had it tested?

I'd suggest checking the MOT status (link), checking the MOT history (link) and perhaps contacting VOSA.(link).