Buying a 2ndhand car 500 miles away...rights?

[Parisien]

As a bit of pre-purchase research am checking out options open to me. The car is 13 yrs old, is being supplied with a warranty which I now realise isn't worth the paper they are written on.

 

I will be doing a full and thorough check of all systems, plus a 45 min test drive, before paying balance due.

 

Basically, if the car gives up on way home, do I get the breakdown guys to take back to dealer or taken to my home ( involves a ferry crossing too!....but not to Paris!)?

 

If taken home can I insist they come and collect it if report on failure significant?

 

How long do I have to reject it if a problem arises?

 

Any advice gratefully received.

 

P

[kirkbyinfurnesslad]

Erm don't just dont

[havinastella]

Is this from a 'proper' dealer or just someone's drive?

 

If you are buying from a dealer you have different rights than buying from a private individual.

[Parisien]

Yes, a dealer with an Auto Protect warranty, hence the ducking behind the wall!

 

P

[Parisien]

Yup......these guys...........eeeeekkkkk

 

http://www.reviewcentre.com/reviews243895.html

 

Would dearly love to see some positive reports but alas......

 

P

[havinastella]

IMHO I would stay well clear and go somewhere else.

[Parisien]

Apart from the don't do it replies, my rights?

 

P

[havinastella]

Apart from the don't do it replies, my rights?

 

P

 

The problem here is NO ONE will know.

 

You can claim they are a dealer and if the car goes wrong, you could try to sue them. They have probably had so many different names and Directors, you would never recoup your money.

 

They may be a fantastic company and look after your every need, you decide.

[scaniaman]

Irrespective of age etc etc it is seldom wise to purchase any vehicle so far from home. If it goes wrong the dealer is under no obligation to recover the vehicle to his premises or indeed anyone elses.

Repairs perhaps but recovery no.

[Parisien]

Just doing some searching, on this thread, in posts 6,7,9.....seasoned members say its up to the seller/dealer to arrange pick up and repairs if it goes wrong, correct or?

 

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?395811-Had-car-for-2-hours-and-it-broke

 

 

P

[sailor sam]

I'm not sure that case was the same as this. The OP in that one wasn't 500 miles away I don't think!. It would really depend on the circumstances and would probably have to be tested in court to whether they are responsible for recovery or not. I would imagine that you would end up arranging to have the car recovered to the seller and then pursue him for the cost.

 

I would not advise buying a car from a seller who is a significant distance away but is you choose to go ahead, perhaps you should establish what the seller is prepared to do in the event of a problem.

Edited September 29, 2013 by sailor sam

[Parisien]

Thank you for all the replies to my query.

 

P