Bought stolen car from auction...

[Seamus70]

Unfortunately we have found ourselves in a rather unsavoury position:

 

We bought an imported LHD UK registered car from a local auction house in March which was on sale as a result of a repossession order, with High Court details confirming release of the car. It was a non runner but it was believed it purely needed a key cut & programmed due to being recovered/repossessed. We have since discovered that the auction house tried to get a key cut back in February but to no avail, although the dealer says they only told the auction house a block was on the car preventing a new key but not the reason why.

 

Having attempted to order a key and have it programmed at another main dealer, they were unable to do so either and it turns out Interpol have confirmed the car was stolen from another country 3 years ago and the manufacturer head office put a block on the chassis number to stop the key being re-coded. The auction house listed the car as HPI clear, which it was as far as the UK is concerned as there is no cross boarder sharing of this information!

 

The car is currently sat at the dealers as the Police and manufacturer head office states it cannot be moved until title is confirmed.

 

The auction house state they have followed due diligence to ensure the car was of clear title and available to sell, however as I understand my contract is with them and they should therefore reimburse the funds rather than wait for funds from the bailiffs that instructed them to sell??

 

Any help greatly appreciated.

[renegadeimp]

The way i see it, its the AH's problem. Theyve handled and sold stolen property. They are the ones that should be dealing direct with the police and refund you as a matter of course.

[rebel11]

Hi Seamus70

 

Welcome to CAG

 

How did you pay?

[Seamus70]

Hi Rebel11,

 

Thank you.

 

The car was bought across 2 cards, 1 Visa debit and 1 Credit card.

[rebel11]

Hi Seamus70

 

I don't see any reasons why the Auction House should hold on to your money, it's their problem, you have just been caught up in it.

 

Contact your Debit Card (Chargeback) and Credit Card (section 75) provider, ask to do a Chargeback / Section 75.

 

Amend the templates, send them Recorded Delivery. Send any supporting documents.

 

http://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/problem/how-do-i-use-chargeback

 

http://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/regulation/section-75-of-the-consumer-credit-act

 

 

 

Hi Rebel11,

 

Thank you.

 

The car was bought across 2 cards, 1 Visa debit and 1 Credit card.

[Seamus70]

Thank you for your advice, greatly appreciated. I will of course update with the outcome.

[scousepie]

you say the AH tried to obtain a key back in Feb then they must have been told it was Blocked/Stolen by the dealer surly..... Passing on stolen goods,,, contact the press.

[CrappoMan]

...although the dealer says they only told the auction house a block was on the car preventing a new key but not the reason why...

 

You can be sure that the AH knew there was something dodgy when they found out about the block. The chose not to ask the dealer the real reason why.

 

Now they are relying on 'plausible deniability', but they should have performed proper due diligence and asked.

[Conniff]

They cannot sell the car unless the have legal title to it, so get your money back.

[oddjobbob]

Yes, send a letter before action, then take them to court and get your money back, they cannot sell you a stolen car.

 

 

The auction house will in turn need to get the money off whoever entered the car in the auction, it is not your problem.