Faulty car purchased from Colnbrook Motors (Slough). Wouldn't start next day. Sold as Seen.

[The_Mole_81]

Hi lovely people,

 

Situation:

 

I purchase a black 2007 mini cooper on Sat 5th March from Colnbrook Motors. I had it inspected by Click Mechanic prior to purchase and received a full report.

 

Couple of issues like needing a service and windscreen wiper but no alarm bells. Dealer did the service, RH wheel and wipers.  The owner gave me £250 discount as 12k mileage had been removed in 2020 which I discovered when I ran a financial check. Wasn't bothered as I don't intend to sell on the car. I bought it just for school runs as a second car now we have moved to a more remote part of the UK. All good so far.

 

The very next day I went to start the car and it didnt start first time. This happened the following day too so I got another mobile mechanic out to take a look at the car.

 

He said that there is an issue with the coolant (car doesn't heat up internally; car fan turns on immediately even if only run for 30s) or the head gasket is going (oil water mixing residue on cap and pipes into engine.) Obviously I was alarmed as head gasket is expensive

 

Wed 9th I called the dealer.

Was told someone would call me back (they dont have an email) and no one did, I called today. The owner Sunny got incredibly aggressive and said my mechanics are crap and I am paranoid. He will see me in court as I signed a legally binding contract (attached).

 

I understand the CRA 2015 and know that Sold As Seen isnt a thing that dealers can hide behind, but given I signed something I am now not sure if I have a leg to stand on.

 

I managed to calm him down and he has agreed to look at the car this coming Wed at noon and show me all is ok. And a one point he said he would fix it but there wont be a problem as I am being paranoid.

 

Does anyone have any advice from here - esp. about the contract piece as I think it affects the way I play this?

 

Thank you so much in advance, Alex

Colnbrook Paper.pdf

[dx100uk]

Doesnt matter what you signed.

A trader knows full well they cannot sell a vehicle sold as seen and walk away if you are a member of joe public and not a trader yourself.

yes nail him under cra 2015

 

do you want to keep it?

 

Dx

[Homer67]

Minis of that age are notoriously unreliable and suffer with all sorts of problems, it is not a car I would have chosen as a runabout. IMO I'd reject it as you are entitled to and get your money back and get something else like a Nissan Micra of similar age.

[The_Mole_81]

I am not bothered about keeping it. I would like to return it and get a full refund. 

 

I was just worried that the paper I signed is legally binding and would mean I therefore cannot take him to small claims court

 

Thanks for responding