Unknowingly bought a write-off - What can he do?????

[James Edwards]

I own a Merc, enjoy the forums but would like some advice!
My brother bought quite an expensive motor. Then later found out it had been a write off. (fire) He was assured by the garage that it had NOT been a write off .
(By the way he took his local garage man with him to inspect & he considered the motor ok!)
I would like to help him as he does not have a computer!
The previous owner has sent engineers reports & photos
My brother had the car converted to LPG before finding out & now one of the head gaskets has gone! (fried??) So now it is sitting in his yard as the garage blames the LPG conversion for the problem!
To cut a long story short Trading standards are on to it and I want to know if he should start proceedings privately.
a) It needs a new head gasket + maybe other repairs
b) The resale value will be considerably lower as it has been a write off.
Anyone out there who can offer some advice will be welcome esp if they can recommend a firm who are experts on such claims.
There must be some people out there who have been caught, but tend to keep experiences such as this quiet. Why not debate it for the benefit of all of us, there are so many rip off people out there!
James from Kent
98’ 250TD sport Estate - 131K & going well!

 

[andy_k]

if the garage has assured him it had not been a write off then they are in breach of contract - getting the proof of this may not be quite so easy.

HPI checks cost so little and would have shown this up. if the dealer gave you an HPI certificate with the car the authenticity of this must be doubted and if the garage has forged it - then once again they are totally in the wrong.

If you have no proof of what the dealer said then i'm afraid as far as I can see you have very little grounds for any action. Trading standards may say differently.

As for the head gasket going - well, yes they do go, did your brother get a warranty with the car when he bought it? was the LPG conversion fitted by a reputable company as a poor conversion would in all probability contribute to excessive engine wear. I think Andy Gayle posted his (very learned) thoughts on LPG on another thread - it may well be worth searching for it.

Andy

 

[Rog_E]

If my memory serves me well (which will be a surprise ) it is a requirement for a TRADER to inform a purchaser that a vehicle is a write off.

I bought a 16V golf from a trader that had been a write off, I discovered it when I came to sell it.

Because he had sold it 'privately' as it was his wifes car (registered and bill of sale) I didn't have a leg to stand on.

As Trading standards are involved seek their advice, they are usually very helpful to us 'punters'.

 

[MotardMan]

HPI

If you want to establish the facts about the cars history, I would pay the £35 for an HPI check. It will not help you in your situation, but you will get the facts. Get the low down on what you can find out from the HPI web site at www.hpi.co.uk

My car showed a colour change that I was not aware of. It was innocent though, the car is smaoke silver, which appears gold in some lights. The V5 had the wrong colour stated at some time in its past, and this showed up on the HPI check. They can verify mileage and MOT history as well. Well worth it for peace of mind, and to establish what level of write off the car is, there are 4 differing catorgories.

 

[mikeanddot]

From the 31 March this year, any trader who sells a used vehicle with faults which are not declared at the time of sale is liable for the rectification of the fault(s) for a period of up to six months. This is now a legally binding obligation on the trader and you should make the fullest use of it as possible, in concert with local Tading Standards.
Bets of luck, from Mike.