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Car we're getting has lots of issues.

10 replies

cardestroyedluton · 04/11/2023 13:12

Our car was destroyed in the Luton Airport fire. It was reliable and in really good condition. It was a very good price, so we can't get one like it for the same price and condition

We've been paid by our insurance company, but had a limited time to find a new car or our policy will be cancelled.

We found a car. Not the same model, but the same make. It's from a dealer that only deals with this make. They have excellent reviews, and their own workshop. They are, however, a significant distance from us, so we'd need to get a couple of trains.

We contacted the company about the car, they said it was in excellent condition, they were going to MOT it though, as they did all cars.

It passed it's MOT, with no advisories, we were happy. But...when we phoned them about coming to see it, they said that the AC wasn't working, so they needed to fix it. It took a week, then it was fixed, we paid a holding deposit.

We arranged to go down this weekend to look at it and get it. Then we were told there was a problem with a door not opening, but it was an easy fix, they would phone us (on Friday morning), and we could tell them what time we'd be there.

They didn't phone yesterday, so we phoned this morning to find out there is now a problem with the suspension. They've tried and failed to fix it, but it needs to go to the manufacturer to be fixed.

DH still wants it...I'm now unsure and think we should pull out and ask for our holding deposit back. We can't go anytime next week anyway, as DH is working and our insurance is about to run out.

I feel uneasy as although the AC and door were little things, that showed care on the side of the sellers, I'm confused about how a car that hasn't driven anywhere, has suddenly developed a fault with the suspension, just days after passing it's MOT. As I said, the dealer lives a long way from us, so if something went wrong just after buying, we'd have to somehow get it back there.

OP posts:
vipersnest1 · 04/11/2023 13:18

Don't buy it. Too many issues.

margotrose · 04/11/2023 13:23

I wouldn't buy it. Every second-hand car I've bought has sailed through an MOT and had no mechanical or electrical issues. Our dealership even put new tyres on for you if the current ones are close to being a problem.

Yetanothernewname101 · 04/11/2023 13:52

I agree, you need to walk away and find a different car. Preferably one that's nearby and you can go see it etc...
I don't see what the rush is to get a new car because your insurance will be cancelled. You can buy new insurance for whatever car you get, can't you?

cardestroyedluton · 04/11/2023 15:07

Thank you all

OP posts:
HappiDaze · 04/11/2023 15:11

Never buy a car with issues

HappiDaze · 04/11/2023 15:12

My second hand car is a Ford and I bloody love it. Nothing has ever gone wrong with it and it drives like a dream

I had plans to buy a completely different make but I tried mine out and it was better and cheaper

wited · 04/11/2023 15:12

Don't buy it. We had a problem with the AC in a car and it was never properly sorted. It would work for a couple of weeks then need regassing etc. eventually they said they'd need to remove the entire dashboard to try and sort the compressor but said unless we loved the car their advice would be to sell it (we know them well)

Some poor sod bought it at auction

YourWinter · 04/11/2023 15:14

Walk away

SoddingWeddings · 04/11/2023 15:25

Run away! We've just spent a fortune trying to keep out last heap on the road for a year. DH hit a deer in it last month and it's a financial write off. We've financed a 5yo car and it's an absolute relief not to be dealing with yet another round of "what's making that noise" every week.

cardestroyedluton · 04/11/2023 17:22

Well the plot thickens....just got my sister to phone up and enquire after it. They mentioned it has a clean history, FSH and that she is welcome to go and view it!!!

No mention of the problems they've told us.

What's worse - we've paid a holding deposit and they're happy to show others it!

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