To think the mechanic that dh bought his van from should give him his money back

[blindinglight]

Dh bought a van from a local mechanic who has done work for him in the past. 3 days later a knocking noise is heard and it turns out the van needs a new engine. Another grand to fork out on top of the £5000 already spent.

Are we within our rights to ask for his money back and tell him to keep the heap of scrap?

Depends. If it's a private sale, it's bought as seen.

Ugh so we have no hope of getting our money back?

Was it sold with a warranty or as part of the mechanics business, or was it a private sale?

Well, if I sold you my car, its your responsibility to check it over and it is bought as seen, caveat emptor (beware the buyer).

If the mechanic has a business though, there is probably a differnt legal stand point as he may well be a trader, in which case sale of goods act would apply.

So is he a trader, or just someone who dabbles on the side?

If he does a lot of the local work, it is unlikely he will want to damage his professional reputation. Appeal to his better nature.

you have a lot more "rights" than you think/are being told on here , you must contact trading standards/a slicitor who specialises in this area of law, what is important is you do not wait for days on end!