How do I get a response from this car dealer?

[nowheels]

Last month I bought a second hand car. It was advertised on Autotrader as being sold by a limited co but when I actually went to view and buy it, the guy is basically trading off his driveway and the payment went to him as an individual.

Anyway the car itself is generally ok. However when I bought it he told me that he was waiting for a replacement key (I only have 1 currently) and spare tyre, and that he would drop these to me once he got them, he expected in the next 7-10 days.

It's now a month later...heard nothing. I have text twice to ask whats going on - no reply.

I'm quite annoyed about it, I have a load of shit going on in my personal life so chasing this fool up is hassle I can do without. But I feel if I don't hes getting away with it. I paid a generous price for the car on the basis I was getting the key and tyre.

So how do I play this? WWYD?

You're not getting that key or tyre, I'm assuming you got nothing in writing?

I didn't get it in writing. I did have my partner with me though.

I agree with MrsStrowman, I don't think you'll be getting them, not sure how your partner being there would make a difference.

Sorry - meant to say he was there when the discussion took place.

I am so annoyed with the guy I'm going to report him to the council for using his home to sell cars from (I am pretty sure that's illegal) but I'd like to get the bloody tyre and key first. Or the cost equivalent.

I will take it to Small Claims if need be but I'm trying to give him a chance before that.

Honestly what a dick.

You won't be getting the tyre or key without a legal battle and is it worth it for the couple hundred quid value?

I had similar when buying an approved used car from an official dealership. Was promised a free bootliner but when I turned up to collect the car it wasn't there. Told out of stock. Followed up a few times in the following couple of weeks but never surfaced. Considering it was only worth about £50 I just gave up on it. I had no paperwork to prove that was agreed - wasn't listed on the invoice for example.

Chalk it up as a lesson learned - get everything in writing, even when dealing with a big reputable company.

It's closer to 300. And a money claim online is a 5 minute job to do, he's too thick to manage to file a defence so I expect I'll just get judgment.

I'm so fucking annoyed that little prick thinks he can get one over on me.

It's closer to 300. And a money claim online is a 5 minute job to do, he's too thick to manage to file a defence so I expect I'll just get judgment.

Which you then have to enforce. If he's an old hand at this, he'll have no assets, nothing in his name, and you'll have wasted your £35 (is it still that ?).

I know where he lives, he is also 'operating' a limited company. No reason to think there aren't enough assets either in his name or the companies. His house is worth 4-500k so really he doesn't need this money.

Tell him that you assume he’s running a professional business and therefore expect to receive your key and tyre. Because you’d just hate to find out that actually he isn’t a professional, as then you’d have to report him to the council for running an illegal business from a residential address. And obviously you’d also have to report him to HMRC because he wouldn’t have paid his tax. You’d hate to do that so if he provides your key and tyre then obviously you’ll say no more about it...

If he's got a Fb account or twitter, put your complaint out there in public. I find this can get results where other methods fail.

Does he live near to you?
Can you pop by with your dp and just say you've come to collect the tyre and key and see what he says?