About the faulty used car I just bought?

[Orangepancakes]

Not sure if I'm in the wrong here.

I bought a second hand car from a dealer two days ago. It's a cheap, old car which I took for a test drive. I found 1st/2nd gear difficult to get used to, but stupidly thought that it was just the difference in driving a different car. I've also never driven a deisel car so assumed that was playing a part too.

However I've since noticed that there's clearly something wrong with I think either the clutch or the gearbox. The car occasionally judders in low gears and it's barely possible to drive it at slow speeds around a car park. It does drive well at higher gears, just the low gears that are struggling.

The car was up for sale as in 'excellent condition' and 'drives well' on the dealer website. I've contacted the dealer and asked for a return and refund. They initially tried the 'its an old car' line but have kindly agreed to have a look at it for me. Though, they are not mechanics!

I'm not sure if I have any consumer rights with regards to returns/trading standards. The car comes with no warranty/sold as seen and I'm concerned about what rights I have if any. Feeling very stupid today.

Diesels are different to drive, you often need a lower gear than you think you will. I have to put mine back into first when I want to speed up after slowing down at a roundabout etc. I stalled it repeatedly when I first got it, I was so embarrassed, but now I have got used to it it is fine. My previous diesel car would have pulled away in 2nd in the same circumstances, but would also have juddered.

Have a look ...

www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/advice/the-second-hand-car-i-bought-has-a-problem-what-are-my-rights

I think the main thing is to make it clear that you are rejecting the car. Don't agree to let them tinker around trying to fix it.

Oh, and make sure all communication is in writing, or that conversations are immediately confirmed by you in writing.

Sorry I meant to say that there's a slight grinding/scraping noise in the low gears too. It definitely is very different driving a diesel but I'm finding it hard to keep the car moving at slow speeds, even in first

I will keep everything in writing and will push for a refund when I go to the garage. I don't want them the tinker with it but I don't think I can just demand a refund?!

You need to keep the revs up above 3500 rpm to pull away in a diesel I was forever stalling mine before I got use to it

Unless it’s an old transit then you just let your foot off the clutch and your away.

I thought you had to give them an opportunity to fix before rejection? This might have changed.

I have rejected a car from a national dealer years ago, but this was after they had several attempts at solving the issues first.