That friend has been silly

[confusedmate]

A friend has bought a car from a private seller. Spent 12k. Car worked at first now won't start. Looks like she's bought a duff. No answer from seller.

She stupidly paid by bank transfer as seller said they didn't have PayPal or anything?
When she went to buy it she said he was at his place of work. I said I'll go there with her.
Is there anything she can do? I fear not but thought I'd ask.

I had no idea she was doing this or would have warned her.

I also posted in legal.

Consider taking it to the garage first

Could be something very simple - then you’d look a bit foolish

Assume she checked MOT history prior to buying?

Private sale = no comeback.

Sold as seen, caveat emptor and all that. I don’t think she has any comeback when it’s a private sale.

A private sale is sold as seen, the seller has very little obligation to the buyer. The onus is on the buyer to carry out whatever checks they need to satisfy themselves that the car is worth what they are paying.

It is possible that it is a minor issue... sh3 should take it to a garage, see what is wrong with it and also get it serviced.

Lots of flat batteries in current weather. Have you checked it?

She has no comeback. The onus is hers to check the car.

It's not unheard of for the so called "private seller" to actually be a business seller. It would certainly be worth contacting Trading Standards who will be able to make enquiries and give advice.

No it isn't minor and something has been done that shouldn't have been? I haven't spoken to her much as both work alternate shifts and she works all hours.

It's definitely suss that he won't reply.

Hopefully it can be sorted?

She had to borrow half of the money. It's awful. Just wish she'd mentioned it to me I'd have gone with her when both off.

Nope you are incorrect.

If the car was presented as something it's not, then private sellers are held to account

Can you tell me any more please?