Rejecting a car after two days!

[Incognito991]

I bought a car Friday 2 days ago, 69 plate. It broke down yesterday on the motorway, engine light came on and didn't start. Aa man took a look, said it was a clutch sensor/pedal which needs replacing. The car was towed to the original "car supermarket" type place where I purchased it on Friday.

So after a bit of umming and ahhing I have decided to reject the car, as I need a car that is reliable and breaking down on me after two days ownership is just not ideal. Having looked online I can also see people havng nightmares with this issue, ongoing problems and that is not a road I want to go down!

I have emailed the place this morning to advise I would like to reject the car and request a full refund. They have advised they will inspect the car, decide if its of unsatisfactory quality/unfit for purpose, and the case would be looked at by a senior Manager.

I have not done this before. Can anyone advise re what happens next if they do refuse the refund? Do I stand firm and repeat I am rejecting the car?

As I said, the car is already with the place I bought it, as I had AA tow me there yesterday.

As this is a second-hand car, the question is whether it is in good condition for its age and mileage. I have no idea how common this failure is or whether it is something that would be regarded as normal wear and tear on this vehicle. If it is normal wear and tear, you can't reject the car on this basis. However, if it is not normal wear and tear, you should stand your ground.

Hi @prh47bridge I'm not too sure if it's "wear and tear" it's more an electrical problem I think. The sensor was faulty therefore making the car unable to start. sorry, I forgot some important details, 69 plate , £12,000 and 48k miles.

I don't know the answer but did you pay on credit card as that'll at least give some protection i should hope?

@Arthurnewyorkcity Debit x

Electrical components can suffer wear and tear! For example, a brake light bulb failing would be regarded as wear and tear and would not be justification to reject the car. But I have no idea of the typical life of this component.

I would fight tooth and nail for a full refund. It’s broken down within two days and it’s now been towed back to the place you bought it, I mean for them it really does not look good does it? Threaten legal action, negative reviews the lot.

If you do get your money back, do not buy another car from one of these car supermarket type places. Get a used one from a main dealer.

@prh47bridge Thanks - I am a novice but know a brake light bulb would not warrant a refund. : )

@Moveoverdarlin I definitely plan to do that, thank you! (get one from a main dealer)

ok, quick call to Citizens Advice who advise that the dealers/garage should be allowed to look at the vehicle, and they may choose not to accept the return. if this happens the next step would be Alternative Dispute Resolution.

so therefore I will ask garage to inspect ASAP and also ask AA for a copy of the breakdown report for in the meantime.

oh, and apparently the onus is on me to prove the fault was there on purchase.

As per post in Honest John they've no choice but to accept a rejection at this stage.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/buying-or-repairing-a-car/problems-with-a-used-car/

Don't let them eat up the time you've got. Remove everything that's yours from it now. Leave all keys etc with them and tell them you're rejecting it. Confirm in writing.