Can I return faulty used car?

[pokemeinthemorning]

Hello,

After getting rid of my old car, I spent a couple of weeks using taxis until I found something. I'm automatic only and it was very difficult to find anything within budget near to me. I was getting pretty desperate as I have 3 kids ( 2 different schools + medical probs) and work every day. I am also on my own with the kids so nobody to help ferry us around.
I've always seen cars in the past and been to look and had inspections done beforehand but money was tight.
I looked carefully for 5 star reviews on Auto trader and singled out any that had bad ones.
I saw one that was close to my budget and we agreed to have to it sent down to me from about 70 miles away.
All seemed good until it arrived. Battery was completely dead and tank was on empty ( neighbour offered to jump start but without enough fuel to run 30 mins, i guessed it was a bit pointless.). Agreed with the dealer to pay for a new one to be fitted at my house which was done yesterday. I'd not been able to drive it until today as it was fitted after dark. I noted on delivery that the AFL lamp (Insignia) warning light was on and needed to be serviced which I told him. He said that was because of the battery but it's still on now after the new one. What's more, the full beam in manual will not work. After reading the internet I think the AFL lamp warning and this issue is connected.

I told the dealer this and he told me to contact the warranty company which would cover it but I can't see that the lights are covered having just read through.

It's just been incredibly stressful and I don't have more money to spend. I know I have been thoroughly stupid not getting a pre inspection from a distance but I believed the 'just serviced and MOT' and 'runs perfectly' in the advert. It has indeed just had an MOT but I wonder how it could have passed with this warning light and full beam not working.

Do I have one toe to stand on to send it back for a refund?

Sorry to hear. It all sounds really stressful. Buying a car is complicated and if you’re a woman on your own, I think it’s even harder ( lone parent here too).

I’m not entirely sure of the legal position but I do know that if you paid for any of the car with a credit card, this will offer you some protection ie you’ll be better placed to get a refund. Even if you only put down a small amount on a cc, you can contact the credit card company to ask about a refund.

Aside from that, I would contact the dealer (did they offer you any warranty?) and explain you want to return the car. Did the MOT have any advisories? Check if MOTs are supposed to cover the headlamps( surely they do), in which case, the dealer shouldn’t have sold it to you with faulty lamps. Also, do they have good reviews online? If so, they won’t want to spoil these with an unhappy customer going public. If you go in quite bullishly and ask for a refund, they may well offer to do the necessary repairs rather than you writing a really negative review, and/or getting Trading Standards involved. Stand your ground and be persistent, and good luck.

This tells you your rights: www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/everyday-money/buying-and-running-a-car/your-rights-if-something-is-wrong-with-your-car#

Hopefully you're still in the first 30 days.

If it's a dealer you have much stronger rights as they have to, I think, repair it. I'd look up consumer rights when buying from a car dealership and push them to remedy.

I work for Citizens Advice.

You have rights in this situation.
Have a look at their website on the 'consumer rights' section.
They also have a telephone team that you can call and they will advise you

Thanks for all the advice. I'll call CAB later today and see if I can get anywhere.

Take it to a garage and get a second opinion. If it needs work send him a quote and ask if he wants to pay for the repairs or collect the car and refund you.