Used car from dealer turns out to be rotten

[Artie Fufkin]

Hi, I bought a 2003 Discovery from a small independent dealer one year ago for £6k. It had an existing MOT from a different garage. Put it in for a new MOT at our local garage today [not the supplying one] and have been told the chassis is very badly rotted and is dangerous and may not be economical to repair. I am aware that an MOT is for the day of test but it is obvious that the chassis couldn't have been in an acceptable condition last year. I fear that because of the car's age I'm stuffed but I have to ask...Is it worth me pursuing any course of action either with the supplying dealer or the garage that did the original MOT? Thank you.

[Artie Fufkin]

Damn. OK, thank you t400ble.

[Artie Fufkin]

Mopar440, thank you for your reply. I am waiting for a quote for the repair, should be with me beginning of next week. As you suggest it may be worthwhile having the welding done. It's a good car otherwise.

[Artie Fufkin]

I've had the quote for welding/repairs to pass MOT. £1200. A replacement chassis is near £3k plus the job of fitting it, so that's not an option for me. I suppose I have 3 options: Sell car as it is; get MOT done and keep car; get MOT done and sell car. If I keep it there will undoubtedly be ongoing rust issues and wife has lost confidence in it anyway so I'm thinking it has to go. Tonight then my homework is finding out what it's worth as is and what it's worth with 12 months MOT and see if the difference is more than £1200. I suspect the best course of action is going to be to fix it and sell it/trade in.

[Artie Fufkin]

Webuyanycar have quoted £3690 as is without MOT. Hmmm.

[Artie Fufkin]

The current MOT garage is one we have used as a family for many years and I have faith in them. They have shown me the chassis and I agree it is an absolute rotting mess. Looks like it's been sat in the sea. After seeing this, I cannot see any benefit in going for a second opinion anywhere.

[Artie Fufkin]

An MOT fail similar to my spec, mileage, condition and needed welding just sold on ebay for £1420. Cars with 12 month MOT similar spec to mine advertised privately on autotrader for £4000 to £4800, so say £4500 tops. Remembering that I have to pay £1200 for the MOT, I might as well try WBAC cos even if they give me £3000 it would be worth it.

[Artie Fufkin]

Thank you all for your comments. After doing my research regarding costs and reading your replies I now think the best thing for me to do is get the repairs done and trade the car in. I'll get another quote first though.